Levi’s 501 help

[onlyconnect]

I really like the style of Levi’s 501s. I bought some a couple of years ago but they were very stiff. I’m being tempted again and wonder if anybody could advise. I’m looking at the ones with a bit of stretch.

Has anybody had those and can you let me know please how they hang? I love the shape of them but don’t want anything that feels too stiff.

I’m after some jeans for every day wear that look stylish: not skinnies, not barrel leg, but I’m not sure which style is best. I’m a size 14 and in my 50s but like to look reasonable. Any ideas other than 501s welcome.

I think the whole point of 501s is that they are really stiff, they're a heavy denim. Maybe you could buy some used ones so someone has already worn them in, and then they'd be softer?

I love my 501s because of the stiffness. If you just want everyday straight legged jeans with stretch, M&S Sienna would be worth a look.

Ok thank you. I’ll look around

Check out Levi Dad jeans. I have one pair that is a hemp and cotton mix (really nice) and one pair that is 100% cotton but the threads used are finer than those in the 501s and they're softer.

Also check out Uniqlo Kaihara denim. I ❤those jeans.

I would try to get some second-hand. They'll look better anyway as jeans shouldn't look too new.

I love my 501s but you have to break them in like shoes! Do squats in them, wear them intensively for a couple of days, bend and stretch until they mould to your shape.

M&S Eva boot cut jeans. Stretchy, comfy, flattering, lots of sizes and colours, they’re a bargain at £25. https://www.marksandspencer.com/eva-high-waisted-bootcut-jeans-with-stretch/p/clp60458381

I'm older, mid 60s and wear non stretch 501s, which are quite stiff, though I have sometimes found the very dark colours are stiffer and smaller. I also have some 501 90s which are looser style and I need a slightly smaller size. I just bought some Ribcage ones and they are probably more like the 501 90s ones in style. I'm size 14 and 5'10" and have size 30 in the 90s and 31 waist in normal 501 and ribcage. The looser 90s style are more comfortable I find. The ribcage may be a bit high waisted if you are shorter. I buy mine from Next clearance or Amazon as they are often cheaper, around £50

Thank you everyone. I’ve ordered Levi Dad jeans to try but may still take your advice BobnLen.

I live in my 501s! They're like a second skin now but they took a bit of wearing in at first. They are super flattering and hold my apple shaped tummy in.
I think jeans with more stretch give more initially but lose their shape as the stretch loosens. So in my view the stiffer denim is worth the long term gain for the short term pain.
501s every time!

I bought the 90s 501s last time (a couple of years ago) because they’re wider in the thigh and go over my tree trunks, but they were soft from the start. I love them. Mind you I got the more vintage-looking blue, would that make a difference?