Both are Levi's lines. 501 Original Fit: True to Size — True to waist; check shrink-to-fit vs pre-washed. 550 Relaxed: Runs Wide — True to tagged waist; expect roomy seat/thigh vs 501/511.
Levi’s 501 Original is true to tagged waist on pre-washed pairs. Shrink-to-Fit is a different product: size up in waist and inseam before the first hot soak. Stretch 501s follow the same waist number with more give. Do not mix STF advice into a pre-washed 501.
Levi’s 550 Relaxed is true to tagged waist with intentionally roomy seat and thigh versus 501/511. Stay at your measured waist — do not size down just because the thigh looks generous; that is the cut. Prefer 511/512 if you want slim through the leg.
Nominal sizes often match; compression and fabric change how the size feels. Between sizes, Align lean larger for fabric longevity; Wunder Train lean TTS (or smaller only for extra hold).
(paid link)
| 501 Original Fit | 550 Relaxed | |
|---|---|---|
| Verdict | True to Size | Runs Wide |
| Advice | True to waist; check shrink-to-fit vs pre-washed | True to tagged waist; expect roomy seat/thigh vs 501/511 |
| Fabric / fit notes | Straight classic; STF shrinks — pre-wash differs | Relaxed seat/thigh with slight taper; room is the cut, not a size error |
| Stretch | Varies by fabric (rigid / stretch) | Often rigid or low stretch |
| Rise | mid | sits at waist |
| Confidence | high | high |
Crawlable starting point when both lines use the same numeric system. Adjust for compression preference.
| If 501 Original Fit size | Try 550 Relaxed | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | same numeric ladder |
| 2 | 2 | same numeric ladder |
| 4 | 4 | same numeric ladder |
| 6 | 6 | same numeric ladder |
| 8 | 8 | same numeric ladder |
| 10 | 10 | same numeric ladder |
| 12 | 12 | same numeric ladder |
| 14 | 14 | same numeric ladder |
Full 501 Original Fit guide · Full 550 Relaxed guide · Reverse compare · All Levi's lines
Check prices: 501 Original Fit 550 Relaxed (paid link)