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 waist; expect roomy seat/thigh vs 501/511.
The 501 is Levi’s classic straight jean — waist labeling is generally honest on modern pre-washed pairs. Rigid shrink-to-fit can measure larger before the first soak, then settle. Thigh room beats slim cuts; prioritize inseam and fabric story over length-of-fit myths.
Levi’s 550 Relaxed is a true-to-waist men’s cut that runs roomy through the seat and thigh versus slim or even classic 501 volume. Do not size down just because the silhouette looks baggy — that is the fit. Prefer inseam and fabric story over length-of-fit myths.
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).
| 501 Original Fit | 550 Relaxed | |
|---|---|---|
| Verdict | True to Size | Runs Wide |
| Advice | True to waist; check shrink-to-fit vs pre-washed | True to waist; expect roomy seat/thigh vs 501/511 |
| Fabric / fit notes | Straight leg; roomier thigh than 511/512; STF variants measure differently before soak | Classic relaxed cut — more thigh/seat than 505/501; tapered slightly toward hem on many lots |
| Stretch | low / rigid denim | low (rigid common) |
| Rise | mid | mid |
| Confidence | medium | medium |
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