While attempting to create content from the comfort of my home (seriously, stay the fuck inside) I figured why not go through and purge my closet a bit. That’s when I discovered that my favourite pairs of jeans were all Levi’s. This is how I found their most popular fits looked on me.
(Also, quarantine makes you a different bitch and I’m a bit soft around the middle. No shame, it is what it is, but keep in mind that these jeans aren’t fitting quite like they normally do.)
Suggested Size
Classic 501
You can’t talk about Levi’s without talking about the iconic 501 style. Known as the first blue jean ever, the 501 are known as the unisex straight fit with a button fly and the classic leather patch. When I worked at The Bay in the menswear department customers would come in to replace their beloved 501 denim for less than $100 and state that Levi’s 501 are the only pair they ever wear until they’re falling apart. A great work jean, I love how durable the denim feels. Due to that heavy weight to it I also call these my Barbie doll jeans. I love the way they fit my butt and they’re a recognizable staple but they are TIGHT. When I sit down I can barely bend my leg hence sitting like a Barbie doll and keeping my legs as straight as possible while seated.
That being said, they are my favourite jeans ever. I found them at a thrift store for less than $20 and I get compliments whenever I wear them. If I ever ruined them (or if I ever find another thrifted pair in my size) I would immediately buy.
FEATURES: Mid-rise, straight fit, authentic denim.
PROS: The iconic timeless straight leg jean. Don’t take my word for it. That’s literally what the 501 is known for.
CONS: I don’t know if I’m thicker than I think I am but these are HELLA tight. The pair I have are a size bigger than I normally wear.
Wedgie
The fit that dominated Instagram for a hot minute, Levi Wedgie jeans. It comes in a variety of leg fits (skinny, straight, tapered, you name it) but it’s defining – ahem – asset is that it lifts and separates your cheeks just enough to give you that perky behind worthy of a Kardashian. That being said – it can’t give you a butt if you don’t have one to begin with, as you can see my butt does not fill out these jeans so I wear them as my comfort fit. The pair I have is a tapered fit meaning they’re fairly roomy all the way down my legs and they are my comfiest pair.
FEATURES: Vintage inspired construction. A lot like the 501 but meant to perk up dat ass.
PROS: Haha – well for us booty-less babes it’s the perfect boyfriend fit. For around the waist this does fit true to size. To embarrass myself further I have provided a photo of Kylie Jenner wearing the exact same pair of jeans in a bathroom that is probably twice as big as my apartment.
CONS: If you’re built like me and want to show off your backside I would recommend another style.
Ribcage
When Levi’s first came out with this jean I remember thinking that they must be insane to market such an insane concept. Their highest rise yet, the Ribcage features A FOOT of rise. That is literally 20% of my height. I imagined that this was a jean designed for beautiful 6 foot tall model babes and that I, a peasant at 5 feet tall, could never. LET ME TELL YOU. These jeans are designed with curves in mind. I’m not taking about having a butt (because that I do not have) but having hips and thighs. I have what I call an hourglass with a few extra minutes figure and the waistband hits right where my natural waist sits.
“But Vicki, what about muffin top?” What about it? This is a great muffin top jean tbh because it doesn’t cut into your muffin top at all and sitting in them is a goddamn dream. They also make me feel cool. The only other person I know IRL that has a pair of Ribcage jeans is my friend Hannah and she’s way cooler than me. Come to think of it, she’s not that tall either. See, it works.
Features: A GODDAMN FOOT OF RISE.
PROS: Instant hourglass because it sits at your natural waist. These fit true to size for me however they do gape at the waist a bit when I sit down.
CONS: This one is a bit harder to style. I don’t see myself having multiple Ribcages in my collection but I am glad I have one.
The Verdict
I love Levi’s. I love that their jeans come in authentic twill because I am not a fan of stretchy denim. There is a reason why you always find heavy twill Levi’s at the thrift store. They are made to last and they’ve already survived one person’s wear cycle so naturally any pairs you find secondhand are more durable than other pairs.
While I’m not buying new pairs, I do appreciate that Levi’s has an entire section dedicated to sustainable and ethical production (see it here) and that their price point is accessible – plus there is an additional 30% off on their site right now!
Also special shout-out to my buddy, Val who I used to work with at The Bay. He was the Levi’s rep and taught me a lot about denim and I will never be able to see a pair of Levi’s without thinking about him first.