Although I own roughly 15 pairs of different jeans, I have a confession to make—I bought my first pair of Levi's this year. I know, I know, crazy right? As a fashion editor for over a decade, you would think I would own one of the most iconic denim brands of all time. I've admired them on other people for so long, I've even had them in my saved baskets online, but I've never gone through with actually securing a pair until at the start of summer. I visited the London Designer Outlet in Wembley for the first time (seems 2024 has been the year of firsts) and I found the 94 baggy in-store at a discounted price. I would definitely recommend visiting the outlet to get some of the most iconic Levi's for less, and another tip is to hunt in vintage stores, too.
The thing is, I never really knew style of Levi's to actually invest in. I've heard the Ribcage straight-leg pairs are the dream fit, I know that vintage Levi's 501 denim always looks effortless and I now know I like the baggier fits. But there are so many pairs to try––including the new XL straight––which is why I decide to try all the pairs I've heard good things about from my fellow fashion editor friends to see what all the fuss is about.
I've come to the conclusion, if you want to wear Levi's jeans then stick to these 5 types below. Now, excuse me while I make up for lost time and order them all. (And for reference, I'm a size 10, 5'4" and I usually opt for a 29 waist in denim).
THE BEST LEVI'S JEANS I'VE TRIED, LISTED
- Levi's Ribcage Wide-Leg Jeans
- Levi's 501 90's Jeans
- Levi's 94 Baggy Jeans
- Levi's XL Straight Jeans
- Levi's Baggy Dad Jeans
SEE MY LEVI'S JEANS TRY-ON AND READ MY REVIEW FOR EACH STYLE:
1. Levi's Ribcage Wide-Leg
Style Notes: Okay, okay, I get the hype! I've seen so many fashion editors and influencers wearing the 'Ribcage' styles, but this is the first time I've tried them for myself. My thoughts? They make my bum look good, my waist look smaller than it is and my legs look longer––what is this magic? If you're not into high-waisted pairs then these wouldn't be for you as they sit very high up to create all of these effects, but if you are, then I would highly recommend. I'm wearing a W29 and L32 and I would have probably gone for a slightly shorter leg so I can wear them with flats. I can only imagine how long my legs would look if I style them with heels, though.
Shop Levi's Ribcage Jeans:
This is the pair I'm wearing.
The darker indigo shade will be an autumn hero.
Yes, I now want the matching jacket, too.
Ecru pairs aren't just reserved for warmer months––wear these with a suede blazer and heeled boots.
2. 501 90's Levi's
Style Notes: Probably the most iconic Levi's style of all time, the 501 90's first came out, you guessed it, in the 1990's. Since then, they've been a staple pair in most people wardrobes, but not mine. I feel like I've missed out all this time as they're just the perfect pair to wear as part of your everyday uniform. Not too fitted, and not too loose, this cropped style is the ideal length for me (I'm wearing a 29 waist and they're the ankle length pair. I wouldn't want this style any smaller as they're a thicker, more structured denim and there's nothing worse than too-tight jeans.
Shop Levi's 501 Jeans:
This is the pair I'm wearing and they work so well with loafers, ballet flats or trainers.
Beyond Retro is a go-to for vintage denim.
The crop version will show off your trainers, loafers or ballet flats.
The turned up hem is very 2024.
3. Baggy 94
Style Notes: These are the jeans I bought––in two washes––from the London Designer Outlet in Wembley. I sized up to a 30 waist so they sit low on the hips and have a slouchier fit, and I went for a leg length 31. I love a turned up hem so this was the perfect length to be able to wear them slightly bunched up at the bottom or turned up, depending on which shoe I wear. Since getting them at the start of summer, I've worn them at least twice a week, every week. I love how they're similar to a straight leg pair in the legs, and taper in towards the ankle so they're not super wide-leg which can make me appear shorter.
Shop Levi's 94 Baggy Jeans:
This is the exact pair I'm wearing in the photo above.
Such a classic wash.
This extra wide-leg pair is perfect to wear with a tailored blazer.
I would wear these with a sweater and bright trainers.
4. XL Straight
Style Notes: This is a new style from Levi's, and I'm a fan. I'm wearing a W29 but I would 100% go for a 28 as they would look better more fitted at the waist. I'm wearing a L33 here but as you can see, they're too long for my 5'4" frame so I would go for a 31. The loose-fit is very 2024 and I would style them with a roll neck knit and cropped jacket or with a trench coat. They would also look so good with a pointed-toe heel for evening in a slightly darker wash.
Shop Levi's XL Straight Jeans:
This is the pair I'm wearing and I love the tie waist detail on this style (it's removable, FYI).
These are called the "peach" wash and I wouldn't usually think to go for this shade, but imagine how good they would look with a tonal outfit.
These will basically go with any T-shirt, knit or jacket you own.
I would wear these with a tucked in shirt and loafers.
5. Baggy Dad
Style Notes: Let me start off by declaring that I love this style. This is a W29 and L32 and although I could have probably gone for a shorter leg, I don't mind it puddling at the bottom. I would have however sized down to a 28 waist to make them more fitted on the waist. These are the softest denim so don't feel uncomfortable to wear, they don't feel too tight on the crotch (a pet hate of mine) thanks to the slouchier silhouette and they're just a super easy everyday pair.
Shop Levi's Baggy Dad Jeans:
This is the pair I'm wearing above.
How cool is this cord iteration? I'm into it with a field jacket and trainers.
These will be your new favourite black jeans.
Yes, yes and yes to this two-tone pair.
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