Brand guide
How Levi's jeans really fit
We measured 22 new pairs of Levi's. The same size 29 measured from 28" to 34" at the waist. Here's how each style runs and how to pick your size.
Levi's uses one size chart for every women's jean. We measured 22 new pairs with a tape and found that the same tag size can fit very differently from style to style. Here's what we found, and how to pick your size.
- 6" difference in waist across 14 styles, all tagged size 29
- ¼–2¼" smaller at the waist than Levi's chart says, in regular sizes
- 2" of give in the waistband of Levi's stretch styles (721, 724, 726, 728)
Same size 29, different jeans
Levi's chart says a size 29 fits a 30¼" waist and 39" hips. Here's what each size 29 actually measured. Waist and hip are measured flat and doubled, so they're the jean, not the body.
| Style | Rise · fabric | Waist | Hip | Front rise | Inseam | How it runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 725 High Rise Bootcut | High · stretch | 28" | 31" | 11" | 29.9" | Size up |
| 726 High Rise Flare | High · stretch (~2" give) | 29" | 30.2" | 10.5" | 29.5" | Stretch fits |
| 724 High Rise Straight | High · stretch (~2" give) | 29" | 32" | 11" | 29" | Stretch fits |
| Ribcage Straight Ankle | Super high · low stretch | 29" | 34" | 12" | 26" | Size up |
| 501 Original (stretch) | High · ~½" give | 29" | 35" | 10.75" | 29.5" | Size up |
| Ribcage Straight Full Length | Super high · low stretch | 30" | 34" | 12" | 29" | Size up |
| 721 High Rise Skinny | High · stretch (~2" give) | 30" | 33.5" | 11" | 27.25" | Stretch fits |
| Wedgie Straight | High · low stretch | 30" | 34" | 11" | 27.5" | Size up · gaps at back waist |
| 728 High Rise Wide Leg | High · stretch (~2" give) | 30" | 34.5" | 11" | 29" | Stretch fits |
| Easy Dad | High · rigid, relaxed | 31" | 38" | 12" | 29" | Roomy cut |
| 501 '90s (selvedge) | Mid · rigid, button fly | 32" | 40" | 10.5" | 29.5" | Size up |
| Middy Balloon | Mid · loose | 33" | 39" | 10.5" | 28.5" | Roomy cut |
| Superlow Loose | Low | 33" | 36" | 9" | 29" | Size up for hips |
| XL Baggy Straight | Mid · rigid, lightweight | 34" | 40" | 11" | 30" | Roomy cut |
"How it runs" comes from our try-on of every pair in size 29 (tester: 32" waist, 43" hips). One body can't speak for everyone, so use it as a direction, not a rule.
How to pick your Levi's size
- Stretch styles (721, 724, 726, 728): these give about 2" at the waist, so many people fit a size below what Levi's chart suggests.
- Roomy cuts (Easy Dad, Middy Balloon, XL Baggy): cut big through the waist and hip, so your usual size works even though they're rigid.
- Size up (both 501s, both Ribcages, the 725 Bootcut, the Superlow Loose): rigid, super high rise or slim through the hip. Take your chart size or one up, not one down.
- Wedgie: tight through the hips and gaps at the back of the waist on curvier shapes. If you have more hip than waist, size up and plan on a tailor or a belt.
Rule of thumb: the same rise and the same fabric (stretch or rigid) fit alike. If a Levi's style with the same rise and fabric fits you, start with that size.
Lengths
Levi's labels length on the tag (for example 29 x 30), but the real inseam often runs a little shorter. A tagged 30" length measured 28.5–30". Ankle styles like the Ribcage Straight Ankle measured 26–28". The 721 tagged 28" measured about 27¼".
Plus sizes
Levi's plus sizes (14W–24W) measured 2¼–3¼" smaller at the waist than Levi's plus chart, more than the regular sizes. Check your waist measurement against the jean, not just the chart.
Find your Levi's size in every style
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How we measured
Astrid bought 22 new pairs from levi.com in November 2026, measured each one flat with a tape (waist edge to edge, hip seam to seam about 3" above the crotch, button to crotch for front rise, crotch to hem for inseam), then returned them. Stretch is how far the waistband gives when pulled snug. Levi's may change its fit or fabrics over time.
Astrid is independent and not affiliated with Levi Strauss & Co. Levi's and the style names are trademarks of their owner and are used only to describe the products.