Do women's Levi's run small?
One important note on these jeans: they run VERY small. Like I said above, I typically wear a 26 in most other denim brands, and a 27 in the other Levi's styles I own but I wear a 28 in these. So I would suggest going up two sizes… which seems crazy, but trust me on this one!
For those who want to machine wash and dry the jeans, we recommend sizing up. For your waist, increase 1" for sizes 27"-36", 2" for 38"-48", and 3" for 50" and up. And for your inseam, increase 3" for sizes 27"-34" and 4" for 36" and up.
Bust | Waist | |
---|---|---|
XS | 33" - 34" | 25" - 26" |
S | 35" - 36" | 27" - 28" |
M | 37" - 38" | 29" - 30" |
L | 39" - 40 " | 31" - 32" |
Because of both factors—vanity sizing and men's fits—it's a little harder to pinpoint your size in vintage denim. The general rule of thumb though, Hillman says, is to go two sizes up (so if you're a size 27 in contemporary women's sizing, then you're a 29 in men's vintage Levi's).
Size | Waist | Hips |
---|---|---|
30 | 30½ - 31¾ | 39½ - 40¾ |
31 | 31¾ - 33 | 40¾ - 42 |
32 | 33 - 34¾ | 42 - 43½ |
33 | 34¾ - 36 | 43½ - 45 |
#2 Are Levi's true to size? Yes! Levi's fit perfectly true to size, especially as they use waist and length measurements rather than generalised sizing, making it even easier to get the perfect fit.
...
INSEAM.
INSEAM | HEIGHT |
---|---|
30 | 5'6" - 5'8" |
32 | 5'8" - 6' |
34 | 6' - 6'4" |
36 | 6'4" - 6'6" |
When buying 501s, expect to go up at least two to three sizes from your regular waist. For a boyfriend fit, go closer to four sizes Also, note that fit can vary slightly by decade. Levi's has a pretty comprehensive guide, but basically: The older the pair, the more high-waisted and stiff they'll be.
Buy your regular size. Yes, they will be tight at first and they should be if you want them to mold to your body and give you that perfect fit or in Miles John's words (Levi Strauss & Co's former creative director): “They should feel tight.
SIZE | JEAN SIZE | WAIST (in) |
---|---|---|
6/7 | 28 | 29.25 |
8/9 | 29 | 30.25 |
10/11 | 30 | 31.25 |
12/13 | 31 | 32.75 |
What size is 28 in Levis jeans?
Size | Waist | Thigh |
---|---|---|
28 | 72.3 cm - 73.6 cm | 53.75 cm - 55 cm |
29 | 74.9 cm - 76.2 cm | 55 cm - 56.25 cm |
30 | 77.4 cm - 78.7 cm | 56.25 cm - 57.5 cm |
31 | 80 cm - 81.2 cm | 57.5 cm - 58.75 cm |
Whether you're trying to make a statement or just doing your own thing. Levi's® are designed to be worn by anyone and everyone, regardless of gender.

Jean Size Women (W) | US Misses Size | Waist (Inches) |
---|---|---|
27 | 4 | 27.5” - 28.5” |
28 | 6 | 28.5” - 29.5” |
29 | 8 | 29.5” - 30.5” |
30 | 10 | 30.5” - 31.5” |
Size | Jean Size | Hip |
---|---|---|
0 | 24/25 | 34/35 |
2 | 26 | 36 |
4 | 27 | 37 |
6 | 28 | 38 |
Size (in) | 0 | 11 |
---|---|---|
Waist | 22.5 - 23.5 | 29 - 30 |
Hip | 32.5 - 33.5 | 39 - 40 |
Inseam | short (S) = 30 medium (M) = 32 long (L) = 34 |
If you ask yourself what size is a 30-inch waist in girl's/women's jeans, then use this chart to find out that it corresponds to a US Size 12 or EU 40.
The 511 is Levi's standard slim fit jean. These are made with denim that includes a bit of stretch, they sit below the waist and they have narrow leg opening. These are a spinoff of the 511, but with a narrow fit through the thigh and a tapered leg. They also have a bit of stretch for comfort.
"Jeans by nature actually do stretch. The fabric is meant to morph and form to the body which is why we love them," he says. But just how much they'll loosen after purchase is harder to pin down. It depends on how much you wear and wash them, as well as the fabric they're made from.
The ideal pair of jeans should not need a belt. It should fit snugly around the waistline, whether you choose low- or high-rise jeans. The waist should not “bubble” or gap at the top, nor should it be so tight that it pinches your skin or makes you feel uncomfortable.
Constantly pulling up the waistband of your pants is no fun. It means that either the inseam is too short or the waist is a tad too small. “I always tell my clients, if you need to constantly fix, fidget, and fuss with any clothing item, it doesn't fit and it's time to get newer options,” says Stuart.
Do Levi's shrink in the wash?
If you throw them in the wash, they'll shrink. But if you wear them in the tub (our favorite method), they'll shrink and break in just right. When buying our raw denim, make sure to purchase jeans that are true to size in your waist, but two or three sizes up in length.
Ultimate Buying Guide To Levis Jeans (501, 502, 511, 541, 510) - YouTube
SIZE | WAIST | HIP |
---|---|---|
28 | 78cm | 87cm |
29 | 81cm | 89cm |
30 | 84cm | 92cm |
31 | 87cm | 96cm |
What size is a 34 inch waist in Women's Jeans? A jean with 34 inches (ca. 86 centimeters) waist approximately corresponds to a US size 20 or XL size.
Pants: Men's Sizes to Womens' Sizes Converter
Generally, if you only know the numerical size of your pants in women's, you can add 21 to that number to get the closest waist measurement in men's pants. For a size 8 in women's, your size in men's pants will be around 29.
UK Size | 6 | 12 |
UK Size | XXS | M |
BUST INCHES | 32" | 36" |
BUST CM | 81CM | 91CM |
WAIST INCHES | 25.5" | 29.5" |
Yes, a 28 inch waist is definitely small for a woman. In fact, a female 28″ waist is 11 inches smaller than average and is a strong indicator that your body is in good health.
Size | Waist | Seat |
---|---|---|
28 | 28.5 - 29" | 34.5 - 35" |
29 | 29.5 - 30" | 35.5 - 36" |
30 | 30.5 - 31" | 36.5 - 37" |
31 | 31.5 - 32" | 37.5 - 38" |
SIZE | JEAN SIZE | WAIST (in) |
---|---|---|
6/7 | 28 | 29.25 |
8/9 | 29 | 30.25 |
10/11 | 30 | 31.25 |
12/13 | 31 | 32.75 |
...
INSEAM.
INSEAM | HEIGHT |
---|---|
30 | 5'6" - 5'8" |
32 | 5'8" - 6' |
34 | 6' - 6'4" |
36 | 6'4" - 6'6" |
What size is 28 in Levi jeans?
Size | Waist | Thigh |
---|---|---|
28 | 72.3 cm - 73.6 cm | 53.75 cm - 55 cm |
29 | 74.9 cm - 76.2 cm | 55 cm - 56.25 cm |
30 | 77.4 cm - 78.7 cm | 56.25 cm - 57.5 cm |
31 | 80 cm - 81.2 cm | 57.5 cm - 58.75 cm |
Size (in) | 0 | 11 |
---|---|---|
Waist | 22.5 - 23.5 | 29 - 30 |
Hip | 32.5 - 33.5 | 39 - 40 |
Inseam | short (S) = 30 medium (M) = 32 long (L) = 34 |
Jean Size Women (W) | US Misses Size | Waist (Inches) |
---|---|---|
27 | 4 | 27.5” - 28.5” |
28 | 6 | 28.5” - 29.5” |
29 | 8 | 29.5” - 30.5” |
30 | 10 | 30.5” - 31.5” |
leg opening | cut/fit | |
---|---|---|
501 | 16" to 17" | straight, regular |
505 | 16 1/2" | straight, regular |
510 | 13 1/2" | super skinny & slim |
511 | 14 1/2" | skinny |
Size | Jean Size | Hip |
---|---|---|
0 | 24/25 | 34/35 |
2 | 26 | 36 |
4 | 27 | 37 |
6 | 28 | 38 |
"Jeans by nature actually do stretch. The fabric is meant to morph and form to the body which is why we love them," he says. But just how much they'll loosen after purchase is harder to pin down. It depends on how much you wear and wash them, as well as the fabric they're made from.
Whether you're trying to make a statement or just doing your own thing. Levi's® are designed to be worn by anyone and everyone, regardless of gender.
UK Size | 6 | 12 |
UK Size | XXS | M |
BUST INCHES | 32" | 36" |
BUST CM | 81CM | 91CM |
WAIST INCHES | 25.5" | 29.5" |
If you ask yourself what size is a 30-inch waist in girl's/women's jeans, then use this chart to find out that it corresponds to a US Size 12 or EU 40.