help me pick which size 501 '54 to keep?

First two pictures are 34/32, second pair are 32/32 Or do neither look right?
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16 Replies
Krabix
Krabix10mo ago
Imo they look pretty similar, if the second pair are comfortable enough I'd go with them looks-wise Especially with a belt either would be fjne
awburkey
awburkey10mo ago
34/32
illisson
illisson10mo ago
I'd rather the center seam be less invasive in the back and the waistband show less strain, personally, so I'd try on a few other pairs of 34s and even 36s. Levis has terribly quality control, and pairs tagged the same size can have quite different measurements. I might prefer a slightly larger pair of 34s, or a 36 that runs a touch small.
LeisurelyLoafing
LeisurelyLoafing10mo ago
Are they sanforized? If they are, I’d consider going up one more size. If they aren’t, you may want to go up two.
Mullet Brando
Mullet Brando10mo ago
I remember reading somewhere that when buying vintage levi's, you should buy 1-2 sizes up to account for shrinkage not sure if that would also apply to new levi's tho but if it do, 34/32
xmdot
xmdot10mo ago
Nah I think that’s because the vintage pairs have already shrunk. I think the 34s are still the move though.
Mullet Brando
Mullet Brando10mo ago
doesnt that mean they'll shrink overtime tho? the new pairs
xmdot
xmdot10mo ago
I don't know if one equals the other, Levi's switches up its cuts and materials and factories pretty often over the last 20-30 years.
Mullet Brando
Mullet Brando10mo ago
true
Homebrew10
Homebrew1010mo ago
I think I'll just return both. All I want are a classic 501 style, it really shouldn't be so hard. They're too expensive here in Ireland, these were on sale for 50 euro, hate paying the 130 they normally charge
Mullet Brando
Mullet Brando10mo ago
do you know what era 501s you'd like? levis (levi's?) changes the cut of the 501 pretty often current 501s are very different from the ones made famous by james dean your best bet might be japanese denim brands if you want an old school cut. they use vintage levi pieces as a reference point and try to get as close to them as they can a few of them do anyways would be better bang for your buck, too probably. 130 euros is expensive. im unsure of thr conversion rate for euro, but currently in aus i think you could get some japanese levi 501 repros for 300 aud? which is 90 more dollars than the standard price for the levi 501s that youre paying i think. maybe someone else knows more
Homebrew10
Homebrew1010mo ago
These are the 1954 cut. Slightly higher rise, slightly slimmer leg, which is basically what I'm looking for
Mullet Brando
Mullet Brando10mo ago
someone might be able to correct me but i believe that those arent 100% accurate of the original 1954 cuts? i could be totally wrong but i think the height of the yoke and positioning of the pockets are different take a fistful of salt w that tho, i have no sources tryinf to find where i read that about lvc.
Homebrew10
Homebrew1010mo ago
These aren't the lvc, so I don't think they're anything like the real thing - more like "inspired by"
Mullet Brando
Mullet Brando10mo ago
ahhh i see. then yeah maybe check out some other brands interprations of the 501s? also maybe figure out what it is youbdont like about the jean, and what it is you like about other jeans do you like how positioning of the pockets, the height of the yoke, taper/untapered etc good luck. sorry to hear youre unhappy w your new purchase. can be v discouraging
Homebrew10
Homebrew1010mo ago
Ah sure it's all part of the fun. I've been trying to buy jeans I'm happy with for about 20 years at this stage