Shoppers often group Levi’s 511, 512, and 513 together because the names fall under the “slim” category, but the patterns tell a different story. The 511 uses a slim straight leg, the 512 adds a sharper taper, and the 513 opens up the hem. Rise height, seat depth, and thigh width also vary in ways most product pages never explain.

Here, the goal is clarity. We focus on the top block first since that determines comfort and stability, then move to leg geometry, stretch behavior, and body-type suitability. The result is a straightforward guide that shows exactly how each fit is cut, where the differences sit in the pattern, and how those differences affect the way the jeans wear over time.

Levi’s 511 vs 512 vs 513: At-a-Glance Fit Comparison

Use this table as a quick reference before we dive into the details. Measurements are typical patterns for men’s jeans in the 30–32″ waist range, but can vary slightly by wash and fabric.

Top-Block Fit: Waist, Rise, Seat and Thigh

In our denim language, the top block is where the fit lives. If the waist, rise, seat and thigh do not work on your body, the leg shape will not save the jeans.

All three of these Levi’s fits sit just below the waist with a low–mid rise, but they handle thigh room differently.

Levi’s 511: Slim Through the Top Block

The 511 is cut as a classic slim. In most washes, the waist is true to tag, the seat is close without being sprayed on, and the thigh is trim. On slimmer and average builds, the 511 gives a clean line through the top block without obvious pulling across the front rise or the back yoke when you stand naturally.

• Rise: low–mid, sits below the waist.
• Seat: close but not painted on if you choose the correct waist.
• Thigh: slim; larger quads will feel contact, especially in rigid denim.

Levi’s 512: Slim Top Block with a Tapered Intention

The 512 shares a similar top-block idea with the 511: slim, not skinny. In many size runs, the pattern gives a hair more room in the thigh to keep the jean wearable once the aggressive taper kicks in. On the body, the upper half should feel comparable to a 511 of the same size if you have slimmer legs; thicker thighs will feel the 512 clamp more around mid-thigh than the 513.

• Rise: low–mid, similar to 511.
• Seat: slim, comparable to 511.
• Thigh: slim with just enough allowance to support the taper.

Levi’s 513: The Roomiest Top Block of the Three

The 513 is a slim straight, which in Levi’s terms means “slim in the seat and thigh, but straighter from the knee down.” Because of that straight drop, the pattern usually allows a fraction more ease in the thigh and knee. On average or slightly athletic legs, this is the one that pinches the least when you sit or climb stairs.

• Rise: low–mid, sits below the waist.
• Seat: still slim, but less restrictive than a tight 511.
• Thigh: slim, with the most forgiveness of the three.

If you ever feel torn between two sizes in any of these fits, work from the top block, not the ankle. Choose the waist that gives a flat front, no gaping at the back, and no hard horizontal stress lines across the thighs. Once that is dialed in, you can decide if you prefer the straighter 513 leg, the even 511, or the sharper taper of the 512.

Leg Shape: Slim vs Slim Straight vs Slim Taper

Once the top block works, leg architecture decides how the jean reads from the knee down. Here is how the three fits differ from the knee to the hem.

Levi’s 511: Slim from Hip to Hem

The 511 keeps a consistent slim profile from thigh to ankle. The knee and leg opening are both narrow, but not as aggressive as a skinny fit. On the body, the 511 hugs the leg lightly and pools less around the ankle if you choose a sensible inseam.

• Leg line: slim, consistent from thigh through the hem.
• Break: controlled; excess stacking appears quickly if the inseam is long.
• Footwear pairing: works with slim sneakers, low-profile boots, derby shoes.

Levi’s 512: Slim Taper for a Narrower Opening

The 512 keeps a similar thigh to the 511 but narrows more from the knee down. The taper creates a more defined ankle and makes the leg opening sit closer to the shoe. This reads as a modern tapered silhouette without crossing into painted-on territory if you size the waist correctly.

• Leg line: slim through thigh, sharper taper from knee to hem.
• Leg opening: the narrowest of the three.
• Footwear pairing: best with slim trainers, Chelsea boots, minimalist sneakers.

Levi’s 513: Slim Straight with a Relaxed Fall

The 513 narrows from the thigh to the knee but then drops more straight to the hem. The leg opening is wider than both the 511 and 512. That extra space around the ankle makes it more forgiving over higher-tongue sneakers or chunkier boots.

• Leg line: slim at the top, straight from the knee down.
• Leg opening: widest of the three.
• Footwear pairing: handles bulkier sneakers, work boots, and high-tops better.

Rise and Where Each Jean Sits on Your Body

All three fits sit below the natural waist with a low–mid rise, but small changes in pattern and body proportions can shift how that feels.

• 511: Low–mid rise that suits most average torsos. On very long torsos the jean can feel lower on the hip.
• 512: Very similar rise to the 511; relative tightness in the thigh can make the rise feel slightly lower when you sit.
• 513: Also a low–mid rise, but because of the easier thigh and straight leg, it can feel a touch more relaxed through the whole top block.

If you are shorter, aim for a rise that does not chop across the widest part of your midsection. If you are taller, avoid fits that sit so low they create a long torso and short leg effect. In all cases, focus on a smooth front with no pulling across the fly.

Fabric, Weight, Stretch and Construction

Levi’s offers 511, 512, and 513 in multiple fabrics, from rigid cotton to advanced stretch blends. The fit name tells you the shape, but the fabric decides how that shape feels over a day of wear.

Rigid vs Stretch Options

• 511: Common in both rigid cotton and stretch. Rigid versions feel sharper at first and relax with wear. Stretch versions are easier for daily use but can lose shape if you size too small.
• 512: Often cut in stretch or advanced stretch to keep the aggressive taper wearable. The stretch helps the thigh and knee move without locking.
• 513: Available in rigid and stretch; the straighter leg and slightly easier thigh make rigid options more forgiving than a rigid 511.

Denim Weight and Feel

Most standard 511/512/513 washes sit in the midweight range, which balances durability and comfort. Heavier seasonal or special runs will feel stiffer out of the bag, relax more slowly and hold creases and fades more dramatically. Lightweight versions break in quickly but do not age with the same structure.

Construction Details

Across these fits, Levi’s uses similar construction fundamentals: five-pocket layout, bar tacks at stress points, and riveted front pockets. Higher-priced or selvedge runs can bring heavier pocket bags, tighter stitching and shuttle-loomed selvedge denim. If you care about long-term durability, pay attention to pocket bag weight, stitching density at the crotch and seat, and how clean the inside seams look when you turn the jean inside out.