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Best Women's Levi's Jeans

Updated May 2022
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Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Levi's 311 Shaping Skinny Jeans
Levi's
311 Shaping Skinny Jeans
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Bottom Line

These shaping jeans help flatten the belly and lift the rear.

Pros

These jeans come in a skinny cut with zipper fly. Several different washes and colors are available. Decent price for a shaping jean. The elastane in these jeans give them a comfortable amount of stretch.

Cons

Fabric varies somewhat based on color choice. Owners should note this before washing.

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Levi's 505 Straight Jeans
Levi's
505 Straight Jeans
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Bottom Line

An economical choice for Levi's lovers with a great fit and mild stretch.

Pros

Cut at the waist with extra wiggle room in the thigh. Buyers can choose from various colors, distress levels, and washes. A staple for every closet that works with many different types of outfits.

Cons

Some longtime buyers say the sizing chart has changed.

Levi's 721 High-Rise Skinny Jeans
Levi's
721 High-Rise Skinny Jeans
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Bottom Line

A best-selling skinny jean and a modern staple for the wardrobe.

Pros

These jeans have a classic zipper fly with button at waist. The high-rise cut is flattering on different body types. The material has medium stretch for comfort, but retains its shape. Five pocket-design. Several colors available.

Cons

Buyers should note that the waist sits very high, and material may not be as thick as they are expecting.

Levi's 711 Skinny Jeans
Levi's
711 Skinny Jeans
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Skinny Fit
Bottom Line

Essential skinny jeans that remain popular for their well-fitting ankle hems.

Pros

Skinny-fit mid-rise jeans that are effective at shaping the hips for a chic silhouette. Look more expensive than they are. Pockets are located in a flattering position. Will last for a long time, plus they don't thin or pill. Available in a dozen washes.

Cons

Wearers report the snug fit often means the waist or the calves run a bit tight.

Levi's Classic Crop Jeans
Levi's
Classic Crop Jeans
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Bottom Line

Easy through the hip and thigh and sits comfortably on the waist.

Pros

These jeans are cropped, but can be rolled up for a different look or for more petite buyers. Good for small waists and those with fuller hips. Comes in a few classic washes. Machine washable.

Cons

Some reviewers say they do not fit true to size, so some trial and error might be necessary.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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Buying guide for Best women’s Levi’s jeans

There are few wardrobe staples as important as the perfect pair of jeans. Because they’re so versatile, jeans can easily take you from the workplace to a night out on the town. Levi Strauss & Co. is a long-trusted brand and the oldest jeans manufacturer in the world, founded in 1873. When you buy a pair of Levi’s, you can rest assured you’re buying quality.

Before you invest in a new pair of Levi’s, there are a few factors to keep top of mind. How do you like your jeans to fit? Levi’s jeans come in dozens of different styles. You should also consider your preferred wash of denim, whether or not the jeans have some stretch to them, and the number and size of the pockets.

As you can see, your options are far from limited. At BestReviews, we’re happy to help you narrow down your options. If you want to learn more about women’s Levi’s jeans, our buying guide has all you need to know. Check out our top picks for our favorite Levi’s pairs as well.

women's Levi's jeans1
Levi’s first manufactured women’s jeans in the 1940s.

Key considerations

Fit

One reason Levi’s is a cut above other jeans manufacturers is the brand’s attention to fit. You may have seen numbers like 501 or 505 associated with Levi’s jeans. Those numbers indicate the fit of the jeans.

  • The 300 series of Levi’s jeans mimics shapewear, flattening the tummy and flattering women’s natural curves. These jeans hug your curves without creating the ill-fitting “sausage casing” appearance, so they’re appropriate to wear in an office setting as well as on a night out. The thick, quality denim ensures that 300 series jeans will last a long time.

  • The 400 series offers a relaxed fit, quite suitable for regular everyday wear. The fit around the thighs and waist is a comfortable one. The majority of 400 series jeans have a straight-leg style.

  • The 500 series celebrates classic, iconic Levi’s fits. The majority of the jeans in this series are low-rise to mid-rise. Depending on the particular style, 500 jeans are also suitable to wear to the office or on a night out on the town.

  • The 700 series jeans are slim-fitting with varying levels of stretch, including anywhere from 40% to 90% spandex. These jeans are great for curvy women who have trouble finding jeans that don’t gap at the waistline.

Style

Levi’s offers a wide range of denim styles to choose from. The style you choose will depend on personal style preferences and possibly the setting where you will be wearing the jeans. Most women own jeans in a few different styles.

  • Skinny jeans contour to the shape of the body. These jeans are normally quite snug at the thighs and calves before narrowing down to the ankles. They incorporate a lot of stretch.

  • As the name implies, bootcut jeans were originally designed to accommodate boots. This style is somewhat fitted through the thighs before flaring out slightly at the lower legs.

  • Straight-leg jeans maintain a straight silhouette all the way down the legs. Unlike skinny jeans, straight-leg jeans don’t taper at the ankles. They offer a looser, more relaxed fit than skinny styles.

  • Boyfriend jeans have a slouchy, relaxed fit, as if they were created for men rather than women. Boyfriend jeans can add an effortlessly chic element to your wardrobe, especially when paired with a more fitted top. Even within the boyfriend jeans style, there’s a range from more relaxed to tighter-fitting styles.

  • Also known as jeggings, denim leggings offer the classic fit of jeans combined with the comfort of leggings. As you might guess, Levi’s leggings include an ample amount of spandex. Depending on whether or not you think leggings are suitable pants, Levi's leggings are best suited for casual outings.

Rise

The rise of a pair of jeans indicates how high the jeans fit on your waist. Rise is crucial to consider, as different rises flatter different body types.

  • Low-rise jeans sit at or below the hip bones. Low-rise jeans are often appealing to women with short torsos because they elongate the upper body. But some women find low-rise jeans too low for their taste, disliking the fact that they can create a “muffin top” effect.

  • Mid-rise jeans rest between the hip and the belly button. These jeans offer more support in the tummy area and can prevent any muffin top. Mid-rise jeans are the most classic, versatile rise of the three.

  • High-rise women’s jeans have been around since the 1940s, but they’ve enjoyed a resurgence in popularity during the 21st century. High-rise jeans sit high up on the waist, close to or even above the belly button, and elongate the legs. They tend to be very flattering on most body types.

For a perfect fit, the waistband of your jeans should be just snug enough. You should be able to slip two fingers down the back. If you can fit a whole hand, your jeans are too big.

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Features

Wash

Wash refers to the finish on a pair of jeans, which gives them their color. Choosing a wash is almost as important as choosing a style, since different shades of denim lend themselves to different occasions.

Light-wash jeans undergo a longer washing process. The result is a light blue color.

Medium-wash jeans tend to be the most popular. These jeans have a shorter washing process than light wash jeans, but one that’s long enough to soften the raw denim and create a medium color. Mid-wash jeans are among the most versatile of washes to wear, suitable for any setting.

Bleached jeans are heavily faded. Bleach is involved in the washing process, giving jeans a washed-out appearance. This trendy wash goes in and out of style.

You can also find black jeans and white jeans from Levi’s, which can be worn in more formal environments like some offices.

Pockets

While most of today’s Levi’s jeans include five pockets, the original jeans only had four. The back left pocket was added in 1901. It’s certainly not ideal to keep all your possessions in your pockets, and the majority of today’s women carry handbags. Today the preferred number and size of the pockets on jeans mostly comes down to style preferences.

women's Levi's jeans2
DID YOU KNOW?
That tiny pocket on the front right side of a pair of jeans is actually a watch pocket, originally meant to hold pocket watches.
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Women’s Levi’s jeans prices

Levi’s produces quality denim, so women’s jeans by the brand are a bit higher in price than some other jeans. However, Levi’s does offer a reasonable range in pricing. Expect to pay anywhere from $55 to $150 for a pair of women’s Levi’s jeans.

In the $55 to $80 price range, you’ll find plenty of styles from Levi’s. In fact, the majority of Levi’s jeans fall within this category. All of these jeans vary in style, rise, and wash. You’ll have no trouble finding a classic fit or a more modern design.

Jeans in the $80 to $120 range are usually part of the Levi’s Premium line. This line is crafted with more stitches per inch of fabric, producing jeans that are meant to last longer. Denim in this range also varies in style, rise, and wash.

Any women’s jeans above $120 are likely part of the Levi’s Vintage or Levi’s Made & Crafted lines. Made & Crafted, like Levi’s Premium, offers elevated designs that vary from season to season. The Levi’s Vintage line reconstructs the fit of jeans from bygone eras.

Pay attention to the inseam measurement. This is the difference between petite, regular, and tall jeans. Women 5’3” and under will need a shorter inseam, while women 5’8” and above will need a longer inseam.

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Tips

  • To lengthen the lifespan of your jeans, wash them infrequently. A good rule of thumb is to wash your jeans every six to 10 wears, or whenever they start to smell. It’s best to wash jeans in cold water and hang to dry.
  • When buying jeans online, it helps to have your measurements handy. You should know your waist, hip, and inseam measurements to find the best fit.
  • Levi’s jeans without spandex will require some breaking in. They may be stiff and tight when you first receive them, but they will soften and relax with wear.
women's Levi's jeans3
Women should look for a curved waistband on jeans, which will help the jeans curve with your waist, rather than stick out awkwardly.

FAQ

Q. Does Levi’s carry plus-size jeans for women?

A. Yes. Levi’s offers quite a few of their styles in plus sizes. They also offer petite and tall sizes for women’s jeans.

Q. Should I wash my Levi’s jeans before the first wear?

A. The experts say yes. Jeans – with the exception of raw denim – should be washed before wearing to remove excess dye during the wash process.

Q. How long does a pair of Levi’s last?

A. It entirely depends on the frequency of wear and how often the jeans are washed. Jeans with spandex tend to be less durable. A pair of Levi’s with some spandex can last as long as five years. That said, you can find high-quality vintage Levi’s jeans that are many decades old.

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