Levi’s 505 vs 514 Jeans: What’s the Difference?

Late last month we looked at the differences between two very popular Levi’s jeans, as well as explained the meaning behind the numbering system.

This numbering system of products is quite unique to Levi’s because they indicate the fit and style of the jeans, without having to label them with a name, as we are used to seeing with other brands.

If you are interested in learning a bit more about their numbering system, head on over here.

Today, once more, we will go through two other popular designs by the brand, the 505 vs. 514 jeans.

Our goal for this comparison is to understand these styles better, as well as to give you a couple of tips on which body types they are best suited for and how you can style them.

Without any further ado, let’s take a look at what we have in store for you today!

Contents:

• 1. Levi’s: The Brand
• 2. Levi’s 505 Jeans
• 3. Levi’s 514 Jeans
• 4. Levi’s 505 vs. 514 – A Comparison

1. Levi’s: The Brand

Image: levi.com

Being a brand of such high reputation, it is only fair that we discuss a bit about the history behind Levi’s and their products.

Established in 1853 in San Francisco, California, Levi’s was founded by Levi Strauss. Since the very beginnings, his design philosophy was simple, to make the most durable denim pants at the time.

With the variety of options and the abundance of designs that are available to us nowadays when it comes to jeans, it might be a bit of a wonder as to why it was so important back then to have extremely durable clothing, when jeans are not even that expensive to begin with.

Well, the reason for that is quite simple. If we are to look at the history of jeans, originally they were not meant for casual wear, as we wear them in the modern era.

Back then jeans were working pants, worn by men and women who worked in harsh conditions and spent hours of their day in factories, doing laborious jobs.

For that reason, because the jeans available at the time would tear too soon, Levi’s was the first to use the rivet reinforcement in their pants, making them last for far longer and tear less easily. You might know their historical design, the 501 jeans.

2. Levi’s 505 Jeans

Image: pinterest.com

The 505 jeans were originally a design for men, in a straight leg cut, which was a tad slimmer than their 501 predecessor.

When the design was made for women, it maintained the same straight leg and relaxed fit design, as well as the mid high rise.

Being a straight leg cut, which lean a bit towards slim rather than the typical looser fit of a straight leg, the 505 jeans are quite versatile in their design as they can be worn with a number of different footwear and tops.

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The mid high rise is suitable for wear by women who have different body types, but they would be more comfortable on those who are not top heavy as the waist of the pants ends just below the natural waist.

They come with the classic five-pocket style and the signature Levi’s “V” stitching on the back pockets.

The length is regular, ending just below the ankles, which is what makes these jeans so suitable to wear with boots and high heels alike.

They are made of 99% Cotton and 1% Elastane (some versions are made of Polyester, Cotton and Elastane), which helps them fit more comfortably and wear better. Elastane in jeans, in general, also helps them last longer because it makes the pants less prone to tearing due to the elasticity, so it is not just a matter of comfort, but durability as well.

The 505 jeans have a zip fly and button on the top hem, as well as belt loops for those who prefer accessorizing.

3. Levi’s 514 Jeans

Image: levi.com

Another design made for men, which is in a very limited range for women, but stylish nonetheless, the 514 jeans are also a straight leg cut.

On men this is a classic low rise design, in a relaxed fit that end just below the ankles.

On women, this is a great boyfriend jean type of design as it sits low at the waist and fits a bit bigger and longer than if it were made specifically for women.

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It comes with the classic five-pocket styling, with Levi’s “V” stitching on the back pockets, which is a staple of the brands jeans.

Being a straight leg in a relaxed fit, these jeans are quite versatile to style as they go great with boots of different types, sneakers and flats, as well as high heels for those who prefer a chic and sensual look, while at the same time being comfortable in a pair of stylish jeans.

Because of the low rise, these jeans are suitable for a variety of body types, but will fit more comfortably on women who are slimmer on top.

Another cool thing about this design is that you can find flared and boot cut styles, too, which are also quite fun to style and try out.

Made of 99% Cotton and 1% Elastane, they provide considerable stretch that makes them very comfortable to wear at work and for casual, day-to-day activities.

They close with a zip fly and have belt loops for a better fit and accessorizing.

4. Levi’s 505 vs. 514 – A Comparison

Both of these jeans are similar in their composition and overall design, with a couple of differences that will affect how they wear.

Let’s now look at these differences and hopefully you will have a better idea about which design is the best for your style and your body shape.

4.1 Fit and Cut

Cut in a straight-leg design, the 505 is slimmer in fit than the 514 jean.

For this reason and because the 505 has a higher rise as well, they are more suitable to be worn by different body shapes and sizes, whereas the 514‘s low rise limits this design in regard to fit and wear.

Regarding their length, they are similarly cut, ending below the ankles. However, being a design originally for men, odds are that the 514 will fit a bit longer than the 505.

4.2 Material

There is not much difference between the two when it comes to their material composition, as they are both made of 99% Cotton and 1% Elastane.

This helps them fit better and last much longer than they would if they were 100% Cotton. This is especially important for the 505 which fits slimmer and therefore would be more prone to tearing.

The 505 design also comes in a blend of 78% Cotton, 21% Polyester and 1% Elastane depending on which particular cut and style you are looking at. This blend is far more durable.

Both jeans are made using the Water<Less™ technology, which saves water during the manufacturing process, making them a good choice for those who are environmentally conscious.

4.3 Color and Wash

Made with minimal highlights, both of these jeans come in a variety of different colors.

The classic indigo color is available for both designs, as well as lighter and darker options.

The minimal highlighting on the 505 style makes them suitable for curvy women as it does not bring attention to the thighs as much as they would if there were heavy highlighting on the legs.

The 514 design has even less highlighting in most of the options and lack them entirely in the color black.

Well, with this we conclude today’s topic. We hope this comparison gave you a better idea on the differences and similarities between these two designs.

We will see you in the next one!