A Brief History of Levi’s + Lot Numbers Guide
Levi Strauss & Co. got its start back in 1853 when Levi Strauss, a Bavarian immigrant, set up a dry goods business in San Francisco right in the middle of the California Gold Rush. He was selling everything from clothing to bedding to the miners and merchants flocking to the area. Things really took off in 1873 when Strauss teamed up with tailor Jacob Davis to patent the idea of adding copper rivets to work pants for extra durability. That’s when the first blue jeans were born—tough denim pants designed for hard labor.
Over the decades, Levi’s evolved from workwear to a cultural icon, especially after World War II when they focused on their own branded clothing. By the 1950s and ’60s, jeans became a symbol of rebellion and youth culture, worn by everyone from cowboys to rock stars. Today, the company still headquarters in San Francisco and produces a wide range of styles, staying true to that original riveted design while innovating with fits and fabrics.
Table of Contents
- A Brief History of Levi’s
- Core Levi’s Lot Number List (Quick Look)
- Levi’s Lot Numbers Guide (Detailed)
- Men’s Styles
- Women’s Styles
- Key Information
Core Levi’s Lot Number List (Quick Look)
Men’s Focus
- 501 Original: Straight fit, button fly, mid-rise.
- 502 Regular Taper: Roomy thigh, tapered leg.
- 505 Regular: Straight leg, zip fly, classic fit.
- 510 Skinny: Skinny fit from hip to ankle.
- 511 Slim: Slim fit, comfortable, zip fly.
- 512 Slim Taper: Blends 511 and 510, slim but tapered.
- 514 Straight: Slim-straight fit, sits below the waist.
- 517 Bootcut: Original slim bootcut.
- 527 Slim Bootcut: Slimmer through the seat and thigh.
- 531 Athletic Slim: Extra room in seat/thigh, slim leg.
- 541 Athletic Taper: Roomy in seat/thigh, tapered bottom.
- 550 Relaxed: Relaxed through seat/thigh, slight taper.
- 551Z Authentic Straight: Vintage-inspired, roomier straight cut.
- 555: Baggy fit (often vintage).
- 559 Relaxed Straight: Relaxed, straight leg.
- 560 Comfort Fit: Tapered, roomy in thigh.
- 565/568/569: Loose/baggy fit, straight leg.
- 646/684: Historic bootcut/bell-bottoms.
Women’s 700 Series (Modern)
- 710 Super Skinny: Ultra-sleek fit.
- 711 Skinny: Classic skinny.
- 712 Slim: Slim jeans.
- 715 Bootcut: Classic bootcut.
- 720 High-Rise Super Skinny: Ultra-high rise.
- 721 High-Rise Skinny: Classic high-rise.
- 724 High-Rise Straight: High-rise straight leg.
Levi’s Lot Numbers Guide (Detailed)
Levi’s uses three-digit lot numbers (often called style numbers) to designate different jean fits, each with its own rise, thigh room, leg shape, and overall silhouette. These evolved over time from the classic 500 series for men to the stretch-focused 700 series for women, with some numbers discontinued or updated. Not every number from 501 to 999 exists or is current—many are vintage or limited—but here’s a comprehensive rundown of the most notable and enduring ones, past and present, based on popular guides and Levi’s lineup. I’ve focused on key men’s (mostly 500s) and women’s (mostly 700s) styles, including descriptions, features, and example image links for easy reference. This is your expanded go-to when shopping or collecting.
Men’s Styles
501 Original Fit
The classic that started it all in the 1890s. It’s a straight-leg jean with a button fly, sitting at the natural waist for a timeless, no-fuss look. Great for everyday wear, and the shrink-to-fit versions mold to your body over time. Available in various washes, from raw denim to faded blues.
502 Taper Fit
Introduced more recently, this one offers a regular fit through the seat and thigh but tapers below the knee for a modern edge. It sits low on the waist with a zipper fly, making it versatile for casual or slightly dressed-up outfits. Often comes with stretch for comfort.
505 Regular Fit
First launched in 1967, these are straight-leg jeans with a mid-rise and roomier thigh area. They’re the definition of “regular”—not too tight, not too loose, with a zipper fly. Perfect for guys who want a classic straight fit without the taper.
510 Skinny Fit
For those who like it slim all the way down. These hug from hip to ankle with a low rise and zipper fly. Introduced in the 2000s, they’re ideal for a sleek, contemporary style, often with added stretch to avoid that restrictive feel.
511 Slim Fit
A step up from skinny, these are slim through the leg but not super tight. Mid-rise with a zipper fly, they’re a go-to for slim builds or anyone wanting a tailored look without going full skinny. Available in lengths up to 36 inches.
512 Slim Taper Fit
Similar to the 511 but with a taper from knee to ankle for a sharper silhouette. Low rise, zipper fly, and often stretch-infused. It’s a favorite for blending slim and tapered vibes, working well with boots or sneakers.
513 Slim Straight Fit
Slim through the hip and thigh, but straight from the knee down. Mid-rise with a zipper fly. This one’s less common but offers a clean, straight-leg alternative to the tapered slim styles.
514 Straight Fit
A straightforward straight leg with a regular rise and room in the thigh. Zipper fly. It’s been around for years, providing a balanced fit that’s not as relaxed as the 505 but still comfortable for daily use.
517 Bootcut Fit
Debuted in the 1970s, these flare slightly at the bottom to fit over boots. Regular rise, straight through the thigh, zipper fly. They’re making a comeback for that retro cowboy or rocker aesthetic.
527 Slim Bootcut Fit
A slimmer take on the 517, with a bootcut leg but tapered through the thigh. Low rise, zipper fly. Good for guys who want the bootcut without the extra bulk.
531 Athletic Slim
A modern athletic slim with extra room in seat and thigh, slimming down the leg. Mid-rise, often with stretch. Designed for muscular builds wanting a fitted look without bagginess.
541 Athletic Fit
Designed for athletic builds, with extra room in the seat and thigh, tapering to the ankle. Mid-rise, zipper fly. Introduced in the 2010s, it’s perfect for muscular legs without looking baggy.
550 Relaxed Fit
From the 1980s, these are loose through the seat and thigh with a tapered leg. Mid-rise, zipper fly. They’re all about comfort, ideal for casual weekends or work.
559 Relaxed Straight Fit
Relaxed like the 550 but with a straight leg. Low rise, zipper fly, roomy in the hips. A solid choice for a laid-back straight fit.
569 Loose Straight Fit
The loosest straight leg in the lineup, with plenty of room everywhere. Low rise, zipper fly. Great for a baggy, ’90s-inspired look without going full wide-leg.
Women’s Styles
Levi’s women’s lot numbers often fall in the 700 series (Lot 700), launched around 2015 for stretchy, body-flattering fits with modern rises and shapes. These emphasize comfort, lift, and versatility.
501 Original Fit (Women’s)
Adapted for women, these are high-waisted with a straight leg and button fly. Iconic and versatile, they echo the men’s version but with a feminine cut.
710 Super Skinny
The skinniest in the 700s—super tight from hip to ankle, mid-rise, with lots of stretch for a second-skin feel. Great for a bold, fitted look.
711 Skinny Fit
Mid-rise skinny jeans with stretch for all-day comfort. Slim from hip to ankle, zipper fly. A staple for sleek outfits.
712 Slim
A slim straight or slim fit variation, mid-rise with a bit more room than super skinny but still tailored.
721 High Rise Skinny Fit
High-waisted for a smoothing effect, skinny leg with zipper fly. Part of the 700 series, they’re designed to lift and shape.
724 High Rise Straight
High-rise with a straight leg for a clean, classic silhouette. Comfortable stretch and flattering waist emphasis.
725 High Rise Bootcut / Shaping
High-rise bootcut with slight flare at the ankle, often with shaping technology for extra lift and smoothing.
726 High Rise Flare
High-rise with a dramatic flare leg for a retro ’70s vibe, stretchy and figure-flattering.
728 High Rise Wide Leg
High-rise wide leg for flowy, relaxed elegance. Modern wide fit with comfort stretch.
Key Information
Locating Numbers: The 9-digit style/lot number (e.g., 00505-4886) is on the white care tag inside.
Vintage Numbers: Older, pre-1970s jeans may feature different or XX tags (e.g., 501XX).
Fit Evolution: Some numbers, like the 502, have changed in fit over time, notes this Levi’s article.
This covers the essentials and many more beyond the basics—Levi’s has tweaked and retired styles over the years (some vintage like 417 or 646 pop up in thrift finds), so availability varies. Check the official Levi’s site for the latest stock, washes, and sizing. If you’re starting out, the 501 remains unbeatable for its heritage and versatility.
Posted March 2026 | Vintage & Classic Denim Guide