Shopping for denim isn’t always as straightforward as it sounds—especially when you're staring down the endless lineup of Levi’s styles. Slim fit, skinny fit, tapered leg, leg opening—it’s enough to make your head spin.
Now, you loved our Levis 505 vs 501 comparison article so much, we decided this was the natural next comparison to draw: the 511 vs 512. (If you're looking for a straight leg or straight fit, rather than a shaped fit, go to our 505 vs 501 article.)
These two Levi’s jeans are known for their modern, slim-cut look. But some key differences in the Levis 511 vs 512 in fit and taper could make or break your next favorite pair.
At Nimble Made, we know a thing or two about slim fit—our dress shirts are made with that same attention to detail. So if you’re wondering which of these Levi's jeans better fits your frame and style, we’re going to break it all down.
A Brief History of the Levi’s 511
The Next Generation Classic
The 511 made its debut in the mid-2000s, quickly becoming a go-to for guys who wanted something more fitted than the straight leg 501s and 505s, but not quite as tight as the ultra-skinny 510s. It’s often seen as the most versatile slim jean in the Levi’s lineup.
The 511 was the "direct descendant of the 501," adjusted to fall slightly more at the hips. Its tailored look works well with everything from casual tees to business casual layers. It’s no surprise that it’s remained a favorite for over a decade.
The 511 Fit and Style
The 511 sits just below the waist and offers a slimmer fit from the hip through the ankle. It tapers slightly near the leg opening, giving it a modern but not too-tight look. It's slim without being an extreme skinny fit, and it works well for lean to average builds.
This pair is an excellent go-to if you want a jean that plays well with your daily rotation of casual sneakers, chukka boots, and layered outfits. Looking for new shoe recs to pair the 511 with? Try one of these best chukka boots and white sneakers to match.
Who is the 511 Best For?
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Guys who want a clean, slim profile without too much taper
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Those who like a more consistent fit through the leg
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Men with athletic or average builds who want all-day comfort. Our favorite dress shirts for athletics guys here.
A Brief Look at the Levi’s 512
How the Levi's 512 Came to Be
The 512 is a more recent addition to the Levi’s lineup. Think of it as the evolution of the 511—designed for men who want something even sharper around the ankle. The main difference? The 511 adds a more dramatic slim taper cut below the knee.
The result? A sleeker silhouette that feels a bit more fashion-forward, especially when paired with low-profile sneakers or one of these best men's dress shoes.
The 512 Fit and Style
The 512 also sits just below the waist and is slim through the thigh. Where it stands out is the more aggressive slim taper cut from the knee down. The leg opening is smaller, giving the men's jeans a more fitted, contemporary look.
These Levi's jeans lean slightly closer to a skinny silhouette, but without the tight fit feel of the 510. They’re especially great for slimmer guys looking to highlight their frame without going full skinny.
Who is the 512 Best For?
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Men with slimmer builds looking for a tapered leg. We also recommend these shirts, designed specifically for skinny and tall guys.
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Guys who want a sharp fit to pair with low-top sneakers or minimalist boots. Try boots with a suit for a business casual look.
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Anyone who’s found the 511 too long, loose, or inconsistent in the past
Levis 511 vs 512: Fit Comparison
At first glance, the Levis 511 vs 512 may seem similar—they both have the same slim cut that sit below the waist and are built for a modern look.
But the difference comes down to the taper. The 511 offers a straight slim cut that stays consistent from thigh to ankle, while the 512 leans into a sharper taper below the knee, giving it a closer fit around the calves and ankle.
If you want a balanced, everyday slim, the 511 is your best bet. If you’re aiming for a slightly slimmer leg opening and defined silhouette with a tapered leg, the 512 delivers that edge.
Waist and Rise
Both the 511 and 512 sit just below the waist, making them easy to wear with untucked shirts or a casual button-up. There’s no significant difference in rise, but some wearers say the 512 feels slightly more snug at the top due to the taper below.
Need a few tips to get to the right size? Here's our guide on how to measure your waist for pants.
Thigh Fit
The 511 and 512 both offer a slim fit through the thigh, but the 512 slim taper can feel a touch slimmer, depending on the wash or fabric. For guys with athletic legs, the 511 might offer a little more breathing room.
Knee and Leg Opening
(Levi Jeans 512 from side view of the slim taper cut below knee)
This is where things really diverge. The 511 has a slight taper for a clean leg line, while the 512 tapers more aggressively from the knee down.
That creates a narrower leg opening, which gives a sleeker profile—especially noticeable if you cuff your jeans or wear low-tops like one of these best boat shoes or best slip-on shoes.
Reddit users note that the 512 often fits shorter than the 511 in the same labeled size, so sizing might need a second look in-store.
511 vs 512 Table Comparison
To help break down the key differences at a glance, here’s a quick side-by-side comparison of Levi’s 511 and 512 jeans.
| Feature | Levi's 511 | Levi's 512 |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | Slim fit through the thigh and leg | Slim fit through thigh with sharper taper from knee to ankle |
| Leg Opening | About 14.5 inches | About 14 inches or less |
| Waist | Sits below waist | Sits below waist |
| Look | Classic slim fit with slight taper | More modern, fitted look with stronger taper |
| Best For | Everyday slim jeans with a straight leg feel | Those wanting a tighter ankle and more tapered silhouette |
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Which Fit is Right for You?
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Choose the 511 if you want a timeless slim jean that plays well with most outfits and shoe styles. It’s comfortable, consistent, and sharp without feeling trendy.
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Choose the 512 if you want a more tailored ankle and a modern edge to their denim. If you wear slim dress shoes, minimalist sneakers, or prefer a cropped or cuffed look, this taper is hard to beat.
Still unsure? We created this style calculator to make things even easier! Take our style quiz to see which makes the most sense for your slim wardrobe.
Levi’s 511 vs 512 Style Quiz
Answer a few quick questions to see which Levi’s style is better for you.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between the 511 and 512 comes down to your priorities: do you want balance and all-day comfort, or a sharper taper that elevates your look?
The 511 is a staple in the slim world for a reason—it delivers a clean, no-fuss silhouette. But if you want a jean that hugs just a bit tighter at the ankle and adds definition to your outfit, the 512 is a standout pick.
Looking for slim fit shirts to match your Levi’s? At Nimble Made, we make premium dress shirts designed for a slimmer fit without the bagginess of off-the-rack brands.
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FAQs about 512 vs 511
What is the difference between Levi's 512 and 511?
The main difference is in the taper below the knee. The 511 has a slim, straight leg with a slight taper, while the 512 tapers more aggressively for a slimmer fit at the ankle. Both sit below the waist and fit slim through the thigh, but the 512 has a closer fit from the knee down and a slimmer leg opening.
Are Levi's 512 too skinny?
The 512 jeans are slim through the thigh and taper more sharply below the knee. They're not skin-tight like the 510, but they do fit close to the ankle. If you prefer a more fitted look without going extreme skinny fit, the 512 is a solid choice. Some find them tight, depending on calf size or if they’re not hemmed.
Are Levi's 511 too skinny?
Levi's 511s are slim, but not overly tight. They have a more relaxed taper compared to the 512 and offer a bit more room from the knee down. If you're looking for a slim fit that doesn’t hug your calves, the 511 is a comfortable, everyday option.
How do Levi's 512 fit?
Levi’s 512 jeans fit slim through the thigh and taper closely to the ankle. They sit just below the waist and are often made with a bit of stretch for added comfort. Compared to the 511, the 512 feels slightly narrower from the knee down, offering a more fitted silhouette.
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