Levi’s 550 and 569 jeans are two of the brand’s most popular men’s jean styles. But with subtle differences in fit, rise, and leg opening, it can be tricky to decide which pair is best for you.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the key features of Levi’s 550 and 569 jeans to help you determine the right choice for your wardrobe and style needs.
We’ll look at the fit, fabric, wash options, and sizing of each jean cut. We’ll also do a detailed side-by-side comparison and outline the pros and cons of both the 550 and 569 fits.
Whether you’re looking for a classic straight leg jean or something with a bit more room through the thigh, this guide has you covered. Let’s dive in!
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Levi’s 550 | Levi’s 569 |
| Fit | Straight leg | Relaxed straight leg |
| Rise | Mid rise | High rise |
| Leg Opening | 17 inches | 18-19 inches |
| Thigh | Slim | Relaxed |
| Front Rise | 11 inches | 12 inches |
| Back Rise | 15 inches | 16 inches |
| Fabric | Rigid denim | Stretch denim |
| Wash Options | Dark indigo, black, gray | Dark indigo, medium indigo, light indigo |
| Sizing | 28-42 waist, 30-34 inseam | 28-48 waist, 30-36 inseam |
Levi’s 550 Jeans Overview
Levi’s 550 jeans have a classic straight leg cut that flatters most body types.
They sit below the natural waist with a mid rise of 11 inches in the front and 15 inches in the back.
The leg opening measures 17 inches, which creates a slim, tapered look from thigh to hem without being too fitted.
The 550 has a slim profile through the hip and thigh but avoids a skinny jean appearance.
There is ample room in the seat and thigh for mobility and comfort. The straight leg balances out curvier hips while still showing off the shape of the leg.
Levi’s 550 jeans are constructed from rigid, non-stretch denim that molds to the body over time. This 100% cotton fabric has that classic raw denim feel and will break-in naturally the more you wear them.
These jeans are available in traditional dark indigo and black washes. You can also find the 550 in a gray denim perfect for casual office settings or weekend wear.
The men’s 550 jeans come in waist sizes 28-42 with inseam lengths from 30-34 inches. Make sure to size down for the perfect slim fit as they will stretch slightly with wear.
Pros of Levi’s 550 Jeans:
- Flattering straight leg silhouette
- Slim in the hips and thighs without being too tight
- Mid rise is versatile for most body types
- Dark washes make them easy to dress up or down
- Made from rigid denim that molds to your shape
Cons of Levi’s 550 Jeans:
- Non-stretch fabric may feel stiff and restrictive at first
- Limited wash options compared to other Levi’s cuts
- Need to size down for that perfect tapered look
Levi’s 569 Jeans Overview
The Levi’s 569 is a relaxed straight leg jean designed with extra room through the hip, thigh, and leg opening. The fit provides a looser, Casual style while avoiding a baggy appearance.
These jeans sit higher on the waist than the 550 with a 12 inch front rise and 16 inch back rise. The increased rise hits near the natural waist for a vintage inspired look.
The leg opening measures between 18-19 inches depending on the wash, creating a relaxed straight silhouette. There is significantly more room through the thigh compared to the 550 cut.
Levi’s 569 jeans feature stretch denim with 2% elastane for mobility and comfort. The fabric moves with you but keeps its shape throughout the day.
You can choose from multiple 569 washes like rinsed or medium indigo for a worn-in look straight from the store. Light indigo provides a vintage style faded blue jean.
Sizes range from 28-48 waist with 30-36 inch inseams. The relaxed fit allows you to order your normal waist size without sizing down.
Pros of Levi’s 569 Jeans:
- Roomy thighs and leg opening for a relaxed vibe
- Higher rise is comfortable and flattering
- Stretch fabric with elastane for ease of movement
- Vintage light washes create a worn-in aesthetic
- True to size fitting – no need to size down
Cons of Levi’s 569 Jeans:
- Loosen up over time compared to rigid 550 denim
- Wider leg may overwhelm petite frames
- Limited dark indigo and black wash options
- Higher rise can feel restrictive if you prefer low waist styles
Also Read: Differences Between Levi’s 541 And 511 Jeans.
Key Differences Between The 550 And 569 Fits
While both are straight leg jeans, there are some noticeable differences between the Levi’s 550 and 569 fits:
- Rise – The 569 has a higher 12 inch front rise and 16 inch back rise compared to the mid rise 550. The increased rise hits near the natural waist.
- Thigh – The 569 has a relaxed, loose thigh while the 550 thigh is more tailored and slim fitting.
- Leg Opening – The 569 leg opening measures 18-19 inches for a relaxed straight fit. The 550 leg opening is narrower at 17 inches.
- Fabric – The 569 is made from stretch denim with elastane for comfort and ease. The 550 uses rigid 100% cotton denim without stretch.
- Wash Options – Light vintage washes are available in the 569 fit. The 550 comes in classic dark indigo and black washes.
- Sizing – The relaxed 569 can be ordered true to size while the 550 runs large and needs to be sized down for a perfect tapered fit.
Determining Which Levi’s Straight Leg Jean is Best For You
So which style should you choose – the Levi’s 550 or 569? Here are some tips for deciding:
- If you prefer mid rise jeans, go for the 550. Choose the 569 for a higher rise style.
- Guys with athletic thighs or who dislike slim fits should opt for the roomy 569 thigh. Stick with the 550 for a slim, tailored thigh.
- The rigid 550 will mold to your shape over time. Choose the 569 for built-in stretch and comfort.
- If you like light washes, the 569 has more vintage options. The 550 comes in classic dark finishes.
- Size down in the 550 for a tapered look. Order your normal size in the relaxed fitting 569.
- Petite guys should try the 550. The looser 569 may overwhelm smaller frames.
- If you’ll be wearing boots or want to cuff the hem, choose the wider 569 leg opening for accommodating them.
Also Read: Is Levi’s 511 Better Than 514 Jeans?
Styling Your Levi’s 550 or 569 Jeans
The beauty of straight leg jeans is their versatility. Here are some styling tips for both the 550 and 569 fits:
- Pair them with t-shirts, button-downs, hoodies, flannels, henleys, and sweaters.
- For shoes, choose casual sneakers, boots, or lace up leather shoes.
- In cooler weather, layer with a leather, denim, or corduroy jacket.
- Accessorize with beanies, baseball caps, or oversized scarves.
- Cuff the hem for casual flair or let them stack naturally over your shoes.
- Dress them up with an untucked OCBD and blazer, or down with a vintage graphic tee.
- For elevated casual, tuck in a casual button-down shirt.
Both the 550 and 569 jeans can seamlessly transition from day to night. Whether running errands or going out, you’ll look stylish and put together.
Finding Your Perfect Pair of Levi’s
With so many fits and styles to choose from, finding that perfect pair of Levi’s for your body type and style can take some trial and error. We recommend ordering a few sizes and washes of both the 550 and 569 online. Try them on at home to see which flatters your frame best.
Make sure to move around and wear them a full day to test comfort and mobility.
Sit down and bend over to ensure no pulling or gaps at the waist or thighs.
The right jeans should feel great standing and sitting.
Look at the leg opening width and hem length. Cuffing or hemming can customize the fit.
For maximum versatility, go with a classic dark wash in either 550 or 569. Break them in over time for that custom molded shape.
Investing in well-fitting Levi’s that suit your lifestyle is worth the investment. With proper care, they’ll last for years of comfortable wear. Don’t settle for an ill-fitting pair – try both the 550 and 569 to find your new favorite jeans.
Also Read: Comparison of Levi’s 550 And 501 Jeans.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The main difference is the rise, thigh, and leg opening. The 550 has a mid rise while the 559 has a lower rise around 10 inches. The 550 thigh is slimmer and the leg opening is narrower at 17 inches compared to 19 inches on the 559.
The 569 is a style number indicating the unique cut of this jean. It refers to the high rise relaxed straight leg fit with extra room in the thigh and 18-19 inch leg opening.
The 560 is a relaxed straight jean with a lower rise than the 569. It has a 10.5 inch front rise vs. 12 on the 569. The 560 is also cut straighter through the hip and thigh while the 569 has more room in those areas. The 560 leg opening is slightly narrower at 17.5 inches compared to 18-19 on the 569.
The 541 is Levi’s athletic fit jean designed specifically for guys with bigger thighs and seats. It has extra room through the hip, thigh, and leg opening compared to the slimmer fitting 550. The 541 waist sits slightly below the natural waist, similar to the 550 rise. The main difference is the accommodating thigh and seat of the 541 vs. the tailored 550.
Wrapping Up
Levi’s 550 and 569 jeans share a classic straight leg silhouette but each have a distinct fit catering to different body types. The 550 creates a slim, tapered look from thigh to hem while the 569 has a roomy thigh and relaxed fit.
Factors like rise, thigh, leg opening, fabric, wash, and sizing determine which style is best for you. The 550 flatters athletic builds with its tailored cut but may fit too slim for some. The 569 accommodates fuller thighs and has vintage washes unavailable in the 550.
Both are versatile jeans perfect for casual to smart casual wear. They can be dressed up or down seamlessly. Consider your personal style, fit preferences, and intended use when deciding between the 550 and 569. Hopefully this guide has helped you determine your next pair of perfect fitting Levi’s.
