Jeans are a wardrobe staple, and Levi’s has some of the most popular denim styles around. Two of their most beloved fits are the 559 and 541. If you’re trying to decide between these two pairs of jeans, you’ve come to the right place!
Below we’ll compare the Levi’s 559 and 541, looking at the fit, style, price, and other factors, to help you determine which denim is best for your needs and preferences.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Levi’s 559 | Levi’s 541 |
| Fit | Relaxed straight leg | Athletic tapered leg |
| Seat | Loose | Roomy |
| Thigh | Loose | Athletic cut |
| Leg Opening | Straight | Tapered |
| Front Rise | Mid | Mid |
| Back Rise | High | Mid |
| Fabric | 100% cotton | 98% cotton, 2% elastane |
| Stretch | Minimal stretch | Added stretch |
| Wash Options | Stonewash, black, rigid, light wash | Dark indigo, olive, light stonewash |
| Styling | Classic 5-pocket | Trendy whiskering and fading |
| Fit | Runs large | True to size |
| Price | $59.50 – $69.50 | $59.50 – $69.50 |
Fit and Sizing Comparison
The most significant difference between the Levi’s 559 and 541 is the fit. The 559 has a loose, relaxed straight cut while the 541 has a less baggy thigh that tapers down the leg.
Levi’s 559 Fit
The Levi’s 559 is a loose fit jean designed for comfort and room to move. It runs large and provides a boxier, vintage-inspired look. The 559 fit has:
- Loose seat and thigh
- Straight leg opening
- Sits below waist
- Roomy through hip and thigh
- 100% cotton denim with stretch for flexibility
The 559 runs about one size large. Be sure to size down for the ideal relaxed fit that isn’t overly baggy.
This jean works well for men with larger thighs or who prefer a loose, comfortable fit.
The generous cut leaves plenty of room while still keeping its shape.
Levi’s 541 Fit
Meanwhile, the 541 has a more tailored look than the 559. This athletic taper style contours the body while allowing mobility. Details of the 541 fit:
- Athletic cut through thigh
- Tapered leg from knee to ankle
- Sits below waist
- Roomy through thigh and hip
- Smoothes and shapes rear
- 98% cotton/2% elastane denim
The 541 runs closer to true sizing. It’s designed to highlight the wearer’s physique rather than hide it under excess fabric. This modern jean is great for athletic body types. The tapered leg creates a long, lean silhouette.
Style and Wash Comparison
In addition to the fit differences, the 559 and 541 come in varying washes. This allows you to choose a style appropriate for casual to more formal looks.
Levi’s 559 Styles
The Levi’s 559 is available in a selection of finishes. Some of the most popular 559 washes include:
- Stonewash – A classic medium blue shade with fading and whiskering
- Black – A clean, dark solid black
- Rigid – A raw, untreated indigo denim
- Light wash – A faded blue for a vintage feel
The 559 typically features a five-pocket style. It comes in long, regular, and short inseam lengths. This versatile jean can be dressed up or down effortlessly.
Levi’s 541 Styles
The 541 has a wider array of washes and colors to choose from. Some top options include:
- Clean dark – A rich solid dark indigo
- Covert green – An earthy olive shade
- Tumbled rigid – A raw indigo look with intentional distressing
- Light wash – Faded pale denim perfect for warmer months
This modern fit jean may have trendy distressing and whiskering details. It comes in a regular or 30 inseam length. The 541 can pull together both casual everyday outfits and sharp business casual looks.
Cost Comparison
When it comes to price, the Levi’s 559 and 541 are both reasonably affordable. They fall within the same cost range.
Levi’s 559 Cost
The MSRP for a pair of Levi’s 559 jeans is $59.50 – $69.50 USD.
However, you can often find them on sale:
- Amazon: $29 – $59
- Levi’s: $29 – $59
- Macy’s: $39.99 – $59.50
The 559 offers great value for a Levi’s jean.
This budget-friendly fit won’t break the bank!
Levi’s 541 Cost
Meanwhile, the 541 has an MSRP of $59.50 – $69.50. Similar sale prices are usually available:
- Amazon: $29 – $69
- Levi’s: $29 – $69
- Macy’s: $48 – $69.50
So the pricing for both pairs of jeans is quite comparable. The 541 may be $5-10 more on average. But both remain reasonable for the Levi’s brand name.
Pros and Cons of Levi’s 559 And 541 Jeans
To recap the key differences, here’s an overview of the pros and cons of each jean:
Levi’s 559 Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Loose, relaxed fit through hip and thigh
- Roomy cut allows mobility
- True vintage straight leg look
- Affordable pricing
Cons:
- Runs large, so sizing can be tricky
- Boxier shape isn’t flattering for all
- Limited taper may feel loose around ankles
Levi’s 541 Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Athletic cut suits muscular builds
- Tapered leg flatters the form
- True sizing makes shopping easier
- Sleek modern styling
Cons:
- Less room through seat and thigh
- Tighter fit may restrict movement
- Not ideal for men with larger legs
- Slightly higher price tag
Also Read: How Levi’s 550 And 569 Jeans Differ Each Other?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Levi’s 541 athletic taper jean is still available for purchase from Levi’s and major retailers. However, Levi’s has added some similar tapered fits to their lineup as well. Some comparable taper jeans that Levi’s now offers include:
542 Loose Taper: Features a roomy thigh and tapered leg, but in a looser fit than the 541.
550 Taper: Has a slim, tailored seat and thigh with strong taper through the leg.
CT Taper: A clean, minimalist tapered jean with no distressing or whiskering.
511 Slim: Not a taper but slim-fitting through the thigh and leg opening.
So while the 541 hasn’t been replaced or discontinued, Levi’s has supplemented it with some additional tapered and slim fits in recent years. The 541 remains a popular modern athletic jean choice. But the 542, 550, CT, or 511 may also be worth trying for those who like the tapered silhouette.
The main differences between the Levi’s 550 and 541 fits are:
Seat and thigh – The 550 has a slimmer, tailored seat and thigh. The 541 offers more room through the hip and thigh with an athletic cut.
Taper – Both taper from knee to ankle, but the 550 has a stronger taper resulting in a narrower leg opening.
Stretch – The 550 is rigid denim with only 2% elastane. The 541 has a bit more give with 98% cotton, 2% elastane.
Profile – The 550 creates a “V” shape with its slim thighs and strong taper. The 541 has more straight-shaped legs.
Styling – The 550 often has minimal distressing. The 541 leans trendy with whiskers, fading, and distressed details.
Fit – The 550 fits true to size. The 541 runs slightly larger.
Overall, the 550 is the slimmer, more tailored tapered fit. The 541 offers more room in the hips and thighs for athletic builds. The 550 will hug the body more closely with its narrow legs. Both are quality jeans, but the 550 provides a sharper, dressier taper than the casual 541.
The Levi’s 559 is a relaxed straight fit jean for men. The 559 name refers to the style numbers Levi’s uses to identify their different fits. Some key details on what the 559 means:
1. The 5xx series from Levi’s indicates a straight leg jean.
2. Within that series, higher numbers denote looser and baggier fits.
3. As a men’s jean in the 500 series, the 559 has a roomy, straight leg cut.
4. The double digit 59 number places the 559 near the bottom end of the series.
5. So the 559 designation tells us the jean has a loose, vintage straight leg fit.
Additionally, the last two digits 59 correspond to the year the 559 fit debuted:
1. Levi’s first released the 559 jean in 1985.
2. The number 59 refers to the year 1985.
3. Other fits also use the launch year in their style number.
4. For example, the 501 debuted in 1890 and the 505 in 1966.
In summary, the Levi’s 559 name indicates a loose straight leg men’s jean originally released in the 1980s. For anyone familiar with Levi’s numbering system, the 559 immediately conveys the fit and style of this relaxed denim staple.
The Levi’s 541 athletic taper jeans are designed to fit roomy through the hip and thigh, then taper down the leg from knee to ankle. Here are some key points on how the 541 fit works:
1. Sits below the natural waist
2. Roomy through the hip, thigh and rear
3. Designed to accommodate larger thigh circumferences
4. Tapered leg narrows from knee to ankle
5. Smooth, sculpted rear silhouette
5. 98% cotton provides comfort and flexibility
7. 2% elastane woven into fabric allows stretch
8. Runs true to size but accomodating for athletic builds
The 541 features an athletic cut tailored to the male form, while leaving room to move freely. The thigh is not constricting but comfortably spacious. The taper creates a flattering slimmer leg line. Overall, this modern jean is designed to flatter the physique while allowing both mobility and flexibility.
Also Read: How Levi’s 505 And 559 Jeans Differ Each Other?
Wrapping Up
When choosing between the Levi’s 559 and 541, it comes down to personal fit and style preferences.
The roomy 559 has that classic straight leg silhouette. It offers complete comfort with its loose seat, thigh, and hip. This is a great pick for bigger guys or those who like a relaxed jean.
But for men with athletic figures, the 541 is made to flatter. Its tapered silhouette creates a long and lean leg line. These modern jeans hug in the right places while allowing stretch and mobility.
Both the 559 and 541 deliver quality craftsmanship, durability, and numerous wash options. With similar pricing, you can opt for the fit that suits your body type and comfort needs. Levi’s offers an excellent selection of jeans to fit diverse shapes and styles.
So now that you know the key differences and similarities between the two, you can decide whether the Levi’s 559 or 541 is your perfect pair of jeans!
