Levi's Size Guide
Vintage and second-hand jeans don't fit like new ones. Sizes have changed over the decades, and every pair has its own story. Follow these three steps to find yours.
Vintage labels run small. If you wear a W30 today, look for a vintage W32 or W33.
Know your measurements
Take a pair of jeans that fits you well. Lay it flat on a table, buttoned up, and smooth out any wrinkles. Measure in centimetres.
- Waist — Measure straight across the top of the waistband, from edge to edge. This is the flat measurement we show in every listing. Multiply it by 2 to get the full waist.
- Rise — From the crotch seam to the top of the waistband, at the front. A short rise sits on the hips; a long rise sits on the waist.
- Outseam — From the top of the waistband down the side to the hem. It's the total length of the jeans.
No jeans to measure? Measure yourself
Waist: wrap a tape measure around where you wear your jeans, snug but not tight. Divide it by 2 to compare with our flat waist.
Inseam: measure from the crotch down to where you want the jeans to end. Add the rise of the pair you like to compare with our outseam.
Find your vintage size
The label changes with the era. The real measurement doesn't.
| Your size in new jeans | Vintage label to look for | Flat waist to look for |
|---|---|---|
| W26 | W28–W29 | 33 cm |
| W27 | W29–W30 | 34.5 cm |
| W28 | W30–W31 | 35.5 cm |
| W29 | W31–W32 | 37 cm |
| W30 | W32–W33 | 38 cm |
| W31 | W33–W34 | 39.5 cm |
| W32 | W34–W36 | 40.5 cm |
| W33 | W36 | 42 cm |
| W34 | W36–W38 | 43 cm |
| W36 | W38–W40 | 45.5 cm |
| W38 | W40–W42 | 48.5 cm |
Use this as a starting point. Each era fits a little differently, so the flat waist is always the most reliable number.
Check each listing
We measure every pair by hand, whatever the label says. Compare our measurements with yours: a difference of 1 to 2 cm is usually fine. If you're between two pairs, choose the longer one: jeans can always be shortened, but not lengthened.
Vintage or second-hand?
Second-hand means the jeans have had a previous owner. We call a pair vintage when we believe it was made before the 2000s. Newer second-hand pairs usually fit close to today's sizes. Vintage pairs often run smaller, so check the measurements.
Levi's fits at a glance
- 501: the original straight fit, with a button fly.
- 505: regular straight fit, with a zip fly.
- 510: skinny fit.
- 511: slim fit.
- 512: slim fit, tapered from the knee.
- 517: bootcut.
- 550: relaxed fit.
FAQ
What size should I buy?
Measure a pair that fits you well and compare it with the measurements in each listing. They're more reliable than the size on the label.
Should I size up or down in vintage?
Usually up. Vintage labels tend to run 2 to 3 sizes smaller than today's. Always check the flat waist before you buy.
Why is the waist measurement so small?
Because we measure it flat, across the front. Multiply it by 2 to get the full waist.
My usual size is W30, but this pair says W32. Which should I trust?
The measurements. With vintage jeans, the label is only a reference.
Do women's and men's sizes work the same?
Yes. Both use W (waist) and L (length) in inches. Some older women's pairs use US numeric sizes instead, like 8 or 10. For those, go by our measurements.
Will vintage jeans stretch or shrink?
Most vintage Levi's are 100% cotton, with no stretch. They relax a little with wear, especially at the waist. To avoid shrinking them, wash them cold and let them air dry.
Can I return a pair if it doesn't fit?
Yes, within 14 days of delivery. See our Returns Policy for details.
Still not sure? Send us a message at contact@betterthannewbtn.com or on Instagram @betterthannewbtn and we'll help you find your size.