I spent years, and I mean years, hunting down the perfect pair of Levi’s, only to discover that the best Levi’s alternatives are more flattering, comfortable, and overall… better. So, if you’re in the same boat of retiring your Levi’s fixation, I’m pleased to inform you that I’ve done the heavy lifting of finding the brands to gravitate towards instead.
Below, you’ll find seven of the best jeans like Levi’s, with similar straight-leg silhouettes and rugged, durable constructions. But rather than forcing Levi’s to work for you, the jeans on this list offer compelling replacements for America’s favorite denim. No more saggy crotches or tight legs – the jeans below are what you’ve been searching for.
Keep reading to find your new go-to pair of pants.
Key Takeaways
After poring over countless sites and reading hundreds of reviews, my final opinion is in. The best jeans like Levi’s are the Nudie Gritty Jackson Jeans, which are a contemporary alternative to the classic 501 style.
They feature a straight leg, zipper fly, and free lifetime repairs, making them well worth the investment. However, given the high price point, if you’re looking for a more affordable Levi’s alternative, then the Wrangler Regular Fit Jeans are on par with the cost of Levi’s and have a very similar look and feel.
Why they’re great: Nudie is by far the best brand for jeans that fit like Levi’s, and I’ve personally swapped out all of my jeans in favor of this Swedish denim powerhouse. Not only do all of their jeans come with free lifetime repairs, but the brand has also simplified the shopping experience.
There are a handful of modern trouser styles to choose from, each with different washes and lengths. Nothing overwhelming, but still plenty of options, spanning from structured selvedge jeans to pure cotton silhouettes.
Who are these for? The Gritty Jackson style is one of the best Levi’s alternatives if you’re looking to replace classic 501s. They have a similar straight leg with a slightly relaxed feel to them. If you prefer a button fly – a Levi’s staple – then Nudie’s Rad Rufus style is another great option.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Hovering at about $200 a pair, Nudie Jeans are quite a bit pricier than Levi’s. But given the lifetime repairs and their overall quality, denim from this brand can be thought of as a worthwhile investment.
Sizes: 28–38 | Material: 100% cotton | Colors: 24 | Care: Machine wash cold
Why they’re great: One of the biggest draws to Levi’s is the ultra classic look and feel of the jeans. And this trait is replicated in these jeans from Closed. No stranger to the denim scene, Closed is a top alternative for high-end menswear. These jeans have a tiny touch of elastane for ease of movement and a medium weight that’s suitable for year-round wear.
Who are these for? If you’re searching for the best alternative to Levi’s in favor of a nicer type of jeans, these are made in Italy with sustainable practices and a luxurious dark colorway. But if the indigo doesn’t do it for ya, then the same style also comes in 25 additional washes.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: These jeans are definitely on the more expensive side, and unlike comparable brands like Nudie, they don’t come with free repairs or other similar perks.
Sizes: 27–38 | Material: 99% cotton, 1% elastane | Colors: 25 | Care: Machine wash cold
Why they’re great: Wrangler is as close to Levi’s as it gets, denoting these jeans as one of the most compelling alternatives. Embodying the same Americana workwear vibes, Wrangler denim has a comparable fit, quality, and price point to Levi’s. These five pocket pants are worth choosing over 501s if you’re looking for a bit of stretch in the waistband with a similar straight-leg form.
Who are these for? Vertically challenged or long and lanky? These jeans come in multiple inseam lengths spanning from 29 to 36 and a huge range of inclusive waist sizes up to 60.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Some men, especially those with skinnier legs, may find these pants a bit baggy.
Sizes: 29–60 | Material: 98% cotton, 2% spandex | Colors: 9 | Care: Machine wash cold
Why they’re great: If Levi’s and Wrangler are brothers, then Carhartt is the cool younger cousin who always shows up to the function in work boots, no matter how nice the event is. With more of a rugged flair, these jeans are the best alternatives for durable denim that doesn’t sacrifice style. They have a tapered leg, three colorways, and a pure denim construction worthy of any go-getter.
Who are these for? Well-loved on the job site, these jeans like Levi’s are for the working man or the guy who simply values tough, wear-anywhere denim.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: These jeans have a flattering mid-rise, but they’re a bit tighter than other pants that boast a relaxed fit, especially around the thighs.
Sizes: 28–54 | Material: 100% cotton | Colors: 3 | Care: Machine wash cold
Why they’re great: Lee has been making jeans for nearly as long as Levi’s, and with more than 135 years in the business, they offer – no surprise – some of the best alternatives. Ideal for any guy seeking a classic straight-leg fit, these jeans come in eleven washes spanning light summer hues to dark black denim. Finished with a tiny bit of elastane for the ultimate comfort, Lee is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to solid alternatives.
Who are these for? If you like your jeans with a bit of give to them, then these are the best alternative because they include a touch of elastane for a nonrestrictive fit.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: These jeans are a bit baggy in the legs and the rear. They also tend to stretch out because of the elastane, especially after washing.
Sizes: 28–42 | Material: 99% cotton, 1% spandex | Colors: 11 | Care: Machine wash cold
Why they’re great: Danish brand Forét prioritizes function over frills, which is why these are some of the best alternatives to Levi’s for men. Free from any bells and whistles, these jeans are designed to be practical, honing into denim’s workwear roots in a similar fashion to Levi’s. Made in Portugal from soft organic cotton, these jeans have a comfortable midweight and relaxed straight leg fit.
Who are these for? For the guy who appreciates a good pair of jeans, these will hit the spot every time. They’re simple in the same way that Levi’s are, with a bit of an upscale twist, and the cloud colorway is perfect for summer denim.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Although most pairs of jeans, especially at this price point, have multiple lengths to choose from, these have only a single standard inseam.
Sizes: 28–36 | Material: 100% organic cotton | Colors: 4 | Care: Machine wash cold
Why they’re great: For affordable men’s basics, Uniqlo hits the spot every single time, denim included. The brand’s best-selling EZY jeans are outfitted with a super soft lining that feels like joggers and feature a slim tapered design that can be worn up or kept laid back. But the real draw to these jeans is the incredible stretch — they enable all the movement of your favorite athleisure while looking nice enough for smart casual wear.
Who are these for? For an alternative at a comparable price point and similar style, these are some of the best options, especially for guys with thicker thighs, given the generous amount of stretch. Uniqlo is consistent and dependable, denoting these a wonderful choice for year-round jeans, and an especially great option as travel pants for men.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: These jeans definitely prioritize stretch over the denim itself, so don’t expect a material that looks or feels rigid.
Sizes: XS–3XL | Material: 82% cotton, 9% lyocell, 8% polyester, 1% spandex | Colors: 4 | Care: Machine wash cold
Buying Considerations for Levi’s Alternatives
Style
The main consideration when choosing the best Levi’s alternative is the style, as this determines how the pants will look and fit. Most jeans that fit like Levi’s have a similar straight-leg style that’s slightly relaxed without looking baggy. This fit most closely resembles the classic Levi’s 501s and is a breeze to dress up or keep casual.
Aside from the straight leg, you’ll find jeans like Levi’s in a wide range of styles, from a slim taper to a super skinny and everything in between. Of course, style comes down to personal preference, so choose a pair of jeans that make the most sense for your life and intended uses.
Material
The material also factors into Levi’s alternatives because it affects how the pants feel and move with you. For the most durable, high-quality jeans, it’s worth choosing a 100% cotton construction that will withstand the throes of everyday life. However, pure cotton denim can be rigid and takes time (and a few washes) to soften up.
If you prefer a pair of jeans that you can really move in, you may want to consider a mix of cotton and elastane or spandex, which adds a touch of stretch. The only downside to cotton blends is that men’s pants with this construction tend to lose their shape in a way that pure cotton doesn’t.
Colorways
One of the greatest aspects of Levi’s is that they come in just about every color under the sun. But you’ll quickly discover that jeans like Levi’s are also available in dozens of colorways. Although hue doesn’t matter too much on the surface, it greatly impacts the garment’s wearability.
For example, black jeans and dark washes can be dressed up much easier than lighter colorways, whereas lighter colorways are ideal for hot summer days and more laid back looks. It won’t make or break anything, but color is still worth thinking about when choosing the best Levi’s alternatives.
How We Chose
Although most jeans can act as an alternative to Levi’s, certain aspects were considered when choosing each pair for this list. Here’s a quick breakdown of the criteria used to select the best jeans like Levi’s:
Brand Reputation: Most people gravitate towards Levi’s because of the household name. For a similar effect, all of the jeans on this list are backed by a very strong brand reputation, giving them a similar degree of prestige to Levi’s.
Style & Fit: Levi 501s are often instantly recognizable, so when it comes to jeans that look like Levi’s, maintaining a similar style and fit is important. Most of the jeans on this list have a classic straight leg and slightly relaxed style, keeping it true to the most popular Levi’s silhouette, the 501 jeans.
Material: All of the jeans on this list feature a pure cotton construction or cotton with a small amount of elastane or spandex for stretch. This ensures the highest quality of every pair of jeans, rather than denim made from polyester or synthetic blends.
Price Point: One of the biggest draws to Levi’s is the affordable price point (they’re some of the best jeans under $100), so on this list, you’ll find plenty of alternatives to Levi’s at a similar cost. There are some that suit a luxury budget, but most are at a comfortable mid-range price.
Why Trust Us?
Jane Elmets is an experienced fashion writer and longtime denim enthusiast. She spends her free time tracking down vintage Levi’s at flea markets, and when she’s not rocking 501s, she’s on the hunt for alternative brands to fill up her collection. Through her writing, Jane strives to help men find their own perfect pair of jeans and other wardrobe staples, as seen in her recent articles about types of jackets and the best pocket tees for men.
Her recommendations are based on thorough research and firsthand testing, ensuring that you receive reliable and stylish alternatives to Levi’s. Jane’s expertise, combined with her keen eye for quality and trends, makes her a trusted source for fashion advice.
Final Verdict
Although there is no shortage of Levi’s alternatives, the best are the Nudie Gritty Jackson Jeans, which have a pure cotton construction and flattering straight-leg fit. If you’re looking for a price point similar to Levi’s, the Wrangler Regular Fit Jeans have a very similar look and feel without breaking the bank.
FAQ
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Some alternative brands to Levi’s include Wrangler, Lee, and Carhartt. For more high-end brand alternatives, try Nudie Jeans, Close Denim, or Foret.
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In my experience, I’ve found Nudie Jeans to fit like Levi’s, but with a more flattering silhouette. However, for the closest fit to Levi’s, try Wrangler or Lee jeans which have a comparable relaxed straight leg.
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