Know Your Levi's Number: 501, 711, 720, 721, 725 & 726

Here is the first thing to know about Levi's jeans: the number is not your size. It is the fit.

A 501 does not create the same silhouette as a 725. A 711 and a 721 may both be skinny jeans, but they sit differently at the waist. And if you have ever held up a 725 and a 726 wondering whether bootcut and flare are basically the same thing, they are not.

Once you know what each Levi's number means, shopping gets much easier. Instead of starting with a wall of washes and wondering which pair will work, you can start with the shape you want—and then choose the color, stretch and inseam that fit your wardrobe.

Now let us match every number to a specific pair currently selected from Vella Moda's Levi's assortment.

501: The iconic straight leg

The 501 is the starting point for anyone who wants classic denim without a skinny leg or a dramatic flare. The Vella Moda Levi's 501 Original Straight-Leg Jeans in Salsa Dark Wash have a high rise, a regular fit through the thigh and a clean straight leg. A button fly keeps the original 501 character intact.

This is the number for you if you want denim that feels timeless, looks polished with a tucked shirt and works just as easily with loafers as it does with boots. The dark wash makes this particular pair especially useful when you want your straight-leg jeans to feel elevated.

SHOP THE LEVI'S 501

711: The classic mid-rise skinny

The 711 is the answer for shoppers who like a skinny jean but do not want a high rise. It sits at a comfortable mid rise, stays slim through the hip and thigh and finishes with a skinny leg.

Our featured Levi's 711 Mid-Rise Skinny Jeans in Soft Black are the versatile option in this guide. The stretch denim moves with you while the black finish can go casual with a knit and loafers or sharper with a blouse and pointed-toe boots.

Choose the 711 when: your ideal skinny jean sits below a high-rise waistband and you want a streamlined leg from hip to ankle.

SHOP THE LEVI'S 711

720: The high-rise super skinny

The word super matters here. The 720 combines a high rise with Levi's closest super-skinny leg in this group. The fit stays slim through the hip and thigh before continuing into a narrow leg opening.

The featured Levi's 720 High-Rise Super Skinny Jeans in Black Squared are built for the shopper who wants a sleek, held-in silhouette and a clean black jean that slides easily into tall boots. The stretch construction keeps the close fit wearable instead of rigid.

Choose the 720 when: you want the highest, closest skinny silhouette among the 711, 720 and 721.

SHOP THE LEVI'S 720

721: The waist-defining high-rise skinny

The 721 is the middle ground for women who want a true high-rise skinny without stepping all the way into the 720's super-skinny shape. It defines the waist, stays close through the leg and gives you the familiar versatility of a classic skinny jean.

Our featured Levi's 721 High-Rise Skinny Jeans in Eternal Indigo Mid Wash bring that fit into an easy everyday blue. This is the pair to reach for when you want a clean high-rise silhouette that works with fitted tops, soft blouses, cropped jackets and nearly every shoe in your closet.

Choose the 721 when: you want a high-rise skinny, but prefer a classic skinny leg over the closest super-skinny option.

SHOP THE LEVI'S 721

725 vs. 726: Bootcut or flare?

This is the comparison most shoppers need—and the difference shows up below the knee.

725: The polished high-rise bootcut

The 725 sits high at the waist, stays slim through the hip and thigh and opens into a subtle bootcut. The result is balanced and leg-lengthening without becoming a statement flare.

The featured Levi's 725 High-Rise Bootcut Jeans in Eternal Indigo Mid Wash are the dependable choice for western boots, pointed-toe shoes and everyday outfits that need a little more shape than a straight leg. The medium wash keeps them easy to style while the bootcut creates a long, polished line.

Choose the 725 when: you want the waist definition of a high rise and enough room at the hem to work with boots—without a dramatic flare.

SHOP THE LEVI'S 725

726: The high-rise statement flare

The 726 keeps the high rise and close fit through the hip and thigh, then turns up the volume with a fuller flare. It creates more movement and more visual drama than the 725.

Our featured Levi's 726 High-Rise Flare Jeans in Black make that silhouette feel especially sharp. Wear them with a fitted top to let the flare lead, or add a bright blouse and a polished belt when you want a stronger night-out look.

Choose the 726 when: you want the jean to make the statement and prefer a fuller flare over a restrained bootcut.

SHOP THE LEVI'S 726

One last fit note before you order

A Levi's number identifies the fit family, but every wash is not automatically identical. Fabric composition, stretch, inseam options and current size availability can vary from one product to another. Check the details and available variants on the individual product page before choosing your pair.

Vella Moda accepts returns and exchanges within 14 days of delivery when merchandise is unworn and tags remain attached, so you can make your decision with the current policy clearly in mind.

Written by Brittney Reeves for The Vella Journal.