I Just Tried Levi's Best-Selling Jeans—These 6 Pairs Seriously Impressed Me

Although I own roughly 15 pairs of different jeans, I have a confession to make—I bought my first pair of Levi's this year. I know, I know, crazy right? As a fashion editor for over a decade, you would think I would own one of the most iconic denim brands of all time. I've admired them on other people for so long, I've even had them in my saved baskets online, but I've never gone through with actually securing a pair until recently. I visited the London Designer Outlet in Wembley for the first time and I found the '94 Baggy—one of Levi's most recognisable cuts—in-store at a discounted price. I would definitely recommend visiting the outlet to get some of the most iconic Levi's for less, and another tip is to hunt in vintage stores, too.

The thing is, I never really knew what style of Levi's to actually invest in. I've heard the Ribcage straight-leg pairs are the dream fit. I know that vintage Levi's 501 denim always looks effortless, but it wasn't until I tried them on myself that my penchant for baggier fits was confirmed. Still, there are so many pairs to try––including the new XL straight––which is why I decided to try all the pairs I've heard good things about from my fellow fashion editor friends to see what all the fuss is about.

I've come to this conclusion: If you want to wear Levi's jeans, then stick to these 5 types below. Now, excuse me while I make up for lost time and order them all. (And for reference, I'm a size 10, 5'4" and I usually opt for a 29 waist in denim).

The Best Levi's Jeans, Tested By a Fashion Editor

• The Wide-Leg Wonder: Levi's Ribcage Wide-Leg Jeans, £100
• The Original Icon: Levi's 501 90's Jeans, £100
• The '90s Fashion Hero: Levi's 94 Baggy Jeans, £100
• The Polished Staple: Levi's XL Straight Jeans, £100
• The Off-Duty Essential: Levi's Baggy Dad Jeans, £100

1. Levi's Ribcage Wide-Leg

Style Notes: Okay, okay, I get the hype! I've seen so many fashion editors and influencers wearing the 'Ribcage' styles, but this is the first time I've tried them for myself. My thoughts? They make my bum look good, my waist look smaller than it is and my legs look longer––what is this magic? If you're not into high-waisted pairs then these wouldn't be for you as they sit very high up to create all of these effects, but if you are, then I would highly recommend. I'm wearing a W29 and L32 and I would have probably gone for a slightly shorter leg so I can wear them with flats. I can only imagine how long my legs would look if I style them with heels, though.

Who What Wear UK's Editor in Chief, Hannah Almassi, wears Levi's Ribcage jeans with a white ruffled shirt and strappy black heels. "I’ve been living in my pair of Levi’s Ribcage jeans non-stop," Almassi says. "From playdates with my five-year-old to days spent on photoshoots, I keep returning to this pair!"

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2. Levi's 501 Original

Style Notes: When you think of a pair of jeans, it's most likely Levi's 501 Originals that call to mind. Officially, the world's first pair of blue jeans, the design was introduced in 1873 with the same five-button fly and deep pockets that are still present today. A mainstay in charity shops and vintage boutiques, Who What Wear SEO writer Ava Gilchrist argues that there is nothing quite like breaking in a pair of Levi's 501 yourself. "Consider it a rite of passage, with each wear shaping and forming to your own physique," she explains. "They're quite tight at first, but nothing a few precautionary lunges and squats can't help shape out," she adds. "I personally believe that you have to mould Levi's 501s to get the perfect fit—this gruelling task can't be outsourced or shopped second hand because you just won't have that perfect 'waist snatching' and 'bum lifting' effect that we love about the brand. Plus, there's nothing more iconic than owning a pair loved and adored by Fran Lebowitz, Hailey Bieber and Patti Smith."

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3. Levis' 501 90's

Style Notes: Following the originals, the 501 90's is probably the most iconic Levi's style. It first came out in, you guessed it, the 1990's, which was a mere 126 years after the debut style. Since then, they've been a staple pair in most people's wardrobes, but not mine. I feel like I've missed out all this time, as they're just the perfect pair to wear as part of your everyday uniform. Not too fitted, and not too loose, this cropped style is the ideal length for me (I'm wearing a 29 waist and they're the ankle length pair. I wouldn't want this style any smaller as they're a thicker, more structured denim, and there's nothing worse than too-tight jeans. )

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4. Levi's Baggy '94

Style Notes: These are the jeans I bought––in two washes––from the London Designer Outlet in Wembley. I sized up to a 30 waist so they sit low on the hips and have a slouchier fit, and I went for a leg length 31. I love a turned up hem so this was the perfect length to be able to wear them slightly bunched up at the bottom or turned up, depending on which shoe I wear. Since getting them, I've worn them at least twice a week, every week. I love how they're similar to a straight leg pair in the legs, and taper in towards the ankle so they're not super wide-leg which can make me appear shorter.

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5. Levi's XL Straight

Style Notes: This is a new style from Levi's, and I'm a fan. I'm wearing a W29 but I would 100% go for a 28 as they would look better more fitted at the waist. I'm wearing a L33 here but as you can see, they're too long for my 5'4" frame so I would go for a 31. The loose-fit is very 2025 and I would style them with a roll neck knit and cropped jacket or with a trench coat. They would also look so good with a pointed-toe heel for evening in a slightly darker wash.

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6. Levi's Baggy Dad

Style Notes: Let me start off by declaring that I love this style. This is a W29 and L32 and although I could have probably gone for a shorter leg, I don't mind it puddling at the bottom. I would have however sized down to a 28 waist to make them more fitted on the waist. These are the softest denim so don't feel uncomfortable to wear, they don't feel too tight on the crotch (a pet hate of mine) thanks to the slouchier silhouette and they're just a super easy everyday pair.

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