Levi's Women's 501 Original Shorts (Also Available in Plus)

4.3 | 29,018 ratings

Price: 23.8

Last update: 08-29-2024

From the manufacturer

two models standing in front of white background

two models wearing 501 shorts, shown from the waist down

	501 Shorts	Mid Length Shorts See Details	High Rise Shorts See Details	High Waisted Mom Shorts See Details
Customer Reviews	28,808	14,619	4,317	1,149
Price	$31.34	—	—	—
Description	Flattering summer essential	An easy-to-style essential	Go-with-everything shorts	Summer staple from mom
Fit	Straight through hip & thigh	Slim through your thigh	Slim through your hip	Relaxed through your hip
Rise	High rise	Mid rise	High rise	High rise
Inseam	2.5"	4.5"	2.5"	3.5"
5-Pocket Styling	✔	✔	✔	✔

1 Find Your Perfect Fit 2 How to Measure 3 Women's Jeans 4 Women's Plus Jeans 5 Women's Tops & Truckers

denim fit guide: waist down images with fit descriptions

closely cropped image of couple wearing levis jeans and levis western shirt

Top reviews from the United States

Kelly M. Willford

Really cute! True to size!

Reviewed in the United States on July 29, 2024

I don’t usually write reviews, but I wanted to warn everyone not to size based on Amazon suggestion . These are old school, no stretch Levi’s . I normally wear a 2 or 4, xs or s. I sized up to a 4 based on Amazon’s suggestion, and they fit a little roomy. Since they’re original fabric, I’m a little concerned that they’ll stretch out through the day. I’ll update on that after I wear them. I’m fairly straight figured and don’t have a tiny waist compared to my hips, but the waist was roomy too. If you have an hourglass shape, the waist may gap.

Update—these hold shape really well and don’t stretch or sag throughout the day. I can get 2-3 wears between washings. I’m actually glad I got the 4 rather than the 2. They are comfortable from the time I take them out of the dryer to next wash.

Jess

Love!

Reviewed in the United States on August 13, 2024

Love these shorts! I purchased in the colors Dark Indigo Destructed and Darn It Now, both in size 28. I originally purchased a size 29 because the reviews said they run small & have no stretch, but they were too big. I returned & got a size 28. Reviews are right, there’s no stretch, especially in the waist. They are pretty comfortable, but again, no stretch in waste. The colors were exactly what I was looking. The distress is good, holes not too big.

Rawrr

Sizing seems to vary.

Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2024

I'm 5'5 115 lbs and usually a size 27 in levis, so that's what i got. I got them in "lunar black" and "black deconstructed." Not sure why, since both of these shorts are really similar except for one of them has more rips in them (I can't remember exactly what i was thinking at the time when i ordered, but LOL I do remember feeling ridiculously torn about which ones to get!).

Despite the fact that they're supposed to be the same size, the "black deconstructed" pair was too small for me (both too short and tight). They did seem to have a 2.5 inch inseam, so maybe they were just tighter in the waist and forced me to pull them up higher? I don't know, but they measured about 11inches long from the waist band to the bottom on the sides. They're really cute, but small enough that i had to return them. Still considering if it's worth ordering them in size 28 (since i'm keeping the other ones, probably not, but i also feel like i can never have too many pairs of shorts if i like them).

The size 27 "lunar black" shorts measure nearly 12 inches long with a nearly 3 inch inseam. They weren't as tight as the other pair and fit me like normal. You wouldn't think it from looking at them though (i don't know if it's the cut or whatever, but they LOOK like they should be shorter than the other pair). I hate that they have a button fly (i find them so annoying!!!) but i like the style enough to deal with it.

As for whether you should order up, Levis DOES advise sizing up with these. I ignored that, b/c I was worried that if i ordered these shorts too big they would look like a saggy diaper on me, but now i think one size bigger would be okay, so i say go for it. They are 100 percent cotton, so they'll loosen up with wear, but they could also shrink depending on how you wash.

Amazon Customer

Perfect fit!

Reviewed in the United States on August 9, 2024

I had to return and get a smaller size. I am glad I did because these do stretch out a little throughout the day. There is no stretch to them and are nice and thick denim..exactly what I was looking for! I have never worn jean shorts because none ever looked good on me..but when I got these I feel confident and have no issues wearing them in public.

Jenni Hoey

LOVE LOVE LOVE

Reviewed in the United States on July 20, 2024

I love these shorts! I wish i was rich enough to buy every single one of them in my size. So cute and not “too short”. I’m a mom of 3 so the button fly/high waist combo are wonderful to hold in the “mom pouch”. Only issue is sizing! I normally wear a 29 in jeans and read to size up. Ordered a 30 and they were still so uncomfortable. I returned and sized up again to a 31 and they fit perfectly. I do recommend getting the ones without lots of destruction, as those tend to get shorter as you wash them, but i loooooooove these now that i found my right size/style. They do “ride up” a bit in the crotch after sitting for long periods of time. Worth it in my opinion!

Trea

Runs small, very low buttons

Reviewed in the United States on July 23, 2024

Ordered these shorts based off size chart and measuring myself with a cloth tape. Arrived and did not fit - could only button two of the multitude of buttons (there is no zipper and the buttons go to near literal crotch territory). Ordered a size up. Those fit very snug on my butt and slightly snug on my thighs, but there is extra room in the waist. It could be a very harrowing day indeed if I even wanted to squeeze my phone in one of the pockets, which is a shame because the pockets are all decently sized/deep. Then I sat down… I have to pull the legs of the shorts up so they are not even touching my legs or else the lack of elasticity and tightness of the shorts on the thighs would probably at best bruise my thighs and at worst split the pants in half. However, the material feels like it’s decent quality, the note of no elasticity wasn’t a complaint, I prefer this. But if a company’s product isn’t going to match their size chart and doesn’t have the wiggle room from a little stretch, it makes the product a lot less appealing or a likely “go to.” The shorts are still comfy when standing, but near impossible to sit in comfortably.

These are SO cute!

Reviewed in the United States on August 7, 2024

These shorts are awesome! I bought a pair in black a year or so ago and I came back this year for more! I went on vacation where I knew it would be hot and these aren't suffocating my legs like some shorts do. I'm also a tall - 5'10" and lean woman and these are a great length for me while also staying "mom friendly"!

Yrma R Loja-Patino

So good!

Reviewed in the United States on August 4, 2024

Always loved Levis and needed a new pair of shorts since the other two pairs i own weren't fitting comfortably (somewhat tight/size 33). I ordered a size 34 in these shorts and they were a perfect fit! Not loose and definitely not too tight. These denim shorts don’t stretch so size up a size or two. I normally am a size 12/L

Best Sellers in

6 Pairs 14K Gold Hoop Earrings for Women Lightweight Chunky Hoop Earrings Multipack Hypoallergenic, Thick Open Twisted Huggie

4.5 2901

14.99

Levi's Women's 311 Shaping Skinny Jeans (Also Available in Plus)

4.4 19860

19.2

Fruit of the Loom Women's Breathable Underwear, Moisture Wicking Keeps You Cool & Comfortable, Available in Plus Size

4.6 62182

14.48

wernies No Show Socks Women Low Socks Non Slip Flat Boat Line 4/8 Pairs

4.5 81439

16.89

Womens Summer Dresses Beach Casual Loose Tshirt Floral Short Sleeve Flowy Pockets Sundresses

4.3 11717

15.83

Amazon Essentials Women's Classic-Fit Short-Sleeve V-Neck T-Shirt, Multipacks

4.4 50971

HORISUN Comfortable Seamless Full Coverage Bra for Women Wireless Bras with Soft Support Regular and Plus Size

4.1 798

19.99

Amazon Essentials Women's Cotton Bikini Brief Underwear (Available in Plus Size), Multipacks

4.4 141662

9.5