This site is not affiliated with Levi Strauss & Co. This guide explains how the brand’s sizing system works; for exact measurements, always check the brand’s own current size chart.
Levi’s women’s jeans are sized differently from most women’s clothing, which is why the Levi’s women’s jeans size chart confuses people. Instead of a single dress-size number, many styles carry two: a waist measurement and a length. Other styles use numeric sizes like the ones on a dress label, and some product pages show both. Once the system is clear, the chart is simple.
This guide explains how that system works, how to convert your usual size, and — the part a chart does not tell you — how the different fits change the size you need. More in our Size Guides section.
How Levi’s Women’s Sizing Works
Waist and Length Sizing
On many styles the label shows two numbers. The first is the waist in inches; the second is the length, meaning the inseam in inches. A label reading 27 × 30 is a 27-inch waist with a 30-inch inseam.
| On the label | What it means | How to check yours |
|---|---|---|
| W (first number) | Waist, in inches | Measure where the jeans will sit |
| L (second number) | Inseam length, in inches | Crotch to the hem you want |
| Short / Regular / Long | Length option on some styles | Compare with your inseam |
Numeric Sizing
Some styles use numeric sizes instead, the same system used for dresses and trousers. The brand’s size chart links each numeric size to a waist and hip measurement, and to its matching waist size.
Converting Your Usual Size
The reliable route is not converting from another brand’s label but from your own measurements. Measure your waist at the height the jeans will sit and your hips at the fullest point, then match them to the brand’s chart for the style you want.
The jeans converter turns your measurements into sizes across systems and shows how Levi’s compares with other denim brands in its brand table.
Not sure how to measure? Read how to measure for jeans first — it covers both measuring yourself and measuring a pair that already fits.
How the Fits Change Your Size
Levi’s sells women’s jeans in many fits, and the fit changes the size more than most people expect. Three things vary between them:
- Rise — high-rise fits sit near the natural waist, so they are sized to that measurement; lower rises sit lower and are sized to a larger measurement further down.
- Leg shape — skinny and slim fits are close through the thigh; straight, wide and relaxed fits have more room there.
- Fabric — rigid, non-stretch denim fits more tightly at first; stretch denim is comfortable immediately and relaxes more with wear.
Do Levi’s Run Small?
Many people find that rigid Levi’s styles feel snug when new, particularly at the waist and thigh, and that they relax with wear. Stretch styles usually feel closer to true to size from the start.
That means the answer depends on the fabric more than the brand. If a style is 100% cotton, expect a close fit at first; if it contains elastane, expect it to give. Our jeans size converter brand table records how Levi’s compares with other denim brands.
Measuring Before You Order
Five measurements decide the fit: waist, hip, inseam, rise and thigh. How to measure for jeans covers each one, and how jeans should fit explains what to check once they arrive. If you are tall, jeans for tall women covers inseam and rise; if you want to know which cut suits your proportions, see jeans for your body shape and the body shape calculator. Between sizes? Read what to do between sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Levi’s women’s jeans sizing work?
Many styles use a waist number and a length, such as 27 × 30. Some use numeric dress-style sizes. Check the specific style’s label and the brand’s size chart.
Do Levi’s run small?
Rigid, non-stretch styles often feel snug at first and relax with wear. Stretch styles usually fit closer to true to size from the start.
What length should I choose?
Measure your inseam from the crotch to where you want the hem, and consider the shoe you will wear most with them.
Should I size down in stretch denim?
Stretch denim relaxes with wear, so take the size that fits comfortably now rather than one that feels loose.
Is the Levi’s size chart the same in every country?
Waist and length numbers are generally consistent, but always check the size chart on the regional site you are ordering from.
For exact measurements, check the size chart on the official Levi’s website for your region. For background on the fabric itself, see denim.