Michael, first, great video! After watching this I purchased a pair of 501s and the 13MWZ to compare. I'm wondering, did you end up having to size down on the length/inseam for the Wranglers? Or did they shrink down? I'm finding them way longer than the 501s at the same length (resulting in a stacked look). I could size down, I'm just wondering if you sized down compared to the Levi's or if yours just aren't stacking?
Levi ceo came out as anti-2A a couple of years ago. I used to only wear Levi, now I don’t care if they’re the best jeans ever at the lowest price ever, I don’t do business with Levi. And neither should you.
I’ve worn Levi’s my whole life. I recently purchased a pair of wrangler cowboy cut. After a few wears I don’t think I would ever by Levi’s again. The thicker wrangler denim made Levi’s feel cheap, wrangler also fit so much better
Wrangler Jeans are crap. I have had two pair split adjacent to the crotch in the last few months, just squatting. No, never any bleach used. They are just crap jeans. Going back to Levi. Yes, I liked the price, but nearly new jeans being thrown away is a lot worse than a bit higher price. They are in no way work jeans, they are like for asphalt cowboys or something.
This was a good review. I have worn Wranglers all my life. In Texas, it’s the norm with boots. I added several 501 pairs in the 90s for high school and college when I was wearing sneakers more. As I got older, 501 shrink to fit became a staple but the Wranglers were always more comfortable. The higher pockets keep me from sitting on my stuff. When I see guys wearing other jeans with low pockets, there’s a slight crease about 1/3 up from the pocket bottom just from normal movement. That always bugged me. And if I remember correctly, Wrangler jeans raised the pockets to better fit with a saddle as cowboys were their target audience. If it makes my butt look better, I can appreciate that.
Wrangler classic cuts are god tier, especially for ballsack and dump truck space compared to anything Levi's. Also the softness and thickness are better when you would usually think you cannot have softer jeans if their material is thicker
The denim’s definitely more substantial on the Wranglers for sure…however, the denim itself isn’t designed to fade the same way as other raw denims, which I learned on the denimhunters podcast. Iron Hearts, Oni’s, Tanukis for example have denim which is milled to fade, and is heavyweight…obviously. Ive had good luck fading Levi’s STFs, and I agree, I think the silhouette is more universal and flattering
The Levi’s fit are more for the regular person, I think Wrangler’s fit are meant for freedom of movement and just meant in general for bigger people. Its the same any other kind of work pant.
I found the main difference between Levi's and Wranglers is seams.The Wranglers inside leg has the smoother hidden seam that doesn't wear out and is way more comfortable when riding .I don't know of any other jeans that have that feature.I discovered this 50 years ago after wearing out a pair of Levi's riding horses every day.I wear Wranglers still but agree I would like them darker. Keep up the good work 👍 Mike
@@coke8077 My 505s (especially the ones made in mexico from what ive found) fit my muscular quads really well while still being a flattering mild taper and overall tailored shape to my body. But I wouldnt want to do physical labor in them because that fitted shape squeezes in all the wrong places when squatting and bending deep. The Wranglers looks sloppy especially in the upper thigh but are way better work pants BECAUSE OF THIS. I think many of us are forgetting jeans started as work pants and have been shoehorned into the fashion role, where they mostly fit in but not entirely.
The cowboy cut’s pockets sit higher so that whatever you put in them is accessible while you are sitting (hypothetically, on a horse). The wranglers also have a double stitched outer seam, which the levi’s don’t. I put a pair of cowboy cuts and STF’s through the ringer in agricultural work over the last couple years, and have to say I prefer wranglers. The pocket positioning serves a practical purpose, they fade much faster, and they are tougher.
I’m lucky I bought over a dozen of 80’s and 90’s Levi’s 501s off eBay 15-20 years ago. (Around $15-30 each). I love the higher back pockets. I’m gonna be sad when they wear out.
@@kevinomalley1145 thanks! I’ll go check it out. Coincidentally, earlier today Ebay emailed me to login to keep my account active since it has been several years since I sold or purchased there.
I am a clothing reseller, vtg 501s are around 20-30 dollars used on ebay. They're not that popular of a cut either so you should be easily able to find them vs other cuts like 513, 527 or 560s. Also I have a complaint about this video, you can't just compare 501s to Wrangler and make these criticisms about levis pocket height with only one cut. Levis is amazing because it has multiple cuts and a lot of the issues he complains about are eliminated with 560s. On top of that Levis has the made and crafted line which is imo the best Jean you can possibly get for life as long as the cut suits you. They are selvedge, made in japan with a tencell cotton blend.
I’m 59 and wore Levi’s all my life until I switched to Wrangler about 5 years ago. I wash them inside out and hang dry them. I also iron them inside out. I agree that the indigo should be darker.
I usually wear Wrangler blue jeans. I needed a new pair of jeans (I am losing weight and my old pair were getting too big). The store that I buy jeans at didn't have my size in stock so I decided to try Levi's. I found a pair that fitted perfectly so I bought them. When I got home, I washed them like I have always done and they shrunk to the point where I could not wear them. I never had this problem with Wrangler blue jeans. I ended up donating the Levi blue jeans to my local thrift store (St Vincent de Paul Thrift Store). I will now stick with Wranglers.
been wearing either Wrangler, Levi's and Arinzoa jeans everyday for 23yrs .... Wrangler diffidently the most comfortable but other two still good i just buy which ever is on a deepest sale during the time
my dad's a farmer, he switched to wrangler a while ago after I ordered him a pair. a few months later he brought them to me and I ordered like 6 of them at once haha
I still think that if a denim head that just wants basics or even just a person who want a couple pairs of jeans should consider Levi’s, Wrangler, and Lee. All classics, all affordable, and if you just wear them and care for them normally they’ll last a really long time
I adore the fit of my Levi 541s. They always look so good. Unfortunately, I have bigger thighs, and my Levis last only 2-3 years before the friction from me walking causes the denim in the groin/down the thigh to fall apart. It's very unfortunate. I've moved on to heavier denims to avoid this, but I can't find the fit I like in the heritage denim space. It's depressing lmao.
@@reezethevampire there are an insane amount of fits in the heritage denim space, but it seems hard to get proper athletic fits. Nick at Stridewise has found a couple and if you trust your tailor then you can go the route I took which is just find the right fit for the top block and crotch-ular region and get everything else tapered to your own spec. That might mean some really big straight fits like Strong Guy from N&F
@@riftsxp regardless they still are one of THE heritage denim brands. They’re super cheap and they’re worth getting if you have a small rotation of basics
This is great timing for me since I've personally been going down a 501 vs Cowboy Cut rabbit hole myself. I think I land in the same place where I prefer the 501 STF but wish they could adopt the best parts of the Wranglers. If the Wrangler "rigid" is too light of an indigo color (it nearly is for me), it turns out they made Cowboy Cut "Silver Edition" jeans in a much darker, but rinsed, denim. There's not a lot of stock left of them out there, and you have to deal with a very embarrassing sparkling silver Wrangler logo, but they're much closer in tone to the 501 STF.
i won’t buy levi’s anymore unless i find old ones at a thrift store. both brands are selling this idea of american heritage but don’t make jeans in the US anymore, but at least wrangler passes along the savings to customers. levi’s selling jeans made overseas for $80 is offensive. wrangler jeans are just much better quality as well.
For that price, I switched to All-american clothing jeans and never looked back. If I am going to go with mainstream brand jeans, it will not be Levi after seeing how much longer Wrangler lasts; having said that, I prefer the all American clothing jeans.
I bought wranglers for the first time in February, i dont think ill get a different pair of jeans anytime soon, the fit and feel is just beyong anything else I've bought before. I wear work clothes mostly so I'm not in my own clothes for most of the time but I love my pairs of Wrangler.
Started younger life a Levi guy. Started wearing wrangler in late 20s and never went back. Same with the jackets. Wranglers look better last longer especially if your lifestyle is outside doing man things
@@rogerstern2542 Have you ever used your Wrangler jacket to beat the remains of a campfire or burning grass out, like they did in the old cowboy films.? When I lived on the farm, we used them several times and after a few washes their was hardly a mark on them.
As someone in bullriding and rodeo, pro rodeos have always been the best jeans for work, rodeo, etc. but starting off they’re so rough. Takes half a year of wearing before they soften up and are comfortable. And they don’t look great for anything other that rodeo or work. Levis come in better colors, softer,(and less durable) more comfortable, but they do rip easier. Wrangler for rodeo, horseback riding, work etc, Levis for fun, a date, dressing up, etc.
I lived in Canada for 7 straight years and I wore 13 MWZs all day every day for work in construction. Theyre tough as nails. Now, I live in India and they don't sell these here. Such a shame. Miss my 13 Mwz Also, I absolutely love your content. Subbed 🤗
The toughest and most comfortable jeans I've ever worn are from Uniqlo. I tear through clothes and shoes with my no-car, walk everywhere lifestyle. My 14 year old Uniqlo jeans are still in better condition than most newer jeans in my wardrobe. Highly recommended!
A fashion video that's relevant for me (someone who pretty much only wears jeans and t-shirts)! Granted, all my jeans are Levi's and I probably won't be buying any new pairs any time soon, but it's good to know.
Folks, pls look into the Levi’s 517 boot cut. Thick denim and sturdier than Roman Coliseum. A well made pair of jeans for work and every day use. They are slightly wider for easy boot use. I live in Southern Cali where we get heats up to 120, and they are comfortable around the family jewels and tough while working at construction sights, and good looking when going out on a date with the “wifey”.👍🏽👍🏽
I’m 53 and kind of skinny in the lower body -22” thighs and not much backside. My go-to jeans are STF 501s….I have more pairs than I care to admit. Also 5 or so pairs of 505s. A year ago I added 2 pairs of rigid wrangler cowboy cut. These are my observations: The wrangler denim is indeed thicker 14.5oz vs 12oz. When asked, my wife and several other close friends have said the 501s are the most flattering on me. The wranglers are quite snug. The pockets are tiny and can barely fit a modern size phone. I have to have empty pockets when I get into my SUV. Still, after many washes, they have finally taken to my shape. They have a place in my rotation. 501s are less snug, then the 505s are fairly loose and probably the most comfortable.
I have worn both Wrangler and Levi’s all my life ( I’m almost 80 now ) I quit Levi’s decades ago because they quit selling them in truck stops. They said it “ wasn’t their target customer” never bought another thing with a Levi’s brand, never will. Wranglers always fit better anyway.
Living in NYC, I never knew that all this time. Levi's political lobbying strongly indicates they are moving away from the Middle America type demographic, and come to think of it I don't think they have used a cowboys-and-trucks type thematic appeal as long as I can remember (I'm about 30-40 years younger than you), except only occasionally in the most superficial way in the occasional commercial. It's always Wrangler that sponsors rodeo and so forth. Other work brands like Carhartt can become "hipster" darlings but always hit the worker angle hard in ads which is good even for hipsters; Levi's basically is a competitor with Calvin Klein at this point; they are sold as such in department stores in Manhattan.
I've been needing to get some new jeans, don't have the money for fancy denim-head stuff but was going to check between wranglers or Levi's I can get on sale nearby..... was thinking about this literally moments before this was posted.
I’m just here with my multiple pairs of George brand jeans from Walmart that have been as tough as Wranglers and incredibly comfortable for many years with no sign of coming close to giving up yet and look good dressed up or down. Price is deceptively low for this brand as well.
Hi, also one think which wasn't mentioned in the video if i'm right, but plays a huge role for me is the amount of belt loops on Wrangler jeans. As someone who loves to wear my jeans with a belt, this is a small but neat detail that makes me love my Wranglers even more 💙
Great video, you did a great job of presenting the info in a fun, humorous and enteraining way. I love the fact you did a cheeky watch reveal. I was trying to get a a clear view of the watch the whole time to see what it was and you read my mind:) Lovely time piece! Talking jeans I prefer the colour of levi's and the look of the denim, Levi's just looks more textured with the light sandy grain that shows through the blue, the wrangler show this too but seems more uniformly coloured and flat. I'll have to grab and pair to see how they fit and look in person.
I used to buy nothing but Levi 501 back in the 80’s and 90’s because they lasted, and they were affordable. I had been buying nothing but Wrangler jeans (not the cowboy cut) for the same reason, but they suddenly seem to be hard to find.
Were those Pacific North West (PNW)boots in the back!? 😮 @0:46 Looked like Nicks, but could be JKs or Whites jaja. Looking forward to a review. I’ve had my eye on them, and I’d love to hear your opinion. Also, gotta love the previous video of cutting down and more boots showing up. I swear they multiply.
as some one that works a blue collar job and puts there jeans through hell, at Walmart get the George brand before getting any thing else wrangle lasts a few months and the George ones are still goin strong a few years later my left pocket thigh area takes it the worst and the wranglers rip super fast
I’d like to echo this. Though I no longer have a hard-working, blue-collar job, I certainly give jeans a workout outdoors or at least yard work and underneath a couple of cars here and there and still want and need the jeans (to save money) to look good otherwise. Walmart’s George brand has always been comfortable and looks good and lasts at a much lower price! As fall and winter is coming on, my few pairs of George brand jeans, plus the other(s) I’ll likely buy will be my go-tos…. Looking and feeling great with a leather coat, just a tee and hoodie, with a button up and thick, casual sport coat, or as a perfect companion to a quality wool pea coat. I’m no dummy. I can be fashionable, be a guy, and not pay a ton of money to be comfy and look good! Cheers, gentlemen!
I've switched between Wrangler and Levis for a while now. My conclusion is , Wrangler win on comfort,price and quality,but Levis win on style and have a slightly more rock n roll look to them and they fit me better, so it's Levis for the win, In my opinion of course.
No doubts about wrangler.I was checking my old levis from eities and nities and it was no less than 14 stf oz you cud tell them to walk,and wrangler was down at the time...i have two wrangler mwz cowboy cut and a bunch of selvedge and a new lvc 47 bat no doubts wrangler stronger
I've worn Levi's and Wranglers both my whole life. I prefer the Levi's over the Wrangler all day/every day. I will say this though, I love the Retro line of Wrangler jeans.
You have some facts wrong. Levi’s used to use heavier denim similar to Wrangler, but have been using lower quality denim for the last 25+ years because they are a greedy sham of their former selves.
I wear wrangler 13mwz jeans seven days a week. And have for thirty years. I have several times tried levis for construction work( welding,pipe fitting,underground pipe, and fire sprinkler. Levis are good for about one year if you have them mixed in with about ten other pairs of jeans. After that, the knees will be paper thin and the crotch will bust. Levis are for show. Designer wear.
This is my first time learning of right hand twill and I’ve always hated it when my jeans wold wind up crooked. I just always assumed it was poor quality material and construction.
Have you compared the Wrangler five star premium relaxed fit to Levi's ? Wrangler also has a relaxed fur with a little stretch to it. I just purchased a pair from Wranglers site for $20, plus tax, shipping, totalled $29.92. Levi's are quite a bit more expensive. I wouldn't buy them at Walmart.
I've had sizing issues with Wrangler in the past. Last time I bought a pair I went for 32/34, which is my usual size. Those were too long so I swapped them for 32/32. That was about three years ago. Fast forward to last week, I order another pair (different model) in 32/32 - turns out they're too short. Swapped them for 32/34.
What do you mean by "didn't dry them" around 10:49? Sure, don't toss them in the drier, but how should I dry them? Hang them up outside? Hang them up inside?
Beckett Simonon really has some great boots for a good price. I'd be interested in seeing what's on the inside, Mr Weston the boot sawyer, needs to get on these.
Woah I had no idea Michael had his own channel! I've been watching Theo & Harris vids for a while now, and just stumbled across this video randomly when looking up Levis 501 fit comparisons
Have yet to watch the video, and I love all your content, but I find that Levis are almost always on sale and never "really" sold at MSRP or sticker price. I have two pairs of Levi 501s bought in the last year which I got for $30-35 each since they were doing sales or clearances or whatever else. I don't know about Wrangler. But Levis is one of those companies whose sticker price is never what you should actually pay for the watch, kind of like Bulova is for watches
Worn both.cowboy cut are rough if you have big thighs but still outlast a newer Levi,but a original thicker Levi is a better option for everyday. But if wearing boots wrangler all the way.
I had to stop by Levi's because their sizes are all jacked up. I've got 5O1s AND 569s that I bought probably 10 years ago that are 38x34 fours that I can still wear today. I recently went to buy some newer ones and I sized up and they were too small. The materials different. The fit was different. I've got a picture somewhere of my old jeans with the new jeans laying on top of them and the new jeans are shorter and narrower even though they were a 40 by 34.
just checked my old amazon orders and i paid £16,11 for dark stone wranglers the last time ....now there £96,49.....bloody youtube fashion channels making things popular that should never be.....i wear them cos there the best motorcycle pants money can buy....or they was.......love the black whiskey colour
Levi’s are way more versatile as far as style or fashion goes. They can be worn tight or loose, long or short and even cuffed. I’ve never seen anybody wearing short, cuffed or loose wranglers. As far as the “butt factor” for Wrangler's, they have to be worn very tight.
holy f, I swear I've been buying 501's stf for the last few years and noticed how the right leg specifically was twisted. Now it still might be a QC issues since I noticed it before washing, but still, never knew the fact it was right hand twill could cause the leg to twist like that
I've been struggling with getting good fits with levi's lately and I switched to lucky brand and once I get to a healthier weight, I'll be looking at buying higher quality stuff
Отлично ,что заметили разную высоту задних карманов. Я был удивлен но у моих 501 из 80-90 годов карманы высоко. А вот у современных 501 ' 93 и made & crafted 1980 низко опущены . У levis есть музей с винтажными образцами ,а они не сильно по этому поводу переживают и шьют новый fit добавляя модные слова 1980 или 1993 а по факту это современные джинсы
One little thing that you missed… The Wrangler Cowboy Fit was designed for cowboys. When you are sitting in a saddle, the low Levi pockets will be either useless or force you to sit on your wallet. The higher Wrangler pockets are more comfortable and accessible. I think miners wore Levi’s, and were squatting a lot. I do agree, though, that the higher pockets look better. Of course, Wrangler also makes non-cowboy jeans, too.
I stopped buying and wearing Levi's in the 1990s when I found out they were contributing massive amounts of money to anti-2A organizations, and working actively to deprive Americans of their Constitutional Rights. I've been buying Wranglers ever since. It's good to know that not only are they better for my Liberty, but they are also better jeans...
I sized up 2 from my usual 32 to a 34 waist for 501 stf’s, but it took an hour’s wash cycle at 90C (194F) for the waist to shrink 2”. The top block is still too baggy! Update: I went as far as nearly boiling them for 2 hrs, and they fit now. Must be because I’m quite thin that I don’t really fill out the top block 🤷🏻♂️
From Buffalo, N.Y. Thanks for the information. I'm 69 years old and I've always wore Wrangler over Levies. Wrangler seemed to fit better and as you said, the rear pockets looked very sloppy with the saging rear pockets. I found Wrangler fit better and were more comfortable. I wear sport coats with the Wranglers.
levi's is all about geometry..in case you were wandering the back pockets are always at the same height with the front pockets... also the outside line of the back pockets is aligned with the belt loop above it...the inside. line of the back pocket is pointing either at the lower stich of the central belt loop (in older levis 501) either at the higher stich (in modern levis)..and that's the secret of their beauty...geometry... trust me i'm greek..lol
makes sense now that i think about it cos' in post 2012 Levis, the front and rear pockets are not as deep which is annoying for someone with larger hands.
levi's are my go to even though i know i can get better quality with wrangler or almost any other brand i just found that levi's fit me exactly how i want them to
Interesting video. There is one difference that you don't mention: quality standards. I worked in a factory and we had an order of Levi's one time. The quality standard that Levi demanded was unreal. Nearly 10X any other brands. I like both Levi's and Wrangler products. But one of the reasons Levi's cost more is quality.
@@mmm-mmm Experience is everything. That's the only way you learn. I know it was a long time ago and things do change. BUT, in your review. did you pull 100's of jeans to test? I use to pull 100's of jeans on a daily basis and I was one of many inspectors. Huge difference.
Funnily enough, I'm satisfied by every Levi's product I have bought so far, except their jeans. Levi's polos for exemple are as good as Lacoste's for a quarter of the price. (in France) Only issue is you don't get as many colors available.
At 76 yrs old , I've bought Levi's 517 boot cut jeans for decades. When they went from 7 belt loops to 5, I was done. Their quality also went downhill about the same time. Wranglers for me from now on.
Pockets on Wrangler Cowboy cut jeans look very small in person and major problem is that the legs don't tapper, even on their slim cut jeans. I believe the older ones that were made in USA had bigger rear pockets, with real leather patch and tapered to 8.5 inches after wash. If balling on budget (or not), I would take GAP jeans over Wrangler's or Levi's!
Maybe try shrink to fit 501s and compare them to rigid wrangler cowboy cut. I find the rigid jeans darker and they aren't pre washed like the ones you tried
You are so right Wrangler cowboy with darker denim or different washes would win, but Levi denim just has a classic look for everyday wear. Wrangler cowboy cut is hands down the best work jean value wise. The non stf definitely looked better than the stf.
I LOVE EDGYALBERT, IVE LITERALLY BEEN OBSESSING OVER HIS STYLE FOR A COUPLE WEEKS NOW, BRO IS THE REASON WHY I WENT AND BOUGHT NEW JEANS. HE'S THE REASON WHY I'VE SPIRALED INTO THE DEMIN RABBITHOLE AND FOUND YOU
I swear there is actually a video coming out on the vlog channel THIS SATURDAY: th-cam.com/channels/sRHbcs4E7rvtoOrJ_L_y3g.html
Oh, I get it. I'm a relatively new viewer and this is a bit I'm not familiar with 😭
@@JJJJammy no I’m just behind :(
@@TheIronSnailkeep at it pal. I’ll wait patiently and enjoy it when it’s ready :)
I used to prefer Levi's 501s, now I prefer Wrangler jeans. ❤
Michael, first, great video!
After watching this I purchased a pair of 501s and the 13MWZ to compare. I'm wondering, did you end up having to size down on the length/inseam for the Wranglers? Or did they shrink down? I'm finding them way longer than the 501s at the same length (resulting in a stacked look). I could size down, I'm just wondering if you sized down compared to the Levi's or if yours just aren't stacking?
I think Levi’s suffered the curse of THE BRAND and started making jeans around their brand instead of just making the quality product that is JEANS
so lower quality at a higher price?
rip, went the way of vans, converse, doc martens and soon eddie bauer
Levi ceo came out as anti-2A a couple of years ago.
I used to only wear Levi, now I don’t care if they’re the best jeans ever at the lowest price ever, I don’t do business with Levi. And neither should you.
@@rholmstad hominem
I still prefer Levis. They just fit better. I have no idea why, but they must have better fit models or something.
I’ve worn Levi’s my whole life. I recently purchased a pair of wrangler cowboy cut. After a few wears I don’t think I would ever by Levi’s again. The thicker wrangler denim made Levi’s feel cheap, wrangler also fit so much better
@@mmm-mmm that’s a weird question
@@mmm-mmm you’re missing the point of the original comment. I’ve always liked Levi’s but now I prefer wranglers. Im not telling you my age lol
@@mmm-mmm you’re still missing the point bro. I’m saying I’ve always liked Levi’s but in 2023 I like wranglers better. Go touch grass
@@mmm-mmm You're logic makes no sense man.
@@mmm-mmm dude you are weird... who gives a shit how old he is.
Thanks for being you, mate
your welcum
@@26155101 cry more
Wrangler Jeans are crap. I have had two pair split adjacent to the crotch in the last few months, just squatting. No, never any bleach used. They are just crap jeans. Going back to Levi. Yes, I liked the price, but nearly new jeans being thrown away is a lot worse than a bit higher price. They are in no way work jeans, they are like for asphalt cowboys or something.
This was a good review. I have worn Wranglers all my life. In Texas, it’s the norm with boots. I added several 501 pairs in the 90s for high school and college when I was wearing sneakers more. As I got older, 501 shrink to fit became a staple but the Wranglers were always more comfortable. The higher pockets keep me from sitting on my stuff. When I see guys wearing other jeans with low pockets, there’s a slight crease about 1/3 up from the pocket bottom just from normal movement. That always bugged me. And if I remember correctly, Wrangler jeans raised the pockets to better fit with a saddle as cowboys were their target audience. If it makes my butt look better, I can appreciate that.
Everybody wears Wranglers down here. I used to play in hardcore and metal bands, and some of us wore Wranglers with our Vans and Nikes haha
Wrangler classic cuts are god tier, especially for ballsack and dump truck space compared to anything Levi's. Also the softness and thickness are better when you would usually think you cannot have softer jeans if their material is thicker
The denim’s definitely more substantial on the Wranglers for sure…however, the denim itself isn’t designed to fade the same way as other raw denims, which I learned on the denimhunters podcast. Iron Hearts, Oni’s, Tanukis for example have denim which is milled to fade, and is heavyweight…obviously. Ive had good luck fading Levi’s STFs, and I agree, I think the silhouette is more universal and flattering
@@calirons2476 Interesting! I guess that’s what I meant with “intentional fading”
You are correct! They are meant to be hard to fade so you can wear them at work longer.
The Levi’s fit are more for the regular person, I think Wrangler’s fit are meant for freedom of movement and just meant in general for bigger people. Its the same any other kind of work pant.
I found the main difference between Levi's and Wranglers is seams.The Wranglers inside leg has the smoother hidden seam that doesn't wear out and is way more comfortable when riding .I don't know of any other jeans that have that feature.I discovered this 50 years ago after wearing out a pair of Levi's riding horses every day.I wear Wranglers still but agree
I would like them darker.
Keep up the good work 👍 Mike
@@coke8077 My 505s (especially the ones made in mexico from what ive found) fit my muscular quads really well while still being a flattering mild taper and overall tailored shape to my body. But I wouldnt want to do physical labor in them because that fitted shape squeezes in all the wrong places when squatting and bending deep. The Wranglers looks sloppy especially in the upper thigh but are way better work pants BECAUSE OF THIS. I think many of us are forgetting jeans started as work pants and have been shoehorned into the fashion role, where they mostly fit in but not entirely.
The cowboy cut’s pockets sit higher so that whatever you put in them is accessible while you are sitting (hypothetically, on a horse). The wranglers also have a double stitched outer seam, which the levi’s don’t. I put a pair of cowboy cuts and STF’s through the ringer in agricultural work over the last couple years, and have to say I prefer wranglers. The pocket positioning serves a practical purpose, they fade much faster, and they are tougher.
My dad was a Levi's exclusive customer. But as styles changed, and his body, Wranglers became his go-to. My dad wears jeans only rain or shine.
ggayyy
@@astroboirapI think his dad is straight dude
@@astroboirapyour profile pic is gay
I’m lucky I bought over a dozen of 80’s and 90’s Levi’s 501s off eBay 15-20 years ago. (Around $15-30 each). I love the higher back pockets. I’m gonna be sad when they wear out.
They still have thousands of 80s and 90s Levi's on eBay for that price.
@@kevinomalley1145 thanks! I’ll go check it out. Coincidentally, earlier today Ebay emailed me to login to keep my account active since it has been several years since I sold or purchased there.
I am a clothing reseller, vtg 501s are around 20-30 dollars used on ebay. They're not that popular of a cut either so you should be easily able to find them vs other cuts like 513, 527 or 560s. Also I have a complaint about this video, you can't just compare 501s to Wrangler and make these criticisms about levis pocket height with only one cut. Levis is amazing because it has multiple cuts and a lot of the issues he complains about are eliminated with 560s. On top of that Levis has the made and crafted line which is imo the best Jean you can possibly get for life as long as the cut suits you. They are selvedge, made in japan with a tencell cotton blend.
Bro you gotta stick those in a glass box to never be touched again.
They dont have to ever wear out. Just dont put them in the drier.
I’m 59 and wore Levi’s all my life until I switched to Wrangler about 5 years ago. I wash them inside out and hang dry them. I also iron them inside out. I agree that the indigo should be darker.
I usually wear Wrangler blue jeans. I needed a new pair of jeans (I am losing weight and my old pair were getting too big). The store that I buy jeans at didn't have my size in stock so I decided to try Levi's. I found a pair that fitted perfectly so I bought them. When I got home, I washed them like I have always done and they shrunk to the point where I could not wear them. I never had this problem with Wrangler blue jeans. I ended up donating the Levi blue jeans to my local thrift store (St Vincent de Paul Thrift Store). I will now stick with Wranglers.
been wearing either Wrangler, Levi's and Arinzoa jeans everyday for 23yrs .... Wrangler diffidently the most comfortable but other two still good i just buy which ever is on a deepest sale during the time
The Project Farm made a shootout of jeans for work and Wrangler came out definitely stronger than Levi's.
my dad's a farmer, he switched to wrangler a while ago after I ordered him a pair. a few months later he brought them to me and I ordered like 6 of them at once haha
I was sure you were going to pull some unwashed selvedge jeans out of the freezer compartment.
I still think that if a denim head that just wants basics or even just a person who want a couple pairs of jeans should consider Levi’s, Wrangler, and Lee. All classics, all affordable, and if you just wear them and care for them normally they’ll last a really long time
I adore the fit of my Levi 541s. They always look so good. Unfortunately, I have bigger thighs, and my Levis last only 2-3 years before the friction from me walking causes the denim in the groin/down the thigh to fall apart. It's very unfortunate. I've moved on to heavier denims to avoid this, but I can't find the fit I like in the heritage denim space. It's depressing lmao.
@@reezethevampire there are an insane amount of fits in the heritage denim space, but it seems hard to get proper athletic fits. Nick at Stridewise has found a couple and if you trust your tailor then you can go the route I took which is just find the right fit for the top block and crotch-ular region and get everything else tapered to your own spec. That might mean some really big straight fits like Strong Guy from N&F
@@reezethevampirei have the same issue. Adding two inches to the length has helped so far.
@@riftsxp regardless they still are one of THE heritage denim brands. They’re super cheap and they’re worth getting if you have a small rotation of basics
I just buy basic walmart or target jeans. i usually spend like $20 on jeans, $15 on a shirt, but some of my shoes cost around $150..
This is great timing for me since I've personally been going down a 501 vs Cowboy Cut rabbit hole myself. I think I land in the same place where I prefer the 501 STF but wish they could adopt the best parts of the Wranglers.
If the Wrangler "rigid" is too light of an indigo color (it nearly is for me), it turns out they made Cowboy Cut "Silver Edition" jeans in a much darker, but rinsed, denim. There's not a lot of stock left of them out there, and you have to deal with a very embarrassing sparkling silver Wrangler logo, but they're much closer in tone to the 501 STF.
i won’t buy levi’s anymore unless i find old ones at a thrift store. both brands are selling this idea of american heritage but don’t make jeans in the US anymore, but at least wrangler passes along the savings to customers. levi’s selling jeans made overseas for $80 is offensive. wrangler jeans are just much better quality as well.
Quality wise levis today are not levis of the past, wranglers run rings around levis quality and fit, although fit may vary depending on body form.
For that price, I switched to All-american clothing jeans and never looked back. If I am going to go with mainstream brand jeans, it will not be Levi after seeing how much longer Wrangler lasts; having said that, I prefer the all American clothing jeans.
@@peterliemareff8894I also switched to all American clothing, domestic quality without insane prices is hard to beat
I only buy levis if theys on sale and worth it, and thats damn near never.
@@craigthemonke794 recently got a pair of 501STFs and they are with the $50 I spent when they were on sale.
I bought wranglers for the first time in February, i dont think ill get a different pair of jeans anytime soon, the fit and feel is just beyong anything else I've bought before. I wear work clothes mostly so I'm not in my own clothes for most of the time but I love my pairs of Wrangler.
I had the same experience
You should take a look at the Wrangler denim jackets as well. Amazing quality and nearly half the cost of Levi.
Started younger life a Levi guy. Started wearing wrangler in late 20s and never went back. Same with the jackets. Wranglers look better last longer especially if your lifestyle is outside doing man things
@@rogerstern2542 Have you ever used your Wrangler jacket to beat the remains of a campfire or burning grass out, like they did in the old cowboy films.?
When I lived on the farm, we used them several times and after a few washes their was hardly a mark on them.
Loving the humor and editing style
As someone in bullriding and rodeo, pro rodeos have always been the best jeans for work, rodeo, etc. but starting off they’re so rough. Takes half a year of wearing before they soften up and are comfortable. And they don’t look great for anything other that rodeo or work. Levis come in better colors, softer,(and less durable) more comfortable, but they do rip easier.
Wrangler for rodeo, horseback riding, work etc, Levis for fun, a date, dressing up, etc.
Still love wearing Levi's, i wear sneakers and cowboy boots so its nice to have some variety like the 501s and 541s
I lived in Canada for 7 straight years and I wore 13 MWZs all day every day for work in construction. Theyre tough as nails. Now, I live in India and they don't sell these here. Such a shame. Miss my 13 Mwz
Also, I absolutely love your content. Subbed 🤗
The toughest and most comfortable jeans I've ever worn are from Uniqlo. I tear through clothes and shoes with my no-car, walk everywhere lifestyle. My 14 year old Uniqlo jeans are still in better condition than most newer jeans in my wardrobe. Highly recommended!
A fashion video that's relevant for me (someone who pretty much only wears jeans and t-shirts)! Granted, all my jeans are Levi's and I probably won't be buying any new pairs any time soon, but it's good to know.
Folks, pls look into the Levi’s 517 boot cut. Thick denim and sturdier than Roman Coliseum. A well made pair of jeans for work and every day use. They are slightly wider for easy boot use. I live in Southern Cali where we get heats up to 120, and they are comfortable around the family jewels and tough while working at construction sights, and good looking when going out on a date with the “wifey”.👍🏽👍🏽
I’m 53 and kind of skinny in the lower body -22” thighs and not much backside. My go-to jeans are STF 501s….I have more pairs than I care to admit. Also 5 or so pairs of 505s. A year ago I added 2 pairs of rigid wrangler cowboy cut. These are my observations:
The wrangler denim is indeed thicker 14.5oz vs 12oz.
When asked, my wife and several other close friends have said the 501s are the most flattering on me.
The wranglers are quite snug. The pockets are tiny and can barely fit a modern size phone. I have to have empty pockets when I get into my SUV. Still, after many washes, they have finally taken to my shape. They have a place in my rotation.
501s are less snug, then the 505s are fairly loose and probably the most comfortable.
I wear both, i found some Levi’s at a thrift store and scooped em up. Love my wranglers though.
I have worn both Wrangler and Levi’s all my life ( I’m almost 80 now ) I quit Levi’s decades ago because they quit selling them in truck stops. They said it “ wasn’t their target customer” never bought another thing with a Levi’s brand, never will. Wranglers always fit better anyway.
😂🤣
Living in NYC, I never knew that all this time. Levi's political lobbying strongly indicates they are moving away from the Middle America type demographic, and come to think of it I don't think they have used a cowboys-and-trucks type thematic appeal as long as I can remember (I'm about 30-40 years younger than you), except only occasionally in the most superficial way in the occasional commercial. It's always Wrangler that sponsors rodeo and so forth. Other work brands like Carhartt can become "hipster" darlings but always hit the worker angle hard in ads which is good even for hipsters; Levi's basically is a competitor with Calvin Klein at this point; they are sold as such in department stores in Manhattan.
Ever since I bought my cowboy cuts I haven’t worn anything else. You can’t beat it. Made in mexico too!
I've been needing to get some new jeans, don't have the money for fancy denim-head stuff but was going to check between wranglers or Levi's I can get on sale nearby..... was thinking about this literally moments before this was posted.
I’m just here with my multiple pairs of George brand jeans from Walmart that have been as tough as Wranglers and incredibly comfortable for many years with no sign of coming close to giving up yet and look good dressed up or down.
Price is deceptively low for this brand as well.
Hi, also one think which wasn't mentioned in the video if i'm right, but plays a huge role for me is the amount of belt loops on Wrangler jeans. As someone who loves to wear my jeans with a belt, this is a small but neat detail that makes me love my Wranglers even more 💙
Great video, you did a great job of presenting the info in a fun, humorous and enteraining way. I love the fact you did a cheeky watch reveal. I was trying to get a a clear view of the watch the whole time to see what it was and you read my mind:) Lovely time piece! Talking jeans I prefer the colour of levi's and the look of the denim, Levi's just looks more textured with the light sandy grain that shows through the blue, the wrangler show this too but seems more uniformly coloured and flat. I'll have to grab and pair to see how they fit and look in person.
I used to buy nothing but Levi 501 back in the 80’s and 90’s because they lasted, and they were affordable. I had been buying nothing but Wrangler jeans (not the cowboy cut) for the same reason, but they suddenly seem to be hard to find.
Were those Pacific North West (PNW)boots in the back!? 😮 @0:46
Looked like Nicks, but could be JKs or Whites jaja. Looking forward to a review. I’ve had my eye on them, and I’d love to hear your opinion.
Also, gotta love the previous video of cutting down and more boots showing up. I swear they multiply.
Good catch....
Look like JK Superdutys to me!
as a watch enjoyer i was trying to figure out what one you were wesring and really appreciated the little note when you washed the stf's hahahahah
as some one that works a blue collar job and puts there jeans through hell, at Walmart get the George brand before getting any thing else wrangle lasts a few months and the George ones are still goin strong a few years later my left pocket thigh area takes it the worst and the wranglers rip super fast
I’d like to echo this.
Though I no longer have a hard-working, blue-collar job, I certainly give jeans a workout outdoors or at least yard work and underneath a couple of cars here and there and still want and need the jeans (to save money) to look good otherwise.
Walmart’s George brand has always been comfortable and looks good and lasts at a much lower price!
As fall and winter is coming on, my few pairs of George brand jeans, plus the other(s) I’ll likely buy will be my go-tos….
Looking and feeling great with a leather coat, just a tee and hoodie, with a button up and thick, casual sport coat, or as a perfect companion to a quality wool pea coat.
I’m no dummy. I can be fashionable, be a guy, and not pay a ton of money to be comfy and look good!
Cheers, gentlemen!
Wrangler! I was always levis . I just turned 30 and tried wranglers. Wow! They feel great! Im sold!
I've always preferred Wrangler jackets, over Levi's. I have a vintage one, and it's a gorgeous colour. Thanks for the video, Michael.
Wrangler fade way to fast so I stopped buying them. So far my Levi's have held up no issues. I only wear 505 and 501.
I've switched between Wrangler and Levis for a while now. My conclusion is , Wrangler win on comfort,price and quality,but Levis win on style and have a slightly more rock n roll look to them and they fit me better, so it's Levis for the win, In my opinion of course.
Hard working content , dude !
Never liked Wrangler always had Levi’s. Up till yesterday when I got my first pair of Lee men’s extreme motion.
No doubts about wrangler.I was checking my old levis from eities and nities and it was no less than 14 stf oz you cud tell them to walk,and wrangler was down at the time...i have two wrangler mwz cowboy cut and a bunch of selvedge and a new lvc 47 bat no doubts wrangler stronger
I've worn Levi's and Wranglers both my whole life. I prefer the Levi's over the Wrangler all day/every day. I will say this though, I love the Retro line of Wrangler jeans.
You have some facts wrong. Levi’s used to use heavier denim similar to Wrangler, but have been using lower quality denim for the last 25+ years because they are a greedy sham of their former selves.
I wear wrangler 13mwz jeans seven days a week. And have for thirty years. I have several times tried levis for construction work( welding,pipe fitting,underground pipe, and fire sprinkler. Levis are good for about one year if you have them mixed in with about ten other pairs of jeans. After that, the knees will be paper thin and the crotch will bust. Levis are for show. Designer wear.
This is my first time learning of right hand twill and I’ve always hated it when my jeans wold wind up crooked. I just always assumed it was poor quality material and construction.
I've never seen a pair of Wrangler's that didn't have a dip can ring on one of pockets.
Have you compared the Wrangler five star premium relaxed fit to Levi's ? Wrangler also has a relaxed fur with a little stretch to it. I just purchased a pair from Wranglers site for $20, plus tax, shipping, totalled $29.92. Levi's are quite a bit more expensive. I wouldn't buy them at Walmart.
Oh my god, a Michael and Albert almost collab? This made my day.
I've had sizing issues with Wrangler in the past. Last time I bought a pair I went for 32/34, which is my usual size. Those were too long so I swapped them for 32/32. That was about three years ago.
Fast forward to last week, I order another pair (different model) in 32/32 - turns out they're too short. Swapped them for 32/34.
That leg twist thing was eye opening i had a few pairs i stopped wearing since the left leg fit correctly and right leg would twist 90°
What do you mean by "didn't dry them" around 10:49? Sure, don't toss them in the drier, but how should I dry them? Hang them up outside? Hang them up inside?
Beckett Simonon really has some great boots for a good price. I'd be interested in seeing what's on the inside, Mr Weston the boot sawyer, needs to get on these.
Can you re dye the wranglers to be darker?
I’ve been wondering this too
Pocket measurement and placement specs are goated
Woah I had no idea Michael had his own channel! I've been watching Theo & Harris vids for a while now, and just stumbled across this video randomly when looking up Levis 501 fit comparisons
I wore those Wrangler jeans and it lasted over 5 years. I want to try Levis 501 now
Have yet to watch the video, and I love all your content, but I find that Levis are almost always on sale and never "really" sold at MSRP or sticker price. I have two pairs of Levi 501s bought in the last year which I got for $30-35 each since they were doing sales or clearances or whatever else. I don't know about Wrangler. But Levis is one of those companies whose sticker price is never what you should actually pay for the watch, kind of like Bulova is for watches
Worn both.cowboy cut are rough if you have big thighs but still outlast a newer Levi,but a original thicker Levi is a better option for everyday. But if wearing boots wrangler all the way.
Cowboy/square toe not all boots btw
I had to stop by Levi's because their sizes are all jacked up. I've got 5O1s AND 569s that I bought probably 10 years ago that are 38x34 fours that I can still wear today. I recently went to buy some newer ones and I sized up and they were too small. The materials different. The fit was different. I've got a picture somewhere of my old jeans with the new jeans laying on top of them and the new jeans are shorter and narrower even though they were a 40 by 34.
wew at 4:04 i thought you were going to have a pair of jeans in the freezer. thank god you didnt
That fridge part was the most ADHD "Intrusive thought" transition I've ever seen and I loved it 🤣
I literally read your comment and the fridge scene come out 😂😂😂😂
just checked my old amazon orders and i paid £16,11 for dark stone wranglers the last time ....now there £96,49.....bloody youtube fashion channels making things popular that should never be.....i wear them cos there the best motorcycle pants money can buy....or they was.......love the black whiskey colour
Levi’s are way more versatile as far as style or fashion goes. They can be worn tight or loose, long or short and even cuffed. I’ve never seen anybody wearing short, cuffed or loose wranglers. As far as the “butt factor” for Wrangler's, they have to be worn very tight.
holy f, I swear I've been buying 501's stf for the last few years and noticed how the right leg specifically was twisted. Now it still might be a QC issues since I noticed it before washing, but still, never knew the fact it was right hand twill could cause the leg to twist like that
Also cant wait for the new pnw boot review. Yes I saw them, very cool
I've been struggling with getting good fits with levi's lately and I switched to lucky brand and once I get to a healthier weight, I'll be looking at buying higher quality stuff
The higher back pockets on wranglers are my favorite part, because it means I'm not sitting on my wallet in the car lol
Please 🙏🏼 are the wranglers button fly???
No, that's what the z on the 13mwz mean, it is the "13th" prototype of wrangler "men's" jeans "with" a "zipfly".
Отлично ,что заметили разную высоту задних карманов. Я был удивлен но у моих 501 из 80-90 годов карманы высоко. А вот у современных 501 ' 93 и made & crafted 1980 низко опущены . У levis есть музей с винтажными образцами ,а они не сильно по этому поводу переживают и шьют новый fit добавляя модные слова 1980 или 1993 а по факту это современные джинсы
Nice job teasing your brand new Pacific Northwestern boots 😉
One little thing that you missed… The Wrangler Cowboy Fit was designed for cowboys. When you are sitting in a saddle, the low Levi pockets will be either useless or force you to sit on your wallet. The higher Wrangler pockets are more comfortable and accessible. I think miners wore Levi’s, and were squatting a lot. I do agree, though, that the higher pockets look better. Of course, Wrangler also makes non-cowboy jeans, too.
I stopped buying and wearing Levi's in the 1990s when I found out they were contributing massive amounts of money to anti-2A organizations, and working actively to deprive Americans of their Constitutional Rights.
I've been buying Wranglers ever since. It's good to know that not only are they better for my Liberty, but they are also better jeans...
3:58 fridge.
I sized up 2 from my usual 32 to a 34 waist for 501 stf’s, but it took an hour’s wash cycle at 90C (194F) for the waist to shrink 2”. The top block is still too baggy!
Update: I went as far as nearly boiling them for 2 hrs, and they fit now. Must be because I’m quite thin that I don’t really fill out the top block 🤷🏻♂️
From Buffalo, N.Y. Thanks for the information. I'm 69 years old and I've always wore Wrangler over Levies. Wrangler seemed to fit better and as you said, the rear pockets looked very sloppy with the saging rear pockets. I found Wrangler fit better and were more comfortable. I wear sport coats with the Wranglers.
I wore Wrangler jeans for years. Then I bought a pair of Levi's and never looked back. Makes me wonder if I just wore the wrong fit of Wranglers.
levi's is all about geometry..in case you were wandering the back pockets are always at the same height with the front pockets... also the outside line of the back pockets is aligned with the belt loop above it...the inside. line of the back pocket is pointing either at the lower stich of the central belt loop (in older levis 501) either at the higher stich (in modern levis)..and that's the secret of their beauty...geometry... trust me i'm greek..lol
makes sense now that i think about it cos' in post 2012 Levis, the front and rear pockets are not as deep which is annoying for someone with larger hands.
levi's are my go to even though i know i can get better quality with wrangler or almost any other brand i just found that levi's fit me exactly how i want them to
I wore my cowboy cut jeans watching this
Interesting video. There is one difference that you don't mention: quality standards. I worked in a factory and we had an order of Levi's one time. The quality standard that Levi demanded was unreal. Nearly 10X any other brands. I like both Levi's and Wrangler products. But one of the reasons Levi's cost more is quality.
@@mmm-mmm Like I said, when I worked in a garment factory and we had a Levi's contract. This was in the USA.
@@mmm-mmm This was in the mid-late 80's and in TN.
that's a bunch of nonsense... levi has awful quality control.
@@mmm-mmm I was speaking from working in the place. When you get that life experience, please post about it.
@@mmm-mmm Experience is everything. That's the only way you learn. I know it was a long time ago and things do change. BUT, in your review. did you pull 100's of jeans to test? I use to pull 100's of jeans on a daily basis and I was one of many inspectors. Huge difference.
Michael - please can you do a video on Nudie Jeans…
Funny, too me the Wranglers look better on you than the STFs but I guess that's a preference thing.
The U shape was a game changer for me, great fit and less money.
I like the cowboy cut slim fits better than the regular cowboy cuts.
Funnily enough, I'm satisfied by every Levi's product I have bought so far, except their jeans. Levi's polos for exemple are as good as Lacoste's for a quarter of the price. (in France) Only issue is you don't get as many colors available.
I mean, it's Lacoste. If it's an expensive-ish designer brand the quality almost always sucks for the price.
Also, aren't the (regular) Levi's essentially stretch denim? While the wranglers are 100% cotton?
There are a lot of 100% no stretch Levi's
@@TheLoneLander regular
@@hohepa8501 what is said regular Levi's?
All the jeans in this video have no stretch but they do make them for both brands. Also the jeans are Levi 501’s and Wrangler 13mwz I believe
At 76 yrs old , I've bought Levi's 517 boot cut jeans for decades. When they went from 7 belt loops to 5, I was done. Their quality also went downhill about the same time.
Wranglers for me from now on.
Hot tip: try to get ahold of a pair of Livids Emerson! Norwegian brand, Japanese denim
Pockets on Wrangler Cowboy cut jeans look very small in person and major problem is that the legs don't tapper, even on their slim cut jeans. I believe the older ones that were made in USA had bigger rear pockets, with real leather patch and tapered to 8.5 inches after wash. If balling on budget (or not), I would take GAP jeans over Wrangler's or Levi's!
they don't tapper as much because they are cowboy jeans bootcut ect
Maybe try shrink to fit 501s and compare them to rigid wrangler cowboy cut. I find the rigid jeans darker and they aren't pre washed like the ones you tried
I try them in this vid!
Great video! Which color are the wrangler 13MWZ in the video? Are they the rigid indigo or the prewashed indigo?
I lived in Montana for a decade. Wranglers are the choice for just about every cowboy….kind of code for I’m a cowboy.
You are so right Wrangler cowboy with darker denim or different washes would win, but Levi denim just has a classic look for everyday wear.
Wrangler cowboy cut is hands down the best work jean value wise.
The non stf definitely looked better than the stf.
I LOVE EDGYALBERT, IVE LITERALLY BEEN OBSESSING OVER HIS STYLE FOR A COUPLE WEEKS NOW, BRO IS THE REASON WHY I WENT AND BOUGHT NEW JEANS. HE'S THE REASON WHY I'VE SPIRALED INTO THE DEMIN RABBITHOLE AND FOUND YOU
I will go with Wrangler every time when it comes to wearing my boots.