7 Best Levi’s Alternatives to Discover Instead in 2026 | FashionBeans

• Men’s fashion

I’ve spent years, and I mean years, searching for the perfect pair of Levi’s, only to discover that the best Levi’s alternatives are more flattering, more comfortable, and generally… better. So, if you’re in the same boat of giving up your passion for Levi, I’m happy to report that I’ve done the hard work of finding brands you’re drawn to instead.

Below you’ll find seven of the best jeans like Levi’s, with similar straight-leg silhouettes and durable, strong constructions. But instead of forcing Levi’s to work for you, the jeans on this list offer compelling alternatives to America’s favorite denim. No more flabby bands or tight legs – the jeans below are what you’ve been looking for.

Keep reading to find your new pair of pants.

Key takeaways

After searching countless sites and reading hundreds of reviews, my final opinion is this. The best jeans like Levi’s are the Nudie Gritty Jackson Jeans, a contemporary alternative to the classic 501 style.

They feature a straight leg, zippers, and free lifetime repairs, making them well worth the investment. However, given the higher price, if you’re looking for an affordable Levi’s alternative, the Wrangler Regular Fit jeans are on par with the cost of Levi’s and have a very similar look and feel.

Best Overall: Nudie Jeans Gritty Jackson Jeans

Why they are great: Nudie is by far the best brand of jeans to pair with Levi’s, and I’ve personally traded in all of my jeans for this solid Swedish denim company. Not only do all of their jeans come with free lifetime repairs, but the brand has also simplified the shopping experience.

There are a range of modern trousers styles to choose from, each with different lengths and lengths. Nothing overwhelming, but there are still plenty of options, from structured jeans to pure cotton silhouettes.

Who are these for? The Gritty Jackson style is one of the best Levi alternatives if you’re looking to replace your classic 501 style. They have a similar straight leg with a slightly relaxed feel to them. If you prefer the fly button – a Levi staple – Nudie’s Rad Rufus style is another great option.

Disadvantages but not deal breakers: Nudie Jeans are around $200 a pair, which is a bit more expensive than Levi’s. But given its lifetime of repairs and overall quality, denim from this brand can be considered a worthwhile investment.

Sizes: 28-38 | material: 100% cotton | colors: 24 | Care: Machine wash cold

Best Luxury: Regular closed jeans

Why they are great: One of the biggest draws to Levi’s is the very classic look and feel of their jeans. This trait is repeated in these jeans from Closed. No stranger to the denim scene, Closed is the best alternative to high-end menswear. These jeans feature a small touch of elastane for ease of movement and a medium weight for year-round wear.

Who are these for? If you’re looking for the best alternative to Levi’s in favor of a nicer type of jeans, these are made in Italy with sustainable practices and luxurious dark colors. But if indigo doesn’t do the trick for you, the same style also comes in 25 additional washes.

Disadvantages but not deal breakers: These jeans are definitely more expensive, and unlike similar brands like Nudie, they don’t come with free repairs or other similar perks.

Sizes: 27-38 | material: 99% cotton, 1% elastane | colors: 25 | Care: Machine wash cold

Best Budget: Wrangler Regular Fit Jeans

Why they are great: The Wrangler is very close to Levi’s, which shows that these jeans are one of the more compelling alternatives. Wrangler denim embodies the same American workwear vibe, featuring fit, quality and price similar to Levi’s. These five-pocket pants are worth choosing from over 501 if you’re looking for a little stretch in the waistband with a similar straight leg shape.

Who are these for? Vertically challenged or tall and skinny? These jeans come in multiple inseam lengths ranging from 29″ to 36″ and a wide range of overall waist sizes up to 60.

Disadvantages but not deal breakers: Some men, especially those with slim legs, may find these pants a little loose.

Sizes: 29-60 | material: 98% Cotton, 2% Spandex | colors: 9 | Care: Machine wash cold

Best on Amazon: Carhartt Heavyweight Tapered Jeans

Why they are great: If Levi’s and Wrangler are brothers, Carhartt is the younger cousin who always shows up to the function in work boots, no matter how cool the event. With a little more rugged flair, these jeans are the best alternatives to durable denim that don’t sacrifice style. Featuring tapered legs, three colors and a pure denim construction worthy of anyone interested.

Who are these for? Much-loved on the job site, these jeans, like Levi’s, are for the working man or the man who simply appreciates sturdy denim that can be worn anywhere.

Disadvantages but not deal breakers: These jeans have a flattering mid rise, but are a little tighter than other pants with a relaxed fit, especially around the thighs.

Sizes: 28-54 | material: 100% cotton | colors: 3 | Care: Machine wash cold

Best 501: Comfortable straight jean

Why they are great: Lee has been making jeans for as long as Levi’s, and with more than 135 years in the business, they offer — not surprisingly — some of the best alternatives. Perfect for any man looking for a classic straight leg cut, these jeans come in eleven washes ranging from light summer colors to dark black denim. Finished with a bit of elastane for ultimate comfort, it’s a force to be reckoned with when it comes to tough alternatives.

Who are these for? If you like your jeans with a little give, these are the best alternative because they include a touch of elastane for a non-restrictive fit.

Disadvantages but not deal breakers: These jeans are a bit loose in the legs and back. They also tend to stretch due to the elastane, especially after washing.

Sizes: 28-42 | material: 99% Cotton, 1% Spandex | colors: 11 | Care: Machine wash cold

Best Everyday: Foret Heath Jeans

Why they are great: Danish brand Forét prioritizes function over frills, which is why these are some of the best alternatives to Levi’s for men. Devoid of any bells and whistles, these jeans are designed to be functional, fitting into denim’s workwear roots in a similar way to Levi’s. Made in Portugal from soft organic cotton, these jeans feature a relaxed midweight fit and a relaxed straight leg fit.

Who are these for? For a man who appreciates good jeans, these will turn heads every time. It’s simple in the same way that Levi’s is, with a bit of sophisticated sophistication, and the cloud color is perfect for summer denim.

Disadvantages but not deal breakers: Although most pairs of jeans, especially at this price, have multiple lengths to choose from, they only have one standard inseam.

Sizes: 28-36 | material: 100% organic cotton | colors: 4 | Care: Machine wash cold

Best stretch: Uniqlo EZY Ultra Stretch Jeans

Why they are great: For affordable men’s basics, Uniqlo leads the way every time, including denim. The brand’s best-selling EZY jeans are equipped with ultra-soft, jogger-like lining and feature a slim tapered silhouette that can be dressed up or kept relaxed. But the real draw of these jeans is their amazing stretch – they enable full movement in your favorite activewear while looking nice enough to wear with smart casual outfits.

Who are these for? For an alternative at a similar price and similar style, these are some of the best options, especially for men with thick thighs, due to the large amount of stretch. Uniqlo is consistent and reliable, making them a great choice for jeans all year round, and an especially great choice as travel pants for men.

Disadvantages but not deal breakers: These jeans definitely prioritize stretch over the denim itself, so don’t expect a material that feels or feels stiff.

Sizes: XS – 3XL | material: 82% cotton, 9% lyocell, 8% polyester, 1% spandex | colors: 4 | Care: Machine wash cold

Purchasing Considerations for Levi’s Alternatives

style

The main consideration when choosing the best Levi alternative is style, as this determines how the pants will look and fit. Most Levi’s sizing jeans feature a similar straight leg style that is a little relaxed without looking baggy. This fit is very similar to classic Levi’s 501s and is easy to dress up or stay casual.

Aside from straight leg, you’ll find jeans like Levi’s in a wide range of styles, from skinny jeans to super skinny jeans and everything in between. Of course, style depends on personal preference, so choose a pair of jeans that fit your life and intended uses.

material

Material also impacts Levi’s alternatives because it affects how the pants feel and move with you. For the most durable, high-quality jeans, it’s worth choosing a 100% cotton construction that can withstand the rigors of everyday life. However, pure cotton denim can be stiff and takes time (and a few washes) to soften.

If you prefer a pair of jeans that you can actually move, you may want to consider a blend of cotton and elastane or spandex, which add a touch of stretch. The only downside to cotton blends is that men’s pants of this construction tend to lose their shape in a way that pure cotton does not.

Color ways

One of the greatest aspects of Levi’s is that they come in almost every color under the sun. But you’ll quickly discover that jeans like Levi’s are also available in dozens of colors. Although color does not matter much on the surface, it greatly affects the wearability of clothing.

For example, black jeans and dark colors can be worn much easier than light colors, while light colors are perfect for hot summer days and a more relaxed look. It won’t make or break anything, but color is still worth considering when choosing the best Levi alternatives.

How we chose

Although most jeans can serve as an alternative to Levi’s, certain aspects were taken into consideration when selecting each pair from this list. Here’s a quick breakdown of the criteria used to choose the best jeans like Levi’s:

Brand reputation: Most people gravitate towards Levi’s because of the family name. To a similar effect, all of the jeans on this list are backed by a very strong brand reputation, giving them a similar degree of prestige to Levi’s.

Style and fit: Levi 501s are often instantly recognizable, so when it comes to jeans that look like Levi’s, it’s important to keep the same style and fit. Most of the jeans on this list feature classic straight legs and a slightly relaxed style, keeping them in line with Levi’s most popular design, the 501 jeans.

material: All of the jeans on this list feature a construction of pure cotton or cotton with a small amount of elastane or spandex for stretch. This ensures the highest quality of every pair of jeans, rather than denim made from polyester or synthetic blends.

Price point: One of the biggest draws to Levi’s is its affordable price point (they’re some of the best jeans under $100), so on this list, you’ll find plenty of alternatives to Levi’s at a similar cost. There are some that fit the luxury budget, but most are comfortably priced in the mid-range.

Why trust us?

Jane Elmets is an experienced fashion writer and long-time denim enthusiast. She spends her free time tracking down vintage Levi’s at flea markets, and when she’s not rocking 501s, she searches for alternative brands to fill her collection. Through her writing, Jane strives to help men find their perfect jeans and other wardrobe staples, as seen in her recent articles on types of jackets and the best pocket shirts for men.

Its recommendations are based on extensive research and live testing, ensuring you get reliable and stylish alternatives to Levi’s. Jane’s experience, combined with her eye for quality and trends, make her a trusted source for fashion advice.

Final ruling

Although there’s no shortage of Levi alternatives, the best ones are the Nudie Gritty Jackson Jeans, which feature a pure cotton construction and a flattering straight leg cut. If you’re looking for a similar price point to Levi’s, the Wrangler Regular Fit Pants have a very similar look and feel without breaking the bank.

7 Best Levi’s Alternatives to Discover Instead in 2026

I’ve spent years, and I mean years, searching for the perfect pair of Levi’s, only to discover that the best Levi’s alternatives are more flattering, more comfortable, and generally… better. So, if you’re in the same boat of giving up your passion for Levi, I’m happy to report that I’ve done the hard work of finding brands you’re drawn to instead.

Below you’ll find seven of the best jeans like Levi’s, with similar leg silhouettes Straight, sturdy and strong structures. But instead of forcing Levi’s to work for you, the jeans on this list offer compelling alternatives to America’s favorite denim. No more flabby bands or tight legs – the jeans below are what you’ve been looking for.

Keep reading to find your new pair of pants.

Key takeaways

After searching countless sites and reading hundreds of reviews, my final opinion is this. The best jeans like Levi’s are the Nudie Gritty Jackson Jeans, a contemporary alternative to the classic 501 style.

They feature a straight leg, zippers, and free lifetime repairs, making them well worth the investment. However, given the higher price, if you’re looking for an affordable Levi’s alternative, the Wrangler Regular Fit jeans are on par with the cost of Levi’s and have a very similar look and feel.

Best Overall: Nudie Jeans Gritty Jackson Jeans

Why they are great: Nudie is by far the best brand of jeans to pair with Levi’s, and I’ve personally traded in all of my jeans for this solid Swedish denim company. Not only do all of their jeans come with free lifetime repairs, but the brand has also simplified the shopping experience.

There are a range of modern trousers styles to choose from, each with different lengths and lengths. Nothing overwhelming, but there are still plenty of options, from structured jeans to pure cotton silhouettes.

Who are these for? The Gritty Jackson style is one of the best Levi alternatives if you’re looking to replace your classic 501 style. They have a similar straight leg with a slightly relaxed feel to them. If you prefer the fly button – a Levi staple – Nudie’s Rad Rufus style is another great option.

Disadvantages but not deal breakers: Nudie Jeans are around $200 a pair, which is a bit more expensive than Levi’s. But given its lifetime of repairs and overall quality, denim from this brand can be considered a worthwhile investment.

Sizes: 28-38 | material: 100% cotton | colors: 24 | Care: Machine wash cold

Best Luxury: Regular closed jeans

Why they are great: One of the biggest draws to Levi’s is the very classic look and feel of their jeans. This trait is repeated in these jeans from Closed. No stranger to the denim scene, Closed is the best alternative to high-end menswear. These jeans feature a small touch of elastane for ease of movement and a medium weight for year-round wear.

Who are these for? If you’re looking for the best alternative to Levi’s in favor of a nicer type of jeans, these are made in Italy with sustainable practices and luxurious dark colors. But if indigo doesn’t do the trick for you, the same style also comes in 25 additional washes.

Disadvantages but not deal breakers: These jeans are definitely more expensive, and unlike similar brands like Nudie, they don’t come with free repairs or other similar perks.

Sizes: 27-38 | material: 99% cotton, 1% elastane | colors: 25 | Care: Machine wash cold

Best Budget: Wrangler Regular Fit Jeans

Why they are great: The Wrangler is very close to Levi’s, which shows that these jeans are one of the more compelling alternatives. Wrangler denim embodies the same American workwear vibe, featuring fit, quality and price similar to Levi’s. These five-pocket pants are worth choosing from over 501 if you’re looking for a little stretch in the waistband with a similar straight leg shape.

Who are these for? Vertically challenged or tall and skinny? These jeans come in multiple inseam lengths ranging from 29″ to 36″ and a wide range of overall waist sizes up to 60.

Disadvantages but not deal breakers: Some men, especially those with slim legs, may find these pants a little loose.

Sizes: 29-60 | material: 98% Cotton, 2% Spandex | colors: 9 | Care: Machine wash cold

Best on Amazon: Carhartt Heavyweight Tapered Jeans

Why they are great: If Levi’s and Wrangler are brothers, Carhartt is the younger cousin who always shows up to the function in work boots, no matter how cool the event. With a little more rugged flair, these jeans are the best alternatives to durable denim that don’t sacrifice style. Featuring tapered legs, three colors and a pure denim construction worthy of anyone interested.

Who are these for? Much-loved on the job site, these jeans, like Levi’s, are for the working man or the man who simply appreciates sturdy denim that can be worn anywhere.

Disadvantages but not deal breakers: These jeans have a flattering mid rise, but are a little tighter than other pants with a relaxed fit, especially around the thighs.

Sizes: 28-54 | material: 100% cotton | colors: 3 | Care: Machine wash cold

Best 501: Comfortable straight jean

Why they are great: Lee has been making jeans for as long as Levi’s, and with more than 135 years in the business, they offer — not surprisingly — some of the best alternatives. Perfect for any man looking for a classic straight leg cut, these jeans come in eleven washes ranging from light summer colors to dark black denim. Finished with a bit of elastane for ultimate comfort, it’s a force to be reckoned with when it comes to tough alternatives.

Who are these for? If you like your jeans with a little give, these are the best alternative because they include a touch of elastane for a non-restrictive fit.

Disadvantages but not deal breakers: These jeans are a bit loose in the legs and back. They also tend to stretch due to the elastane, especially after washing.

Sizes: 28-42 | material: 99% Cotton, 1% Spandex | colors: 11 | Care: Machine wash cold

Best Everyday: Foret Heath Jeans

Why they are great: Danish brand Forét prioritizes function over frills, which is why these are some of the best alternatives to Levi’s for men. Devoid of any bells and whistles, these jeans are designed to be functional, fitting into denim’s workwear roots in a similar way to Levi’s. Made in Portugal from soft organic cotton, these jeans feature a relaxed midweight fit and a relaxed straight leg fit.

Who are these for? For a man who appreciates good jeans, these will turn heads every time. It’s simple in the same way that Levi’s is, with a bit of sophisticated sophistication, and the cloud color is perfect for summer denim.

Disadvantages but not deal breakers: Although most pairs of jeans, especially at this price, have multiple lengths to choose from, they only have one standard inseam.

Sizes: 28-36 | material: 100% organic cotton | colors: 4 | R Aya: Machine wash cold

Best stretch: Uniqlo EZY Ultra Stretch Jeans

Why they are great: For affordable men’s basics, Uniqlo leads the way every time, including denim. The brand’s best-selling EZY jeans are equipped with ultra-soft, jogger-like lining and feature a slim tapered silhouette that can be dressed up or kept relaxed. But the real draw of these jeans is their amazing stretch – they enable full movement in your favorite activewear while looking nice enough to wear with smart casual outfits.

Who are these for? For an alternative at a similar price and similar style, these are some of the best options, especially for men with thick thighs, due to the large amount of stretch. Uniqlo is consistent and reliable, making them a great choice for jeans all year round, and an especially great choice as travel pants for men.

Disadvantages but not deal breakers: These jeans definitely prioritize stretch over the denim itself, so don’t expect a material that feels or feels stiff.

Sizes: XS – 3XL | material: 82% cotton, 9% lyocell, 8% polyester, 1% spandex | colors: 4 | Care: Machine wash cold

Purchasing Considerations for Levi’s Alternatives

style

The main consideration when choosing the best Levi alternative is style, as this determines how the pants will look and fit. Most Levi’s sizing jeans feature a similar straight leg style that is a little relaxed without looking baggy. This fit is very similar to classic Levi’s 501s and is easy to dress up or stay casual.

Aside from straight leg, you’ll find jeans like Levi’s in a wide range of styles, from skinny jeans to super skinny jeans and everything in between. Of course, style depends on personal preference, so choose a pair of jeans that fit your life and intended uses.

material

Material also impacts Levi’s alternatives because it affects how the pants feel and move with you. For the most durable, high-quality jeans, it’s worth choosing a 100% cotton construction that can withstand the rigors of everyday life. However, pure cotton denim can be stiff and takes time (and a few washes) to soften.

If you prefer a pair of jeans that you can actually move, you may want to consider a blend of cotton and elastane or spandex, which add a touch of stretch. The only downside to cotton blends is that men’s pants of this construction tend to lose their shape in a way that pure cotton does not.

Color ways

One of the greatest aspects of Levi’s is that they come in almost every color under the sun. But you’ll quickly discover that jeans like Levi’s are also available in dozens of colors. Although color does not matter much on the surface, it greatly affects the wearability of clothing.

For example, black jeans and dark colors can be worn much easier than light colors, while light colors are perfect for hot summer days and a more relaxed look. It won’t make or break anything, but color is still worth considering when choosing the best Levi alternatives.

How we chose

Although most jeans can serve as an alternative to Levi’s, certain aspects were taken into consideration when selecting each pair from this list. Here’s a quick breakdown of the criteria used to choose the best jeans like Levi’s:

Brand reputation: Most people gravitate towards Levi’s because of the family name. To a similar effect, all of the jeans on this list are backed by a very strong brand reputation, giving them a similar degree of prestige to Levi’s.

Style and fit: Levi 501s are often instantly recognizable, so when it comes to jeans that look like Levi’s, it’s important to keep the same style and fit. Most of the jeans on this list feature classic straight legs and a slightly relaxed style, keeping them in line with Levi’s most popular design, the 501 jeans.

material: All of the jeans on this list feature a construction of pure cotton or cotton with a small amount of elastane or spandex for stretch. This ensures the highest quality of every pair of jeans, rather than denim made from polyester or synthetic blends.

Price point: One of the biggest draws to Levi’s is its affordable price point (they’re some of the best jeans under $100), so on this list, you’ll find plenty of alternatives to Levi’s at a similar cost. There are some that fit the luxury budget, but most are comfortably priced in the mid-range.

Why trust us?

Jane Elmets is an experienced fashion writer and long-time denim enthusiast. She spends her free time tracking down vintage Levi’s at flea markets, and when she’s not rocking 501s, she searches for alternative brands to fill her collection. Through her writing, Jane strives to help men find their perfect jeans and other wardrobe staples, as seen in her recent articles on types of jackets and the best pocket shirts for men.

Its recommendations are based on extensive research and live testing, ensuring you get reliable and stylish alternatives to Levi’s. Jane’s experience, combined with her eye for quality and trends, make her a trusted source for fashion advice.

Final ruling

Although there’s no shortage of Levi alternatives, the best ones are the Nudie Gritty Jackson Jeans, which feature a pure cotton construction and a flattering straight leg cut. If you’re looking for a similar price point to Levi’s, the Wrangler Regular Fit Pants have a very similar look and feel without breaking the bank.