Levi's
501 Curve Short
The Levi's 501 Curve Short is a mid-rise denim short with a 10-inch rise and 3.75-inch inseam, made from slight-stretch cotton denim. It features a button fly, belt loops, and a classic five-pocket design. Part of Levi's Curve fit line, it is tailored to accommodate a defined waist-to-hip ratio, though user reviews note potential sizing inconsistencies and the possibility of a waist gap for some body shapes.
- Material
- Slight stretch cotton denim
- Gender
- female
- Style
- casual, classic, retro
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Shorts
Color
Specifications
Women's Levi's 501 Curve shorts in stretch cotton denim with a mid-rise fit.
Slight stretch denim for comfort, button fly, five-pocket design, classic 501 details.
- Material
- Slight stretch cotton denim
- Secondary
- elastane
- Style
- casual, classic, retro
- Occasion
- everyday
- Gender
- female
- Age Group
- adult
- Condition
- new
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Shorts
Additional Attributes
- Levi's 501 design
- Curve fit for women
- Slight stretch cotton denim
- Button fly closure
- Belt loops
- 5-pocket styling
- Mid rise (10" rise)
- 3.75" inseam
- Denim fabric
- Classic 501 heritage
Product Insights
Levi's 501 Curve Short reproportions the classic 501 with a smaller waist and fuller hips to better fit curves, yet some users still experience a waist gap, and inconsistent sizing across styles makes in-store try-ons advisable. The button fly, a heritage feature tracing to 1873, never accidentally opens, closes quickly after break-in, and is repairable—unlike zipper failures requiring full replacement. Crafted from 99% cotton and 1% elastane, with a 10-inch rise and 3.75-inch inseam, these shorts are a late entry to the curve-fit market, born from customer requests and DIY origins, though pelvis discomfort may occur for some body shapes.
Verified claims
- Fit
- Reproportioned with a smaller waist and fuller hips, but waist gaps still occur for some.
- Sizing consistency
- Buyers report inconsistent sizing, making in-store try-ons advisable.
- Button fly
- The button fly's multiple closures make accidental exposure virtually impossible.
- Measurements
- Rise: 10 in, 1 in lower than 501 Original; Inseam: 3.75 in, measured straight.
- Heritage
- Button fly traces to the original 1873 501 jeans and predates women's zipper flies.
- Convenience
- After a handful of wears, the button fly relaxes and closes quickly and satisfyingly.
- Repairability
- A loose button on the fly can be sewn back easily; a zipper failure often needs full replacement.
- Origin
- 501 shorts began as DIY cut-offs; the Curve Short was created after customer requests.
- Material
- 99% cotton, 1% elastane is the same stretch formula used in the 501 Original Short.
- Caveats
- Waist gap may persist for extreme curves, and Levi’s sizing remains inconsistent across styles.
- Positioning
- The 501 Curve Short was launched after countless customer requests and years of design development.
- Waist gap
- Some users still experience a waist gap and may need a belt, depending on their shape.
- Waist gap at 10-inch difference
- For people with a 10-inch waist-to-hip difference, the Curve Short may still leave a waist gap and a belt may be necessary depending on individual shape.
- Shape retention after washing
- The cotton-dominant 99% cotton / 1% elastane denim helps the shorts retain structure better than high-stretch fabrics, but slight stretch denim can lose some shape with frequent washing; cold water washing and air drying minimize bagging in the seat and thighs.
- Inseam measurement convention
- The 3.75-inch inseam on the Levi's 501 Curve Short is measured straight along the inside leg seam, though the hem may have a slight curve typical of shorts.
Product record
- Title
- 501 Curve Short
- Brand
- Levi's
- Price
- 69.95 CAD
- Availability
- In stock
Buying Guide
1 comparison · 12 sourcesUses
Classic Levi's denim shorts sized around curves
A fit for wearing Levi's iconic 501-style straight short when you have a curvier shape: it is built with a smaller waist and fuller hip and thigh, which the brand describes as its most iconic straight fit made for curves. Note this is the fit's stated design intent rather than a guaranteed fit result for every body, so checking your own measurements is still helpful.[1,4]
Product comparison
Compared within this brand.
| 501 Curve Short: Choose this if you want a curve-focused take on Levi's straight-fit shorts: the fit is designed with a smaller waist and more room in the hip, seat, and thigh for curvier body shapes. It comes in slight-stretch denim (99% cotton, 1% elastane) with a mid rise, a short 3.75-inch inseam, button fly, five-pocket styling, and a raw frayed hem, in Black and Light Wash. Note that the listing runs sizes 24 through 27 only, so it may not work if you need a size outside that range.[3,4,5,6] | 501 High-Rise Short: Choose this if you want a high-rise denim short with a vintage-leaning look, sitting at the waist with a 10 inch (25.5 cm) rise, a short 3 inch (7 cm) inseam, a raw frayed hem, button fly, and classic five-pocket styling in a dark charcoal/black wash. Made of 99% cotton with 1% spandex for slight stretch, it comes in sizes 24 to 28 and Charcoal or Medium Wash colors. The Mom Edit named it their best vintage short, but some wearers report the waist can run kind of large and the shorts can ride up on the thighs, with one reviewer suggesting sizing up.[2,7,8,9,10,11] | A-Line Mom Short: Choose this if you want soft, stretchy denim shorts (85% cotton, 14% polyester, 1% spandex) with an A-line cut that skims the hip and thigh, relaxed hips, and a 4.5-inch inseam in a light wash. Reviewers praise the flattering cut and say it accommodates natural curves for a curvy waist-to-hip ratio. Note that with a 9.5-inch rise, the waist sits very high and one reviewer found it can extend uncomfortably high for those with shorter torsos or a mid-rise preference.[10,12] |
Image Analysis
3 images- 01
Product
Front view of high-rise black denim shorts with frayed hem worn by a model; visible details include waistband with button closure, front pockets, belt loops, and metal rivets.
- SilhouetteHigh-rise short-length denim with a straight, slightly relaxed leg opening ending in a frayed raw hem.
1 region
x 0.30 · y 0.42 · w 0.40 · h 0.18 (medium) - Waistband and closureRolled waistband with a visible metal top button at center front and a short fly seam below the button.
1 region
x 0.41 · y 0.41 · w 0.18 · h 0.07 (high) - Pocket configurationTwo front pockets with visible pocket openings; coin pocket partially visible at right front pocket area.
2 regions
x 0.33 · y 0.45 · w 0.16 · h 0.10 (high); x 0.51 · y 0.45 · w 0.13 · h 0.10 (high) - Belt loops and seamsVisible belt loops around the waistband and vertical front seam stitching down the fly and along pocket edges.
1 region
x 0.38 · y 0.40 · w 0.24 · h 0.14 (high) - HardwareSmall round metal rivets at pocket corners and a metal button at the waistband, both appearing slightly lighter than the denim.
2 regions
x 0.32 · y 0.48 · w 0.06 · h 0.05 (medium); x 0.55 · y 0.48 · w 0.05 · h 0.05 (medium) - Hem detailFrayed raw edge hem with uneven fringe visible along the leg openings.
1 region
x 0.30 · y 0.56 · w 0.40 · h 0.06 (high) - Fabric appearanceDenim texture with subtle vertical fading and tone variation typical of washed black jean fabric.
1 region
x 0.34 · y 0.44 · w 0.32 · h 0.24 (medium)
Other
Model wearing the product photographed against a plain light background in a full-body studio shot with soft, even lighting; model poses with hands in pockets and one knee lifted, showing front view of shorts.
- Model poseFull-body frontal pose with hands in front pockets and left knee bent upward so the left foot rests behind the right leg.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.06 · w 0.76 · h 0.92 (medium) - Visible apparel not productWhite cropped tank top and white crew socks with red athletic shoes are visible; these are separate garments from the shorts.
2 regions
x 0.33 · y 0.08 · w 0.36 · h 0.22 (high); x 0.45 · y 0.78 · w 0.22 · h 0.18 (high) - Background and lightingPlain, even off-white studio background with soft shadow along the model's left side; lighting is diffuse and low-contrast.
- Image framingVertical full-length crop centered on model with some empty space above the head and below the feet.
Colors
washed black· shorts#211D1E- SilhouetteHigh-rise short-length denim with a straight, slightly relaxed leg opening ending in a frayed raw hem.
- 02
Product
High-waist black denim shorts with raw frayed hem, five-pocket styling, visible metal rivets and a metal top button; shown on a model from waist to upper thighs.
- SilhouetteHigh-rise short silhouette sitting at the model's natural waist with a straight waistband and belt loops.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.18 · w 0.64 · h 0.22 (high) - Material and finishMidweight woven denim with visible diagonal twill texture and a washed black finish showing subtle lighter abrasion on seams.
1 region
x 0.06 · y 0.28 · w 0.88 · h 0.54 (high) - Hem detailRaw cut frayed hem with loose thread fringe around leg openings.
1 region
x 0.06 · y 0.72 · w 0.88 · h 0.12 (high) - Pocket stylingClassic five-pocket layout visible: rounded front pocket openings, a small coin pocket nested inside the right front pocket, and visible topstitching outlining pocket edges.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.30 · w 0.42 · h 0.26 (high) - RivetsCopper-colored circular rivets reinforcing pocket corners, arranged at coin pocket and front pocket stress points.
2 regions
x 0.17 · y 0.36 · w 0.12 · h 0.10 (high); x 0.28 · y 0.33 · w 0.06 · h 0.07 (high) - Top buttonRound metallic top button at center front waistband with visible stitching around buttonhole area.
1 region
x 0.59 · y 0.29 · w 0.06 · h 0.07 (high) - Fly and seamCenter-front fly seam with visible stitching and slight tonal wear along the seam line.
1 region
x 0.49 · y 0.32 · w 0.16 · h 0.36 (high) - Visible interior drawcordThin black drawcord or string visible at the left rear waistband, extending upward behind the model's torso.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.06 · w 0.12 · h 0.18 (medium) - Waistband belt loopsMultiple vertical belt loops stitched to the waistband, including one at center front and one at the right front pocket edge.
1 region
x 0.40 · y 0.24 · w 0.20 · h 0.12 (high)
Other
Cropped studio product shot showing model from midriff to upper thighs against a neutral light background with soft even lighting and minimal shadows.
- Shot compositionCropped view focused on waist and upper legs of a model; torso and hands partially visible, hips centered in frame.
1 region
x 0.00 · y 0.00 · w 1.00 · h 1.00 (high) - Model hand poseRight hand resting near the right front waistband with fingers hooked into belt loop area; left hand relaxed at side near left thigh.
2 regions
x 0.60 · y 0.36 · w 0.22 · h 0.28 (high); x 0.04 · y 0.68 · w 0.18 · h 0.26 (high) - Background and lightingEven soft studio lighting on a neutral off-white background with faint shadowing beneath the legs.
Colors
washed black· denim body#211F21copper· rivetsantique silver· top button#959399- SilhouetteHigh-rise short silhouette sitting at the model's natural waist with a straight waistband and belt loops.
- 03
Product
Rear view of a pair of washed black denim high-waist shorts on a model; visible details include frayed hem, back pockets with arcuate stitching, belt loops, a tan leather waistband patch, and a small red fabric tab on the right back pocket.
- Overall silhouetteHigh-rise denim short silhouette shown from the rear on a model, with a fitted waist and relaxed thigh opening.
1 region
x 0.22 · y 0.52 · w 0.56 · h 0.40 (high) - Material and washDenim fabric with a washed black/charcoal appearance and visible denim texture.
1 region
x 0.22 · y 0.52 · w 0.56 · h 0.40 (high) - Back pocketsTwo rear patch pockets with visible arcuate (curved) topstitching; pockets set symmetrically on the back panel.
2 regions
x 0.28 · y 0.63 · w 0.18 · h 0.18 (high); x 0.54 · y 0.63 · w 0.18 · h 0.18 (high) - Frayed hemRaw, frayed edge at the leg openings with uneven fringing visible along the hem.
1 region
x 0.22 · y 0.84 · w 0.56 · h 0.08 (high) - Waistband detailsHigh waistband with belt loops and a visible center back seam at the waist.
1 region
x 0.33 · y 0.44 · w 0.34 · h 0.12 (medium) - Leather patchRectangular tan leather patch stitched on the right side of the rear waistband.
1 region
x 0.59 · y 0.45 · w 0.12 · h 0.07 (high) - Small red tabNarrow vertical red fabric tab attached at the outer edge of the right back pocket.
1 region
x 0.65 · y 0.64 · w 0.02 · h 0.04 (high)
Other
Studio product shot showing a model from behind against a plain light background; soft even lighting and minimal shadows.
- Model and poseFemale model shown from the rear with torso slightly turned to the left, wearing a white ribbed cropped tank that exposes the waistband of the shorts.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.06 · w 0.76 · h 0.88 (high) - BackgroundPlain off-white or very light gray seamless background with no visible props.
- LightingSoft, even studio lighting with minimal harsh shadows and gentle highlights on hair and fabric.
Colors
washed black· shorts (denim)#211D1Dtan· waistband leather patchred· right pocket tab- Overall silhouetteHigh-rise denim short silhouette shown from the rear on a model, with a fitted waist and relaxed thigh opening.
Variants
5 SKUsDocuments & Data
Reddit Insights
4 threads · r/PetiteFashionAdvice, r/SoftDramatics, r/MadewellReddit users report that the Levi's 501 Curve line is lifesaving for those with a dramatic waist-to-hip ratio, though sizing inconsistencies and occasional fit quirks prevent it from being universally perfect.
While many users praise the curve-friendly cut, there are notable complaints about inconsistent sizing, some fit issues (e.g., pelvis discomfort, remaining waist gap), and comparisons to other brands that may fit better for some.
Themes
Use Cases
- Everyday casual fashion for individuals with a high waist-to-hip ratio
Watch Out For
Compared To
vs Abercrombie & Fitch Curve Love shorts
Some users prefer Abercrombie's Curve Love shorts for a better fit without a waist gap, though Levi's 501 shorts remain a popular alternative.
Source Threads
Levi 501 shorts waist still large
I also like Levi 501 shorts but the waist is still kind of large on me
u/festivelimeView thread →
Excitement to try 501 Curve for dramatic waist-hip ratio
ooh i have to try this! i have a dramatic waist hip ratio and i’ve almost given up on jeans ever looking good, lol.
u/missgirlipopView thread →
Confusion over 501 shorts sizing
Amazing thanks!! Yeah I've never understood them either, especially how some places are 0,2,4 and some are 25", 26, 27" and every company fits differently! I measured again and I'm about 26" at my belly button but not sure where to measure for hips haha. Your measurements/shorts sizes is super helpful!! I feel like a 26 would fit comfortably on me. Even used shorts people are trying to sell for quite a bit so I don't want to get the wrong size!
u/kayjay86View thread →