Levi's
501 High-Rise Short
Levi's 501 High-Rise Short are women's denim shorts with a 10-inch rise and 3-inch inseam. Made from 99% cotton and 1% spandex (slight stretch), they feature a button fly, belt loops, and a classic five-pocket design. Customer feedback notes variable sizing, with some wearers finding the fit small or the waist loose, so checking the size chart is advisable.
- Material
- Slight stretch cotton denim
- Gender
- female
- Style
- casual, classic
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Shorts
Color
Specifications
High-rise denim shorts with slight stretch, button fly, and 5-pocket design.
Slight stretch cotton denim, button fly, belt loops, 5-pocket design, 10-inch rise, 3-inch inseam
- Material
- Slight stretch cotton denim
- Secondary
- elastane
- Style
- casual, classic
- Occasion
- casual
- Gender
- female
- Age Group
- adult
- Condition
- new
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Shorts
Additional Attributes
- High-rise design with 10" rise
- 3" inseam short length
- Slight stretch cotton denim for comfort
- Button fly closure
- Belt loops for accessorizing
- 5-pocket design for utility
- Classic Levi's 501 styling
- Denim fabric with slight stretch
- Short inseam for warm weather
- Traditional button fly
- Five-pocket configuration
- High-rise waist
Product Insights
Levi's 501 High-Rise Short is a fitted, vintage denim short with a 1% spandex stretch that eliminates stiffness and holds shape, feeling broken-in from the first wear. Its button fly offers durability and unique fading, but sizing varies across washes and the inseam rides up on fuller thighs, often requiring a belt to close waist gaps from sizing up.
Verified claims
- Sizing consistency
- Sizing runs inconsistent; the standard waist chart is approximate, and some buyers recommend sizing up or trying multiple sizes.
- Thigh and waist fit
- On fuller thighs the 3-inch inseam rides up; sizing up reduces it but can create a waist gap that a belt or tailoring can fix.
- Initial comfort
- The 1% elastane gives the denim a broken-in feel from the first wear, avoiding the stiffness of all-cotton versions.
- Ride-up
- The 3-inch inseam rides up on fuller thighs; going up a full size can reduce the creep, though the waist may then need a belt or tailoring.
- Stretch
- 99% cotton, 1% spandex blend: stretch eliminates stiffness, shape holds.
- Shape recovery
- The 1% spandex prevents permanent bagging in seat and thighs.
- Fit accommodation
- The 1% spandex gives the waistband a small amount of give, so the standard size-chart measurements are approximate.
- Pocket design
- Trademarked red tab and arcuate stitch on a five-pocket layout.
- Heritage
- Direct descendant of 1873 blue jean, rated best vintage short, with stretch for easier break-in.
- Durability
- Button fly is more durable and secure than a zipper after a short adjustment period.
- Fade
- The button fly creates unique, desirable fade marks around the fly over time.
- Silhouette
- 501 is the fitted, vintage short in Levi's lineup, tracing to the original 1873 blue jean.
- Value
- At $69.95, it is the most affordable button-fly vintage denim short.
- Care
- Inside-out cold wash and air drying preserve fit and minimize fading.
- Authenticity details
- Genuine 501 shorts have a red tab on the right back pocket and double-needle arcuate stitching; fake listings may have poorly sewn labels.
- Price range
- Levi's 501 shorts are typically priced from $59 to $98 USD and are repeatedly flagged as the most affordable pathway to a button-fly, near-100% cotton vintage cutoff.
- Seller source
- Amazon listings have produced mixed authenticity: some users received shorts with poorly sewn labels, while others confirmed genuine Levi's quality.
- Fit trade-offs
- Common fit trade-offs include ride-up on fuller thighs and waist gap on curvy figures.
- Body type fit
- Waist gap on curvy figures and ride-up on fuller thighs are common fit issues.
- Fit style
- Fitted classic vintage silhouette, rated best short/vintage in Levi's.
- Waist measurements by size
- The approximate natural-waist measurements for sizes 24-31 are: 24 = 25", 25 = 26", 26 = 27", 27 = 28", 28 = 29", 29 = 30", 30 = 31", 31 = 32".
- Rise and leg line
- The 10-inch rise sits at the natural waist and creates a leg-lengthening silhouette.
- Inseam coverage
- The 3-inch inseam stops above the fullest part of the thigh and offers noticeably less coverage than Levi's 5-inch and 7-inch shorts.
Product record
- Title
- 501 High-Rise Short
- Brand
- Levi's
- Price
- 69.95 CAD
- Availability
- In stock
- Rating
- 1 stars, 1 reviews, scale 5
Buying Guide
1 comparison · 12 sourcesProduct comparison
Compared within this brand.
| 501 High-Rise Short: Choose this if you want a high-rise denim short with a 10 inch rise, a short 3 inch inseam, and a slightly relaxed, straight-cut fit in a faded dark charcoal wash, finished with a button fly, five-pocket styling, and a raw frayed hem. The 99% cotton and 1% spandex denim has only slight stretch, and some reviewers report the waist can run kind of large or that the shorts ride up, so sizing may need consideration. Listed sizes run 24 through 28 in Charcoal and Medium Wash.[1,2,4,5,6] | 501 Curve Short: Choose this if you want Levi's curve-focused take on its iconic straight fit, built with a smaller waist and more room in the seat and thigh to accommodate a curvier body shape. The 99% cotton, 1% elastane denim has only slight stretch, with a mid rise of 10 inches, a short 3.75-inch inseam, a button fly, five-pocket styling, and a raw frayed hem, offered in Black and Light Wash in sizes 24 through 27. Keep in mind the fuller hip-and-thigh cut is the stated design intent rather than a reported fit outcome, so sizing may need trying on.[7,8,9,10,11] | A-Line Mom Short: Choose this if you want soft, stretchy light-wash denim (85% cotton, 14% polyester, 1% spandex) with an A-line cut that skims the hip and thigh rather than hugging them, in a short 4.5 inch inseam. Reviewers say it fits curvy waist-to-hip ratios elegantly, and one demonstrated that sizing up one or two sizes gives a loose yet structured oversized look. Note that the waist sits very high — the listed rise is 9.5 inches — and per one reviewer it can extend uncomfortably high for wearers with shorter torsos or a mid-rise preference.[3,12] |
Image Analysis
3 images- 01
Product
Front view of high-rise dark denim shorts showing the waistband, fly, pockets, belt loops and frayed hem.
- SilhouetteHigh-rise short silhouette with a straight cut across the thighs and a slightly relaxed fit.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.48 · w 0.58 · h 0.38 (high) - Material and washDenim fabric with a faded dark charcoal/black wash showing subtle vertical color variation.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.48 · w 0.58 · h 0.38 (high) - Waistband and closureHigh waistband with visible belt loops and a central metal top button above a fly.
1 region
x 0.36 · y 0.46 · w 0.28 · h 0.12 (high) - Front pocketsCurved front pockets with visible pocket openings; right pocket partially occupied by model's hand.
2 regions
x 0.22 · y 0.56 · w 0.22 · h 0.20 (high); x 0.56 · y 0.56 · w 0.20 · h 0.20 (high) - Hem detailRaw, frayed hem edge with uneven threads extending below the cut line.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.78 · w 0.58 · h 0.08 (high) - Seaming and topstitchingVisible vertical center seam on the fly and contrast topstitching along pockets and waistband.
1 region
x 0.36 · y 0.50 · w 0.28 · h 0.30 (high) - Button detailRound metal button at the waistband with a slightly lighter metallic finish.
1 region
x 0.46 · y 0.48 · w 0.08 · h 0.06 (high)
Other
Model wearing the shorts in a studio shot with a white background; additional clothing and a shoulder bag are visible, and the image is evenly lit from the front.
- Model and poseTorso-down frontal model view with both hands placed near or in the front pockets; upper body and head partially visible.
1 region
x 0.08 · y 0.02 · w 0.84 · h 0.96 (medium) - Visible additional garmentsLight cream, long-sleeve knit cardigan with a floral open-knit pattern is worn above the shorts; cardigan is not part of the product description for the shorts but is visible.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.06 · w 0.60 · h 0.48 (high) - Accessory propTan leather shoulder bag with a long strap and fringe tassel hangs at the model's left side overlapping the shorts area.
1 region
x 0.06 · y 0.44 · w 0.20 · h 0.44 (high) - Background and lightingPlain white studio background with even diffuse frontal lighting and soft shadows beneath the model.
Colors
faded charcoal· denim body#312E2Bbrushed silver· metal button#C5C2B5- SilhouetteHigh-rise short silhouette with a straight cut across the thighs and a slightly relaxed fit.
- 02
Product
Front view of a pair of dark washed denim high-rise shorts with five-pocket styling, visible metal button, belt loops, and raw frayed hem. Model's hands are placed in front pockets which slightly obscure pocket openings.
- Overall silhouetteFront-facing high-rise denim shorts sitting at the waist with a straight short inseam and slightly relaxed leg openings.
1 region
x 0.06 · y 0.34 · w 0.88 · h 0.42 (high) - Fabric and washBlack/charcoal denim with faded highlights and visible vertical weave texture typical of denim.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.40 · w 0.76 · h 0.40 (high) - Waistband and belt loopsStraight waistband with multiple belt loops visible; waistband seam and topstitching present.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.34 · w 0.60 · h 0.10 (high) - ClosureSingle exposed metal button at center front above a fly; button has an embossed motif but the characters are not legible at this resolution.Partial
1 region
x 0.45 · y 0.36 · w 0.10 · h 0.07 (high) - Pocket stylingClassic five-pocket styling with two curved front pockets and a small coin pocket partly visible at the right front; model hands are placed inside the main front pockets.
2 regions
x 0.12 · y 0.42 · w 0.22 · h 0.18 (high); x 0.66 · y 0.42 · w 0.22 · h 0.18 (high) - RivetsSmall copper-colored rivets reinforcing the front pocket corners.
2 regions
x 0.16 · y 0.44 · w 0.04 · h 0.04 (high); x 0.78 · y 0.44 · w 0.04 · h 0.04 (high) - Hem finishRaw cut frayed hem with short loose threads visible along the bottom edge of each leg opening.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.69 · w 0.64 · h 0.06 (high) - Center front seamVertical center front seam and topstitching along the fly visible from waistband to crotch.
1 region
x 0.44 · y 0.36 · w 0.12 · h 0.32 (high)
Other
Model wearing a cream knit long-sleeve top; hands placed in shorts pockets. White studio background with even frontal lighting and soft shadow under thighs. Image is a cropped midbody shot showing torso to upper thighs.
- Model stylingModel's hands are inserted in front pockets, partially obscuring pocket openings and coin pocket area.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.40 · w 0.76 · h 0.24 (high) - Visible garment above shortsCream off-white sheer knit button-up top with a floral openwork pattern and round pearlescent buttons.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.02 · w 0.64 · h 0.38 (high) - Background and lightingPlain white studio background with even frontal lighting producing soft shadows under the model's legs.
- Image crop and framingCropped mid-shot showing model from lower torso to upper thighs; legs and lower body extend to lower image edge.
Colors
charcoal black denim· denim body#423E3Bcopper· rivet accents#AC735Dsilver metal· button- Overall silhouetteFront-facing high-rise denim shorts sitting at the waist with a straight short inseam and slightly relaxed leg openings.
- 03
Product
Rear view of a pair of dark washed denim high-rise shorts with frayed hem, visible back pockets with arcuate stitching, a tan leather waistband patch, and a small red fabric tab on the right back pocket.
- Overall silhouetteHigh-rise denim shorts shown from the rear with a straight waistband, fitted seat, and short inseam ending in a frayed raw edge hem.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.45 · w 0.60 · h 0.40 (high) - Denim finishDark washed / faded black denim with visible tonal fading and subtle vertical seam textures.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.45 · w 0.60 · h 0.40 (high) - Back pocketsTwo rear patch pockets with double-stitched edges and distinctive arcuate curved topstitching on each pocket.
2 regions
x 0.28 · y 0.56 · w 0.20 · h 0.20 (high); x 0.48 · y 0.56 · w 0.20 · h 0.20 (high) - Frayed hemRaw cut hem with loose frayed threads forming an uneven fringe along the leg openings.
1 region
x 0.22 · y 0.78 · w 0.56 · h 0.10 (high) - Waistband detailsStraight waistband with belt loops and a visible center back seam and yoke shaping above the pockets.
1 region
x 0.24 · y 0.40 · w 0.52 · h 0.12 (high) - Leather patchRectangular tan leather patch stitched to the right side of the rear waistband.
1 region
x 0.55 · y 0.43 · w 0.12 · h 0.08 (high) - Red pocket tabSmall vertical red fabric tab sewn into the right back pocket seam near the pocket opening.
1 region
x 0.53 · y 0.58 · w 0.03 · h 0.05 (high) - Model interactionLeft hand inserted into the left back pocket, causing a slight pull and natural wrinkle at the pocket area.
1 region
x 0.24 · y 0.58 · w 0.18 · h 0.18 (high)
Other
Studio rear-shot of a model against a plain white background, evenly lit with soft shadows; image cropped above mid-thigh and above the head; sheer knit top worn by the model overlays the waistband slightly.
- Shot compositionStudio photograph showing the model from the rear, centered horizontally; framing crops the model near mid-thigh and above the top of the head.
- Background and lightingClean white background with even, diffuse lighting and soft shadowing beneath the model.
- Overlapping garmentSheer off-white long-sleeve knit top worn by the model is visible and partially tucked over the waistband, creating slight occlusion of the waistband area.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.08 · w 0.76 · h 0.42 (high) - Pose detailModel stands with weight shifted to one side; right arm hangs relaxed while left arm is bent with hand in pocket.
Colors
faded black· denim body#312E2Atan· waistband leather patch#B39574bright red· pocket tab- Overall silhouetteHigh-rise denim shorts shown from the rear with a straight waistband, fitted seat, and short inseam ending in a frayed raw edge hem.
Brand PDP Lookup
- Brand
- Levi's
501® Original Fit High Rise Women's Shorts - Light Wash
Variants
6 SKUs| SKU | Title | Price | Avail |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4480319 | 501 High-Rise Short - Charcoal - 24 | CA$69.95 | Yes |
| 4480320 | 501 High-Rise Short - Charcoal - 25 | CA$69.95 | Yes |
| 4480321 | 501 High-Rise Short - Charcoal - 26 | CA$69.95 | Yes |
| 4480322 | 501 High-Rise Short - Charcoal - 27 | CA$69.95 | Yes |
| 4480323 | 501 High-Rise Short - Charcoal - 28 | CA$69.95 | Yes |
| 4480328 | 501 High-Rise Short - Medium Wash - 25 | CA$69.95 | Yes |
Documents & Data
Customer Reviews
1 total1 reviews · out of 5
Not the best
Sized up by two sizes and they were still so tight, didn’t look anything like they did in the pic online. Not flattering at all
Reddit Insights
4 threads · r/FrugalFemaleFashion, r/PetiteFashionAdvice, r/AritziaReddit users generally find the Levi's 501 High-Rise Short to be a quality classic short, but sizing is tricky and some caution against potential fakes on Amazon.
While some users praise the quality and sale prices, many report issues with inconsistent sizing, waist gaps, and concerns about counterfeit products.
Themes
Use Cases
- Casual everyday wear
- Travel and vacation
Watch Out For
Compared To
vs Denim Forum shorts
Some prefer Denim Forum shorts because Levi's 501 shorts tend to ride up.
Source Threads
User confirms Levi's 501 shorts quality matches regular price
I just got these to my house yesterday.. and also ordered the light blue pair that was a couple more dollars and these are definitely just the regular 501 quality. I have a regular pair at home I’ve paid much more for and they are the same.
u/bluebunnybunsr/FrugalFemaleFashionView thread →
User likes Levi 501 shorts but notes large waist
I also like Levi 501 shorts but the waist is still kind of large on me
u/festivelimer/PetiteFashionAdviceView thread →
User advises on Levi's 501 shorts stretch and sizing
most of Levi’s unless otherwise states are no stretch, they do fit true to size but keep in mind that they really have no stretch at all
u/[deleted]r/AritziaView thread →
User shares Levi's jeans sizing experience for reference
I have not tried those shorts specifically. But I have one pair of Levi’s jeans that is not a stretchy material, aka it’s proper stiff denim, and I took a size 26. I’m usually a 00 P. My measurements are 24.5-25 waist and 34-34.5 hips.
u/AKM0215r/PetiteFashionAdviceView thread →