Madewell Jeans vs. Levi's: Which brand should you buy?

While Madewell is known for its modern, premium-feel denim with comfortable stretch and on-trend fits, Levi's is the iconic American heritage brand celebrated for its classic durability and timeless styles at a more accessible price point. The core difference comes down to aesthetics and feel: Madewell offers a softer, more fashion-forward approach, while Levi's provides sturdy, traditional jeans built to last a lifetime.

Let's break down everything you need to know to choose the right pair of jeans for your style and budget.

Madewell: The Modern, High-Quality Staple

Madewell has become the go-to denim brand for consumers seeking stylish, high-quality jeans that blend a modern sensibility with eco-conscious practices. Their target customer appreciates a flattering fit, comfortable fabrics, and a minimalist aesthetic that can easily be dressed up or down, making the brand a favorite among young professionals and style-conscious shoppers.

• Product mix: A well-curated collection of denim styles including their popular Perfect Vintage Straight, high-rise skinnies, and relaxed boyfriend fits. They also offer a full range of casual apparel like tees, sweaters, and dresses designed to complement their denim.
• Price point: Most jeans are in the premium mid-range, typically costing between $98 and $138. The price reflects high-quality materials and their focus on sustainable manufacturing.
• Quality: Jeans are known for their soft feel right off the rack, often using premium cotton blended with stretch fibers for comfort and fit retention. Their denim is durable and crafted to hold its shape and color through wear.
• Sizing/Fit: Madewell is known for running true to size, with inclusive options including petite, regular, tall, and a popular "Curvy Fit" line specifically designed to eliminate waistband gaps.
• Sustainability: The brand emphasizes eco-conscious production, using recycled materials, Fair Trade Certified factories, and technologies that reduce water usage in the denim-making process.

Madewell excels at offering trendy, comfortable, and sustainable denim that feels premium, making it a worthy investment for those who prioritize modern style and a perfect fit.

Shop Madewell: madewell.com

Levi's: The Timeless American Icon

As the originator of the blue jean, Levi's has built a legacy on durability, authenticity, and timeless American style. For over 150 years, the brand has been a global wardrobe fixture, offering iconic styles like the 501 Original Fit that transcend trends. Levi's appeals to a massive demographic thanks to its reliability, wide range of styles, and affordable price point.

• Product mix: An extensive catalog of denim fits for everyone, including the iconic 501, straight legs, skinny jeans, relaxed fits, bootcuts, and trendy styles like the Ribcage and Wedgie Fit.
• Price point: Highly accessible, with most core styles ranging from $40 to $100. Frequent sales and widespread availability in other retailers make them an excellent value buy.
• Quality: Famous for its sturdy, hard-wearing denim. Classic non-stretch styles made from 100% cotton are built to mold to your body over time, while their modern stretch blends offer immediate comfort.
• Sizing/Fit: Offers a massive range of sizes, including petite, tall, and plus sizing across many styles. While sizing is generally consistent, the fit can vary slightly between different washes and fabric compositions within the same style family.
• Sustainability: Levi's has invested heavily in sustainability with initiatives like their Water<,Less technology, which significantly reduces water consumption, ethical cotton sourcing, and in-store recycling programs.

Levi's remains the undisputed leader for classic, durable, and affordable denim that embodies effortless cool and has a place in nearly every closet.

Shop Levi's: levi.com

Madewell vs. Levi's Comparison

Price Comparison

This is one of the most significant differences between the two brands. Levi's is the clear winner on affordability, with most of its popular jean styles priced between $40 and $100. Paired with frequent promotions, it's easy to find a classic, durable pair of Levi's for under $70.

Madewell operates in the premium mid-range, with their jeans typically retailing for $98 to $138. The higher price is justified by their use of premium fabric blends, focus on trend-forward wash techniques, and smaller-scale production. While you pay more, you're investing in a specific modern fit and feel that many shoppers find is worth the cost.

Quality & Materials

Both brands produce high-quality denim, but they prioritize different material characteristics. Madewell is known for denim that is soft and comfortable from the very first wear. They frequently use fabric blends with materials like TENCEL™ Lyocell and elastane to create jeans that stretch, move, and flatter without a lengthy break-in period.

Levi's reputation was built on sturdy, 100% cotton denim designed for work and resilience. Their classic styles can feel rigid and stiff at first, requiring some time to break in and soften. However, once molded to your body, they last for decades. Levi's also offers many styles with stretch for those who prefer immediate comfort over traditional raw denim.

Style & Aesthetic

Madewell's style is contemporary, chic, and effortlessly minimalist. Their designs often feature higher rises, vintage-inspired straight legs, and washes that are perfectly faded for a modern-but-timeless look. They excel at creating the "perfect" everyday skinny or straight-leg jean that aligns with current fashion trends.

Levi's aesthetic is rooted in classic Americana and heritage. Their core pieces, like the 501 or the Trucker Jacket, are timeless icons that defy fast-fashion cycles. While they produce on-trend fits like high-waisted and wide-leg jeans, their brand identity leans more toward classic, authentic style rather than of-the-moment trends.

Fit & Sizing

Madewell offers a highly curated selection of fits known for being flattering and consistent. Their sizing is generally very true-to-size, and their line of Curvy Fit jeans is celebrated for being expertly designed to hug the waist and hips without gapping in the back. Customers often find Madewell's consistency makes online shopping simple.

Levi's provides a vastly wider array of fits and sizes. From skinny to relaxed and everything in between, there's a Levi's fit for virtually any body type or style preference. Because they use a wider variety of factories and fabrics, sizing can sometimes vary slightly between styles or even different washes of the same style, making it helpful to try them on or read reviews before buying.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right choice really depends on what kind of shopper you are. Both brands offer fantastic denim, but their specialties are distinct.

Choose Madewell if:

• You want comfortable, soft jeans that feel broken-in from day one.
• You prioritize modern, on-trend fits like high-rise vintage straight legs.
• Flattering silhouettes and consistent, true-to-size fits are important to you.
• You are willing to invest over $100 for premium fabrics and sustainable production practices.

Choose Levi's if:

• You're looking for timeless, iconic jeans that will never go out of style.
• Your top priority is durability and finding a pair that will last for years, or even decades.
• Budget is a key factor, and you want excellent value for under $100.
• You appreciate a wide selection of fits, washes, and the classic appeal of American heritage denim.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Madewell or Levi's cheaper?

Levi's is consistently cheaper than Madewell. Most Levi's jeans fall in the $40-$100 price range, while Madewell jeans typically cost between $98-$138.

Which brand has better quality?

Both have excellent quality, but it's different. Levi's excels at traditional, rugged durability, especially in their 100% cotton styles. Madewell focuses on a premium feel, using softer, often stretch-infused fabrics that prioritize comfort and modern silhouettes.

Do Madewell jeans run true to size?

Yes, Madewell is known for its consistent and reliable sizing. Most shoppers find they can take their usual size, and the brand's detailed online fit guides are very helpful.

Do Levi's jeans stretch out?

It depends on the material. Levi's 100% cotton jeans will naturally relax and mold to your body over time, which isn't the same as "stretching out." Styles with elastane or stretch blends are designed to hold their shape a bit better while still offering flexibility.

Which brand is better for curvy fits?

Both brands offer curvy-specific fits, but Madewell's Curvy Fit line is particularly praised for its design that prevents waistband gapping by providing more room in the hips and thighs while keeping the waist taut. That said, many people find a perfect fit in classic Levi's styles, so it's a matter of personal preference.

Which brand is more sustainable?

Both brands have made significant commitments to sustainability, making them both good choices for conscious consumers. Levi's focuses heavily on water reduction through its Water<,Less technology, while Madewell emphasizes the use of recycled fabrics and its Fair Trade Certified factories.

Can I trade in old jeans at either store?

Yes, both have great trade-in programs. You can bring any brand of old jeans to a Madewell store and receive $20 off a new pair. Levi's has a recycling program and drop-off boxes in their stores to ensure old denim is repurposed responsibly.

Which is better, Madewell Perfect Vintage or Levi's 501?

This is an iconic style battle. The Madewell Perfect Vintage Jean generally has a higher rise and tapered leg, often with stretch for comfort. The classic Levi's 501 has a mid-rise, a button fly, and a straight fit, traditionally made from 100% cotton for a more rigid, authentic feel. Choose Madewell for modern comfort or Levi's for true vintage authenticity.