Madewell vs. Levis: Which brand should you buy?

Madewell is known for its trendy, modern aesthetic and comfortable, high-quality stretch denim, often with a focus on sustainable materials at a slightly higher price point. Levi's is a heritage brand famed for its classic, durable, and rugged 100% cotton jeans like the iconic 501s, typically available at a more accessible price.

Let's break down everything you need to know to choose the right denim brand for your needs.

Madewell: The Modern, Effortless Staple

Madewell has become a go-to for shoppers seeking jeans that blend a perfect fit with a cool, contemporary style. The brand appeals to young professionals and fashion-conscious individuals who prioritize comfort, versatility, and sustainability without compromising on a polished, vintage-inspired look.

• Product mix: Primarily famous for its wide variety of denim styles, Madewell also offers a full clothing line including sweaters, tops, dresses, shoes, and timeless leather accessories like totes and belts.
• Price point: Mid-range, with their most popular jeans typically retailing between $98 and $150. Tops and dresses range from $60 to $150.
• Quality: Known for high-quality, premium denim blends that are soft from the first wear. Many styles incorporate stretch for superior comfort and fit, alongside eco-friendly and recycled materials.
• Sizing/Fit: Offers inclusive sizing, typically from 23 to 34, with petite, standard, and tall inseams. Sizing generally runs true to size, with a focus on flattering high-rise, straight-leg, and skinny silhouettes.
• Sustainability: A core pillar of the brand. Madewell emphasizes eco-friendly fabrics, ethical manufacturing processes, and offers a program to recycle old jeans for a discount on a new pair.
• Sales: Sales are less frequent than at Levi's but do happen seasonally and during major holidays, often featuring sitewide promotions on full-priced items.

Madewell excels at delivering trendy yet timeless pieces with an exceptional fit and a strong commitment to environmental responsibility, making it ideal for those seeking comfortable, fashionable denim.

Shop Madewell: madewell.com

Levi's: The Timeless Denim Icon

With a history spanning over 150 years, Levi's is the original American denim brand that defined the blue jean. Its iconic styles symbolize durability and a classic, rugged aesthetic that has appealed to generations. Levi's caters to a massive global audience looking for dependable, stylish denim with a rich heritage.

• Product mix: While jeans are the main attraction, Levi's offers a broad range of apparel including denim jackets, t-shirts, shorts, and accessories. Their range of fits - from the original 501 to skinny, bootcut, and relaxed - is extensive.
• Price point: Broadly accessible, with core jean styles often ranging from $40 to $100. Premium "Made & Crafted" lines can cost over $200, but there are always budget-friendly options available.
• Quality: World-renowned for incredibly durable, heavy-duty denim, traditionally made from sturdy 100% cotton. Levi's jeans are built to last and are known for aging beautifully, developing a unique character over time.
• Sizing/Fit: Provides a massive range of sizes, often from 24 to 34 and beyond, including big and tall options. Sizing can be inconsistent between styles, so it's often wise to consult their detailed fit guides or try them on in-store.
• Sustainability: Has made major strides in sustainability through its Water
• Sales: Levi's offers frequent sales, end-of-season clearance events, and outlet deals, making it easy to find their products at a discount.

Levi's remains the top choice for anyone seeking iconic, durable denim with a heritage story at an excellent value.

Shop Levi's: levi.com

Madewell vs. Levi's Comparison

Price Comparison

Madewell positions itself in the premium-casual market, with most jeans priced between $98 and $150. While they hold their value well, full price is the norm outside of occasional sales. This price reflects their focus on proprietary fabrics like their Fair Trade Certified "Magic Pockets," and complex washes.

Levi's offers a much wider price spectrum, making them more accessible overall. You can easily find classic styles like the 505 or 511 for under $70, especially during one of their frequent promotions. This makes Levi's a clear winner for shoppers on a budget or those looking to build a denim wardrobe without a major investment.

Quality & Materials

Madewell's reputation is built on soft, comfortable denim blends that feel broken-in from day one. They heavily feature stretch fabrics like TENCEL Modal and recycled materials, prioritizing immediate comfort and a flattering fit. The craftsmanship is excellent, though some may find the denim less substantial than traditional non-stretch styles.

In contrast, Levi's is famous for its rugged, heavy-duty 100% cotton denim. It can be stiff at first but molds to your body over time, building character with each wear. This traditional denim is exceptionally durable and can last for decades. While Levi's also offers stretch blends, its heritage is rooted in tough, workwear-grade fabric.

Style & Aesthetic

The Madewell aesthetic is modern, effortless, and subtly trend-aware. Their styles often reflect a vintage-inspired look made contemporary for today's market, with popular straight-leg, cropped, and skinny high-rise fits. Their color palette and designs are versatile and focus on creating an easy, stylish uniform for everyday wear.

Levi's aesthetic is pure Americana. Their styles are timeless, classic, and rooted in a history of utility and rebellion. While they offer modern cuts and washes, the heart of the brand lies in iconic pieces like the 501 jeans and the Trucker Jacket that never go out of style. Levi's is less about chasing trends and more about perfecting the classics.

Fit & Sizing

Madewell consistently receives high praise for its fit. Their sizing is reliable and runs true to size across most styles. With options for petite, regular, and tall inseams, they excel at creating flattering fits for a wide variety of body types, particularly with their "Perfect Vintage" and "Curvy" lines.

Levi's offers an unparalleled variety of fits - from skinny and slim to straight, relaxed, and bootcut. However, their sizing can vary significantly from one style to another. A size 28 in a 501 might fit completely differently than a size 28 in their 721 High Rise Skinny. Because of this, it's often recommended to read reviews or try Levi's on in person if you're new to a specific style.

Sustainability & Ethics

Both brands have strong sustainability programs. Madewell makes sustainable practices a central marketing message, highlighting its use of organic cotton, recycled materials, and partnerships with Fair Trade Certified factories. Their denim recycling program is also very popular.

Levi's also invests heavily in responsible manufacturing. Their Water

Final Verdict

For shoppers seeking modern, comfortable, and trendy jeans with great quality, Madewell is a great option. For those who prioritize a classic heritage brand with durability and affordability and a wide range of styles, it is tough to beat a classic pair of Levi's jeans.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right choice really depends on what you're looking for in a pair of jeans. Both brands are leaders in the denim market, but they serve different needs.

Choose Madewell if:

• You prioritize a soft, comfortable feel and love jeans with some stretch.
• A consistent, flattering fit is your number one concern.
• Your style is modern, effortless, and you appreciate trendy-yet-timeless silhouettes.
• You're willing to invest over $100 in a high-quality pair of jeans made with sustainable materials.

Choose Levi's if:

• You're looking for iconic, classic American style with a rich heritage.
• Ultimate durability and a pair of jeans that will last for years are your goals.
• You want more affordable options and enjoy searching for great deals and sales.
• You need a huge variety of fits to choose from, from skinny to the original straight leg.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Madewell or Levi's more expensive?

Generally, Madewell is more expensive. Most of their jeans are priced between $98 and $150, whereas Levi's offers many popular styles in the $40 to $100 range. You're more likely to find Levi's on sale as well.

Do Madewell jeans run true to size?

Yes, Madewell is known for having consistent and reliable sizing that mostly runs true to size. They also offer detailed fit guides and options for petite, standard, and tall inseams to help you find the perfect fit.

Which brand is better for curvy figures?

Both brands offer excellent options, but Madewell's "Curvy" line is specifically designed with a longer rise and more room in the hip and thigh to eliminate waist-gapping. It is a very popular choice. Levi's also offers various fits that work well for curvy figures, but it may take more searching to find the right style.

Are Madewell jeans worth it?

For many shoppers, yes. If you value a soft feel, a great fit right off the rack, and modern styling, the higher price is often justified. Their quality and sustainable practices also add to their value proposition.

Which jeans last longer, Madewell or Levi's?

Levi's has a long-standing reputation for incredible durability, particularly with their 100% cotton styles that are built to withstand decades of wear. While Madewell jeans are high-quality, the stretch fibers mixed into many styles may not have the same multi-decade lifespan as a pair of rugged Levi's.

Where can I buy Madewell and Levi's?

Both brands have their own websites and physical stores. You can also find Madewell at retailers like Nordstrom. Levi's enjoys a much wider distribution and is available at thousands of department stores, boutiques, and retailers worldwide.

Does Levi's sizing run small?

Levi's sizing can be inconsistent. Some styles, especially vintage-inspired 100% cotton ones, often have no stretch and may require you to size up. Other styles with more stretch might run true to size or even a bit large. It’s always best to check the specific fit guide for the style you're buying.

What styles are Madewell and Levi's best known for?

Madewell is best known for its "Perfect Vintage Jean," a flattering high-waisted style with a tapered leg. Levi's is most famous for its iconic "501 Original Fit Jean," the first blue jean ever created, known for its straight fit and button fly.