Menu
CB Apparel Levi Strauss & Co. spandex or lycra in jeans
Levi Strauss & Co.

Levi Strauss & Co. review: spandex or lycra in jeans 139

J
Author of the review
12:00 am EDT
Featured review
This review was chosen algorithmically as the most valued customer feedback.

I wish levi's would quit making womens plus size jeans stretchy.
Hello! They don't make a person look any better and they don't fit as well as the 100% cotton denim!
I want my old jeans back! Spandex sucks!
Levi's have been around forever. If it ain't broke don't fix it! Go back to the way you made them in 1999.

More Levi Strauss & Co. reviews & complaints

Levi Strauss & Co. - Poor quality 147
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
Levi Strauss & Co. - belt loops 32
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
Levi Strauss & Co. - belt loops or pocket ripped 5
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
Levi Strauss & Co. - 569 are no longer 569 and I am looking for a replacement 4
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
Levi Strauss & Co. - belt loops ripped 12
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
Levi Strauss & Co. - levi's 724
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
Replied
The company left an official comment to this complaint.
Levi Strauss & Co. - por material quality
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
139 comments
K
K
Katheryn Hill
Columbia, US
Oct 23, 2011 2:08 am EDT

I have worn Levis jeans for 30 years or longer and I loved them. I have to say the jeans made today are not for everyone. It's the fabric. Not everyone like the spandex/lycra style. Please, please, please bring back the old fashion real denim jeans.

A
A
abhishek sourabh
, IN
Sep 28, 2010 3:55 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

My name abhishek sourabh, e - mail abhishek_mn023@yahoo. Co. In jeans tag make my whole jean discolours

I
I
Ibnfshn
, US
Jun 15, 2016 7:02 am EDT

I recently bought 2 pairs of Levi jeans that must be labeled wrong for size. I wear 36-29 size and all the rest of my Levis are this size. However the new 505 jeans are too big despite washing them several times in hot water. Yes I double checked the size. Unfortunatly I did not keep my receipts as I never had this problem before and didn't see any reason to keep it this time. Do I have any recourses?

G
G
garyshorney
Portsmouth, GB
Jun 15, 2016 7:02 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

ive brought a pair of 751 in the uk brought 2 pairs one was ment to be stone wash but there not ive been buying levi jeans for yrs and yrs as im 42 yrs old and never have they been so thin ive always brought the same ones and my other ones which was only brought last yr the material is alot thicker the ones ive just brought r very thin they feel like trousers not jeans the shop i brought them in was in the levi shop in gunwarf portsmouth uk as i said the were the 701 in size 36/34

L
L
Lisa0804
Greenville, US
Jun 15, 2016 7:02 am EDT

This is too funny! tried to exchange a pair of jeans without my reciept just wanted to pick another pair of jeans and they told me i had to exchange it for the same kind...i found another pair of jeans 10 dollars more and they still would not let me pay the difference...they kept insisting that they had to be the same kind...lol really! I am trying to give them more money and they would not take it! i dont think the owner of Kmart would approve with this policy

J
J
Jasonff
Los Angeles, US
Jun 15, 2016 7:02 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Bought a pair of Levi 501 shrink-to-fit jeans at the Torrance, CA Levi store last week.

I wear a 34 waist. Asked for guidance on sizing and they said to pick 34. So i bought them, washed them, *air dried* them. Now they are about a 31 inch waist.

Returned them to the store to find out they won't accept returns or offer exchanges, even though their sales person advised me to buy that size.

Called Levi customer service. They said it was my fault for not getting advice. I said i did get advice--from them. They then refused to take responsibility, saying their policy is to not accept returns or exchanges on that product.

I am 46 years old and I spend several thousands of dollars per year on clothing for my family. I **was** a lifelong Levi customer. That's over.

Well done, Levi, on destroying your brand through poor quality and customer service that alienates customers.

I
I
ihatespandex
Austin, US
Jun 15, 2016 7:02 am EDT

What is this obsession with all of the jean designers with the spandex thing? I have not met anyone who likes them unfortunately you cannot find a pair of jeans that are still made of 100% cotton. The spandex jeans hold their shape for about 2 hours then they look and feel like they are a size too big! Can't the big companies like Levi Strauss and The Gap at least make one pair of 100% cotton jeans to offer to their customers? I bet they would be surprised at what a big seller they would be!

V
V
vipul shah-u9
, IN
Jun 15, 2016 7:02 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I bought pair of jeans in may 2010 for rupees Rs. 2500/-. after using it for 6 to 8 months i found holes on right side of the material. there are 8 to 10 holes and it is of different sizes. i think that the material is defective. i went to the retailer from where i bought it, he refused to replace it.
i am wearing levis brand since i began college but never faced this kind of problem.
awaiting your early reply.
thanking you,
Vipul Shah.
Ph: [protected], email: vipul_u9@yahoo.co.in

G
G
greg Keegan
, IE
Jun 15, 2016 7:01 am EDT

I washed a t-shirt that has been washed several times before, i followed washing instructions wash at 40c with similiar colours and inside out, Yet my shirt and other clothes are ruined as colour rang. I want this investigated as my shirt is a new one and my babies vests are ruined also.

My name is Grainne keegan

Phone [protected] in Ireland

Address is 23 The Briars Ashbourne Co Meath Ireland

G
G
greg bailey
, US
Feb 14, 2016 10:21 am EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I bought a pair of Levi Strauss & Co. 505 jeans size W38 H30. I have wore the jeans twice and two of the belt loops have come loose from the jeans.

R
R
resourcedragon
, US
Jan 13, 2016 12:19 am EST

Like most of the other posters here, I HATE elastane. I do not want garments that cling to me like strangler vines. They're hot in summer and cold in winter. I just want real jeans for a real person.

J
J
jancookie
, US
Oct 10, 2015 11:58 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

PLEASEEEE give us our old jeans back! Those cotton jeans breathed, HELD YOU IN, and looked so much better than the stretchy crap that's everywhere now. And they held up for a number of years too! Somebody-- anybody-- give us the old cotton jeans back!

C
C
Cleebs
Hove, GB
Dec 24, 2014 12:53 pm EST

We have the same problem in the UK.
I've been searching for a couple of years now for 100% cotton skinny/slim fit jeans to no avail - everything has elastane (aka lycra/spandex).

We pretty much don't have what you would call "jeans" here now, only "Jeggings" - horrible thin, saggy, flat things that cling to every lump and bump and hold no shape whatsoever.
I want rigid, textured denim that "breaks" to your shape after a couple of wears and holds that shape but stays structured too.

I used to get mine from H&M as they did really good jeans - great shape, perfect fit, nice plain washes and cheap! but they have sadly gone down the crappy stretch route. I have emailed them to ask about getting the old style back and all I got was a "thanks for your comments; passed on to appropriated people, blah blah"

I only wear jeans and my last few good ones I have now worn to death and are on their last legs and I am despairing of ever finding good jeans again :(

S
S
SlyW
Lenoir City, US
Sep 19, 2014 5:17 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Levi's sold out and doesn't make ANYTHING anymore in the US...I say BOYCOTT them!

A
A
Atom Ant
Ashland, US
Sep 18, 2014 9:25 pm EDT

Strongly agree! Only jeans my mom ever bought me ad a boy. I am 48 now and have been disappointed terribly in the quality of the material that has been used in recent years. When I need jeans, there was never a thought as to what to buy me. However the last year I have been buying a different brand due to the material. There has been a noticeable difference in quality. The rough and tough jeans have turned to a very thin light stretch material which makes the same jean fit entirely different. I have always worn the 505 and 550 jeans but have tried others in the Levi line but it looks as if I will be trying to find another brand. I really hope the Levi company will go back to the jean material I grew up wearing.

D
D
dorothy avis
Lincoln Park, US
Jun 15, 2016 7:02 am EDT

store refused exchange or returned w/out sales reciept jeans were only about two months old

S
S
Sick of Poor Service
Northfield, US
Mar 24, 2014 9:20 am EDT

I have a severe allergy to latex (did you know it is not only the clothes you wear but also the food you eat that triggers latex allergies!). Unless you want "old lady" sit at the waist jeans you can't find jeans with no spandex (even LL Bean jeans now have spandex). I don't want jeans that have an elastic waist (spandex and elastic = latex). And I am sick of wearing men's jeans (the front pockets are too long and the back pockets make your butt look huge!
It is easy to find nice tops in finer fabrics, but pants don't seem to come that way! Even dress pants have spandex in them.
Until someone in the jean industry has a life threatening allergy to spandex I don't think we will see much change! I did just contact Silver jeans (saw a pair on Saturday that were cotton and poly) and they are getting back to me. Don't like all the bling on jeans but might have to go that route to get a few pairs that fit and have no spandex!

H
H
HATE LYCRA
, CA
Aug 21, 2013 8:09 am EDT

Spandex & Lycra items SUCK! CAN'T find anything with out this "additive". I had a pair on this AM (brand new) and I'm going to GARBAGE them. They've already STRETCHED way tooo much and are falling off! What's with those unattractive slash (waist to hip) pockets also. They "gap" open and "talk" when you walk - PLUS any item you put in them falls out way to easily. Just give me 100% no nonsense causal pants; NO SPANDEX, NO LYCRA, NO SLASH POCKETS AND NO ELASTIC/PULL-ON PANT.

L
L
LLaux
, US
Jan 27, 2013 4:17 pm EST

Why do we have to be at the mercy of the fashion industry. I HATE LYRCA/ SPANDEX in jeans and think it's really terrible that something that has been made for over a 100 years has to fall victim to this latest (although now it's been almost 10 years) fashion style. Personally I hate the stretch in all clothes. Clothes look very cheap even if you buy them in an expensive department store or boutique. In the 70's when the "leisure suit" came out and everyone was wearing polyester it became the butt of jokes in the 80's and 90's. At least you still could buy natural fiber clothes and 100% cotton jeans then. Now NOTHING is made without the stuff. And i see girls all day long yanking up their jeans (regardless of their size) because they stretch out and dont keep their shape. PLEASE BRING BACK 100% COTTON JEANS!

C
C
cdamouse
ak, US
Dec 29, 2012 1:45 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I hate spandex/lycra... Before I was injured and got over weight, i was a runner...2 miles everyday. I have large thighs from running...All muscle. I wear those stupid jeans, the only thing available now, and I am always pulling up my pants because my thighs pull them down. I HATE THEM! They are uncomfortable, and I look like a "Gangsta" now with my friggin waste down to my knees!

M
M
Minnesotalady
Monticello, US
Oct 25, 2012 5:38 pm EDT

I agree that spandex, Lycra, or any type of "stretch" in jeans is awful. I am 44 years old and am a size 4. I notice that jeans with spandex or Lycra droop after about 3 hours of wear. It is not attractive! My daughter is a teenager, and she too has complained about this problem. She refers to the sagging that occurs in these jeans as "diaper butt". I am so disappointed that I can't find good old 100% cotton jeans in the stores or on line! I keep looking at Goodwill, but the 100% cotton jeans all get snatched up right away, and I always leave empty handed. I refuse to buy any more jeans with spandex or Lycra. I will wait until 100% cotton jeans return. Until then, I will wear skirts, dresses, sweatpants, dress pants... anything but the dreaded "stretch" jeans!

P
P
pattysue
Knoxville, US
Oct 15, 2012 10:17 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

TOTALLY AGREE! I HATE spandex! ESPECIALLY in jeans! Been looking for MONTHS for 100% cotton jeans. I used to wear jeans all the time (100% cotton). Now I rarely do ..., they're just too hot and sticky especially living in the humid south...even when it's 75 degrees outside, it can still feel like it's 90 with the humidity. I'd pay for 100% cotton jeans THAT ACTUALLY FIT. I'm soooo tired of continually having to pull up my pants (or jeans or shorts) because they constantly slide down because of the icky stretchy stuff.

D
D
Display Name Jenn
, US
Aug 24, 2012 12:50 pm EDT

I agree, if we want spandex, whly not just wear spandex? Jeans should be jeans, and spandex should be jeans, and spandex should be spandex.

S
S
sb45
Van Buren, US
Apr 10, 2012 10:10 am EDT

I agree. I hate spandex too. But it's not just that. These "modern" jeans are not cut right either. I am a 45 year old woman with hips, thighs and curves. The cut and spandex makes these jeans cling to all the wrong places. I don't want to look like a horses rear end!
Come on Levi's. You've got six pages of complaints. We just want a choice.

N
N
NO Spandex wearer
Bedford, US
Feb 27, 2012 5:27 pm EST

I have spent a small fortune trying to find jeans and to NO avail. Seems like all the jeans have that horrible, crappy, worthless SPANDEX in them and I hate the feel and fit of them. I don't know why Lee had to change their denim. I hope their sales decrease enough to make them come to their senses and take the spandex out of at least some of their jeans. I am not a tween or a model. I am 59 and just want COMFORT these days. Spandex jeans are tight and don't loosen up like my old, worn out, patched, and loved jeans. I am down to my last two pairs of jeans and don't know what I am going to do but I guarantee it won't be to buy jeans with spandex in them...my days of buying, returning, buying and returning are coming to an end...guess I will just have to look horrible in sweat pants but at least I will be comfortable...PLEASE GET RID OF THE SPANDEX AND GO BACK TO COTTON!

J
J
Jessie B
Weston, US
Jan 17, 2012 1:29 am EST

I just can't take the spandex, elastane, stretch business any more! I spent several hours yesterday surfing the net just to try and find any jeans that are 100% cotton. Finally my husband got in on the act and between the two of us (and several hours) we found 2 pairs Lucky (big $$) and Stetson. Ordered them both, but what a hastle. I loved Levis for close to 20 years and now I hate. I thought the curve ID would help with the butt crack thing - they cover my hinder but get too loose and won't stay up after an hour. Nothing says cool like hiking up your pants. I want my old Levis back!

R
R
reca70
Stillwater, US
Nov 19, 2011 12:50 am EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I have a LATEX ALLERGY! Perhaps ___LEGAL ACTION___ needs to be taken with these companies for only making jeans with Spandex/lycra cotton blends. I to am burdened with eczema on my back, thighs, stomach area due to wearing these jeans as well. Oh and please don't get me started on underpants, they to have spandex in every pair if you include the elastic around the waist and leg area. I finally found a store in California called "Cottonique" that sells LATEX FREE clothing and undergarments. Though the bras need a better design, but hats off to them for at least trying to help people. I've had the luxury of buying a couple pair and wearing them starting yesterday and today and guess what, my skin feels great! Usually I'm in bad shape by the time I get home after work. I hope someone out there reads these blogs...perhaps we need to start a movement?

********What are Texas Jeans?

C
C
Cindi78247
San Ant, US
Sep 25, 2011 3:30 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I've emailed Levi's to complain about this, too. I love my old 100% cotton jeans. To whomover made the comment that women need to lose weight, #@!* you, I am not overweight in any way and I hate spandex in jeans, no matter if you are a size 0, they will still sag and bag after you have worn them for an hour. The only solution I see is to stop buying any jeans with spandex and hope that eventually Levi's will get the point. I am going to check out Texas Jeans-thanks, Zoe!

M
M
Mountain Karen
Fort Collins, US
Sep 25, 2011 1:35 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

LOVE, LOVE< LOVE spandex! OTherwise the jeans that are in style are miserable.

P
P
ptprct
sarasota, US
Sep 25, 2011 12:57 am EDT

i totally agree with first comment-give me real Levis. I hate spandex/lycra.!

P
P
ptprct
sarasota, US
Sep 25, 2011 12:52 am EDT

Amen, sistas! I have been complaining about this for awhile (to myself!) and decided to look online to see if there were any jean companies that made actual "blue jeans, ") almost an archaic term. Levis was the first company that showed on my search and I clicked on it and find I am not alone. I hate the spandexy, stretch material. I just bought 3 pair of Levi's-out of desperation-and am going to return all of them in search of 100% cotton "jeans." So glad I am not the only one who has noticed this transformation (for the worse) in jeans. Spandex (and any other componant like it) sucks!

T
T
teconk
Lockport, US
Sep 09, 2011 7:54 am EDT

What is wrong with designers and manufacturers of women's clothing? They add spandex and lycra to jeans to make them stretch, yet the only nursing scrubs that had stretch were discontinued! I don't need my jeans to stretch, thank you - I just want them to fit me. On the other hand - all my scrubs are 100% cotton and don't stretch. Believe me - I could use a whole lot of stretch at work!

T
T
teconk
Lockport, US
Sep 09, 2011 7:35 am EDT

I agree - I absolutely hate any "stretch" jeans - even Express and Mudd offer only stretch jeans. I'd rather shop at thrift stores to buy old school all cotton jeans. Also I hate women's jeans sizing - I know my waist & length, even if I buy the size indicated by fitting charts they don't fit right. I'd buy men's jeans but most stores and online sites think if you're buying a 20 something inch waist your inseam should be less than 30. I have tried a few pair of cotton/spandex "no gap" "no butt crack " jeans - after a few hours wearing them I needed a belt to prevent constant drooping and mooning everyone.

A
A
Ain&#039;t Plus Size
Brooklyn, US
Aug 26, 2011 4:56 am EDT

Well, if you hog fat broads would LOSE WEIGHT, maybe you can wear regular jeans like NORMAL SIZED people!

L
L
lorin360
Yelm, US
Jul 16, 2011 3:38 pm EDT

I too hate Spandex! I can walk into ANY store and fine men's jeans in 100% cotton. Every single pair of women's jeans has spandex. They may look great in the store when you try them on but after you get them home and wear them for ...oh say...20 minutes they start to sag, bag and droop! I am sick and tired of having to constantly pull my jeans up as they start to fall down. When will someone please listen to our complaints! Obviously I'm not the only one who is tired of Spandex! Why can't women have the same choice as men? Any answers?

Z
Z
Zoe Renee
, US
Jul 10, 2011 5:07 pm EDT

Hey Gals! Go to the website Texas Jeans they have the 100% Denim.
Give them a try, I have changed from Levi to Texas Jeans.
Bridget
Georgia

N
N
NixSpandex
Charlestown, US
Jun 04, 2011 3:58 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

SuePresler you're fabulous! You'll get a reply from Levi's... it just won't be very gratifying. Not sure if you have the same reaction that I do... Spandex makes my BUTT SWEAT! Sick of it :(

S
S
SuePresler
, US
Jun 04, 2011 2:28 am EDT

I HATE SPANDEX? Who's the complete imbecile that thought jeans should fit like a pair of "Spanx" or a body glove? Who's the idiot that thought Spandex makes people look better? it ACCENTUATES my fat tummy and gives me "Camel toe" It's decidedly very UNFLATTERING! And since I have been unable to find any women's clothing WITHOUT the crap, I have to buy MEN's jeans. Ugh! I'm going to send an e-mail everyday to Levis until I get a response...

S
S
SuePresler
, US
Jun 04, 2011 2:17 am EDT

Who in their right mind decided that Lycra Spandex makes people look "better" in jeans? It makes me look worse. It accentuates my fat tummy and gives me "camel toe" Absolutely disgusting and now I have to try and find MENS jeans because for some reason those aren't made like "Spanks"

C
C
cottonbarb
Hermitage, US
May 25, 2011 1:18 pm EDT

Hey, almost a year later from all these posts and I have called LL Bean, LandsEnd, American Eagle, Levi Strauss and all I can find are some rlaxed fit (men's!) jeans in 100% cotton. I am wearing a beautiful pair of American Eagles right now that I had to buy in a thrift shop - but how old can they be? Makes me think everyone stopped the 100% fashion jean LAST year, only ... but why?

I told each of these companies -they'd see sooner or later - hundreds of requests form women (especially) as soon as everyone finds out their hives come from Spandex. (Forums are filled with hundreds of people who have not figured out their hives sources... some have had them for years and years.) I was fortunate, I found out after 8 months. Anyway, I'm so over calling jeans companies right now and frustrated beyond all frustration.