Levi's Men's 514 Straight Fit Jeans – Midnight Stretch (Style #00514-0403)

What is Levi's 514 Midnight Stretch Style 00514-0403

Levi's 514 Straight Fit Midnight Stretch (Style #00514-0403) is a men's straight-leg jean with a below-waist rise, regular room through the thigh and seat, and a true straight leg. Fabric content is 98% cotton and 2% elastane. This provides moderate stretch without the hand-feel of high-stretch denim. The Midnight color is a deep indigo that appears nearly black in low light.

Fact Sheet — Manufacturer Specifications

• Style: 00514-0403
• Fit: 514™ Straight Fit
• Color: Midnight – Stretch
• Fabric: 98% cotton, 2% elastane
• Construction: Zip fly + button, five-pocket styling, belt loops
• Rise: Sits below the waist
• Thigh / seat: Regular through the thigh and seat
• Leg: Straight from knee to hem
• Reference measurements (size 32): Front rise 10¼″, knee 17½″, leg opening 16″
• Intended builds (Levi's statement): Medium and athletic

Evidence — What the Manufacturer Confirms

Levi's describes the 514 as a straight fit that occupies the space between more relaxed and more slim cuts. Official product language consistently uses: regular through the thigh, sits below the waist, straight leg. The stretch is presented as providing all-day comfort while helping the fabric retain shape. Fabric content for the Midnight Stretch version (00514-0403) is confirmed as 98% cotton / 2% elastane.

Interpretation

The 514 is a modern straight cut rather than a heritage workwear block like the classic 501. The lower rise and regular (not generous) thigh room distinguish it from older regular-fit models. The absence of taper keeps the leg cleaner than slim or slim-taper styles. 2% elastane delivers mild give and recovery — the fabric does not become high-stretch performance denim. Midnight is a low-contrast dark indigo.

Comparison with Related Levi's Fits

514 vs 511: 514 leaves more room through the thigh and maintains a straight leg. 511 is slimmer through the thigh and leg.

514 vs 505: Both use a straight-leg concept, but 505 provides more room through the top block and sits closer to the waist.

514 vs 501: 514 sits lower, uses a zip fly and includes stretch in this specific style. 501 Original uses a higher heritage top block and button fly.

Limitations

• Moderate stretch only — not high-recovery or performance denim.
• Regular thigh may feel tight on large quads or loose on very lean legs.
• Dark Midnight develops crease marks and abrasion fading at stress points (seat, thighs, knees).
• Published measurements are size-32 reference values. Production tolerance exists between pairs.
• No technical finishes claimed for this style/color combination.

FAQ

What is Style 00514-0403?
It is the exact identifier for Levi's 514 Straight Fit jeans in the Midnight Stretch variant. Fabric 98% cotton / 2% elastane, below-waist rise, regular thigh, straight leg.

How does the 514 fit?
Sits below the waist, regular through the thigh and seat, straight leg with no taper. Levi's positions the model for medium and athletic builds.

What kind of stretch?
2% elastane provides mild give and recovery. It is not soft-stretch or super-stretch denim.

Who is the 514 not ideal for?
Men looking for a high rise, significant thigh room, a tapered leg, or zero stretch. In those cases consider 501, 505, 550 or rigid versions.

How to choose size?
Use the waist measurement of a well-fitting pair of jeans you already own. Manufacturer reference measurements are for size 32.

Care instructions?
Wash inside out with like colors using liquid detergent, no bleach. Tumble dry medium or hang dry.

Commercial Information

Style #00514-0403, color Midnight Stretch. Check current available waist × inseam combinations, price and stock status directly on this page. Returns and exchanges follow the store policy shown at checkout.