Finding a pair of jeans that doesn't make you want to change into sweatpants by 2:00 PM is a surprisingly tall order. Honestly, most "stretch" denim either bags out at the knees within an hour or feels like you're wearing a thick rubber band around your waist. That’s why people keep talking about the Levi's 724 High Rise Straight Crop. It isn't just another pair of pants in the massive Levi's catalog. It's basically the middle ground between the rigid, vintage vibes of the 501 and the "legging-disguised-as-denim" feel of the 711.
If you've ever struggled with the 501's lack of give or found the 721 skinny jeans a bit too suffocating around the ankles, the 724 is usually the answer. It’s a straight leg. It’s cropped. It has a high rise that actually stays up. But let's get real—not every "straight leg" is created equal, and "cropped" can mean very different things depending on whether you’re 5'2" or 5'10".
The Fabric Math: Why the 724 Doesn't Bag Out
Most people assume all Levi's are just cotton. They aren't. The 724 usually utilizes what the brand calls "Levi’s Stellar Stretch." This isn't that cheap, flimsy spandex you find in fast-fashion bins. It’s a blend—often featuring TENCEL™ Lyocell and a small percentage of elastane. This specific mix is why the jeans snap back. You can sit in a car for three hours, get out, and you won't have those weird "knee bubbles" that make your outfit look sloppy.
It's weirdly soft. Like, "did I forget to put on real pants?" soft.
Because the fabric is mid-weight, it hides more than a thin jegging would. It smoothes things out. It holds you in without making it hard to breathe after a sourdough-heavy brunch. However, keep an eye on the specific wash. Levi's is famous for changing the fabric composition based on the color. A light wash might have 92% cotton, while a dark "Bogota Games" wash might have a higher synthetic count. Always check the tag. The more cotton, the stiffer the feel. The more Lyocell or polyester, the more it’s going to feel like a performance fabric.
Defining the "Straight Crop" Silhouette
What does "straight crop" even mean in 2026?
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For the 724, the leg opening is roughly 13.5 to 15 inches depending on the size. It falls straight down from the knee. It does not taper in. It does not flare out. It’s the "Goldilocks" of denim cuts. If you have athletic calves, this is your best friend because it won't cling to your legs.
The rise sits at about 10.25 inches. For most women, that puts the waistband right at or just above the belly button. It creates that elongated leg look that everyone is chasing, but because it’s a straight leg rather than a skinny, it balances out the hips. It’s a very architectural look.
The Inseam Dilemma
Standard inseam for the 724 crop is usually 26 inches.
If you are tall, these are going to look like true crops, hitting well above the ankle bone.
If you are petite (under 5'3"), these might actually fit you like regular-length straight jeans.
That's actually a "pro tip" in the denim community: shorter people often buy the 724 crop to avoid having to pay a tailor to hem the 724 full-length version.
How It Compares to the Rest of the 700 Series
Levi’s numbering system is a mess if you don't live and breathe denim. Think of the 700 series as the "Lot 700" family, designed to flatter and hold shape.
The 711 is the skinny. It's tight all the way down.
The 721 is the high-rise skinny. Same tightness, higher waist.
The 724 takes that high rise but opens up the leg.
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Then you have the 725, which is a high-rise bootcut. The 724 is arguably the most versatile of the bunch because it works with literally every shoe type. You can wear them with Chelsea boots (the crop lets the boot show), white sneakers (the classic "cool mom" look), or even strappy heels if you're trying to dress them up for dinner.
Real World Wear: Does It Actually Hold Up?
I’ve seen these jeans go through a hundred wash cycles. The color stays remarkably well, especially in the darker indigos, provided you aren't washing them in boiling water. Pro tip: wash them inside out. Cold water only. And for the love of all that is holy, stay away from the dryer if you want the Lycra to last more than a year. Heat is the enemy of stretch.
There is a common misconception that "High Rise" means "Tummy Control."
Let's be clear: the 724 is comfortable, but it isn't shapewear. It provides a clean line, but it’s not going to suck you in like a pair of Spanx. It’s denim. It’s meant to move with you. If you want a more rigid, "tucked-in" feeling, you might actually prefer the Levi's Ribcage Straight, which has a much higher 12-inch rise and usually less stretch.
The Sizing Game
Levi’s sizing is... inconsistent. You might be a 27 in one wash and a 28 in another.
Typically, the 724 runs true to size because of the stretch. If you are between sizes, you can usually size down because the fabric will give a little throughout the day. If you buy them and they feel "just a tiny bit tight" in the dressing room, they are probably the right size. If they feel "perfect" in the dressing room, they might be falling down your hips by dinner time.
Common User Complaints
- Pocket Size: Like most women's jeans, the front pockets are shallow. You can fit a key or a card, but your iPhone 15 Pro Max is going to be sticking out halfway.
- Waist Gap: If you have a very high hip-to-waist ratio (the classic hourglass), you might still experience a slight gap at the back of the waistband. However, the 724 is better at addressing this than the 501.
- Hem Fraying: Some versions of the 724 come with a "raw hem." If you don't like the distressed look, make sure you're buying a version with a finished, sewn hem. The raw hems will continue to fray slightly in the wash.
Styling the 724 for Different Occasions
Because the silhouette is so balanced, it’s a "chameleon" piece.
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For a casual office, tuck in a crisp white button-down. Because the leg is straight and not tight, it reads as more professional than a skinny jean. Throw on a loafers or a block heel.
For the weekend? A cropped graphic tee or a tucked-in oversized sweater. The high rise ensures that even if your shirt is short, you aren't showing skin you don't want to show.
What to Check Before You Buy
Before you hit "checkout" or head to the register, do a quick inventory of what you actually need.
- Check the Fiber Content: Look for at least 1% elastane or Lycra. If it’s 100% cotton, it’s not a true 724 experience—it’s a different beast entirely.
- Look at the Back Pockets: Levi’s places their pockets strategically to lift the look of the seat. Ensure the pockets aren't sitting too low on your frame, which can happen if you're very petite wearing a standard size.
- The "Sit Test": Squat down. Sit in a chair. If the waistband digs into your ribs painfully, the rise might be too high for your torso length.
The Levi's 724 High Rise Straight Crop fills a very specific hole in a wardrobe. It’s the "I want to look put together but I also want to be able to breathe" jean. It bridges the gap between the dated skinny jean and the sometimes-overwhelming wide-leg trends.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Pair
Stop buying jeans based on the number on the tag. Measure your favorite pair of pants—the ones that actually fit—and look at the rise and inseam measurements specifically. If your "holy grail" pants have a 10-inch rise and a 26-inch inseam, the 724 is going to be a home run for you.
When you get them home, don't wash them immediately. Wear them around the house for a few hours. Let the denim warm up to your body heat. If they still feel great after two hours of lounging, you’ve found your new daily driver. If they start sagging at the crotch, return them and size down. Denim is an investment in your daily comfort; don't settle for a "maybe" fit.