The 726 is Levi’s high-rise flare, and it’s the closest thing the brand currently makes to a true 70s-silhouette flare jean. I’ve worn mine for about three months and can say with confidence the fit data on the product page undersells how specific this cut actually is.
This review lives in our Levis Deep Cuts coverage because the 726 sits between the Levi’s Flare Jeans umbrella and the more aggressive Ribcage flare. If you’re looking at Levis 726 Flare Jeans on Amazon and comparing to the 725 Bootcut or the Ribcage line, the differences are real and worth understanding before you click buy. I’ll cover rise, leg opening, fabric behavior, and how the flare actually reads on different body types.
Fit specs: rise, inseam, leg opening
The 726 is described by Levi’s as “high-rise flare.” Front rise measures 10.5 inches on my 28, which puts it above the 501 Original (11 inches — wait, actually close) but below the Ribcage (12 inches). Back rise is around 14 inches. Inseam comes in a 30-inch short, 32-inch regular, and 34-inch long. Leg opening at the hem is approximately 22 inches — wider than a bootcut (18-19 inches), narrower than an exaggerated 70s flare (25+ inches).
The flare starts at the knee and opens gradually. It’s not the dramatic knee-to-hem triangle of a Wrangler Westward flare; it’s more of a controlled, modern-70s read. The thigh is close to the body through the top half, then opens predictably from the knee. On my 28×32, the knee sits exactly at my natural knee crease and the hem lands about half an inch below my ankle bone in flat shoes.
Fabric, stretch, and wash behavior
The 726 uses a stretch blend — typically 83% cotton, 14% polyester, 3% elastane. Weight is around 10.5 oz, lighter than a 501 Original (14.5 oz) and similar to the Levi’s 311 Shaping Skinny Jeans. This makes the 726 comfortable immediately and forgiving through a day of sitting, but it means the flare can lose some crispness after five or six hours of wear. The fabric holds its shape through one or two wears; by wear three, I recommend a cold wash and hang-dry to reset the leg line.
After ten washes on cold and hang-dry, my dark indigo pair lost about 2% in length and kept its width. Color held well. The knee and hip creases that develop on stretch denim are present but mild — nothing like the wear lines on a rigid 501.
How the 726 compares to sibling cuts
The 725 High Rise Bootcut is the 726’s closest sibling. Same rise, narrower leg opening (about 18 inches at hem), less dramatic flare from the knee. If you want “flare but restrained,” go 725. If you want “flare that actually reads as flare,” go 726.
The Ribcage Flare sits higher (12-inch rise) and flares more aggressively. If you’re taller than 5’7″ and want maximum leg-line elongation, the Ribcage Flare wins. If you’re under 5’6″ or want a flare that doesn’t require heels to balance, the 726 is the better pick. We cover the Levi’s Ribcage Wide‑leg Jeans variant in a separate review for readers curious about the Ribcage silhouette family.
Against the 70s-era Vintage Levi Jeans Women, the 726 is a modern reinterpretation — cleaner flare, consistent inseam sizing, stretch content. The actual vintage flares had more fabric variation, lower rises on average, and no stretch. Both have their place.
Styling notes from real wear
The 726 is a shoe-dependent jean. What you wear on your feet determines whether the flare reads balanced or awkward. My rotation:
With platform boots (2-3 inch heel), the 726 reads as a proper 70s silhouette — the flare covers the boot and lands mid-foot. This is the best styling use of the cut. With flat ankle boots, the hem pools slightly and the flare loses some drama. With sneakers, the flare can either read as intentional (clean white sneaker, exposed ankle) or awkward (chunky sneaker, full coverage). With heels, the flare works but requires the inseam to be hemmed to the right length for your specific heel height.
For tops, I default to tucked or half-tucked. The high rise asks for a defined waist. A cropped sweater works, a fitted tee tucked in works, an oversized sweatshirt untucked swallows the proportion.
Honest negatives
Two things I’d call out. First, the stretch content means the waistband widens slightly after two hours of wear — I’m usually at the smaller end of the 28, and by end-of-day I’ve got about a half-inch of ease that wasn’t there in the morning. Second, the flare is shape-dependent. If you have narrower calves and ankles, the flare looks sculpted. If you have fuller calves, the flare can read more like a wide-leg than a true flare — not worse, just different. Know your leg shape before committing.
The verdict
The 726 is the most wearable flare in the current Levi’s lineup. It’s not as dramatic as the Ribcage Flare, not as restrained as the 725 Bootcut, and not as specific as a vintage cut would be. It hits a middle ground that works for most bodies and pairs with most shoes if you know what you’re doing. At Levi’s typical $79-$98 price point, it’s a solid buy for someone building a flare into their rotation for the first time. If you already own a Ribcage Flare and want a second flare pair, the 726 is a genuine step down in rise and drama — get it if you want the range, skip it if you want more of the same.
FAQ
Is the Levi’s 726 high-rise?
Yes. Front rise measures about 10.5 inches, which qualifies as high-rise by Levi’s own classification. It sits above a mid-rise like the 711 but below the 12-inch Ribcage.
How does the 726 differ from the 725?
The 725 is a bootcut with an 18-inch leg opening. The 726 is a flare with a 22-inch opening and more dramatic knee-to-hem shape.
Do Levi’s 726 flare jeans need to be hemmed?
Depends on your height and shoe choice. On a 5’6″ frame with platform boots, the 32-inch inseam works untouched. Under 5’4″ or with flat shoes, expect to hem about an inch off the 32, or order the 30-inch short.
