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Over the past few years, baggy, slouchy jeans have been a major part of the fashion discourse. However, it seems the pendulum is swinging back to skinny styles—yes, really. And don’t just take our word for it: industry experts agree. Linda Cui Zhang, Women’s Associate Fashion Director at Nordstrom, explains, “Miu Miu marked this return with its fall runway denim, and we’re nearing the 15-year cycle for when the skinny trend last peaked in the 2010s.” Personal stylist Kemi Ajibare shares a similar thought: “Most fashion trends are cyclical, and lately, there has been a renewed interest in more tailored, streamlined looks like skinny jeans.” But much like every trend that resurfaces years or decades later, the silhouette looks a bit different in 2024.
For instance, New York-based stylist Jordanna Sharp believes the latest wave of styles are looser near the ankles, whereas they were skintight 15-some years ago. “They’re still skinny everywhere else, like in the thighs and throughout the entire leg, but the bottom goes out just a little bit.” If second-skin jeans are a bit outside your comfort zone, many straight-leg styles mirror the look of skinnies but are slightly more relaxed, so instead of diving head-first into the slightly polarizing look, start with a slim pair of jeans. “This cut follows the line of the leg and easily matches back to wardrobe staples like a tailored vest and kitten heel,” Zhang explains. “The sweet spot is a 13.5-inch leg opening with a bit of stretch in this version of skinny jeans.” Whatever your current stance on the second-skin-like bottoms, perhaps these 15 new iterations will convince you they are a must-try.
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Why We Love It: Heritage brand Gap knows its way around denim, and this pair works 24/7/365—style them for the day with a casual tee and change into a silk blouse once the clock strikes six. They fit skinny in the waist, hips, and thighs, touching right around the ankles at the bottom. And thanks to its stretchy fabric (designed to move and always bounce back), this high-rise style is also super comfortable.
Who It’s For: This pair is sold in regular, tall, and petite lengths so everyone can find their preferred fit. Plus, the sizes range from 24 to 35, catering to many body types.
Size: 24–35 | Inseam: 25.5 (petite), 27.5 (standard), 32 (tall) inches | Material: Cotton, recycled materials
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Why We Love It: Given the trend cycle constantly changes, we don’t blame you if you’re not willing to spend a fortune on a pair of skinny jeans. Fortunately, this Mango option is under $70 and, best of all, doesn’t skimp on style. Ajibare assures the label’s denim is high-quality, as she names it one of her favorite places to buy jeans. With a high-rise silhouette and dark wash, they’ll look so chic with a knee-high boot this fall.
Who It’s For: These high-rise jeans are best for those looking to experiment with skinny jeans before going full steam ahead with the style. With an inseam of 29 inches, these jeans are ideal for anyone between, say, 5 feet, 4 inches and 5 feet, 7 inches tall.
Size: 1–22 | Inseam: 29 inches | Material: Cotton, polyester, elastane
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Why We Love It: Though quite expensive, Mother’s skinny jeans are next-level good—just ask any fashion person—and The Looker Ankle Fray piqued our interest. With its medium blue wash, the style reads apt for a day about town. It has a mid-rise waist and ankle-length inseam, appealing to those who like classic styles, while the frayed hem offers a touch of edge to the otherwise elevated look.
Who It’s For: We’d suggest them to skinny jeans loyalists or at least to those who can see themselves wearing these for more than a season or two.
Size: 23–34 | Inseam: 27.5 inches | Material: Cotton, polyester, polyurethane
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Why We Love It: If you prefer that your jeans sit at or above the belly button, these Everlane skinnies are for you. There’s a host of other details to love, such as a soft blend of organic cotton, which gives them a breathable, comfortable feel. They promise to hold their shape with proper care, so you needn’t worry about an awkward fit later.
Who It’s For: Anyone who prioritizes a high-rise silhouette (which Sharp says elongates the legs) but that doesn’t compromise comfort. Just note: Customers say they run small, so if you’re concerned about them being too tight, consider sizing up.
Size: 23–35 | Inseam: 26.75, 28.75 inches | Material: Organic cotton, viscose, recycled polyester, elastane
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Why We Love It: Instead of landing above the belly button like a high-rise silhouette, a mid-rise jean typically hits right below it, covering your lower stomach area. If this sounds enticing, turn your attention to these jeans from Banana Republic. You won’t feel restricted in these bottoms, made from stretch denim fabric, or a blend of cotton, recycled cotton, modal, and elastane.
Who It’s For: Since they come in regular, petite, and tall—no need to call up your tailor—we’d argue everyone will enjoy these jeans. Plus, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the price—$40 is hard to beat.
Size: 24–32 petite; 24–35 regular and tall | Inseam: 27 (petite), 29 (regular), 32 (tall) inches | Material: Cotton, recycled cotton, modal, elastane
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Why We Love It: Leave it to early aughts-loved mall brand Hollister to design must-have low-rise skinny jeans. And they’re not just skinny—they’re super skinny—though that’s not to say that it’s hard to move around in them, thanks to its signature Classic Stretch denim material. One reviewer even wrote that it didn’t feel like they had jeans on.
Who It’s For: Millennials who are on board with the skinny comeback or Gen Z folks with a noughties era fixation. Furthermore, these jeans are sold in short, regular, and long sizes from 000 to 20.
Size: 000–20 | Inseam: 27 (short), 29 (regular), 31 (long) inches | Material: Classic stretch denim
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Why We Love It: Distressed denim is inherently edgy and cool—just check out this laid-back pair for further evidence. No, they aren’t ripped all over but just slightly around the front pockets, making them suitable for myriad occasions. Reviewers noted a few benefits of the jeans, including their flattering fit (they hug you in all the right places, one shopper said) and stylish look.
Who It’s For: This pair is ideal for anyone shopping for skinny jeans that are distressed but not overly so.
Size: 2–16 | Inseam: Not listed | Material: Cotton, polyester, spandex
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Why We Love It: Tracking down well-fitting jeans for tall frames can feel like a challenge, but luckily, we did the leg work for you (pun intended). Old Navy’s High-Waisted Wow Super-Skinny Jeans are the brand’s slimmest fit, hitting at the belly button and snug around the hips and thighs.
Who It’s For: Past purchasers say these jeans fit true to size and work well for tall women, especially those with long legs—bonus points for the can’t-pass-up sale price.
Size: 2–18 petite, 0–30 regular, 4–18 tall | Inseam: 27 (petite), 29 (regular), 32 (tall) inches | Material: Cotton, polyester, recycled cotton, spandex
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Why We Love It: Pierson says Madewell’s Stovepipe jeans have been a best seller for years, noting “We’ve evolved this fit to lean more modern, offering a friendly update that makes it even more suitable for a range of fall footwear, including ballet flats, tall boots, and more.” There’s a style specifically designed for petite frames (anyone 5 feet, 4 inches, or under). They hug the body from the mid-rise waist to the ankle-hitting hem.
Who It’s For: Though we love the fit for petite women, it’s worth noting that this best-selling style is also available in standard, tall, and plus sizes. Madewell says these are great for those with a shorter torso (though they look good on everyone). The fabric is another selling point; with 1 percent elastane, they have just the right amount of stretch.
Size: 23–33 petite, standard, and tall; 14W–28W plus | Inseam: 27.5 (petite), 30 (standard), 33 (tall), 29.5 (plus) inches | Material: Cotton, elastane
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Why We Love It: “A good one to ease into the skinny trend, because it’s more of a straight-leg moment, is the Good American good legs straight jeans,” explains influencer Alexandra May. She’s right: This is a great entry point into the look, as the silhouette is fitted around the waist and throughout the legs but is ever-so-slightly flared at the bottom. Meanwhile, the subtle distressing adds intrigue to the classic wash.
Who It’s For: These are great for plus-size women excited to dabble in the denim trend but aren’t ready to rock skin-tight jeans.
Size: 00–32 | Inseam: 27.5 inches | Material: Cotton, recycled cotton, polyester, elastane
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Why We Love It: These Levi jeans are made from a blend of cotton, polyester, and elastane, giving them a soft, stretchy feel. They have a smooth tummy knit panel, so they’ll conform to your growing baby bump throughout the different stages of pregnancy. With proper care (i.e., washing on a cold delicate cycle and line drying), these jeans have excellent recovery, meaning they’ll return to their original shape after each wear.
Who It’s For: These are made for women who are currently expecting and want to keep skinny jeans in their outfit rotation. The wallet-friendly price tag is another selling point since they’re only meant to be worn briefly. It’s also worth noting that these jeans run a bit small, according to reviewers, so it may be worth sizing up.
Size: XS–XL | Inseam: 29 inches | Material: Cotton, polyester, elastane
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Why We Love It: “While our customer is still loving our wider leg shapes, she’s also really loving our Le Sleek Straight, which is a refined straight leg that reads skinny adjacent,” Christina Holody, Chief Merchandising Officer at Frame, tells InStyle. “It’s Frame’s version of a skinny—the perfect foray back into a slimmer fit without totally painting them on.” This will also speak to anyone who prefers cropped pants, as they hit right above the ankles, so step into your favorite statement-making shoes when wearing these—they deserve to be seen, after all.
Who It’s For: From the ultra-stretchy material to the flattering cropped fit, these jeans will resonate with anyone drawn to comfy jeans that aren’t full-length. Holody says this slim, tailored fit is the perfect complement to textured, chunky fall knitwear.
Size: 23–34 | Inseam: 28 inches | Material: Cotton, modal, elasterell, elastane
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Why We Love It: “Black skinny jeans always have a timeless appeal and a great slimming effect,” explains Ajibare, and Abercrombie no doubt perfected the look with its High Rise Skinny Jean. In the black wash, they’re an absolute chameleon—style them with everything from a classic ribbed tank to an ultra-colorful blouse. You can count on them feeling good throughout the day, too, considering they have built-in stretch (due to the elastane).
Who It’s For: These black jeans are a year-round essential for anyone building their basics collection.
Size: 23–37 | Inseam: 25.5 (short), 27.5 (regular), 29.5 (long) inches | Material: Cotton, elastane
To avoid color transfer (when the dyes from one piece of clothing transfer to another while washing), try machine washing the jeans in cold water before the first wear.
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Why We Love It: White jeans are a fresh alternative to your classic true blues, so if you’re on the hunt for a new pair, this Slim Parfait style from Sézane is an excellent pick. Made from organic cotton and a hint of elastane, they’re stretchy but still hold their shape. They have a mid-rise silhouette and ankle-length hem—however, if regular jeans tend to be too short, these are now offered in a tall style, too.
Who It’s For: Anyone who owns a dozen blue jeans but lacks white styles will want to wear these during the final days of summer with a white tee and, once it gets chilly, with a lightweight cardigan. The brand recommends going with the larger size if you’re typically between sizes.
Size: 0–16 | Inseam: 27.5 inches | Material: Organic cotton, elastane
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Why We Love It: Given their classic, understated look, jeans aren’t always the focal point of your outfit—unless, of course, said jeans have a fun detail, such as a frayed hem. This high-rise iteration from Free People is sure to grab everyone’s attention with a raw hem and loose threads that lend a cool “I’ve worn these to death“ effect. And, according to the product description, these are jeggings, meaning they look like jeans but feel like leggings—something we can get behind.
Who It’s For: It may be a minute since you’ve owned a pair of jeggings (they were all the rage in the 2010s), but if comfort is important to you, it’s worth revisiting the style. The label suggests sizing up for an even cozier fit.
Size: 24–33 short, 24–34 regular, 24–32 long | Inseam: 27 (regular) inches; not listed for other options | Material: Cotton, polyester, elastane
What to Keep in Mind
- Length: Finding the perfect length for skinny jeans is easier than it may sound—just measure the inseam, which is the distance from the crotch to the ankles. Those with longer legs, of course, will have a longer inseam than petite frames. It’s important to know your preferred inseam, as product descriptions typically have them listed, and keep in mind the specific style you like wearing when shopping for jeans; for example, some people love an ankle-length silhouette, while others lean into cropped looks.
- Fit: Madewell’s Senior Vice President of Denim Design Mary Pierson says to consider rise and stretch to find the perfect fit. “It’s a personal preference, but I recommend going for a mid-rise and skinny leg that is slim but not legging-tight,” she adds. However, there’s also a plethora of high and low-rise styles, should one of those be your preferred silhouette. “The longer the inseam, the more current and versatile the jeans will feel,” says Pierson. “Consider the fabric of the jeans you select, as it will dictate the amount of stretch and comfort you’ll receive.” For instance, if stretch is an important factor, look for styles that include elastane or spandex.
- Wash: The wash of your jeans has the potential to change the vibe of your outfit. For instance, lighter washes tend to veer more casual as they can be dressed down more, notes Sharp. “And then, for the evening, I always steer away from a jet black because it feels too harsh. But faded black or gray is nice in the evening because you can wear it with black or white separates.” Plus, Sharp finds that some washes are stretchier than others. “Black jeans naturally tend to be more rigid, so if you’re looking for more stretch, I wouldn’t go with a darker shade; something a bit lighter will stretch more.” Lastly, she suggests white for year-round wear, as it’s easy to style every season.
Your Questions, Answered
How do you style skinny jeans?
Ajibare suggests starting with a simple T-shirt layered with a leather jacket. Another option is a loose or flowing top, which nicely balances the form-fitting bottoms. “For a relaxed look, pair skinny jeans with oversized or chunky sweaters,” she says. “For an elevated style, try pairing them with a longline blazer or a cardigan.”
What shoes should you wear with skinny jeans?
“Skinny jeans paired with stylish ankle boots is one of my favorite combos,” says Ajibare. “They also pair great with loafers and ballet flats, which have made a huge comeback this season!” But if sneakers are more your speed, simply opt for a sleek pair, like a suede or leather look.
Why Shop With Us
Kelsey Stewart is a fashion writer with experience covering must-have products, such as the best jeans, for outlets including The Zoe Report, Editorialist, and Byrdie. For this story, she spoke with denim experts, including Nordstrom’s Women’s Associate Fashion Director Linda Cui Zhang, Madewell’s SVP of Denim Design Mary Pierson, Frame’s Chief Merchandising Officer Christina Holody, stylists Kemi Ajibare and Jordanna Sharp, and influencer Alexandra May.
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