Debating skinny vs straight jeans this season? Believe us when we say you're not alone. While these two styles of jeans aren't wildly different in terms of silhouette, they're just far apart enough in style to be divisive to some.
Finding the best jeans can be tough. While each season ushers in new denim trends there are some jeans that remain a constant in our wardrobe. Coming to the fore in 2005, thanks to Kate Moss sporting a pair, skinny jeans went from denim fad, to jean fave and have stayed a constant in our wardrobes ever since. Categorised by its silhouette hugging style, the best skinny jeans hug your curves, following the line of your frame. Thanks to their skin tight fit, skinny jeans often have some stretch to them to help them hug your curves.
Straight leg jeans on the flip side, were predecessor of the skinny jean, originally popular in the '90s, the straight fit means the jeans fall from hip to ankle without flaring. Straight jeans are often seen as smarter than its skinny counterpart and most consider them the most universally flattering style of jeans. A more relaxed fit than a skinny it doesn't cling, and thanks to the cut, they can often be crafted, as is traditional for denim, from 100% cotton, for a rigid fit.
But when it comes to skinny vs straight jean, what do the experts think? While skinny jeans have reigned supreme, in recent years the straight jean has made a triumphant return to the top of the pack, thanks in part to the re-birth of '90s fashion trends.
"Straight leg jeans are a more flattering and modern denim fit, as we move away from skin-tight dressing to a more relaxed feel. Look for styles that sit high on the waist as these will create a longer line for the eye to follow, giving the illusion of a longer, leaner silhouette. Depending on your choice of footwear, you may also find that a slightly cropped pair that sit above the ankle bone are extra flattering as they show off the slimmest part of your leg" says fashion editor and stylist, Antonia Kraskowski.
What are skinny jeans?
Kate Moss wearing skinny jeans in London
Skinny jeans are skin-tight and figure-hugging from the waist straight down to the ankle. They may need you to do the jump and wriggle to get into them, but they should feel figure hugging. The added stretch that most skinny jeans have will help you get into them and give you a contoured fit, however the elastane content does mean that over time they may lose their shape.
Skinnies are loved by celebrities and royals, with even Kate Middleton a fan of the fitted shape, they're extremely popular with the fashion crowd too. From ripped to indigo, the timeless fit comes in many variations, it's all about finding the right pair for you.
Skinny jeans come in many waist styles, from the best high waisted jeans - that will often have some of the best shapewear integrated into the midriff panel, to classic mid-rises for a more relaxed feel.
How to wear skinny jeans
When it comes to how to style jeans with a skinny fit, the trick is all in the proportions. If you've opt for a high waisted pair, you'll want to pair your skinnies with a shorter top, or tuck, or half tuck your top into the waistband to show off the waist.
As skinny jeans are fitted all the way down your legs and calves, you can afford to add volume to your top, this includes directional full sleeves and ruffles, both big autumn/winter fashion trends for 2023. Oversized shirts, slouchy knits, and bulky coats also help balance out tight-fitting skinny jeans. If you want to dress them up, opt for dark-wash styles and team with a silky blouse, or your best blazer, and fancy shoes or heels.
“Skinny jeans definitely still have a place in my wardrobe,” says Paula Moore, fashion director at woman&home. “I love how easy they are to tuck into boots without bunching up at the top. To avoid them looking too dated, try playing with proportions. Choose a voluminous top and do a ‘French tuck’. This is when you tuck in the front half of your top and leave the rest out. It helps highlight your waist for a flattering and fashion-forward finish.”
The Best Skinny Jeans
RRP: £32.50 / $56.99 | High-waisted jeans in super soft organic cotton and recycled polyester are cut to a skinny fit. With plenty of stretch, they move with you, but will also retain their shape. A contemporary and inexpensive buy to help you try the trend.
RRP: £49 / $91 | Get the look without the price tag, thanks to these faux leather jeans, that will give any ensemble a rocky finish. These jeans feature a flattering mid rise style. If you've already investigated what to wear with leather leggings, these should be next on your list.
RRP: £55.20 (UK only) | Designed, cut and hand-finished in LA, these skinny jeans, are crafted from organic cotton and recycled polyester for a more ethical finish. The fade along the front of the jeans will elongate your pins, but also renders these more casual.
RRP: £42 / $69.99 | Wondering what to wear black jeans? These skinnies feature a high rise cut and ankle-grazer hem length, in an uber skinny fit. Team with a more voluminous top half, such as one of the best leather jackets in a relaxed biker shape.
RRP: £55 / $79.95 | American clothing brand Gap makes some of the best jeans. The brand to rely on for classic washes and staple styles, this light wash indigo will easily become your spring go-to. Pair with your favorite Breton top for a timeless look.
RRP: £112 / $128 | We already know that Spanx makes some of the best shapewear but have you tried its clothing? Spanx skinny jeans have a fashionable, ankle-grazing hem line, come in Regular, Petite and Tall and have inbuilt shaping panels.
What are straight leg jeans?
When it comes to skinny vs straight jeans, the best straight leg jeans are universally flattering. Less clingy than skinny jeans, they skim hips and thighs, sitting straight from hips to ankles, giving everything a little more breathing room.
Straight leg jeans are often considered more polished than the skinny jean, and in a smart wash, with no distressed or whiskered details they can be worn with a blazer for more relaxed office attire.
Loved by '90s styles, the straight jean doesn't show off your legs as much as a pair of skinny jeans, but thanks to its straight style, it doesn't swamp your shape either. An easy style win, whatever your body type.
How to wear straight leg jeans
When it comes to how to style straight leg jeans, they can be styled with pretty much anything. From the best jumpers to shirts and blazers, they add a more relaxed feel to any look. Whether it's brunch outfit ideas you're after, or need something for a desk day, straight jeans are largely governed by the wash you opt for, rather than their just shape.
Straight-leg jeans are great for all silhouettes thanks to the flattering cut and simple silhouette they achieve. Offering a slightly more relaxed fit to a skinny jean, they can easily be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
On an apple body shape, they skim past the midriff and add little to nothing in bulk. For extra security over a tummy opt for high-waisted styles as these will offer extra support and contour.
Straight-leg jeans are a great choice for those with a pear-shaped body, skimming past hips and balancing curves with a straight leg. They'll work easily with sandals, trainers, and boots, although as the fit isn't super close to your ankle, you might find that they are some of the best jeans to wear with Chelsea boots and are easier than trying to tuck your straight leg jeans into knee-high styles.
The Best Straight Leg Jeans
RRP: £39.50 / $68.99 | Available up to a UK 24/US 20, these jeans are inclusive, affordable and incredibly easy to style up. Wear with a simple silk blouse, or your best cashmere jumpers adding sneakers and your best wool coat for a chic off-duty look.
RRP: £19.99 / $37 | In an easy-to-style colour, cut and shape, these jeans can be worn with everything from sequin tops during the festive season, to strappy camis in the summer. They go up to a US 28/UK 32, ideal for those who want the best plus size jeans.
RRP: £90 (UK only) | Wondering how to distress jeans? Why not let the professionals to do the hard work for you. In an ultra high rise, they're great for contouring your shape and the distressed knee give these jeans a relaxed and well-loved feel.
RRP: £100 / $98 | In a classic indigo wash, these jeans are a fantastic capsule wardrobe staple. With a raw hem for an added touch of cool, this mid pair with pretty much anything in your wardrobe, but we love it as part of a double denim look.
RRP: £85 / $90 | Straight through the thigh but with a slightly more tapered hem, these are probably the perfect jeans if you're really struggling with skinny vs straight leg jeans as they kind-of deliver the best of both. We love the mid blue wash too.
RRP: £29.99 / $45.90 | When you find a brand of jeans that work for you, invest. Fans of Zara will be pleased to see that the Z1975 straight cut jeans come in numerous iterations and is one of our favorite Zara jeans for a minimalist capsule wardrobe.
Skinny vs Straight leg: Which cut is best for me?
When it comes to straight vs skinny jeans, the truth is both shapes are universally flattering. While skinny jeans are definitely going to be the most contoured to your shape, straight-leg jeans can be more varied in terms of leg widths.
If you have a pear-shaped body, look for straight-leg jeans that are slightly more bordering what has become known as 'girlfriend' style. These are straight-leg jeans that are relaxed and slightly wider, skimming hips with ease. While some straight-leg styles use traditional stiff denim, pear-shapes might want to look for denim with added stretch as these will offer a better fit across bums and thighs. This is particularly true when looking for the best skinny jeans. Added elastane will ensure your jeans fit like the best leggings, offering excellent levels of comfort.
Apple body shapes can easily wear straight or skinny jeans. While skinny jeans will be the best style to show off slender legs, more fitted straight-leg jeans will still highlight your silhouette. For the most support for a midriff in either style, opt for high-waisted cuts as these will help to contour your shape. If you're looking to tuck tops or blouses in, you might want high-waisted jeans with added sculpting technology built into the waist panel area for a really flattering fit.
Hourglass body shapes benefit from having a small waist and proportionately balanced bust, shoulders, and thighs. While either shape of jeans will work for your body type, a high-waisted cut will highlight your silhouette. To show off your curves, tuck or half tuck your top into your waistband.
Rectangle body shapes suit both styles equally. To create curves, pair your jeans with tops that have added volume. This could be a fuller sleeve for an on-trend feel, a dramatic ruffle detail to add volume to a bust, or a peplum waist, that will give the illusion of an hourglass silhouette.
With over 15 years experience in the fashion industry, freelance fashion editor, Antonia Kraskowski has worked at Conde Nast, across titles including, Glamour, Vogue New Markets and Easy Living. Antonia later went on to serve as the Fashion Editor of Express Newspapers and Magazines for five years before embarking on a freelance career.
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