Skinny vs straight jeans - what's the difference?

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 shape, they're just far apart enough in style to be divisive to some.

Shopping for the perfect jeans can be one of the toughest experiences but once you figure out what the best jeans for your body type are, it simplifies the process a lot. While each season ushers in new denim trends, there are some styles that remain a perennial fashion presence - if you've ever wondered where to start when it comes to how to build a capsule wardrobe, skinny and straight jeans are both great building blocks.

So, what's the difference? Simply put, while straight jeans have a consistent width from hip to ankle, skinny jeans hug your legs and taper at the ankle, fitting really closely.

On the flip side, straight leg jeans were the predecessor of the skinny jean, originally popular in the '90s. The straight fit means the jeans fall from hip to ankle, following the line of the leg without flaring. Straight jeans are often seen as smarter than their skinny counterparts 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 jeans, 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.

Our definitive guide to both styles should help you decide which cut is the best jeans style for you.

Skinny vs straight jeans: What Are Skinny Jeans?

Coming to the fore in 2005 thanks to Kate Moss sporting a pair, skinny jeans went from denim fad to jean favourite and have stayed as a constant in our wardrobes ever since. Defined by its silhouette hugging style, the best skinny jeans hug your curves, following the line of your frame from hip to ankle.

After years of being told skinny jeans were passé, we're now seeing a return to fashion prominence by this popular style.

Skinny jeans are skin-tight and figure-hugging from the waist straight down to the ankle. They may need you to do a 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. Many of the best slimming jeans are found in skinny fits as the high elastane and lycra content lends itself to this cut.

What Are Skinny Jeans?: How To Style 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 in order to define your waist.

As skinny jeans are fitted all the way down your legs and calves, you can afford to add volume to your top - oversized shirts, slouchy knits, and bulky coats 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 a blazer and fancy shoes or heels.

With their narrow profile, skinny jeans are also the ideal denim style to team with accessories such as your best knee high boots and on colder days, being able to fit them into your best winter boots will stop any chills and draughts getting in!

“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.”

Skinny vs straight jeans: The Best Skinny Jeans

Skinny vs straight jeans: 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 are semi-fitted through the thigh with the cut following the same line and 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 in a jeans and blazer outfit combination for more relaxed office attire.

Inspired by 90's 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.

Our top styling tip? Try a pair of straight leg jeans that are cropped slightly to sit just above the ankle bone - this will reveal the narrowest point of your leg, creating a slimming illusion.

If you've fallen for the leopard print trend and want to try it with jeans, this print is most flattering on straight leg styles - the Mint Velvet leopard jeans are top of every fashionista's wishlist this season!

Skinny vs straight jeans: How To Style Straight Leg Jeans

When it comes to how to style straight leg jeans, they can be styled with pretty much anything. From the best wool 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 the 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 the tummy opt for high-waisted styles as these will offer extra support and contour, streamlining your silhouette.

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.

Skinny vs straight jeans: The Best Straight Leg Jeans

Skinny vs Straight leg jeans: What's the difference?

While both skinny and straight leg jeans are close fitting styles, there are some key differences between the two popular denim styles.

Skinny jeans will generally be more fitted, narrowing at the ankle and following the body's natural silhouette. In order to create this fitted silhouette, most styles will be made of stretch denim that features elastane or lycra in order to mould to your body's contours.

In comparison, straight leg jeans have a more relaxed fit through the leg. Depending on your own body shape, they will be fitted at the waist then follow a straight line down from this point, allowing for a fitted or semi-fitted style through the thigh before loosening from the knee, continuing the straight line through the lower leg.

Straight leg jeans can be made of stretch denim but for the best fit, look for rigid denim styles with a low or no elastane content. While they will need some wear to break in, the denim will eventually give, moulding to your body at key points to create a flattering silhouette.

FAQs

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 more relaxed and have a slightly wider cut on the leg, skimming hips with ease. While stretch denim styles offer a closer fit across the hips, thighs and bottom, you may prefer to try a rigid denim style instead - after a few wears, the denim will relax and fit your body perfectly, offering support and hold where needed while the denim keeps its shape through the legs.

Cropped straight leg jeans are also very flattering on this body shape, as they will help balance proportions.

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 with one smooth line. If you're looking to tuck tops or blouses in, look for 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, with skinny jeans helping to accentuate any curves. To create the illusion of curves, pair your jeans with tops that have added volume. This could be a fuller sleeve or dramatic ruffle detail to add volume to a bust, or a peplum waist, that will instantly create an hourglass silhouette.

Are skinny jeans out of style in 2024?

While skinny jeans haven't been at the forefront of fashion for several years since their late Noughties peak, they have made a recent return as a key denim trend for Autumn/Winter 2024 onwards after appearing on the catwalks of big brands including Miu Miu, Balenciaga and Alexander McQueen, a favourite of Kate Middleton.

Rather than the low rise styles of the 2000s, update your skinny jeans by looking for high waisted styles - not only are these on trend but the added length on the torso will make your legs appear longer.

Are skinny or straight jeans more flattering?

While both skinny and straight leg jeans are considered flattering for every body shape, ultimately what you find to be the most flattering for your shape will come down to your body and personal preferences, as well as what you choose to pair with your jeans.

For example, if you're slipping on wellies for a winter walk or wondering how to style knee high boots, skinny jeans will slide effortlessly into close-fitting styles, while straight leg jeans might need more manipulation.

If you're looking for a way to wear jeans to work and wondering can jeans be business casual, straight leg jeans in a darker wash will look smarter than skinny styles as the wider ankle point will make them look more like trousers. Add a blazer and smart shoes such as a pair of loafers and you're good to go!

Skinny vs Straight jeans: what style is best for my body shape?

While both skinny jeans and straight leg jeans are considered universally flattering, depending on your body shape you may find that one style has the edge over the other.

If you're tall and slim but would like to add or accentuate your curves, the close fit of skinny jeans will further emphasise and enhance your existing silhouette.

In contrast, if you have a pear-shaped body, carrying more weight in your lower half, you may find that a cropped straight leg will help to balance your proportions. For those with an apple-shaped body, a pair of high waisted skinny jeans with accentuate your slim legs while offering support around the midriff.

Hourglass figures are likely to find both styles, skinny and straight leg jeans, to be equally flattering.

For a flattering fit, make sure that the skinny or straight jeans that you buy are the right length for your leg - fabric pooling around your ankles will draw the eye down and make your legs appear shorter and wider than they are.

Antonia Kraskowski

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.