The best skinny jeans are a wardrobe staple, reigning supreme since the early noughties. An item easy to dress up or down, skinny jeans are constantly being threatened by newer designs, but rest assured, this classic is going nowhere.
When it comes to the denim trends 2023, many stylists were quick to call the end to the best skinny jeans, but despite the best jeans for the season taking on baggier and fuller designs, in truth, the skinny jeans have now secured their spot as a style staple, meaning that while trending looks - such as the barrel jean, will come and go, you don't need to retire your best skinny jeans any time soon.
Integral to many wardrobes, the best skinny jeans work for all shapes and sizes and are one of the most slimming jeans styles on the market. While a skinny leg can come in many different forms, high-waisted skinny jeans often have hidden technology to lift, contour and shape your curves, giving you the smoothest of silhouettes, without compromising on comfort.
Best skinny jeans for women
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When it comes to the types of jeans every woman should own, we'd say the best skinny jeans are right up there, alongside the best high waisted jeans and your best straight leg jeans as a wardrobe essential. With celebrity and editorial stylist Miranda Holder saying that "skinny jeans will never be out of fashion or off-trend".
Everyone needs a pair of great skinny jeans in their closet, and this M&S pair in seven different colors gets our vote. One of the best British clothing brands for staple pieces, they make some of the best jeans too. Made from super-soft cotton with a hint of stretch they are just as comfortable as your best leggings. A high waist with an ankle-grazer finish helps lengthen legs, while this pair is available in five different leg lengths so you can get your ideal fit. We’re not the only fans - these jeans have rave reviews from customers too for their fit and quality.
These High-Rise Skinny Ankle jeans from Ralph Lauren are incredibly chic and classic, and one of the best jeans for curvy women with a skinny fit. They sit just above the natural waist for a super high fit that is flattering on many figures - the fit is slim through the hip and thigh, before ending in a skinny fit at the ankle. These jeans look great with floaty blouses in light colors like pastel pink, cream, or white - some of the most stylish tops to wear with jeans. Pair with a camel coat and the best knee high boots for a winter-through-to-spring outfit.
The Gap skinny jeans are undoubtedly some of the most comfortable jeans on the market, as they boast all the stretch of jeggings without losing the signature jean style. These are skinny jeans that will really mold to your shape, meaning the fit is snug without being restrictive, ideal for everyday wear. Style with the best scarves for women for frosty daytime walks, or dress up with the best leather jackets for women in the evening.
With 2% elastane, these blue skinny jeans have great stretch. A big hit for the brand, this style is super comfy and oh-so-flattering. The perfect staple pair of jeans to have in your closet all year through, they can be worn day in day out. They also feature bum sculpting technology creating one of the most flattering jeans for all body shapes. Fashion expert Miranda Holder says, "A great pair of skinny jeans can be considered a ‘neutral wardrobe staple’, meaning, you could wear the same pair over and over for five days on the trot (paired with different tops) and absolutely no one would bat an eyelid."
We love this ankle-grazer style that sits perfectly between smart and casual, making this pair of skinnies a great investment. Made from stretch-cotton denim, they have a mid-rise fit that is ideal when wearing the best sweaters or boxy t-shirts. Available in short, regular and long leg lengths, you don't need to worry about the slightly cropped fit coming up too long or short - and there are a range of denim hues to pick from too. Look no further when planning camel coat outfits that will look just as good for the office as they will for casual brunch dates.
A longstanding favorite when it comes to high-quality denim, Diesel is one of the best jeans brands and a go-to for the best skinny jeans to don when styling up more laid-back outfits. Wear with a simple white cami in the summer or throw on one of the best puffer jackets in the colder months. One of the best pairs of designer jeans, Diesel's denim reputation ensures these are the sharp skinnies you'll want to wear on repeat.
Sleek and ankle-skimming, these skinnies offer a universally flattering. Crafted from Slim Illusion Luxe denim - which is the softest super stretch denim in 7 For All Mankind's collection. Channel the spring/summer shoe trends 2023 and style with some stomper boots to complete the look, or wear with a black blouse and heels for a smart and timeless look. Though slightly pricey, if you're wondering if expensive jeans are worth it, in the long run, premium denim will last longer, and is more sustainable.
Who doesn't love a bit of leopard print? Well, if you don't, then you probably won't like these skinny jeans. But honestly, leopard-print is one of the most popular prints out there at the moment, and these super versatile skinnies can be worn with so many things already in your closet, like the best cashmere sweaters or even the best winter boots on colder days. Considered a neutral by the style set, these leopard print jeans offer a different look to classic hues and will team will with black tops and jackets for a showstopping ensemble.
New Look’s denim collection is definitely worth considering, and this is a budget-friendly pair that still delivers. Available in four different leg lengths, you can be sure of a great fit that you will never tire of. Ticking all the boxes, these skinnies have great stretch and sit just above the waist with sculpting seams to help lift and smooth your silhouette. They’re also part of New Look's Kind range which uses less water during manufacturing, ticking the sustainable fashion box too. A decent everyday jean you won’t regret buying.
These brown skinny jeans offer a point of difference from classic blue and as neutrals are in for the new season, these also slot nicely into the fashion color trends 2023. Mix with fellow neutrals, such as cream and camel hues, including chunky knits or your best trench coat and loafer combo for a smart take on an everyday jeans look.
These classic blue skinny jeans have a slightly worn-in look for that retro touch. A snug fit with a regular waist and ankle-grazing finish, these skinny jeans are a great staple style - and the option of three leg lengths ensures it will hit at just the right spot. Featuring the iconic Wrangler label on the back they are crafted using environmentally responsible fabric with a 100% chemical-free finish. A simple daytime jean, embrace the '90s fashion trends and team with a pair of high tops and a sweater for a sporty get-up, or try a double denim look.
The best skinny jeans in a block color are a great way to add color to your wardrobe, and they're even better when they contain sustainable material. Luckily for us, these jeans have a classic skinny fit and are made from recycled cotton - plus sustainable hardware too. When navigating how to style oversized sweaters, the key is in the balance of your outfit, making a skinny jean that outlines your shape the perfect pairing for a slouchy knit. With added stretch to keep you comfortable, these are a great, bargain buy.
Shopping for great-fitting jeans becomes even trickier when you need the best petite jeans, which is why 5'2" Dannii Minogue has created a whole collection dedicated to helping you find the perfect pair. Available in two perfect blue hues, these skinnies are the ideal item to pair with bold knits or prints, like the best fair isle sweaters. If you have always struggled to find a pair of skinny jeans that are petite friendly, have a great size offering, and won't totally break the bank, your dreams have been answered. Crafted from a high-quality, super-stretchy denim blend, this pair provides great fit and comfort.
Black leather look jeans will help you discover how to style leather pants without investing in leather trousers - which can be expensive. An easy way to add edge to your look, this budget-friendly pair will help to sculpt and lift your shape and thanks to the high waist, you can easily tuck in tops or knits for a curve-loving finish. Pair with trainers or boots, depending on the occasion.
With a flattering light through to dark wash, these jeans are cut from super stretchy fabric to ensure they fit and flatter. Grey jeans make a fantastic alternative to black and blue classics, and offer an edgy and casual feel. While grey jeans are rarely as smart as their black counterparts, you can keep this pair of skinny grey jeans polished by pairing them with one of the best blazers, a good-quality T-shirt and heeled ankle boots.
Among the fashion set Topshop has always been regarded as one of the best jeans brands, reigning supreme with The Jamie seen as one of the best skinny jeans to invest in. Now cut to suit an hourglass silhouette, the new Jamie delivers more space in the hip area to flatter curves. With a signature high waist to contour and flatter a midriff, these are great everyday denims at an even better price.
A high street hero, Scandinavian clothing brand H&M caters for a variety of sizes and shapes including: mainline, plus and maternity jeans. We particularly love this super skinny silhouette that has shaping powers to help you feel supported without compromising on comfort. Available in seven different denim hues, there is a pick for every taste and occasion. Opt for black when building a minimalist capsule wardrobe, styling with the best designer tote bags for days out. At this affordable price, there's no going wrong.
All Saints are so sure about the 'Size Me' skinny jeans having a great stretch, there are only three sizes to pick from. The brand's denim is crafted with added elasticity to smooth effortlessly over different bodies, with All Saints even going so far as to compare them to joggers. In a timeless blue hue, no doubt you'll be able to style these with everything from the best thermals and boots in the winter to a crisp white shirt for work.
How to wear skinny jeans
When it comes to bringing your best skinny jeans into the new year, look to the spring/summer fashion trends 2023 for inspiration, to give this look a directional feel. While the rules of balancing proportions still apply, the tighter fit bottom means that when it comes to how to style jeans with a skinny leg, look to add your volume up top to create a harmonious shape - so puff sleeves and ruffles work particularly well here.
Skinny jeans are super versatile and black skinny jeans without any distressed details can easily be worn as part of your smart casual outfit ideas. To elongate your frame, look to ankle-skimming styles that have serious leg-lengthening powers, especially when paired with heels.
How to find the best skinny jeans for you
There's no doubt about it, jeans shopping can be daunting. With each brand differing in size, and each individual jean differing in shape, fit, and design, it can be tricky to know which pair to pick. If you're shopping IRL, it can be easier to try each pair on and decide for yourself which pair of skinny jeans suits you the most. But when it comes to online, it can be difficult to know how they will look on you, as everybody is different. Use the measurements in the product descriptions to get an idea of fit and read customer comments to get an idea of whether an item comes up big or small. Unfortunately, the only real way to find the best skinny jeans is to try them on, so you may want to order more than one size if shopping online.
Miranda has some great fashion insider tips to make 'how to find the best skinny jeans for me' much easier.
- Look out for a curved waistband that is higher at the back and lower at the front, which will lift your bum and flatter a tummy.
- For the perkiest rear and best leg profile: Look at the side seam on the outer thigh. If it is slightly positioned to the front, it will improve the overall leg profile, the yoke at the back should have a nice deep V shape, and you want large-ish pockets that are positioned fairly high up.
- Buy less but buy better: Sourcing premium denim with a good elastane ratio and high-quality hardware will be a far better investment in the long run.
- Get the maximum life out of your denim: Wash jeans at a cold temperature and dry cold for longevity.
