The Skinny Jeans to Buy Based on Your Body Type
No matter what denim styles are "in" for each season, skinny jeans have remained a permanent fixture in our wardrobes. They've become the classic style we pair with everything from a sweater in Winter to a crop top in the Summer. You likely have them in multiple colors, too, and the gamut of styles available (distressed washes, cropped hems, etc . . .) ensure we're never bored of our skinnies.
Searching for the right pair, however, is a journey. Since there isn't a one-size-fits-all skinny jean (yet), we came up with a handy guide for shopping them by body type. Of course, more than one of these categories might apply to you, but don't let that stop you from zeroing in on the little details that help you distinguish your favorite pair.
Petite
When you're 5'4" and under, finding jeans that don't need tailoring isn't always the easiest task. A foolproof way to ensure your denim skinnies are the perfect match is by buying jeans made for petite girls at retailers like J.Crew. Aim for styles that are cropped or which have a tight fit at the leg. Should you want to do some DIYing, cut the hem of your favorite bottoms to your desired length.
J.Crew Toothpick Jean
J.Crew offers petite jeans like this pair ($110) that won't disappoint.
AG Jeans
Style your AG jeans ($168) with a pair of heels for that extra boost in height.
Topshop Petite Jeans
This Topshop jean ($65) comes with superstretchy material so it won't feel suffocating.
Treasure & Bond Skinny Jeans
Treasure & Bond's cropped skinny jeans ($79) look great with ankle boots.
Curvy
If you have curves, look for jeans that provide some stretch and elasticity. (Jeggings are a wonderful option!) Avoid long hemlines that bunch at the bottom or skinnies you have to cuff, as that can make you appear shorter. As for colors, you can't go wrong with dark washes such as indigo and black.
ASOS High-Waist Skinny Jeans
For skinnies with an edge, scoop up this ASOS pair with rips ($34, originally $48).
William Rast Skinny Jeans
The blue dark rinse on these William Rast jeans ($70, originally $90) will flatter everyone.
White House Skinny Jeggings
These White House jeggings ($70) will give you the stretch fit you need.
ASOS Jeggings
If you're not completely on board with jeggings yet, give these ASOS jeans a try ($40).
Tall
You have the opposite problem of petite gals. The jeans you love tend to fall short on your legs or ride up past your ankles. An easy solution is to shop online retailers like ASOS, which offers jeans designed for taller women. Not only will the length be 100 percent accurate, but the prices are affordable too. Another way to find the right skinnies is to look into brands that offer extralong hem lengths.
Madewell Skinny Jeans
We'll take these jeans ($135) in a tall fit, please.
ASOS Skinny Jeans
These ASOS jeans ($40) come in multiple length options, which we're super happy about.
Banana Republic Jeans
These Banana Republic jeans ($98) come in regular, tall, and petite to suit everyone's tastes.
H&M Super Skinny High Jeggings
For $20, these H&M super skinny jeggings ($20) are a steal.
Long Torso
You'll want to create the illusion of balanced proportions by going with high-waisted jeans. Break up a long torso with bottoms that have a 10- or 11-inch front rise. If you want to draw attention away from that part of your body, look for jeans that hit right at the hips or come with interesting details like cuffed ankles.
Frame Skinny Jeans
The '70s high-rise jeans from Frame ($219) elongate the legs to balance out your torso.
Mavi Jeans
Tuck your top into this pair of Mavi jeans ($53, originally $118).
Citizens of Humanity Jeans
If you're looking for comfortable, slip into a pair of Citizens of Humanity skinny jeans ($218).
Madewell Jeans
These Madewell jeans ($135) come with a 10-inch front rise.
Slim With Few Curves
The great thing about jeans is that when you find the right pair, they'll flatter everything. For those with a slim figure and fewer curves, look for skinnies that feature extra embellishments like patches or pearls. These subtle designs won't overwhelm your frame, but they'll provide a playful touch. Cigarette skinny jeans, too, offer a more tapered leg and will highlight the curves you do have.
Paige Jeans
If you're in the market for new black jeans, try this pair from Paige ($179).
Shein Pearl Jeans
Everyone will be busy complimenting you on these Shein pearl jeans ($24).
Rag & Bone Cigarette Jeans
Show off your Rag & Bone cigarette jeans ($225) with a pair of loafers.
Grlfrnd Skinny Jeans
These Grlfrnd high-rise skinny jeans ($278) feature frayed hems and grommet accents.
Athletic
If you have an athletic build, you're not particularly curvy, but you do tend to have more muscular legs. Your weight is evenly distributed throughout your body and you might even describe yourself as having a "boyish" figure. To make your curves more pronounced, stick to skinnies that offer a more rigid fit and play up your shape on top with oversize sweaters or voluminous shirts. You'll want to keep the volume on top or bottom, but not both.
Gap Skinny Jeans
If you haven't checked out Gap jeans yet, you'll want to start with the true skinny jeans in super slimming ($99).
Levi's 711 Skinny Jeans
You can't go wrong with a tried-and-true brand like Levi's. We recommend the 711 skinny jeans ($45, originally $55).
Good American Jeans
This pair of Good American jeans ($159) is designed with a contoured waistband for a comfortable fit.