The Best Skinny Jeans That Will Win You Over (Again), According to 3 Fashion Experts
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Don’t write off this timeless denim style just yet
People / Alli Waataja
Many of the who’s who in fashion will have you believing skinny jeans are so yesterday (and not the Hilary Duff version), but we are here to tell you: Skinny jeans are not dead. Not even close. So before you throw your tried and true pair into the donate pile, hear our case for why the skinny jean deserves a place in your closet.
"“We’re being told skinny jeans are out, but how can something ever be ‘out of style’ when it makes us feel so dang good?” asks plus-size fashion blogger Meagan Walrath."
The skinny jean is like a supporting actor, it elevates and reinforces the main stars you pair it with. “I love styling skinny jeans with a knee high boot over top, oversized sweater, and a really good belt with gold hardware," fashion stylist Elisabeth Kassab tells PEOPLE. If you wear flare, wide-leg, or even straight-leg jeans, those would compete with your other pieces, but a good skinny jean allows the belt, the sweater, and the boots to shine.
Keep reading to discover the best skinny jeans PEOPLE recommends on adding to your rotation in 2024.
Most Versatile: Levi’s 311 Shaping Skinny Women’s Jeans
In terms of design, comfort, support, look, and fit — the Levi’s 311 skinny jeans are as versatile as they come. The fit is almost guaranteed thanks to a huge size range available with plenty of options for short, tall, and plus sizes. If you fall in love with these jeans, there are 33 colors and denim washes to choose from should you want more than one pair.
They have a mid-rise design which accommodates those who tend to go high-waisted to keep their stomachs secure, but isn’t too high for those who like more of a low-rise feel. The material is a blend of cotton, polyester, and elastane so they are soft and quite stretchy.
They’re easy to take care of over time since you can throw them in the washer and dryer. They just have a really classic look to them and considering the low price and accessibility, we knew these skinny jeans deserved to be recognized as one of the best. And we’re not alone in our praise: Over 13,500 Amazon shoppers gave these jeans five-star ratings.
Size Range: 24–40 short, 24–34 long, 22–40 standard, 34–42 plus | Material: 80% cotton, 19% polyester, 1% elastane | Inseam: 28 inches (short), 30 inches (standard), 32 inches (long) | Stretchy: Yes | Rise: Mid rise | Colors: 33 | Care Instructions: Machine wash
Most Comfortable: Abercrombie & Fitch High Rise Skinny Jeans
While we’re talking about well-priced and stylish skinny jeans, we’d be remiss not to introduce you to the Abercrombie & Fitch High Rise Skinny Jean. Kassab, in particular, loves these skinny jeans. “They’re super affordable and extremely comfortable, which is the most important part of buying a pair of jeans,” she says.
The comfort is thanks to a blend of soft cotton and elastane which allows for mobility throughout the day (though shoppers say they’re not as stretchy as other pairs). These have a classic skinny jean cut but can be modified in length ranging from extra short to extra long to accommodate different heights. These jeans also come in under $100 and are easy to wash and maintain. Compared to the Levi’s 311, though, they do have fewer size and color options and are slightly more expensive.
Size Range: 23–37 | Material: 99% cotton, 1% elastane | Stretchy: Slightly | Rise: High rise | Inseam: Extra short, short, regular, long, extra long | Colors: 9 | Care Instructions: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
Related: The 10 Best Jeans for Tall Women of 2024, According to Fashion Experts
Best Budget: Old Navy Extra High-Waisted Rockstar 360° Stretch Super-Skinny
When a pair of jeans is just $22, you might question the quality, but we personally tried these Old Navy jeans and loved them. Our team thought the jeans were comfortable and supportive with soft, stretchy denim that made for easy wear all day. The material definitely hugs your body so these are great jeans for wearing underneath a tall boot or oversized sweater.
We appreciate the vast size range, varied wash options, and little details like stitched seams that add to the overall design. Walrath prefers Old Navy's Wow Skinny Jeans, but confirms that Old Navy’s affordable prices make it so “everyone can shop and find great quality jeans.”
Size Range: 2–18 petite, 0–30 regular, 4–18 tall | Material: 62% cotton, 30% polyester, 7% recycled cotton, 1% spandex | Inseam: Short, regular, long | Stretchy: Yes | Rise: High rise | Colors: 5 | Care Instructions: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
Best Low-Rise: Gap Low Rise Vintage Slim Jeans
While you might have left the low-rise fad back in the early aughts, Kylie Jenner has brought it back. The Gap Low Rise Vintage Slim Jeans follow this trend but with a little more coverage up top. While these jeans only come in one wash, it’s a beautiful dark indigo that dresses up any outfit for a more sophisticated and professional look. It’s made from a blend of cotton, polyester, and elastane and offers significant comfort, stretch, and mobility. Plus, you can throw them in the wash.
Size Range: 24–30 petite, 24–35 regular, and 27–33 tall | Material: 86% cotton, 7% recycled cotton, 6% recycled polyester, 1% elastane | Inseam: Short, regular, long | Stretchy: Yes | Rise: Low rise | Colors: 1, Dark Indigo | Care Instructions: Machine wash
Best Plus-Size: Universal Standard Seine High Rise Skinny Jeans
“Size inclusivity is big right now and always,” says Walrath, whose platform Frugal Curvy Finds is a resource of plus-size fashion inspiration for over 42,000 followers. “Universal Standard carries sizes 00-40, which is huge because it’s a place where everyone and every body can shop,” she says. “My personal favorite pair are the Seine Skinny Jeans.”
These jeans offer variety in size, color, and length, while using soft materials that allow for stretch and added comfort. They also have a mid-rise and high-rise option, as well as unique color options such as a burnt yellow, violet, and forest green.
Size Range: 00–40 | Material: 73% cotton, 23% polyester, 4% elastane | Inseam: 27 inches (petite), 30 inches, 32 inches | Stretchy: Yes | Rise: Mid rise or high rise available | Colors: 13 | Care Instructions: Machine wash cold inside out, hang dry
Best High-Waisted: Everlane The Way-High Skinny Jean
In our same denim test referenced earlier, we were delighted to try the Everlane Way-High Jean and absolutely loved it — so we had to include its sister, the Way-High Skinny Jean, on this list. Both pairs of jeans share the same high-waist structure, which we found incredibly supportive for a variety of body types, likely due to the 2 percent elastane included in its construction.
Everlane denim feels quite durable to the touch (so not soft, per say), but you can throw it in the washing machine for simple upkeep. Plus, the stretch allows for significant mobility. These skinny jeans in particular has a classic silhouette that would go with any outfit. And as a bonus: They're under $100.
Size Range: 23–35 | Material: 55% organic cotton, 25% viscose, 18% recycled polyester, 2% elastane | Inseam: 26.75 inches, 28.75 inches | Stretchy: Yes | Rise: High rise | Colors: 5 | Care Instructions: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
Best Mid-Rise: True Religion Halle Mid Rise Super Skinny Jean
A mid-rise jean is especially ideal for those who might seek tummy control because it supports your midsection rather than sitting above (high-rise) or below it (low-rise). But they also are just a classic denim silhouette, and we are vibing with this pair from True Religion. “True Religion jeans are very popular and on trend right now,” celebrity stylist Sammie M. tells PEOPLE.
While the Halle Mid Rise Skinny Jean is only available in one wash, it’s a medium shade that is ideal for everyday wear. It does have colorful stitching which might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it will stand out among the other denim in your closet. Plus, the materials enhance the soft feel and stretch of these jeans.
Size Range: 23–34 | Material: 65% viscose, 32% cotton, 3% spandex | Inseam: 27 inches | Stretchy: Yes | Rise: Mid rise | Colors: 1, Dreamcatcher | Care Instructions: Please refer to tags for wash recommendations
Best Petite: Madewell 10-Inch High Waist Skinny Jeans
We’ve covered the best jeans for short women before, so we know when it comes to petite sizing you have to keep a few things in mind. Stylist and fashion expert Madeleine Hall previously shared with PEOPLE that short women should look for high-rise jeans that are cropped or sit just above the ankle — and the Madewell Petite High-Rise Skinny Jeans meet both of these criteria.
We appreciate the design and silhouette of these skinny jeans for petite women because they really elongate the legs. With a composition of 12 percent elastane, these jeans are stretchy, which only adds to the overall comfort. They only come in one color, but it’s a gorgeous medium-dark wash.
Size Range: 23–33 petite, standard, tall | Material: 85% cotton (23% recycled), 13% recycled polyester, 12% elastane | Inseam: 28.5 inches | Stretchy: Yes | Rise: High rise | Colors: 3 | Care Instructions: Machine wash
Best for Curvy Women: Good American Good Legs Skinny Jeans
This skinny jean comes doubly recommended because we tested it via a range of women, ages 31 to 64, and Walrath also named it as one of her favorites. “What I love about [Good American] jeans in general is that they design their jeans with curves in mind,” says Walrath. “Not just curves in the booty area, but curves in the thighs and hips as well.” The Good Legs Skinny Jeans were the first pair she wore postpartum that made her feel amazing.
In our testing, three different women found favor with these jeans for their soft feel, supportive fit, and stretch. Our testers never worried about the jeans sliding down and felt comfortable wearing them all day, whether running errands or sitting prone at a desk. They also liked the wash and overall design of these skinny jeans.
Walrath also recommends the Always Fits Skinny Jeans for curves because each pair accommodates up to three sizes (perfect for weight fluctuation). “Good American understands that women’s bodies fluctuate and we shouldn't be penalized by that and have to buy new jeans,” Walrath adds.
Size Range: 00–30 | Material: 95% organic cotton, 4% polyester, 1% elastane | Inseam: 28.5 inches | Stretchy: Yes | Rise: High rise | Colors: 1, Blue655 | Care Instructions: Machine wash cold inside out, dry flat or hang dry
Related: The 20 Very Best Jeans for Curvy Women of 2024
Best Cropped: Levi’s 501 Skinny Jeans
“I love any Levi jeans,” says Kassab. “So I would go with this pair of 501s if you are buying skinny jeans for the first time in a long time.” She says “The design on the back pockets makes your butt look so good and the shape and length on these are perfect.”
This cropped pair of jeans sits just above the ankle which makes it ideal for showing off your favorite heels, booties, or platform sneakers. It comes in a light white with some fading and distressed fabric that Kassab says she “loves for an everyday look.”
Size Range: 23-32 | Material: 99% cotton, 1% elastane | Stretchy: No | Rise: High rise | Colors: 1, Tango light | Care Instructions: We recommend machine wash on cold cycle and hang to dry
Best Light Wash: Good American Good Classic High Waist Ankle Skinny Jeans
If you like a light wash denim with minor distress, these Good American jeans are a solid choice. They just have a really sleek cut that hugs your body while still leaving a little room around the ankles.
There’s minor distressing around the front and back pockets for a little flare, but it’s not as obvious as full rips around the knees. The material offers plenty of stretch and can be machine washed for easy laundering. Plus, where it lacks in colors (only offering one), it makes up for with a wide range of sizes: 00 to 24.
Size Range: 00–24 | Material: 68% cotton, 26% recycled cotton, 4% elastomultiester, 2% elastane | Inseam: 27 inches | Stretchy: Yes | Rise: High rise | Colors: 1, Indigo410 | Care Instructions: Machine wash, tumble dry
Best Dark Wash: Paige Hoxton Ankle, Fabel
For those with a preference for dark wash, we present the Paige Hoxton Ankle Jean in Fabel — a blue wash so dark it had us questioning if it was black. Sammie M noted that he particularly likes a dark wash and tailored cut combo, and this jean checks both boxes.
This denim is built to last (so the financial investment is worth it) with a blend of soft cotton, polyester, spandex. It allows for plenty of stretch and comfort when sitting or standing. If anything, we wish it had more variety in the length to accommodate different heights, but overall it’s a fantastic dark wash jean.
Size Range: 23–34 | Material: 92% cotton, 6% polyester, 2% spandex | Inseam: 28 inches | Stretchy: Yes | Rise: High rise | Colors: 1, Fabel | Care Instructions: Turn inside out, wash with cold water and like colors (as the dark wash might bleed onto lighter clothes) on gentle cycle, hang dry for best results
Best Slim: Agolde Freya Ultra High Rise Slim
Though Agolde is on the higher end of our list in terms of price, the quality really makes a difference — celebrities like Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez have been seen wearing this brand. The hem sits just above your ankle which makes these jeans the perfect companion to showcase a swanky heel. The high-waist design supports your midsection while emphasizing your waist, and the materials (with a blend of cotton, rayon, and elastane) are quite durable so you’re paying for longevity here as well.
Size Range: 23–34 | Material: 59% organic cotton, 40% rayon, 1% elastane | Stretchy: No | Rise: High rise | Colors: 1, Divided | Care Instructions: Machine wash
Best Straight-Leg: Wrangler Cowboy Cut Slim Fit Jean
If you desperately want to like skinny jeans but can’t quite get on board with this style, a slim straight-leg jean like the Wrangler Cowboy Cut is a good compromise. It mirrors the slim fit of a skinny jean with just a little more wiggle room.
We’ve included the specs for the wash Beach below, but pay close attention to the materials for each wash selection because they do vary slightly. This jean offers a good variety of lengths, sizes, and washes, so there’s something for almost everyone.
Size Range: 00–15, with lengths 30–38 | Material: 100% cotton | Stretchy: No | Rise: High rise | Colors: 6 | Inseam: 30, 32, 34, 36, 38 inches | Care Instructions: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
Best Stretch: Torrid Bombshell Skinny Premium Stretch High-Rise Jean
The Torrid Bombshell jeans come with an elastic waistband for the perfect amount of stretch — some shoppers even noted that they sized down because there’s so much extra room to work with and the jeans really mold around your body.
This denim comes in a variety of colors and designs (including distressed) so if you fall in love with these jeans you can grab a few different pairs (especially because they are on sale right now).
Size Range: 10–30 | Material: 65% cotton, 20% rayon, 13% polyester, 2% spandex | Inseam: 25 inches (x-short), 27 inches (short), 29 inches (reg), 31 inches (tall), and 33 inches (x-tall) | Stretchy: Yes | Rise: High rise | Colors: 8 | Care Instructions: Machine wash cold, inside out, tumble dry
Best Black: Reformation Liza Ultra High Rise Straight Cropped Jeans
There’s a reason fashion experts say black is the most flattering color, and when it comes to skinny jeans, this rule stands. Jumping into the archives for a minute, we were obsessed with the black pair Meghan Markle wore on repeat during her royal tour; she wore a sleek pair of Outland Denim black skinny jeans with turtleneck sweaters, athletic jackets, blouses, blazers, and button-downs, thus further proving their versatility.
While many jeans are available in a black wash, we particularly love this pair from Reformation. The Liza Ultra High Rise Straight Cropped Jeans are just a touch looser around the leg than a standard skinny jean and are cropped above the ankle for a chic and tailored look. And the pants do all the hard work for you: The high-waisted design and back-stitching creates the illusion of a subtle lift for your booty.
Size Range: 23–34 | Material: 68% organic cotton, 30% Tencel lyocell, 2% ecolycra | Inseam: 28 inches | Stretchy: Yes | Rise: High rise | Colors: 3 | Care Instructions: Machine wash cold and line or hang to dry
Best Jegging: American Eagle Next Level Super High-Waisted Jegging
One of our editors has owned the American Eagle Next Level Super High-Waisted Jeggings for well over five years and they are still holding up beautifully. They fit like a glove with so much stretch they might as well be leggings (and they are a hybrid of jeans and leggings — hence the name).
They come in a variety of sizes, lengths, and washes so you can find your ideal pair. Plus, given the five years of usage, we can assure you that they’re durable (even with normal laundry cycles).
Size Range: 000–20 with length options (x-short, short, regular, long, x-long) | Material: 71% cotton, 26% recycled polyester, 3% elastane | Stretchy: Yes | Rise: High rise | Colors: 4 | Care Instructions: Machine wash cold inside out, tumble dry low
Best Investment: EB Denim Unraveled Two Jean
Taylor Swift is a big fan of EB Denim and so are we — when we're in the mood to splurge. The EB Denim Unraveled Two Jean is sort of a remix on the skinny jean. It offers a similar straight leg silhouette but with a playful unraveling at the bottom where the jean’s hem splits in two, allowing it to hover over heels, boots, or whatever shoe you’re rocking.
Since these are 100 percent cotton, they won’t have as much stretch as those with spandex or elastane, but they are certainly durable. This brand is known for its upcycled and reconstructed clothes so if you want to stand out from the crowd while supporting a sustainable brand, give these jeans a go.
Size Range: 23–34 | Material: 100% cotton | Stretchy: No | Rise: High rise | Colors: 4 | Care Instructions: Machine wash
Related: The 10 Best Places to Buy Jeans Online in 2024
Things to Consider When Buying Skinny Jeans
Length
The length makes a huge difference in how jeans sit on your body and whether they will look baggy or like they are riding up. “When buying skinny jeans I always consider the length of the jeans,” says Kassab. “I think what makes a skinny jean in particular look outdated is when it bunches at the bottom because of the extra material.”
Sammie M. agrees. “If you are going to opt for a skinny jean, make sure you are sourcing a pair of jeans where the hem is altered to your proportions,”he says. “The jeans should be cut and hemmed right at the ankle.” Thankfully many of the jeans on our list, such as the Abercrombie & Fitch High Rise Skinny Jeans and the Gap Low Rise Vintage Slim Jeans have varied length options to accommodate your height.
Stretch and Fit
How a pair of jeans fits around your waist and legs will impact the comfort and wearability throughout the day. “I would look for a pair of skinny jeans that hits right at your ankle for a more flattering fit,” says Kassab, adding that she likes “one that has a little bit of stretch to it so it doesn't look too stiff.”
If stretchy material is important to you, always look for spandex or elastane under the materials. Two skinny jeans that we found that excel in the stretch department are the Torrid Bombshell Skinny Premium Stretch High-Rise Jean (has spandex) and the Good American Good Legs Skinny Jeans (has elastane). “We all know trying on a brand new pair of skinny jeans takes some acrobatic skills to get into, but having some with stretch really helps break them in for us,” says Walrath.
Versatility
“If I find a brand I love and can fit into their skinny jeans, I want to know that they have multiple washes available, and distressed and non-distressed options for me,” says Walrath. “For some, shopping for jeans is a nightmare, so if you can, find a brand you like that makes the shopping experience that much easier and more enjoyable.” Our most versatile pick, the Levi's Women's 311 Shaping Skinny Jeans leads the charge in this, which is why it earned its title.
Price
Denim can add up very quickly, but you don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars to find good quality jeans. While it’s totally warranted to invest in quality denim like the EB Denim Unraveled Two Jean, you can still find great skinny jeans for under $50, such as the Old Navy Extra High-Waisted Rockstar 360° Stretch Super-Skinny or the Levi's Women's 311 Shaping Skinny Jeans. We want to make quality denim accessible to all budgets so our top contenders range from $22 to $320.
How We Chose Our Picks
We took a number of things into consideration when rounding out this list of the best skinny jeans of 2024. We have thoroughly tested jeans in the past, so we knew what to look for when researching this particular style of denim.
Construction: We considered the materials that comprise the denim as well as the inseam, which usually contribute to the overall comfort and mobility of good jeans.
Fit and Design: There are many elements that factor into the design of jeans and therefore, affect the overall fit. The length, cut, waist level, and elasticity are all part of a jean’s success when it comes to fit, and we wanted to make sure we found options for all body types including those with petite, curvy, or plus-size frames.
Wash: While the color wash of denim is ultimately a preference, certain washes lend themselves to more casual or professional occasions and we wanted to provide options for both.
Price: Denim can get really expensive, so we wanted to find a range of affordable options, so you can find exactly what you need for a good price. Our skinny jean selections start at just $22 and are capped at $320 (for those willing to splurge).
Frequently Asked Questions
Are skinny jeans out for 2024?
In our opinion, no! But we understand that this style is not favored by all. For instance, Sammie isn’t the biggest fan. “In my opinion, there has been a shift in fashion trends, and some may find that skinny jeans are not as universally flattering,” he says. “The silhouette doesn't always complement all body types, potentially limiting styling options and emphasizing certain areas of the body, leading to a less balanced aesthetic.”
How should you style skinny jeans?
As mentioned above, Kassab likes pairing skinny jeans with oversized sweaters or knee-high boots because “it's a sneaky way to incorporate skinny jeans into your wardrobe while still looking chic.” Celebrities like Gigi Hadid have been spotted in skinny jeans a handful of times over the years and use this silhouette to emphasize other pieces of clothing.
What jeans flatten your tummy?
“We all have a belly and there is nothing wrong with that,” says Walrath. “Sometimes, though, we want to feel snatched. Having a pair of jeans with some tummy control gives us that extra support and boosts your confidence level, which we all deserve.”
Many people think high-waisted jeans are best for tummy control, but since they sit at your waist and not your stomach, sometimes they actually accentuate your tummy and can be uncomfortable when you sit down. That’s why we suggest a mid-rise skinny jean like the True Religion Halle Mid Rise Super Skinny Jean 27-Inch because it supports your stomach, without squeezing it too much.
Take Our Word For It
Madison Yauger is a senior commerce writer for PEOPLE who’s tested hundreds of lifestyle products across all categories. With a background in news and lifestyle journalism, she has a wide network of expert sources and a penchant for accuracy. For this story, she interviewed three fashion experts, including a plus size fashion blogger, for their unique expertise. Yauger also used testing insights from five different sheet tests we held in our lab and in various testers’ homes. We considered the materials, durability, and fit of each sheet set, as well as breathability, cooling abilities, and water absorbency.
Meet Our Experts
Sammie M. is a celebrity stylist and the owner and founder of luxury consignment brand Carte Blanche. Sammie has created looks for red carpet events, editorials, and even for TV — styling the cast of Netflix’s Selling Sunset. His clients include Denise Richards, Bella Thorne, Mary Fitzgerald, Natasha Graziano, Meredith Mickelson, and Amanza Smith.
Elisabeth Kassab is a wardrobe stylist, personal shopper, and the creator of STYLISTCHECK, a popular fashion resource with a following of over 110,000.
Meagan Walrath, who operates Frugal Curvy Finds, is a plus-size fashion blogger with a penchant for fashion, beauty, and lifestyle content.
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