How to recognise it
The fabric contains elastane, the legs are narrowest at the ankle, and the length is usually to the ankle or slightly longer. Low to high rise.
Where it comes from
Rock musicians wore narrow jeans in the 1950s and 1960s, and in the early 2000s Hedi Slimane and Dior Homme made them popular. From 2005 to 2015 it was the most popular jeans cut.
Who and when it suits
They pair easily with tall boots, ankle boots, trainers, oversized knits and coats. They suit weekends and smart casual.
Variations and look-alikes
They come low, mid or high rise, very stretchy jeggings or firmer, black, blue, coloured or distressed. Jeggings are almost leggings that look like jeans. Skinnies differ from slim jeans in fitting the leg completely, and from jeggings in a firmer fabric with real pockets and a proper fly.
How to style it
- With tall or ankle boots in winter.
- An oversized jumper balances them.
- Choose a dense denim that does not bag out.
- Black skinny jeans with a blazer and heels work for the evening too.
Similar styles
Frequently asked
01Are skinny jeans still in style?
Fashion has moved to straight and wider cuts, but skinnies remain practical with tall boots.
02What is the difference between skinny and slim?
Skinny hugs the whole leg; slim is narrow but leaves a little ease.