Over the past few years, we've seen it all when it comes to jeans - wide-leg, bootcut, black, white and everything in between. What we didn't expect to see coming back any time soon was skinny jeans. TikTok’s preoccupation with recycling trends – indie sleaze, Y2K, anything '90s – means everything old is new again. Now, all signs point towards skinny jeans. But it’s not just kids trawling through the bargain bins in thrift shops, breathing new life into our discarded Topshop Jamies.
The autumn/winter 2024 runways gave the stretchy proposition real legs. London designer and LVMH-prize finalist, Aaron Esh, made the season’s first foray into the skinny jeans territory, followed by Demna at Balenciaga whose iteration came tucked into thigh-high boots. Sean McGirr’s debut collection for Alexander McQueen featured lace-detail variations and Mrs. Prada delivered the final proof at Miu Miu, presenting double denim looks, complete with cropped trucker jackets not for the faint of heart. But are they actually back back?
Who looks best in skinny jeans?
‘Skinny jeans look good on about 2% of the world’s population, but I am here for it the same way I loved the belt-like miniskirts,’ says Nell Kalonji, stylist and contributing fashion editor at British Vogue. ‘Personally, I’m not part of this elite group and that’s ok. Let’s accept it and move on to the mid rise non-distressed straight-cut denim section,’ she continues.
Perhaps it was the pandemic ushering in new levels of comfort dressing or our new hybrid work culture, but the decline of the spray-on jeans happened gradually. Now, even my non-fashion friends have bid them adieu. But there’s some others, too, like Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex, and Catherine, Princess of Wales, whose ongoing liaison with the tight-fitting style never came to a close. Just recently, Meghan was papped in a zeitgeist-y groutfit (that's a grey outfit for the uninitiated), complete with £230 Anine Bing skinny jeans. Has she moved to the moodboards of the big designer brands? Probably not. But there seems to be a core group of skinny aficionados, who never swore them off.
Best Skinny Jeans For Women 2024, At A Glance
Best overall skinny jeans: Good American Good Legs Skinny Jeans, £125 on Good American
Best high-rise skinny jeans: Frame Le High Skinny Jeans, £60 on Frasers
Best mid-rise skinny jeans: Mother The Dazzler Mid-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans, £270 on Net-A-Porter
Best fitting skinny jeans: Everlane The Curvy Way-High Skinny Jeans, £79 on Everlane
Best affordable skinny jeans: M&S Magic Shaping High-Waisted Skinny Jeans, £45 on M&S
‘Do I love skinny jeans? Probably not. Do I find them easier to wear than the other styles that have lived in their place, trending in recent seasons? Absolutely,’ says fashion editor Naomi Pike. ‘Denim, when you’re not straight up and down, with a waist, with a bum, can be tricky as no matter the jaunty moniker given to them by the fashion press and their intended design, they come up different when put on your body. It’s disheartening and, quite frankly, boring, even if you’re willing to shop around like I really have done over the last 15 years with pockets full of hope. Skinny jeans, however, are the anomaly where they do as they say on the tin. It’s refreshing when you’re used to being served something different than what you’d hoped.’
Are skinny jeans in style in 2024?
Fashion has a knack for euthanising trends simply by virtue of the fact that they’re deemed unphotogenic – and we’re always chasing the new. But just because skinny jeans haven’t been featured in magazine editorials doesn’t mean there’s no appetite for them anymore. ‘Although in recent years we’ve seen an increase in popularity of looser fits and wide-legged jeans, skinny jeans have remained a significant part of our business and a staple for many customers,’ says buying manager for denim, body and activewear at Selfridges, Grace Neal. And what are the top-sellers? ‘Cult brands Paige, Frame and Citizens of Humanity consistently perform well for us, with slim-fitting styles, whilst brands such as Good American offer size-inclusive, skinny silhouettes in a variety of rises and washes, with stretchy, frame-contouring styles that are both comfortable and flattering.’
Image: @databutmakeitfashion
And searches for skinny jeans are up, too, according to the fashion search engine Lyst, which reports a 106% increase over the past six months, and the Instagram data analyst @databutmakeitfashion, who listed a 50% rise on social posts in January alone. So, it transpires, to say that skinny jeans have returned is nothing if not factually incorrect. They have, however, hit fashion’s radar again. A piece of good news? The new styles seem a notch above our 50% cotton, 50% elastane jeans from the aughts.
So, whatever pictures we put up on our socials this time around will hopefully be less frightening in 15 years than the ones I’m so desperately trying to eradicate off the internet.
Shop: The Best Skinny Jeans For Women 2024
The best overall skinny jeans
www.goodamerican.com
Although Good American only launched in 2016, it feels like it's always been around. Plus with two powerhouse women behind it (Emma Grede and Khloe Kardashian), it's no surprise the brand has been a roaring success. This pair of best-selling skinny jeans from Good American are what dreams are made of, with a mid-rise, skinny fit and booty shaping features.
Pros
- Body hugging and booty shaping
- Gap proof waistband for a snug fit
- Reinforced belt loops for durability
Cons
- Has a decent stretch but aren't skin-tight
| Materials: | 98.5% Organic Cotton, 1.5% Elastane |
| Measurements: | Inseam: Short 27", Regular 29" |
The best high-rise skinny jeans
www.houseoffraser.co.uk
Meghan Markle's preferred skinny jean is currently sold out but her brand of choice, Frame, has plenty of other styles that offer the same form-fitting shape with a modern feel. Le High Skinny is semi-high rise and ankle length.
Pros
- Made from a cotton blend
- Super-stretch denim for extra comfort
- Fits true to size
Cons
- Sells quickly, so not always in stock
| Materials: | 44% Cotton, 42% Lyocell, 13% Polyester, 1% Elastane |
The best mid-rise skinny jeans
www.net-a-porter.com
These are the exact jeans worn by Kate Middleton, Mother's Dazzler mid-rise straight-leg jeans, which are made from comfortable denim that won't lose its shape. They have a mid-rise and fitted legs.
Pros
- Comfortable, easy fit
- Dark blue denim goes with anything
Cons
- Could be a wider range of sizes: currently, only 23-32 available (equivalent of UK 4-16)
| Materials: | 43% Viscose, 33% Cotton, 17% Lyocell, 5% Polyester, 2% Elastane |
| Measurements; | Size 26 jeans have an inside leg of 27.5”/ 70cm |
The best fitting skinny jeans
Made of a super-soft blend of organic cotton and ECOVERO™, Everlane's Curvy Skinny is breathable and doesn’t stretch out after wear. The brand says: 'To create the perfect curvy fit, we adjusted the hip-to-waist ratio to create a form-hugging fit through the hip and thigh. Plus, we included our highest rise yet, to accentuate your true waist, give you legs for days, and hold you in—in the best way possible.'
Pros
- Made from organic cotton
- Made with reduced water use
- Everlane has worked to perfect the 'curvy' fit so that these jeans are more comfortable for everybody
- The fit has been made with curvier bodies in mind, making these some of the most inclusive skinny jeans we've found
Cons
- Reviews have said the style runs small, so it may be difficult to gauge your size online
| Materials: | 55% Organic Cotton, 25% Viscose, 18% Recycled Polyester, 2% Elastane |
| Measurements: | Rise: 11 3/4”. Leg opening: 9 1/8” (size 28), Ankle Inseam: 26 3/4", Regular Inseam: 28 3/4” |
The best affordable skinny jeans
www.marksandspencer.com
These M&S skinny jeans have added shaping fit with a high waist, smoothing out your hips and bum. They're also made from bi-stretch fabric for extra support and comfort and have a brilliant range of sizes available. Not only do they come in UK sizes 6-22, there's also a choice of petite, regular or long lengths.
Pros
- Inclusive sizing
- Great fit
- Made with responsibly sourced cotton and less water
- They feel supportive while also being comfortable
- Under £50
Cons
- We can't find any
| Materials: | 96% Cotton, 4% Elastane (exclusive of trimmings) |
The best plus size skinny jeans
www.levi.com
Levi's is pretty much the last word in jeans, so it's no surprise the brand has the best selection of skinny jeans for all sizes. This pair is designed to flatter, support and lift, so you always feel great, while the Hyperstretch fabric keeps you comfortable all day long.
Pros
- Inclusive sizing
- Really great fit
- Keep their shape after washing
Cons
- Only three colours available
| Materials | 74% Cotton, 15% Lyocell, 6% Polyester, 5% Elastane |
| Measurements | Super skinny leg opening: 10.75", High rise: 12.5" (front), Inseam: 30", (Measurements based on size 18M) |
The best white skinny jeans
shop.mango.com
White jeans can be tricky to pull off, especially in skinny fit. Thankfully, this pair from Mango is slightly looser on the leg, meaning the fit is more flattering than tighter styles, which can be incredibly unforgiving in lighter shades.
Pros
- Good fit on the leg
- Affordable price compared to other products on this list
Cons
- Not much stretch
| Materials: | Composition: 98% cotton, 2% elastane |
| Measurements: | Inseam 68 cm |
The best high street skinny jeans
www2.hm.com
These jeans consistently sell out – and for good reason. They have the perfect high-rise fit, making them more flattering and comfortable, too, plus there's a strong range of seven colours.
Pros
- Flattering fit
- Good range of colours
Cons
- Often sell out
| Materials: | 92% Cotton, 6% Elastomultiester, 2% Elastane |
The best low-rise skinny jeans
www.levi.com
If you want to channel your inner Paris Hilton then these skinny jeans are straight out of the 2000s. Modelled on the iconic Levi's Superlow styles from that period in time, these jeans are crafted with a hint of stretch and a super low-rise waist.
Pros
- Fitted through your hip and thigh
- Throwback style
- Super stretchy
Cons
- Super low-rise isn't a style for everyone (either you love them or you hate them)
| Materials: | 84% Cotton, 15% Polyester, 1% Lycra |
| Measurements: | Inseam: 32" |
The best luxury skinny jeans
www.selfridges.com
Paige focuses on creating pieces with an effortlessly cool aesthetic, and these slim-fit jeans are no different. To style said jeans in an effortlessly cool way, pair with an oversized t-shirt, a boxy blazer and some black loafers.
Pros
- All-over faded wash
- Flattering high-rise
- V-shaped yoke at the back to flatter the booty
Cons
- Only has a slight stretch
| Materials: | 94% Cotton, 5% Polyester, 1% Elastane |
| Measurements: | Inside leg: 26" |
The best petite skinny jeans
www.ralphlauren.co.uk
This pair of petite skinny jeans comes under the 'Lauren Petite' section because of its 66cm inside leg. Although, it still has all the features you'd expect from any other pair of jeans - like belt loops, five pockets and slimming interior panels that are there to shape and lift.
Pros
- Slimming interior panels lift and shape
- Sits above the waist
- Petite length
Cons
- Only available in one wash
| Measurements: | Inseam: 66cm |
The best cropped skinny jeans
www.7forallmankind.co.uk
7 For All Mankind's Straight Crop jeans are made from what they call 'Slim Illusion Earthkind denim' and are great if you're on the hunt for a pair of jeans to cling to your silhouette. They also have a mid-rise waist and a cropped leg that looks equally good with a pair of trainers as it does with a pair of boots.
Pros
- Features a figure-shaping fit
- Sustainable brand
- Cropped leg is a little different from other jeans on this list
Cons
- Only available in light blue denim
| Materials: | 97% Cotton, 3% Elastane |
The best Levi's skinny jeans
www.levi.com
Levi's have made quite the impression on our list of the best skinny jeans. Of course the brand is notorious for its 501 jean series, but its skinny jean selection is also pretty good too. This pair has a really comfy fit thanks to its stretchy denim, and is figure-flattering and leg-lengthening too.
Pros
- Throwback style
- Leg-lengthening
- Made from stretchy denim for comfort
Cons
- Might not keep the same 'skinniness' after washing
| Materials: | 85% Cotton, 7% Lyocell, 6% Elastomultiester, 2% Elastane |
| Measurements: | Inseam: 28", 30", 32" |
The best black skinny jeans
uk.diesel.com
If you're looking for a pair of jeans that's sure to transport you back to the Noughties, look no further than Diesel denim. The Super Skinny jeans are named that for a reason, because its material content includes spandex, which creates a second-skin effect when wearing the jeans.
Pros
- Silhouette follows your body from hips to ankles, creating a second-skin effect
- Perfect black wash
- High waist
Cons
- Not great if you're petite as they only come in longer lengths
| Materials: | 90% Cotton, 6% Polyester, 4% Elastane-Spandex |
| Measurements: | Inseam: 30", 32", 34" |
The best grey skinny jeans
www.stories.com
Grey jeans are often criminally underrated. We often find ourselves gravitating towards white, black and blue denim and disregard grey. When actually, if you're wanting a shade that's softer than black, grey could be your go-to. This pair from & Other Stories isn't a million miles from grey, either.
Pros
- High-waist
- Comfort stretch
Cons
- Sizing is slightly inaccurate according to reviews
| Materials: | 99% Cotton, 1% Elastane |
How to wear skinny jeans in 2024?
The trick to making sure you don't look like you're in cosplay as your 2005-era self is to avoid any skinny jeans that are too tight. Steer clear of styles with more elastane (over 4%) than anything else – you don't want to feel (or look) restricted.
As for what to wear them with, try everything from a simple vest top to an oversized shirt. Balance proportions with sharp-shouldered jackets and, as for shoes, try with loafers á la Miu Miu's AW24 catwalk. Or, if you're really feeling brave, try tucked into boots; not only is this how Balenciaga presented skinny jeans, it's also how we've seen celebrities like Emily Ratajkowski wearing them. It may seem too noughties to be true but trust us: you'll be doing it again before you know it.
How to find the most comfortable jeans:
The trick when buying a long-lasting and comfy pair of skinny jeans is to always check the label for composition first. The higher percentage of elastane (as long as it's balanced with other materials), the more the jean will stretch and move with you, rather than feel stiff and restricting. 2-4% elastane is a good guide to go by but any lower, or no elastane at all, won't make for a comfortable pair of jeans when they're this slim-fit. Marks & Spencer's Best Ever Jeans are 2% elastane and are not just super comfy, but super affordable too.
Another top tip? Try to avoid low-rise skinny jeans (yes, we're even looking at you Gen Z) – mid- to high-rise means the waistband will sit nicely - and won't dig into your hips.
How to find the best jeans for your shape:
Ultimately, the best jeans for everyone and every shape are the ones that you feel the best in. If you're looking to find the best pair to give you that confidence boost, here are the general rules:
Curvy? Look for stretchy, straight-leg and skinny-leg styles or slim flares.
Straight-up-and-down? Use volume to your advantage and opt for boyfriend or mom fits.
Petite? Cropped, kick-flare styles will suit you best (if you can't find a good petite pair that is).
Tall? Wide-leg denim is your best friend.
Henrik Lischke is the Senior Fashion Features Editor at Grazia. Prior to that, he held the role of commerce writer at British Vogue, and was junior fashion editor at The Sunday Times Style. A first-class honours Fashion Journalism graduate from UAL: London College of fashion, Henrik is invariably on the lookout for the newest talent in fashion, that is driving the industry forward, and shining the spotlight on them whenever possible. He’s also got a passion for interiors design and the arts.