The best skinny jeans are still an integral to a winter capsule wardrobe. This slim-fitting style is the perfect partner to a multitude of cosy outfit formulas, whether it's jeans and a blazer for a polished finish, or something more trend-driven, tucked into the best knee-high boots. If you've been wondering if skinny jeans are still in style, I'm here to confirm they very much are.
There is a lot of noise when it comes to the denim trends 2025, with trending silhouettes aplenty for those after a serious wardrobe refresh, but if you simply want a pair of slimming jeans that work hard, feel supportive and look great, in my opinion, skinny jeans are pretty hard to beat.
Sure, barrel leg jeans might be the denim silhouette on every celebrity's radar right now, but when all is said and done, everyone will return to those humble favourites, the jeans that style effortlessly with everything and don't make getting dressed feel complicated. So even in those moments where they don't feel runway worthy, I guarantee you, they're still carrying fashion value.
Best skinny jeans for women
A wardrobe essential, the best skinny jeans remain popular thanks to their versatility. Depending on the wash you choose, they can come over extremely polished and put together, and thanks to their slimline shape, they're ideal for balancing not just broader shoulders and busts, but also fashionable fuller sleeves and sleeve heads.
While there are no hard-and-fast rules about rise, generally speaking, a high-rise waistband offers the most support for your middle, and many women opt for this silhouette for its sculpting properties. You can, of course, also find jeans with built-in slimming panels, and I'll recommend my favourites below.
When it comes to the types of jeans every woman should own, I'd say skinny jeans are right up there and I'm not alone in this belief. Miranda Holder, celebrity and editorial stylist says: "skinny jeans will never be out of fashion or off-trend". And I fully agree.
British clothing brand Marks and Spencer is a high street staple, particularly when it comes to its much-adored denim range. With a selection of staple silhouettes, reinvented with fresh washes for the season, you can easily identify which cut works best for you and restock when needed. This mid-blue wash is ideal for all-year wear.
A personal favourite, River Island skinny jeans have long been my go-to. Rather than the sculpting fit, I opt for the regular high-rise waist, which has great support and contouring, but a slightly more relaxed fit across the middle. With a lovely amount of stretch and a lightweight denim, they're perfect for everyday wear.
If high-street denim to you always meant a pair of Jamie jeans, you are not alone. Many were bereft when the high street retailer finally closed its Oxford Street doors for good, but the staple denim silhouette continues to be retailed through the brand's new standalone site and places such as ASOS. There is even pop-up retail space if you want to get super nostalgic.
If you've been converted to Spanx leggings, let me introduce you to Spanx Jeans. Yes, that's right, the same amazing technology from its shapewear in denim format, and let me tell you, no one does jeans quite like Spanx. While the skinny jeans are a constant, the brand has also fused its waist-supporting technology with more directional wide-leg fits, too.
One of the originators of sculpting jeans, I have long been a fan of NYDJ. The jeans have in-built panels that act as shapewear inside your jeans, but they're still perfectly comfortable for all-day wear. This particular skinny style offers lift, smoothing and support throughout the midriff, legs and bum for a sensational fit.
I can't talk about the best skinny jeans and not mention Levi's, and I love that the label caters to plus-size now, too. The 721 comes in the main range and plus size and is a great skinny jean with good stretch and a comforting fit that feels supportive. Unlike the 311, it doesn't have specific sculpting properties, but the firm fit will give a smoothed-out finish regardless.
A much-loved casual denim brand, Gap is something of a high street staple when it comes to shopping for true blues, and this is demonstrated through the label's skinny jeans. With an ankle-swinging hemline that's perfect for showing off footwear, thanks to the cropped silhouette, these are great for petite frames too. Balance out your top half with a longer line blazer.
Founded by Khloe Kardashian is not just some celebrity flash-in-the-pan; Good American jeans are loved by shoppers and well-regarded by the industry for their excellent fit , particularly for curvier figures. With a decent size range, a good, premium denim price point, this high rise, mid blue pair is great for smart casual outfit ideas.
Want something a little more party season-ready? Sparkly jeans of all descriptions are a big deal right now and if you don't want to go for full diamante, like say these M&S Carrot Leg jeans, then this shimmer skinny design is ideal for adding evening-ready glam to your wardrobe that still feels elevated and discreet. Team with a white shirt, blazer and heels.
Are skinny jeans still on trend for 2025-2026
Absolutely, and this is true of all ages and sizes. Skinny jeans, like their straight and wide-legged counterparts, are very much what you should now consider a BAU (business as usual) part of your wardrobe. They might not be heading down the runway, but that doesn't mean they should be abandoned either.
A staple as much as a pair of leggings or chic leather trousers, skinny jeans are a building block for multiple outfit formulas and are great at streamlining and supporting all shapes and sizes, so yes, those skinny jeans should be getting plenty of airing this season.
How to style skinny jeans
Skinny jeans are extremely versatile, which is why I mark them as irreplaceable in your capsule wardrobe. The figure-hugging style is perfect for teaming with more voluminous tops, such as floaty sleeves or puffed shoulders - great if you're after a stylish top to wear with jeans combo this festive season.
The slender leg is great with blazers too, as a jacket can bulk out your top half, the slimmer bottom rebalances your silhouette. Which brings me to my next plus point for skinny jeans. It is boot season after all, and the skinny jean is the perfect partner to knee-highs as they're so easy to tuck into the boot.
And while they are great at highlighting your frame with fuller top halves, they also work with slim fitting styles, as all it does is simply keep your shape streamlined, which works too.
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.
Who makes the best skinny jeans
From established jeans brands such as Levi's to high street heroes, like M&S, denim is so popular now that it really is possible to find a winner at every price point, and such is the specific fit of jeans, very few women will fully agree, as it does come down to your personal choice, however, all eight brands listed here have a reputation for producing fantastic denim.
Premium denim brands that specialise in just crafting jeans will always have the best technology and fabrics to hand, but that doesn't mean high street iterations aren't excellent. Generally speaking, premium brands will have higher spec finishes and fabrics, but the fit of a pair of jeans is so personal, you'll have to try to really know which is your perfect fit.
What body type looks best in skinny jeans
When I tell you this is a jean style for everyone, I mean it. It all comes down to the styling with this form-fitting silhouette. Even if you're slightly more conscious of your hips and thighs, a great pair of sturdy, skinny jeans with good elasticity should offer you support and contouring throughout your silhouette, similar to a great pair of leggings. You can also use a more statement top to draw the eye up your torso, making the skinny jeans inconsequential, but still instrumental to the overall look. Regardless of your shape, a pointed-toe heeled boot or shoe will lengthen your legs.
