It’s hard to imagine now, but there was a time when skinny jeans were truly the coolest. Celebrities like Sienna Miller, Kate Moss and Alexa Chung drove the trend forward in their stovepipe skinnies, ditsy floral vintage dresses and leather bombers.
With relaxed cuts being favored widely (pun intended) these days, you may have thought skinny jeans went the way of the early aughts — but like all trends, this one is circling back around. Today’s it girls Hailey Bieber, Kendall Jenner, and Lila Moss (daughter of the queen of skinny jeans) have all been spotted in the style recently and several designers — Miu Miu most notably — featured drainpipe denim in their collections this fall.
Now that we’ve all had some time to process and relax in our baggy cuts for a while, some of skinny jeans’ stronger qualities are starting to surface. For instance, they‘re the perfect partner for tucking into fall’s taller boots. The silhouette is also known for hugging curves and snatching you in which just might be a breath of fresh air after swimming in obscuring wide leg cuts for the last several seasons.
If you’re ready to give your baggy denim a break and try something new (or if you’re a millennial, revisit an old stand-by) you’re in luck, because we’ve rounded up the best skinnies from across the internet. Whether you’re feeling nostalgic or taking on skinny jeans for the first time, we’ve got your perfect pair ahead.
HuffPost and its publishing partners may receive a commission from some purchases made via links on this page. Every item is independently curated by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change.
This skinny jean is a cult favorite and just so happens to be the most inclusive style on our list. The Seine jean from Universal Standard is designed with all-day comfort in mind and features a high waist with invisible built in stretch. You can choose from seven washes, two rises, four inseams and sizes 00-40, so you’re practically guaranteed your best fit.
Promising review: “Nothing else feels quite as right as these jeans. Not to mention the way I look. I would give them ten stars if I could. The waist is a little loose but a million times better than other jeans for girls with lots of hips and behind. I might buy another pair one size down for those night you want to show it all.” – Megan D
The tailored look of these high rise skinnies can be incredibly flattering. The fitted high-rise waist and slim leg elongates and smooths, and the dark wash is a real standout for fall when paired with a relaxed button up or chunky sweater. Shop this jean in a dark, medium or distressed wash and in regular, tall or petite inseams in sizes 24-35.
Promising review: “Love my skinny’s. I don’t care what’s in style at the moment. Fit perfect- good booty; good stretch, but not too much. Perfect skinny’s. Also my favorite skinny’s are these by the Gap, so please NEVER discontinue them.” – anonymous
The Quince’s stretch high-rise skinny jean is a modern classic. Premium stretch denim, made from organic cotton, hugs your swerves and curves from waist to ankle. Choose from three washes, two inseams and sizes 24-32.
Promising review: “Didn’t think I’d ever buy skinny jeans again, but I needed a pair to wear with my knee high boots. These were perfect – fit like a glove and are stretchy and comfortable. I’m already planning to buy another wash!” – Alicia A.
If you’re not quite ready to invest in a higher end pair, you can snag these high-waisted skinny jeans for under twenty bucks. In a super soft denim, with added spandex for stretch, these jeans will keep you sculpted and comfy. This style is available in a light and mid-blue wash, three inseams (regular, short and long) and in women’s sizes 00-17.
Promising review: “I love the color and quality. I have thick thighs and can’t do jeans that are too thin. These are thick enough where I feel they will last. I normally wear size 18 in most jeans (hollister;Old Navy) I bought these in a 17 and they fit nice. They feel a tad bit loose but if I sized down I feel like they might have been too snug. But they do stretch so sizing down would have probably worked too if I wanted a tighter fit. I am 5’6 and they are a little long but they look just as pictured. They’re still comfortable enough to wear with sneakers or sandals.” – Stephie
If you’re looking for a pair of skinny jeans with a little grit, the distressed, raw hemline “ripped medium wash” of the aptly named Rockstar super-skinny jean is a perfect pick. If distressed isn’t your thing, this style is available in five other shades, including a stand out classic black and inky mid blue option. Choose from three inseam lengths (regular, tall and petite) and sizes 00-30.
Promising review: “Love the way they fit, high rise holds my tummy in and not saggy on the back like other brands.” – anon
Levi’s 720 high-waisted super-skinny just might be the quintessential skinny jean. The high rise fit has plenty of stretch to hold you in while keeping you comfy. Available in six washes, from an icy stonewashed blue to a classic black. This lightweight denim jean is available in regular, short and long inseams in sizes 24-40. The faded black pictured here is available at Amazon, and you can get other washes at Levi’s and Kohl’s.
Promising review: “For my body shape (curvy and weight fluctuates), skinny jeans are the only fit that’s actually complimentary and comfortable. I love black skinnies. These are the perfect inkiest shade of black for this price point. I can’t believe that these jeans are in the two digit range. I used to pay over $125 for MW jeans but they bag out like crazy or smoosh my bum into a flat pancake. There’s no magic hold you in and mold you going on. But they stretch with you and really cup the bum in the most flattering way. I’m on my feet at work for 8+ hours doing manual work and I’m not afraid of ripping these babies. They don’t bag out! Like that’s magic right there!” – MrsHReadsALot
AG denim is known for their excellent fit and quality and the Farrah skinny jean is no exception. The true high waisted fit and a classic black wash make this sleek pair a perfect staple for chic yet comfy dressing. The viscose cotton blend jean is super soft and features elastane for stretch. Sizes 23-33 are available. This “super black” colorway is exclusive to Nordstrom and has an 11-inch rise. You can get other washes and a 9.75-inch medium rise at Zappos and AG.
Promising review: “I already loved the AG denim quality and fit. Now the Black Denim Farrah High Waist Skinny Ankle Jean just made me even a bigger fan of AG. They are sleek and comfortable and retain their shape. Lightweight but not skimping on quality denim so they are really flattering. I think my other black jeans and pants have every right to be jealous.” – Jlar
With Beyonce as the new spokes-booty and Kendall Jenner strutting around town in them, the new Levis 501 skinny jean is sure to catch fire. This pair has a decidedly vintage feel in an iconic medium indigo blue wash or worn-in black. The denim is a bit sturdier than your standard stretch skinny jean in 99% cotton, 1% elastane and fits slim through the hip and thigh with a straight hemline. Ge it in women’s sizes 24-32.
Promising review: “I absolutely LOVE these jeans. First up, I did not have the sizing problems that other reviewers have encountered. I decided to order my usual size 28 and they fit like they were made for me. The fabric is sturdy yet very supple and has just the right amount of stretch. Being pear shaped I have a small waist and sizeable behind and thighs. The jeans hug all of it perfectly and make me look like a 1950’s pinup. The 28″ length just reaches my ankles and enables me to wear both flats or heels. Being at the same time statement making AND comfortable they are the perfect jeans to throw on in the morning and look fantastic all day. They are quite expensive but worth every penny! I purchased the lightest blue shade and ordered them in additional colors as soon as they arrived.” – anonymous
If you want an ever so slightly relaxed skinny jean then may I introduce you to the Everlane Original Cheeky jean. This style features an extra high rise, slim straight legs and high set back pockets for an extra bum lift. Not only do they look great, they’re environmentally friendly thanks to construction in organic cotton and a chemical-free stretch yarn. Shop this style in eight washes, 26.5-inch and 28.5-inch inseam lengths in sizes 23-35.
Promising review: “These jeans are next level comfortable. The fabric is so soft and just the right balance of stretch and structure. The cut is incredible, they fit well and are flattering on curvy bodies (jeans have NEVER fitted me well, size 35, but these are perfection). I just bought my 2nd pair in a new colour – my first pair has lasted 4 years and they are still the most worn item in my wardrobe. Worth every cent of shipping to Australia. These are truely the best jeans ever. I honestly can’t see myself buying any other brand of jeans ever again.” – Emi1yj4ne
The Charlie skinny jean from Joe’s Jeans is a true classic. The inky blue wash and tonal stitching lend a more sophisticated look making this a great option for the office or dressier occasions. Thanks to plenty of stretch and extra soft denim this pair is a great option for weekends and relaxing too. Shop this jean in sizes 23-34.
Promising review: “I’m 42 years old, 5’6”, 150 and have pretty muscular legs, wide hips and a smaller waist. Jeans can be hard to find. I have tried over 8 other well known brands…no luck. Joe Jeans to the rescue every time! These are Very soft, great fit, great color and the perfect length. You could dress them up or down. I like my jeans tight, I buy a size 29.” – Jmeri
Sometimes high-rise fits can go a little overboard. No one wants a waistband riding all the way up to your bra. The Madewell Stovepipe jean features a less extreme mid-rise fit and is known to be short-torso friendly, according to reviews. The vintage inspired stretch denim is known to flatter curves and hold its shape for all day wear – no more stretched out knees. Get them in six washes and petite, standard and tall inseam lengths. Choose from sizes 23-33 and 14W-24W in plus sizes.
Promising review: “Best fit especially for short torso, I’m so glad these are back in the faded black color so I can replace my old pair from several years ago. The fit/mid rise is great for a short torso! I buy them a big snug as they have a little stretch. I’d love a light blue denim color in this style!” – Jbrooke
It’s hard to believe these jeans are under $20 and can be ordered tailored to your exact inseam for an additional $5-$10, depending on stitch style. As any petite person can attest, taking your pants to the tailor every time you get a new pair can get old quick. This style also features two way stretch denim for a streamlined look and back darts for a refined fit. Shop this style in three washes in sizes 22 – 34.
“My new favorite pants. They fit perfectly, are super cute, and feel so comfy. I already ordered another color!” – anonymous
This skinny jean is a true classic in a dark wash – perfect for fall. Three other washes are available as well: two medium washes, one distressed and one with a raw hem, and of course, a classic black. The Abercrombie & Fitch skinny jean in all-day comfort stretchy denim is form fitting from the waist through the leg with a slightly relaxed opening at the ankle. Shop this style in three inseams and in sizes 23-37.