The Best Skinny Jeans for Women

Skinny jeans are a classic style that isn't going anywhere soon. From casual, distressed denim that you can wear for all your weekend activities to darker washes suited for more dressed-up occasions, they'll quickly become the go-to style in your closet for their unparalleled versatility. Instead of suffering through ill-fitting jeans or ones that get saggy and baggy after only a few hours of wear, it's time to upgrade your denim collection. Check out our favorite pairs of skinny jeans to add to your own wardrobe.

Levi Strauss & Co. Signature Gold Label Skinny Jeans

Pull ahead

This elastic-waist style blends the best of comfort and fit.
Best Overall

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Instead of suffering through uncomfortable buttons digging into you all day, this pair of pull-on jeans delivers unparalleled comfort. Made from thick and durable denim, the jeans even have a faux fly for a realistic look. They’re fitted through the thigh and calf for a slimming effect, but the stretch denim is still comfortable enough that you can move around without feeling constricted. In short, these jeans offer the best of both worlds.

Pros:

  • They don’t stretch out, so they’ll still look good after multiple wears without being washed
  • The cotton-blend denim has some give for added comfort
  • They won’t dig in at the waist to create a muffin top; instead, they’ll help keep your stomach smooth

Cons:

  • They run large, so consider sizing down one or even two sizes
  • These may be too short for those who are on the taller side

Celebrity Pink Infinite Stretch Mid Rise Skinny Jean

The home stretch

Elevate your look and stay comfortable with these stretchy and stylish jeans.
Stretchiest

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Stop feeling stuffed into your jeans when you don’t need to do so to look and feel good. This soft and stretchy style gives you the comfort of leggings but the elevated look of dark and sophisticated denim. The classic five-pocket style and mid-rise waist are a timeless look, while the skinny jean silhouette is the perfect pair for any type of top from blouses to blazers. Choose from five stylish washes to round out your denim collection with unbeatable comfort.

Pros:

  • The fabric is a blend of cotton, polyester, rayon, and spandex for the perfect amount of stretch to keep you comfortable all day
  • Unembellished back pockets give these jeans a timeless and clean overall look
  • Choose from five different washes depending on your style

Cons:

  • Because they’re stretchy, they run a bit big
  • The darker colors will fade over time with washing

Democracy Ab Solution Jegging

Slim pickings

If you're looking to accentuate your shape, let these jeans help you with their special waistband.
Best Shaping

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This stylish pair of jeans is hiding an effective shapewear solution. The jeans have an elastic waistband and mesh panels to mold and hold your stomach and hips, giving you a slimmer overall look to make you feel more confident. That way, you’re not worried about a muffin top or a pooch poking out over the top of your jeans, and instead, you can feel fierce knowing that you look amazing.

Pros:

  • The fabric is very stretchy for wear-all-day comfort
  • Thanks to the stretchy material, they hold their shape and won’t get saggy throughout the day
  • They’re perfect for all body types for a flattering and stylish final look

Cons:

  • They run slightly large, so consider ordering a size down
  • The wash may appear different in person than it does online

SweatyRocks High-Waisted Stretch Ripped Skinny Jeans

Damsel in distress

This pair of denim has just the right amount of rips for an edgy and effortless look.
Best Distressed

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This pair of super-slim skinny jeans fit like a glove. The raw hem and distressing along the front give a modern look, making them a casual staple for your closet. Perfect for women of any age, they’re a classic five-pocket style with a functional fly and button, making them the ideal jeans for daily wear. Plus, the high-rise style is very flattering as it helps provide that hourglass shape so many desire.

Pros:

  • Made from 75% cotton, the jeans are thick and won’t stretch out or sag
  • The high-waisted style hits you at the smallest part of your waist for a flattering silhouette
  • The distressing adds some edge without being over the top

Cons:

  • The distressed style makes these jeans much more casual, so they’re less versatile
  • They don’t have belt loops, so you can’t wear a belt

Levi’s Mile High Super Skinny Jeans

Flying high

With a nearly eleven-inch front rise, these jeans are the high-waisted style your closet's been missing.
Best High-Waisted

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This classic style is a closet must-have for every woman. This dark and stylish wash is versatile enough to wear with heels and a blazer to the office or with a t-shirt and sandals for weekend brunch. Made with high-stretch denim for ultimate comfort, they’re super skinny through the leg to show off your shape and hug your curves. Plus, the extra-high-rise style accents the smallest part of your waist for a slim and streamlined silhouette.

Pros:

  • The jeans are stretchy to ensure they don’t dig in or rub while you wear them
  • They have a high-rise to hit you at the skinniest point of your waist
  • You can machine-wash them without worry, and they’ll still hold up well over time

Cons:

  • The slim style is meant to closely hug your curves, which may not be comfortable for some people
  • They have a long inseam that won’t work for those who are petite

Frequently Asked Questions

Do skinny jeans shrink?

Jeans may shrink in the wash depending on the type of denim. Raw denim will typically shrink up to a full size, which means you may want to order up. Jeans that are a spandex blend, however, are more stretchy and less likely to shrink, so take these factors into consideration when selecting your size.

Why do jeans get tighter after washing?

When you wash denim, the fabric fills up with water and expands. As they dry, the fibers in the fabric become tighter and rigid. As you wear them, they will stretch back out and loosen up.

How tight should skinny jeans be at the waist?

Your jeans should fit tightly enough that you do not need to wear a belt. They also should not be so tight that they pinch or make you uncomfortable.

About the Author

Hannah has always had an eye for fashion and beauty and is often inspired by the styles she sees on the streets of her beloved New York City. She closely follows the top fashion blogs and icons, and her goal is to help everyone look and feel their best through their clothing choices. Hannah’s work can be found in Boston Magazine, Hamptons Magazine, and more.

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