Whether skinny jeans are currently the "trendiest” style on the market or not, we still can’t get seem to enough of them. Yes, yes, we’re totally down with the cooler fashion-girl favourites that are continuously emerging and the new jeans trends dominating the runway, too, but there’s no denying that it’ll be hard to completely break up with the slim-fit denim that’s paired so perfectly with everything in our wardrobes for so many years. After all, they're the very style that gave us the jeans-and-a-nice-top outfit combination we so often rely on. It'd be rude not to give skinny jeans the credit and consideration they deserve.
But let’s face it: The style does come with its fair share of problems. It can take years to find the ultimate pair that’s not too tight in the knees, doesn't sag in the butt, fits right in the calf, but isn't too tight in the thigh. Are we right? It's a process that takes time and patience—things we're admittedly often in short supply of, and we're sure you are, too.
If you still find yourself invested in this search (kudos for not giving up on skinnies altogether—we know it's sometimes tempting), we're here to make it easier for you to find the perfect pair. That's right—we enlisted NYC-based denim aficionado and 3x1 founder Scott Morrison to weigh in on the common problems people have with skinny jeans and to offer up some actionable solutions.
From the cuts and design details to look out for to insight on sizing, keep scrolling to discover five expert tips that’ll help you find your true blue (or blues).
The Problem: Too Tight at the Knee
The solution: If you’re feeling like your skinny jeans are a bit too restricting in the knee, look for pencil or straight-leg silhouettes. These cuts tend to be more generous in the knee area and allow for more movement. They're also the ideal option if you want your skinnies to not look too skinny. Yes, that's a thing.
The Problem: Saggy at the Waist
The solution: If you tend to find your skinny jeans getting baggy in the waist, look for a style with a two-piece contoured waistband, where the waistband is cut into two parts and a seam is inserted, usually at the back. The two-piece construction is more resistant to stretching out. Another option might be to size down and let the denim stretch to a more comfortable fit after a few wears.
The Problem: Wearing the Wrong Rise
The solution: Low-rise jeans are a thing of the past. Finding nice mid- or high-rise jeans that provide superior coverage to the midsection shouldn’t be difficult any longer. Look for something with a nine- to 11-inch rise.
The Problem: They Make My Butt Look Flat
The solution: If you want to add a little perk to a flat butt, look for a brand that offers five-pocket sizes, as opposed to three, which is an industry standard. To flatter every shape and size, 3x1 uses five-pocket sizes in its women’s collection. Each pocket is set by hand, chalked into the correct position and sewn one pocket at a time. Paying close attention to the pockets is key for any butt-fit issues you may have.
The Problem: Not Skinny Enough at the Ankle
The solution: Be sure to differentiate the various silhouette offerings, as even half an inch can make a big difference when it comes to leg openings. If you're usually a 32 leg, try a 30—you might find that it sits on your ankle more snuggly, just where you want it to.
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This post was originally published on Who What Wear U.S. and has been updated. Next Up: 8 Denim Trends We'll All Go Wild for This Autumn.