Screw Gen Z: These Are the Best Skinny Jeans of the Summer
At this point, it’s safe to say that men’s baggy jeans are full-throttle back in style. For the past couple of months now, baggy jeans have risen in popularity in both women’s and men’s style due to pop culture and, you guessed it, TikTok. Teens on TikTok have gone as far as to cancel skinny jeans altogether, simply because that’s all they know how to do at this point. So, those of you millennials out there who grew up with the best men’s skinny jeans, it’s time to devise a plan against Gen Z.
Yup, skinny jeans are going nowhere. Eat that.
The tight-fitting pants got some flack when they first hit the scene (as most major trends do), but now you see everyone from Justin Theroux to that stylish guy at your local bar rocking the best-selling cut that’s been around for decades. This ubiquitous appeal is largely thanks to the flattering nature of skinny jeans, as they make your hips look narrower and your shoulders look wider (in other words, hotter).
Sadly, because baggier pants have taken over, great skinny jeans are becoming harder and harder to find. There are a lot of solid brands selling a swath of different styles, so deciding what kind you actually want can be tough. To help out, we’ve narrowed the skinny jeans search to several categories and found the best pair for each, including the best overall skinny jeans, the best designer option, the best budget option and so on.
When looking at our picks for the best skinny jeans, consider how you’ll be wearing the jeans. More minimal, premium denim is now a great option for the office, while distressed moto jeans might be your new go-to for nights out.
1. Levi’s 510 Skinny Fit Flex Jeans
BEST OVERALL
Levi’s are still the king of jeans and realistically, they’ll never not be. They fit like a glove, they’re affordable, and they come in a handful of timeless styles (like the light wash option below) to fill any hole in your wardrobe’s pants lineup. Plus a 1% elastane construction adds just the right amount of stretch without compromising the structure. If you just need a great pair of skinny jeans, go with Levi’s.
Courtesy of Levi's
2. ASOS DESIGN Skinny Jeans
BEST BUDGET
Finding good denim under $100 is a deal, so finding good denim under $50 is worth getting excited about. Leave it to ASOS for giving us a quality pair of men’s skinny jeans to strut around in at just $36. A. Literal. Steal. They’ve got a tight cut to hug your curves with 2% spandex for a little bit of stretch. The best part about ASOS is that these aren’t the only great pair of men’s skinny jeans you’ll be able to find here, they’re just one of many handsome yet affordable options.
Courtesy of ASOS
3. Topman Ripped Skinny Jeans
BEST RIPPED
A solo rip never killed anybody. Quite honestly, solo rips are some of the most popular added aesthetic to the best men’s skinny jeans. These skinny jeans from Topman are a great option if you want a versatile pair that won’t break the bank. The black color allows you to wear them with anything, while a subtle tear adds some trendy texture and a stretch-denim material makes them comfortable enough to wear all day.
Courtesy of Nordstrom
4. River Island Dark Skinny Jeans
BEST DARK WASH
These dark wash skinny jeans are some of our favorites from Nordstrom’s collection of men’s skinny jeans, as they nail the low-key vintage-inspired look effortlessly. We recommend utilizing them for slightly more dressy outfits, such as a crisp white button-up and loafers for warmer weather or a nice sweater and boots when it gets chilly.
Courtesy of Nordstrom
5. ZLZ Slim Fit Biker Jeans
BEST MOTO
Moto jeans have blown up recently and it’s easy to see why. They elevate normal jeans with eye-catching biker-inspired details that make them a statement piece instead of regular ol’ jeans. We like these from Amazon because they’re reasonably priced and they have a worn-in look for extra character. What more could you want?
Courtesy of Amazon
6. Everlane Skinny Fit Jean
SUSTAINABLY MADE
Sustainability is super important when seeking out what new fashion pieces to purchase in today’s day and age. Lucky for you, it doesn’t have to be so difficult when scoping out the most sustainably made men’s skinny jeans with this pair from Everlane. These jeans are made in a denim factory that recycles 98% of water to keep byproducts out of the environment. The denim itself is also made using renewable energy and air drying to reduce CO2 emissions by a whopping 80%. To top it all off, they’re comfortable, good-looking and are bound to make your legs look killer.
Courtesy of Everlane
7. BDG Skinny Jean
COOLEST HEM
Show those Gen Z babies who’s boss with this vintage-inspired blue jean option with a hem unlike any other. At the very bottom of each leg, you’ll see a split and distressed cuff ready to take your style to a brand new level. Fold them or keep them down to keep up with the trends and show those TikTokers skinny jeans are much cooler than they think.
Courtesy of Urban Outfitters
8. AllSaints Cigarette Skinny Jeans
BEST BLACK
Jet black jeans are equally appropriate for office days and dinner dates, making them some of the most sought-after skinny jeans options for men looking to snag a new pair for themselves. These from AllSaints fit the bill with a style that’s not too extreme, and great for mixing with dress shoes, button-up shirts and even blazers into the mix just as well as you would with a tee and baseball cap. They’re more expensive than, say, Levi’s, but that’s a worthy investment for office attire.
Courtesy of Nordstrom
9. AE AirFlex+ Ripped Skinny Jean
BEST DISTRESSED
If you want to nail the distressed look, we suggest you mean it. No half-assed distressing in this house. Wear these gorgeous ripped jeans from AE with a vintage tee and sneakers for an authentically laid-back look, or use them to dress down a short-sleeve button-up for a relaxed outfit perfect for a night out. For just under $70, they’re reasonably priced, too.
Courtesy of AE
10. Saint Laurent Distressed-Detail Skinny-Fit Jeans
BEST DESIGNER
Designers all have their own, slightly different take on skinny jeans, but we think Saint Laurent does it best. Their skinny jeans gained somewhat of a following with denim-lovers for their incredible fit, premium fabric and strong, lasting washes. They have that distressed look that’s ever-so-popular with skinny jeans too, so we’re sure you’ll stay in style no matter how long you have these.
Courtesy of Farfetch