Jeans consistently rank as the world’s most popular type of pants. Typically made of rugged denim, they offer the perfect combination of style, comfort and durability. Denim is ultra-strong, and able to withstand hundreds of uses without showing any visible signs of damage. Of course, jeans are also stylish and comfortable, making them the preferred choice among men and women alike.
But if you’ve ever shopped for a pair of jeans before (I’m assuming you have), you probably noticed just how many different “cuts” and styles there are available. From boot-cut and slim-fit to skinny, low-rise, high-rise and more, the possibilities are endless. Each style has its own unique characteristics, which is why it’s important to familiarize yourself them. Today, we’re going to take a closer look at two of the most popular styles of jeans: slim-fit and skinny. Some people assume that slim-fit and skinny are the same, but this isn’t necessarily true. Granted, they share some similarities; however, slim-fit and skinny jeans are each unique in their own right. So, what’s the difference between slim-fit and skinny jeans and which one is right for you?
The Scoop on Slim-Fit Jeans
Slim-fit jeans are essentially denim jeans that contour to the shape of the wearer’s body, with a tighter fit than regular-fit jeans. Manufacturers may use different specifications when creating slim-fit jeans but most use a narrow opening throughout the legs that becomes narrower towards the bottom. Slim-fit jeans are similar to straight-leg jeans in terms of construction, as both styles have a narrow leg opening that doesn’t flare.
One of the great things about slim-fit jeans is their balance between style and comfort. While all jeans are stylish and comfortable, slim-fit jeans are particularly useful because they contour to your body while still giving you plenty of room and flexibility to move around. Many women prefer slim-fit jeans for this very reason. They contour to their body, preventing the dreaded “clothes hanger” effect, while still allowing the wearer to move around freely and without constraints. Before purchasing a pair of slim-fit jeans, however, you should compare it with the nuances of skinny jeans.
The Scoop on Skinny Jeans
Now that you know a little bit about slim-fit jeans and their characteristics, you might be wondering about skinny jeans. If you look at a pair of skinny jeans and slim-fit jeans side by side, you may assume the two styles are the same. Upon wearing them, however, you’ll realize this isn’t the case. There are subtle differences between the two that will affect their comfort, utility and overall appearance. Skinny jeans, for instance, have a tighter fit around the hips and legs, often narrowing even further than its slim-fit counterpart.
Skinny jeans offer a cleaner and more sophisticated appearance, but there’s one disadvantage associated with wearing them: lack of mobility and limited range of motion. Because they hug the body, and legs in particular, you won’t be able to move around as freely as you would in a pair of slim-fit jeans.
Tips on Choosing Between Skinny and Slim-Fit Jeans
- If you plan on staying active and moving around on your feet, it’s probably best to stick with slim-fit jeans. Because they are wider in the legs, you’ll be able to move around more freely.
- Skinny jeans look best when worn with high-heeled shoes. You can still wear them with traditional footwear, but high-heeled shoes will maximize the stylish appearance of skinny jeans.
- If you are worried about skinny jeans fitting too tight, consider opting for a pair of stretch denim skinny jeans. Made of a combination of denim and elastic fabric like polyester, they have greater elasticity, making them softer and more comfortable to wear.
- Consider the occasion during which you’ll be wearing the jeans when choosing between skinny and slim-fit. Skinny jeans have a slightly more formal appearance, whereas slim-fit are a bit more casual. With that said, you can wear skim-fit or skinny jeans for either casual or formal occasions, so don’t base your decision solely on this.
- Remember, both skinny and slim-fit jeans are available in a plethora of different colors, ranging from traditional colors like light blue and indigo, to newer, bolder colors like yellow and red. Feel free to experiment with some of the bold colors to add flair to your outfit.
- Instead of choosing between skinny and slim-fit jeans, why not add both to your wardrobe? Some occasions are best suited for skinny jeans, whereas others are best suited for slim-fit. Having both styles of jeans available in your wardrobe will give you greater freedom over your choice of outfit.
To recap, both skinny and slim-fit jeans are similar in terms of design, fit and style. However, skinny jeans, as the name suggests, have a more narrow opening through the legs. This allows them to contour to the shape of the wearer’s body, which is something that many women prefer. Slim-fit jeans have a similar design, although they are slightly wider in the legs. The truth is that many people can’t tell the difference between slim-fit and skinny jeans — not until they wear them, at least. And even then, the difference is subtle enough that it’s not a major deciding factor in their purchase. Hopefully, this post will give you a better understanding of skinny and slim-fit jeans.
Regardless of which style of jeans you choose, make sure it’s the right size. No two people have the exact same body shape or size, so not all jeans are going to fit just right. Even if you normally wear a particular size, subtle differences in the manufacturing processes could result in one pair of jeans fitting and another pair being too small or large. Instead of playing the “guessing game” at your local department store, try custom ordering your jeans from the denim experts here at MakeYourOwnJeans. We allow customers to specify their own measurements, meaning you can rest assured knowing that your new pair of skinny or slim-fit jeans will fit just right.
