We hate to break it to you, but the internet has deemed skinny jeans uncool. And although we love us some wide-leg pants, millennials and Gen Zers have pitted against each other in an online debate on this specific sartorial choice. However, trends be damned — the Shop TODAY team won't be giving up our tried-and-true skinnies anytime soon.
While fashion that's "in style" comes and goes, what's truly most important is finding the type of jeans that flatter your body and boost your confidence – whether you're looking for curve-friendly options for thick thighs or longer cuts to accommodate tall legs. Skinny jeans just have a versatility factor that their wider-legged counterparts can't compete with, and options like jeggings can be far more comfortable than other, stiffer denim cuts on the market.
If you're brave enough to sport the so-called controversial classic, we've rounded up our very favorite tight-fitting jeans for you to shop below.
And, for the record, we're betting that skinny jeans will be back in style before you know it.
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Best skinny jeans, according to Shop TODAY editors
Levi Strauss & Co Totally Shaping Pull-On Skinny Jeans
- Durable design
- Comfortable fabric
- Sizing is limited
- Mixed reviews on fit
Colors: 19 | Sizes: 2-14 | Inseam: Short, regular, long | Fabric: 78% cotton, 20% polyester, 2% elastane
Editorial operations manager Jillian Ortiz recommends this Shop TODAY favorite for under $30.
They've racked up over 58,000 perfect, five-star ratings on Amazon. Reviewers love that they feel like a legging but wear like a skinny jean, sans the typical tight denim drawbacks.
Old Navy High-Waisted Wow Super-Skinny Jeans
- Super high waist
- Snug at hip and thigh
- Mixed reviews on fit
Colors: Six | Sizes: 0-30 | Inseam: Short, regular, long | Fabric: 62% cotton, 30% polyester, 7% recycled cotton
Associate producer Alexa Arent is a diehard skinny jeans fan, and her favorite pair by far is this super high-waisted option from Old Navy. This online-exclusive denim delivers that "wow" factor without a jaw-droppingly-high price point.
AE Next Level High-Waisted Jegging
- High stretch
- Medium support
- Holds shape
- Color may transfer when new
Colors: Four | Sizes: 000-24 | Inseams: Short, regular, long | Fabric: 71% cotton, 26% recycled polyester, 3% elastane
These are commerce associate editor Kamari Stewart's absolute favorite pair of jeans. After three years of nearly constant wear, she outgrew and recently repurchased them. She claims she'd happily (and immediately) do it again in the future.
AE Dream Super High-Waisted Jegging
- High support
- Booty lifting
- Limited colors available
Products Specs
Colors: One | Sizes: 000-20 | Inseams: Short, regular, long | Fabric: 56% cotton, 20% recycled cotton, 20% recycled polyester, 4% elastane
Coincidentally, associate editor Shannon Garlin also recommends American Eagle jeans, although she gravitates toward a lighter wash. She loves to wear them with a french-tucked sweater and a high boot for an effortless look.
Guess Power Low-Rise Skinny Jeans
- Durable
- Flattering
- Mixed reviews on sizing
Colors: Three | Sizes: 24-34 | Fabric: 40% lyocell, 36% cotton, 14% modal, 5% lycra, 5% elasterrell
Commerce editor and producer Julie Ricevuto is team skinny jeans forever. "I wear these a lot — I'm currently wearing them right now," Ricevuto says. "A little pricey, but they're on sale right now! They're the only low-rise jeans I own that I actually love. They're flattering, the denim feels super durable and they pair great with everything from a cozy sweater to a vintage t-shirt."
Madewell 10" High-Rise Skinny Jeans
- Hugs body
- Holds shape
- Runs slightly small
Colors: Two | Sizes: 23-33 | Fabric: 85% cotton, 13% recycled polyester, 2% elastane.
When it comes to tried-and-true skinny jeans, social media editor Kara Quill has just the pair. She's been rocking these high-rise, button-fly skinnies from Madewell for years. They're super versatile, having been worn everywhere from friends' bachelorette parties to work events over the seasons.
Levi's Premium 501® Skinny Jeans
- True to size
- 5-pocket styling
Colors: Three | Sizes: 23-33 | Lengths: 28-32 | Fabric: 99% cotton, 1% LYCRA®
Branded senior commerce editor Francesca Cocchi is a big fan of these classic Levi's skinnies.
"I'm team tall boots forever," Cocchi swears. "I can't give up on skinnies for that reason alone." This old-school pair is reinvented with a skinny leg, making it flattering and versatile.
7 For All Mankind Slim Illusion Ankle Waist Skinny
- All-day wear
- Great for petite sizes
- Very snug
Colors: One | Sizes: 23-34 | Fabric: 50% modal, 42% cotton
For production associate Audrey Ekman, it's about finding the right fit for her, no matter the trend. "Call me Gen Z, but I haven't owned a pair of actual skinny jeans since I ditched mine for wide-leg pants sometime around 2018. That is until I found this pair by 7 For All Mankind," she explains.
"These are insanely flattering, with their dark indigo wash and slimming fit, but also forgiving and comfy enough to rock all day," Ekman says. "At 5'1", most of my jeans drag on the ground or bunch up weirdly around my ankles, but for all of my fellow short girls out there, these are the perfect length. You're welcome!"
Best of all, you can use code FAM25 before checkout to score 25% on these jeans and sitewide.
More Shop TODAY favorite skinny jeans
Lee Sculpting Slim Fit Jeans
Colors: Five | Sizes: 4-18 | Inseams: Short, regular, long | Fabric: 71% cotton, 25% polyester, 4% spandex
Sullivan is also a big fan of this pair by Lee, a brand she was hesitant to try at first (since she was a self-proclaimed “Levi’s girl” in her youth). But she was pleasantly surprised by the denim’s slimming and sculpting fit, as well as, the comfortable material.
No Nonsense Classic Jegging
Colorways: 8 | Sizes: S-3XL | Fabric: 61% Cotton, 32% Polyester, 7% Spandex
Contributing writer PJ Gach, hadn't worn a pair of leggings in over 10 years, never mind a pair of jeggings, before trying this pair from Amazon. "The No Nonsense jeggings, however, intuitively understand my curves and give me a great fit and a great look," she said. "I’m now a leggings fan! I can wear them anywhere, with anything, feel comfortable and look good."
Amazon Essentials Stretch Pull-On Jegging
Colors: 12 | Sizes: 0-20 | Inseams: Short, regular, long | Fabric: 76% cotton, 22% polyester, 2% elastane
According to contributing writer Colleen Sullivan, these jeggings can easily be dressed up or down. "For a casual look, I like to pair mine with a tank top, a thin T-shirt, or a slouchy sweater. They can also be dressed up with a tunic blouse or cropped jacket. As for footwear, I prefer to match my jeggings with fashion sneakers in colder months and sandals in the spring and summer."
New Balance Women's 574 Core Sneaker
This pick is a Shop TODAY Sneaker Awards winner.
$99.99
New Balance
$99.95
Amazon
$99.95
Zappos
Anrabess Women's Coatigan
We love this cozy cardigan for layering during the colder months.
$39.99
$49.99
Amazon
Willit Yoga Capri Pants
Capri pants are trending again! We love this casual style.
$20.29
$28.99
Amazon
The Gym People Women's Lightweight Joggers
Our editors wear these joggers practically everywhere.
$22.99
$34.99
Amazon
Jessica Simpson Cargo Ankle Pants
We love how these cargo pants combine function and style.
$29.50
Walmart
Ododos High-Waist Tummy-Control Yoga Pants
These leggings have amassed over 14,000 five-star ratings.
$24.98
Amazon
Pavoi 14K Gold Convertible Link Earrings
These earrings can be worn three different ways.
$13.95
Amazon
Oofos Ooahh Recovery Slide
Treat your feet to these recovery slides after a tough workout.
$59.95
Amazon
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