If you are currently debating skinny vs straight jeans, you're not alone. While these two styles of jeans aren't wildly different in terms of shape, they're just far enough apart in style to be divisive. Shopping for the best jeans for your body type can be tough, but once you work it out, it simplifies the process a lot.
While the denim trends 2026 have ushered in some new styles, like barrel-leg or oversized styles, some jean silhouettes remain steadfast. Skinny and straight jeans are both great building blocks in any capsule wardrobe, particularly for autumn through to spring, but what's the difference? Simply put, straight jeans have a consistent width from hip to ankle, while skinny jeans hug your legs and taper at the ankle, fitting more closely.
Straight-leg jeans were the predecessor of the skinny jean, originally popular in the '90s. The straight fit means the jeans fall from hip to ankle, following the line of the leg without flaring. Straight jeans are often seen as smarter than skinnys, and most consider them the most universally flattering style of jeans. However, skinny jeans – originally popular in the early 00s – have had a resurgence in recent seasons, owing to the revival of everything to do with the Noughties.
Skinny vs straight jeans: What Are Skinny Jeans?
Coming to the fore in 2005 thanks to Kate Moss sporting a pair, skinny jeans went from denim fad to jean favourite and have stayed as a constant in our wardrobes ever since. Defined by its silhouette-hugging style, the best skinny jeans hug your curves, following the line of your frame from hip to ankle. After years of being told skinny jeans were passé, in 2026, we're seeing a return to this popular style.
Skinny jeans are skin-tight and figure-hugging from the waist straight down to the ankle. They may need you to do a jump and wriggle to get into them, but they should feel fitted. The added stretch that most skinny jeans have will help you get into them and give you a contoured fit. The elastane content does mean that over time, they may lose their shape.
Skinnies are loved by celebrities and royals, with even Kate Middleton a fan of the fitted shape; they're extremely popular with the fashion crowd, too. From ripped to indigo, the timeless fit comes in many variations; it's all about finding the right pair for you. They're superb for winter capsule wardrobes and pairing with your best knee-high boots, plus if you're a fan of smart-casual dressing, this denim silhouette looks seamless with a relaxed blazer.
Skinny vs straight jeans: The Best Skinny Jeans
These high-waisted jeans in soft cotton and recycled polyester blend are cut to a skinny fit. With plenty of stretch, they move with you, but will also retain their shape. This mid-blue wash will work year-round in your wardrobe.
River Island's 'Molly' jeans are a bestselling style known for their super stretch fabric, which makes for a comfortable wear. There are plenty of colourways to choose from, but this black pair are a versatile choice.
Designed in LA, these skinny jeans are crafted from organic cotton and recycled polyester for a more sustainable finish. In a cool mid-dark wash, these jeans work with a range of colourways, from dark winter neutrals to spring pastels.
Topshop is back, and its iconic denim styles have also made a return. The Jamie jeans are cut with a high-rise waist and a skinny leg that finishes at the ankle. Style with a more voluminous top half, such as a faux fur jacket or a relaxed blazer.
H&M have a range of brilliant denim styles that are affordable, well-made and on trend. These high skinny jeans come in a variety of tones; however, to make the chicest white jeans outfit these are an excellent choice.
We already know that Spanx makes some of the best shapewear but have you tried the brand's clothing? Spanx skinny jeans have a fashionable, ankle-grazing hem line as well as built-in shaping technology.
What Are Skinny Jeans?: How To Style Skinny Jeans
When it comes to styling skinny jeans, the trick is all in the proportions. If you've opted for a high-waisted pair, you'll want to pair your skinnies with a shorter top, or tuck, or half-tuck a top or blouse into the waistband in order to define your waist.
As skinny jeans are fitted all the way down your legs and calves, you can afford to add volume to your top half. Oversized shirts, slouchy knits, and bulky coats help balance out tight-fitting skinny jeans. If you want to dress them up, opt for dark-wash styles and team with a silky blouse, or a blazer and fancy shoes or heels.
“Skinny jeans definitely still have a place in my wardrobe,” says Paula Moore, fashion director at woman&home. “I love how easy they are to tuck into boots without bunching up at the top. To avoid them looking too dated, try playing with proportions. Choose a voluminous top and do a ‘French tuck’. This is when you tuck in the front half of your top and leave the rest out. It helps highlight your waist for a flattering and fashion-forward finish.”
Skinny vs straight jeans: What Are Straight Leg Jeans?
When it comes to skinny vs straight jeans, the best straight leg jeans are universally flattering. Less clingy than skinny jeans, they skim hips and are semi-fitted through the thigh with the cut following the same line and sitting straight from hips to ankles, giving everything a little more breathing room. Straight-leg jeans are often considered more polished than skinny jeans, and in a smart wash, with no distressed or whiskered details, they can be worn with a tailored blazer or a smart blouse for more relaxed office attire.
Inspired by 90's styles, the straight jean doesn't show off your legs as much as a pair of skinny jeans, but thanks to its straight style, it doesn't swamp your shape either. An easy style win, whatever your body type is.
Skinny vs straight jeans: The Best Straight Leg Jeans
These cotton-blend straight-leg jeans feature a stretch fabric, which makes wearing them a breeze. Style these with your best cashmere jumpers and some leather loafers or ballet flats for a smart-casual outfit.
If you're pear-shaped and looking for the most flattering cut, cropped straight jeans are great at balancing bottom-heavy curves. These Sézane jeans are also made from organic cotton, so you just know they're soft to the touch.
Offering a slightly more relaxed fit, these straight-leg jeans are a smart, versatile choice. They're crafted from organic cotton denim and feature a sleek black shade that can be dressed up or down with ease.
Who can deny the appeal of dark indigo denim? Ideal for dressing up with heeled boots or slingback heels, these cotton jeans are an elevated choice. For everyday styling, opt for your best white trainers and a cosy jumper.
These straight-leg jeans have a vintage flair due to their faded dark wash and relaxed fit. If you're looking to invest in some new denim staples, it's worth browsing the most iconic styles from Levi's.
With a sleek straight-leg silhouette and a bright white colour, these jeans will soon become one of your most-worn pairs of trousers. In cooler season pair with sturdy leather boots and cosy knitwear.
Skinny vs straight jeans: How To Style Straight Leg Jeans
When it comes to how to style straight-leg jeans, they can be styled with pretty much anything. From the best wool jumpers to shirts and blazers, they add a more relaxed feel to any look. Whether it's brunch outfit ideas you're after, or need something for a desk day, straight jeans are largely governed by the wash you opt for, rather than their just shape. There are plenty of versatile ways to style this jean silhouette, and you're not restricted. You can pair this style with more fitted t-shirts, or blouses or alterantively relaxed button-front shirts and chunky, oversized knits work well too.
In terms of footwear, these jeans work with a range of styles. From height-enhancing designs like heeled ankle boots to flat daytime options, including leather loafers or ballet flats, the beauty of this denim style is that they work with almost any shoe style.
Straight-leg jeans are great for all silhouettes thanks to the flattering cut and the simple silhouette they achieve. Offering a slightly more relaxed fit than a skinny jean, they can easily be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
Skinny vs Straight leg jeans: What's the difference?
While both skinny and straight leg jeans are close-fitting styles, there are some key differences between the two popular denim styles. Skinny jeans will generally be more fitted, narrowing at the ankle and following the body's natural silhouette. In order to create this fitted silhouette, most styles will be made of stretch denim that features elastane or Lycra in order to mould to your body's contours.
In comparison, straight-leg jeans have a more relaxed fit through the leg. Depending on your own body shape, they will be fitted at the waist and then follow a straight line down from this point, allowing for a fitted or semi-fitted style through the thigh before loosening from the knee, continuing the straight line through the lower leg.
Straight leg jeans can be made of stretch denim, but for the best fit, look for rigid denim styles with a low or no elastane content. While they will need some wear to break in, the denim will eventually give, moulding to your body at key points to create a flattering silhouette.
Feature |
Skinny jeans |
Straight Leg jeans |
|---|---|---|
Fit |
Fits closely along the leg at all points, from waist to ankle. |
Looser fit at knees and through the lower leg. |
Waistline |
Fitted around waist and hips. |
Straight fit from hips downwards |
Leg shape |
Fitted leg shape with no flaring. |
Semi/fitted through the thigh, looser on the calf which may create a slight flare at the ankle depending on overall cut. |
FAQs
Are skinny or straight jeans more flattering?
When it comes to straight vs skinny jeans, the truth is that both shapes are universally flattering. While skinny jeans are definitely going to be the most contoured to your shape, straight-leg jeans can be more varied in terms of leg widths.
If you have a pear-shaped body, look for straight-leg jeans that are slightly more bordering on what has become known as 'girlfriend' style. These are straight-leg jeans that are more relaxed and have a slightly wider cut on the leg, skimming the hips with ease. While stretch denim styles offer a closer fit across the hips, thighs and bottom, you may prefer to try a rigid denim style instead - after a few wears, the denim will relax and fit your body perfectly, offering support and hold where needed while the denim keeps its shape through the legs.
Cropped straight-leg jeans are also very flattering on this body shape, as they will help balance proportions.
Apple body shapes can easily wear straight or skinny jeans. While skinny jeans will be the best style to show off slender legs, more fitted straight-leg jeans will still highlight your silhouette. For the most support for a midriff in either style, opt for high-waisted cuts as these will help to contour your shape with one smooth line. If you're looking to tuck tops or blouses in, look for high-waisted jeans with added sculpting technology built into the waist panel area for a really flattering fit.
Hourglass body shapes benefit from having a small waist and proportionately balanced bust, shoulders, and thighs. While either shape of jeans will work for your body type, a high-waisted cut will highlight your silhouette. To show off your curves, tuck or half-tuck your top into your waistband.
Rectangle body shapes suit both styles equally, with skinny jeans helping to accentuate any curves. To create the illusion of curves, pair your jeans with tops that have added volume. This could be a fuller sleeve or dramatic ruffle detail to add volume to a bust, or a peplum waist, that will instantly create an hourglass silhouette.
Are skinny jeans in trend now?
Skinny jeans have been quietly returning in recent seasons as part of a wider fashion movement which is embracing the iconic trends of the Noughties. Their resurgence was confirmed on the Spring/Summer 2026 runways, with brands such as Dior, Celine and Acne Studios featuring a range of skinny jean styles, so you can expect to see them everywhere as we enter the spring season.
Rather than the low-rise styles of the 2000s, update your skinny jeans by looking for high-waisted styles. Not only are these on trend, but the added length on the torso will make your legs appear longer.
What style is best for my body shape?
While both skinny jeans and straight-leg jeans are considered universally flattering, depending on your body shape, you may find that one style has the edge over the other. If you're tall and slim but would like to add or accentuate your curves, the close fit of skinny jeans will further emphasise and enhance your existing silhouette.
In contrast, if you have a pear-shaped body, carrying more weight in your lower half, you may find that a cropped straight-leg will help to balance your proportions. For those with an apple-shaped body, a pair of high-waisted skinny jeans with accentuate your slim legs while offering support around the midriff. Hourglass figures are likely to find both styles, skinny and straight-leg jeans, to be equally flattering.
For a flattering fit, make sure that the skinny or straight jeans that you buy are the right length for your legs. Fabric pooling around your ankles will draw the eye down and make your legs appear shorter and wider than they are.
