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Woman & Home
Woman & Home
Lifestyle
Molly Smith

Skinny vs straight jeans – which is more flattering, how to style them and what the differences are, according to fashion experts

Image of straight leg jeans and skinny jeans.

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.

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