The 5 Best Skinny Jeans for Men

You don't have to be super skinny in order to rock skinny jeans. That's because these jeans are always designed to stretch out for a snug fit. A great way to show off your shape, they remain a popular style for those that detest baggy, frumpy clothing. Skinny jeans have been around for a long time, and there are a seemingly-endless variety of options out there. Those feeling overwhelmed in their search for the perfect pair have come to the right place. We've done the research and found the best of the best in skinny jeans. Below, you'll find our top five favorites, from the inexpensive option to the premium pick.

Calvin Klein Jeans Men’s Skinny Jeans

The Calvin Klein line takes the crown

With exceptional craftsmanship and a modern style, this pick from Calvin Klein wins our top pick for a plethora of reasons.

Best Overall

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Skinny jeans have been around for quite a while, and although they haven’t changed much in appearance, there has been considerable variation in their design. That’s why we were pleasantly surprised by this option from Calvin Klein. Featuring a modern design, they retain the same basic style as the skinny jeans of yore while coming out on top in appearance and comfort. Made mostly out of cotton, they sport just enough Elastane content for a subtle stretch. It makes for a clean, slimming look that doesn’t come up short on comfort. Best of all, these are the real deal, meaning they’re just as durable and hardy as any other pair of Calvin Klein jeans.

Pros

True-to-size
Modern style
Comfortable

Cons

Not enough stretch for thick thighs
Pricey

Amazon Essentials Men’s Standard Skinny-Fit Stretch Jean

Skinny jeans that won't break the bank

Amazon Essentials offers a skinny-fit pair of jeans that's fashionable, durable, and made out of high-quality materials. Plus, they're quite cheap.

Best on a Budget

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Jeans can be quite expensive, especially the name brand options. As it turns out, you don’t need to sell the family farm for a quality pair of jeans. Although this pair from Amazon Essentials doesn’t sport a fancy logo or a recognizable brand name, they’re just as high quality as many options twice the price. Not only are they affordable, they’re also available in a wide range of sizes and colors for men of all shapes and sizes. Made out of 2% Elastane, you’re almost guaranteed to find the right fit. With this inexpensive option, Amazon Essentials proves that cheap doesn’t always mean low-quality.

Pros

Nearly no shrinking in wash
Durable denim
Quality stitching

Cons

Doesn’t taper at ankle

ZLZ Men’s Slim Fit Stretch Comfy Fashion Denim Jeans Pants

The comfiest skinny jeans out there

Skinny jeans don't have to be cramping and stuffy. This stylin' pick from ZLZ might have slim legs, but its elasticity and super soft construction makes the most comfortable pick that money can buy.

Best Comfort

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Some people, especially those with thicker calves and thighs, may find the majority of skinny jeans to be too oppressive in their movement. That’s why we recommend this super-comfortable option from ZLZ Men’s to anyone concerned about chaffing or roughness. With the ideal amount of stretch, these jeans aren’t jeggings, but they feel just as comfy. We aren’t quite sure how ZLZ achieves such softness, but they’ve managed to put a silky feel to a durable denim. They aren’t stiff but they’re certainly strong. And even if you don’t place a high importance on extra comfort, these jeans are a great deal all-around.

Pros

Strong, precise stitching
Nonrestrictive
Breathable

Cons

Sizes only measured in length

Gingtto Men’s Ripped Jeans Slim Fit Skinny Stretch Jeans Pants

Thick thighs save lives

This option from Gingtto Men's are another super comfortable pick and are crafted to fit any body type and weight class.

Best for Any Body Type

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We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: You don’t have to be super skinny to rock skinny jeans. That’s especially true with this extra-stretchy pair from Gingtto Men’s. Designed to fit anyone falling between 50kg to 100kg in weight, they look good on a range of body types. And, unlike most modern style jeans, these ones retain that classic ankle taper that helps define the calves and shins. In fact, these jeans are stretchiest in the areas that matter, namely the seat, mid-thigh, calf, and hip regions, so that you won’t feel restricted in your movement. If you do decide to go with these form-fitting jeans, be advised that the different colors have different levels of stretch. The black version has two times more elasticity than its blue denim brother, so it’s the ideal choice for those with extra leg girth.

Pros

Affordable
Designed in New York
Soft inner fabric

Cons

Skinny guys might need a belt

Fredd Marshall Men’s Skinny Slim Fit Ripped Distressed Stretch Jeans Pants

Distressed jeans are the best jeans

Those interested in distressed or ripped skinny jeans should consider these high quality options from Fredd Marshall.

Best Distressed Style

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If you’re in the market for skinny jeans with some extra flair, Fredd Marshall has a wide selection of distressed and ripped pants that are worth a look. Most size and style combinations cost less than thirty bucks, so they’re also one of the more affordable options we’ve come across. And though the price may be low, the quality is high. With ample stretch and a comfortable inner material, they feel great and look even better. Fredd Marshall even has styles that would fit right in at a club, and at this price range, it can’t hurt to buy a couple different pairs.

Pros

Affordable
Wide selection of styles

Cons

Some styles feature rip in back pocket

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the advantages and disadvantages of stretch jeans?

Those that want a form-fitting pair of pants should pay close attention to the amount of stretch that their skinny jeans offer. Although all of the choices on our list are made out of polyester and cotton, they also feature 1% or more of an elastic material (such as Elastane or spandex). Skinny jeans with higher elasticity are softer and more comfortable. Human bodies come in all shapes and sizes, so if you struggle to find the right pant size, it’s a good idea to go with something with extra stretch.

Of course, there are some downsides to having too much stretch in your jeans. For one, they will hug your leg better but such pants may require a belt to avoid sagging in the seat. They also aren’t quite as durable as jeans of higher denim content. Thus, though fashionable they may be, stretch jeans with a high elasticity aren’t appropriate for rigorous labor. In other words, wear your new skinny jeans to concerts and clubs, not to the construction site.

Will my skinny jeans shrink in the wash?

All clothing containing cotton will experience some degree of shrinkage after the first few washings. That’s why if your jeans feel too tight right out of the box, you may want to send them back and elect for the next size up. If they feel slightly loose initially, wait to see if they shrink down a bit. That being said, after a couple rounds through the washing machine and dryer, your skinny jeans will eventually settle into shape and won’t shrink any further.