Skinny jeans are just one of those things: some can slide into them with no trouble at all, while others can’t for the life of them imagine a world in which they would fit.
As such, it’s understandable that many men simply choose to forego skinny jeans altogether, believing that they aren’t worth the hassle.
We’d argue that they are, and in this guide, we’ll show you how to wear them so you can change up your look and add another tool to your fashion toolbox.
To wear skinny jeans as a man you need to know your proportions. If you go into a store, see a pair of skinny jeans and think to yourself there’s no way you could fit in them, then enquire for a larger size. Skinny jeans aren’t just made for those blessed with good metabolisms or marathon-runners, you just need to know what you’re working with.
There are many things to keep in mind if you want to find the perfect pair of skinny jeans for your legs.
The key here is to first get all the appropriate measurements of your legs and hips, and from there you can start to think about questions of style.
Stick with us, and we’ll guide you through everything you need to know to rock those skinny jeans you never thought you could fit in.
Proportions
If you want the magic pill when it comes to being fashionable, it’s this: find clothes that fit your body well.
It might sound overly simplistic, but it’s astonishing how many men go around with loose and baggy polo shirts, oversized dress shirts, and jeans that look like they’ve been inflated around the feet.
Think of it as a life hack that can save you money and also help you look your best.
The next time you go shopping, don’t head straight to the designer brands, since it’s all too easy to compensate for a lack of fashion sense by splashing out expensive clothes.
Instead, spend some time trying on more affordable clothing until you find a size that fits you well. When you do, you may be surprised at how flattering even a cheap item of clothing can be.
To make it more of a science than a guessing game, take the following measurements so you can be prepared to pick out the perfect pair of skinny jeans first time and save yourself the time of trying on many pairs.
Waist
To correctly measure your waist, wrap a tape measure around your stomach just above your belly button.
This figure should correspond with the ‘waist’ measurement given on the skinny jeans’ label.
Inseam
The inseam is the length of fabric that goes from your crotch down to your foot. You can measure this either by standing with your back against the wall and having someone take it, or by measuring a pair of jeans that already fit you perfectly.
This number should correspond with the ‘length’ measurement provided on the label of the skinny jeans you are looking at.
Wear Them Well
Once you’ve found a pair of skinny jeans that fit you like a glove, you should turn your mind to how to pull them off.
A well-fitted pair of skinny jeans can do wonders for your look, but to elevate it even more you’re going to need to give style some serious thought.
If you’re short on ideas, it can be a good idea to find a Pinterest board dedicated to skinny jeans, or browse your favorite men’s mags or blogs to see what looks you’d be interested in giving a go.
There are many looks that go well with a pair of skinny jeans, so we’ll suggest three looks to get you started.
The T-Shirt
The T-shirt and skinny jeans look is a classic, and one that anyone can pull off with minimal expense and effort.
The best way to rock this look is to go for a light but neutral shirt, such as a white or grey color, and to wear some white sneakers.
Try to aim for some contrast in color between your skinny jeans and t-shirt, and you’ll be onto a winning combination.
The Formal Shirt
The formal or collared shirt with skinny jeans is a more stylish look that you can pull off with anything from a denim to a flannel shirt.
You have a lot more freedom with regards to footwear with this look, so go for something bespoke like leather if you’re looking to impress.
The Blazer
To really kick things up a notch and show off your newfound fashion sense, you can dust the blazer off and suit up.
There are many ways to pull this look off, from the monochromatic blazer and skinny jeans with contrasting shoes, to the shirt and tie look that’s finished off with casual blue skinny jeans.
You can even smarten up a casual look by wearing a t-shirt under a blazer and then combining them with a sleek pair of skinny jeans and dress shoes.
The options are endless, you just have to play around with different outfits until you settle on a couple of styles that suit you.
Common Mistakes
There are many mistakes that men make when it comes to buying and wearing skinny jeans.
Here are what we believe to be the most common mistakes made by men when it comes to skinny jeans, ignore them at your own risk.
Mistake #1: Wrong Fit.
The number one reason most men cite for not wearing skinny jeans is that they don’t fit.
The most likely scenario here is that the guy in question once bought a pair of skinny jeans and was devastated to learn that he couldn’t get into them.
Skinny jeans don’t fit the same way regular jeans do, they conform to the legs rather than hanging loose. As a result, you need to take your leg length and waist measurements to ensure a snug fit when you put them on.
Mistake #2: Bad Style.
Not every pair of skinny jeans is made the same, so you can be forgiven for buying a pair thinking you’ll look like someone you saw in a magazine only to find out the style is completely different.
Different styles will also work for different body shapes, so it might just be that your body isn’t suited to a particular style.
Mistake #3: Poor Color Choice.
It’s absolutely fine to give into your whims every now and then and buy a vibrant item of clothing that can add a splash of color to your look, but skinny jeans are tough to get right.
The best option is to invest in a neutral-colored pair first, see how you like them, and from there move on to bolder color choices if you want to mix it up.
Frequently Asked Questions About Skinny Jeans for Men
How can I make my skinny jeans look good?
To make the most of your skinny jeans, you have to be willing to play around with various outfits until you find something you like.
This means try them with just a simple white or grey t-shirt, a sweater, or even a blazer.
Experiment also with the type of shoes you wear, and find photos of men wearing skinny jeans for more ideas.
What colour skinny jeans to wear?
Generally, it’s best to stick to neutral colors with skinny jeans.
While there’s nothing wrong with a splash of color, it’s worth starting off with a black or blue pair, just until you get comfortable wearing them.
Once you feel confident with your neutral skinny jeans, branch out and get experimental.
How tight should skinny jeans be?
Unfortunately, most men have tried on a pair of skinny jeans before only to find out they’re too tight.
A good fit should have the hem of the jeans end just above your ankle, and you should be able to wear them without a belt.
The fabric should feel snug around your waist without feeling uncomfortable.
A Final Word From The Trending Man
Wearing skinny jeans can be a brave choice, but it can definitely pay off if you know how to play around with style.
Make sure you know your waist and inseam measurements before you buy a pair of skinny jeans, and find examples of men wearing skinny jeans you like to give you ideas to experiment with.
