In case you didn't pick up on this from the blog photos, I'm shorter - 5'3" to be exact. You also might have picked up from this blog that I am athletic and I have the athletic build when it comes to my thighs and calves. Put these facts together, for the longest time I felt that skinny jeans just were not for me. But after some persistence and multiple returns, I finally found a few different types of skinny jeans, at different price points, that work out nicely for my body type.
Here are my recommendations:
In premium denim (price point from $150+)
Paige Jeans Skyline Skinnies in Dusk
With a mid rise, this pair of jeans already fits better than most skinnies, which you will find have too much crack. In addition, this style is a darker wash and has no whiskering. A darker color is more forgiving and whiskering draws too much attention to the thighs and hips. Paige jeans can be purchased at many department stores, such as Nordstroms and Saks, as well as other online retailers (ShopBop or Amazon).
Joe's Jeans Honey Curvy in Dark Indigo
Again, the dark wash and no whiskering is ideal. This part of jeans is cut for a curvier body type, which means that there will also be more room in the rear. One nice thing about the curvy cut is that you will also avoid the ripples in the denim under the booty and on the upper thigh. Like Paige denim, Joe's Jeans can be purchased at some of the major department stores and online retailers as well as their own website.
In mid-range jeans ($60-$120)
Not Your Daughter's Jeans - Sheri Skinny Jeans
With this brand, you have to be careful that the style that you get are not "mom jeans" - you know the high flat ass look. Some of the NYDJ border on this look by having too high of a rise. A plus to this brand is that they are fuller in the thigh and calf, which is more flattering on an athletic build. These jeans can be purchased at Dillards and other mid-range department stores and online retailers.
Gap Always Skinny
These jeans have been a continuing presence at Gap since about 4 years ago. I have two pairs currently and have gone through about 4 total. These jeans are very figure flattering. A plus is that they also come in ankle length, which helps to avoid the cost of getting them hemmed and the awkward look of a pair of skinny jeans hemmed (which sometimes means that they are not really skinny at the ankle once they are hemmed up). These jeans can only be purchased at Gap or Gap.com.
In the bargain price range (<$50)
Old Navy Diva Skinny Jeans
The Diva has a little higher rise and fuller thigh than the Rockstar (which is the super skinny cut that Old Navy has been touting for the last year). The Divas also come in short and long, which is nice for those of us without the regular 30-32 leg length. If you are between two sizes, size down as the Divas stretch out after a day of wearing. These jeans can be purchased at Old Navy stores and online.
Old Navy Sweetheart Skinny Jeans
This style is Old Navy's curviest cut. As with all Old Navy jeans, they come in a variety of styles (bootcut, flare, trouser and skinny). They are perfect for wider hips and a larger booty and thighs. These jeans can be a little large around the crotch, with some wrinkling. They also stretch as you wear them, so if you are not one for washing your jeans everyday, then I would size down one size. These jeans can be purchased at Old Navy stores and online.
I have never tried Levi's Curve ID, but I also have heard and read good things about the options in that brand line for well fitting skinny jeans for athletic builds. I would definitely recommend anything that says cigarette or matchstick - they are normally very narrowly cut in the hips, thighs and calves. Also, try to pick styles that have cotton, spandex and polyester in them. That provides them with more give and stretch.
I hope that this helps those of you who are like me and do not look good in the majority of skinny jeans. But seriously, do not shy away from the style just because you haven't liked the way you look in some of the key brands. Try a few of these and DO NOT be ashamed to size up in this style. There is nothing wrong with that and it is normal. And always know that alterations are a solid option.
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