Denim is a timeless essential to every woman’s wardrobe, but when it comes to all the available jean options, it can be confusing to navigate various denim cuts. To truly unfold the separate jean styles, we must explain key differences down to the seam. Two types of jeans that are commonly confused are slim jeans vs skinny jeans.
Skinny vs Slim Jeans: What’s the Difference?
If you were to take every style of jeans and place them on a denim spectrum, you would be able to visualize where slim and skinny jeans stand in terms of their fit. While loose fitting jeans like straight leg, relaxed fit, and girlfriend jeans sit on one end of the spectrum, styles like slim, skinny, and jeggings lay on the other end of the spectrum respectively. So let’s dive into the denim matrix to understand where these subtleties lay.
Skinny Jeans: When it comes to jeans, you can’t get much tighter than a pair of skinny jeans. They are the tightest fit when looking at traditional denim. While jeggings may be closer fitting, they are actually made from the same materials as skinny jeans. Like jeggings, Democracy skinny jeans are made from a denim blend of cotton and spandex.
In terms of tightness, a skinny fit clings from the thighs all the way to the base of the ankles. Overall they are extremely form-fitting and narrowly cut. That being said, modern skinny fit jeans will typically incorporate a stretchy material into the fabric in order to give the pants slightly more flexibility and comfort – like our addition of spandex.
Slim Jeans: If a skinny jean is the tightest fitting cut, a slim jean is a close second. Slim jeans are close fitting, but they are going to be slightly looser than a pair of skinny jeans. Slim fit jeans tend to be fairly tight around the thighs, with room to breathe as they slightly taper out towards the ankles. Compared to their skinny denim sister, slim jeans are considered tapered fit jeans, and while they possess a tapered leg, they offer a slightly more relaxed fit.
Most of the time, slim jeans are made of a cotton twill blend which can feel rigid. Democracy slim jeans on the other hand are made from the same materials as our skinny jeans and jeggings. Slim jeans can be flexible while maintaining their denim integrity.
Also, if you want to learn more about how to style your skinny jeans check out our blogs on:
- 12 Best Shoes for Skinny Jeans
- How to Wear Booties with Skinny Jeans
- How to Wear Sneakers with Skinny Jeans
Best Body Type for Skinny Jeans
It may not be the answer you’re looking for, but honestly, every body type looks fabulous in a pair of skinny jeans. Whether thinner or curvier, taller or shorter, a form-fitting pair of skinny jeans hugs your booty and highlights your legs just right.
Skinny jeans look great on inverted triangle, apple, and rectangle body types and look especially pleasing on people with curvier figures. That being said, skinny fit jeans accentuate curves on hourglass and pear body types. Regardless of your body’s shape or size, skinny jeans will be flattering on you.
Best Body Type for Slim Jeans
Just as with skinny jeans, a pair of slim fit jeans compliments any figure, size, or shape. While slim jeans look fantastic on apple, rectangle, and inverted triangle body types, they similarly highlight the curves of women with pear or hourglass figures.
If you are someone with thicker thighs or shorter legs, high-rise slim jeans are going to make your legs look slimmer and longer. While those with rectangle figures and longer legs can really pull off the low-rise fit. Early 2000’s Britney Spears called, she wants to know where you bought your new slim fit jeans.
Choosing Between Skinny vs Slim Jeans
If you are trying to decide between slim jeans or skinny jeans, it ultimately comes down to a couple of factors. Here are some things to consider before buying the best jeans for you:
- Comfort - If you are looking for a pair of comfortable jeans, skinny fit might not be the choice for you. Slim jeans are going to give you that close fit with a little more breathing room. Slim jeans are also going to have a wider leg opening than skinny jeans, making them easier to put on and take off.
- Style - Depending on your style, you might lean towards a tighter or looser look. If you tend to wear bootcut jeans, you might feel more confident in a pair of slim fit jeans. If you are a legging fanatic, you would probably love to strut your stuff in a pair of new skinny jeans. There’s nothing wrong with trying either option out, and seeing what you prefer.
- Body Type - Lastly, body type is something to consider before choosing your next pair of jeans. While skinny jeans and slim jeans are universally flattering, skinny jeans do complement natural curves. There is something to be said about a pair of jeans that hugs you in all the right places. If you want a pair of denim pants that accentuates your waist, thigh shape, and calves, skinny jeans are the move.
If you’re still considering skinny vs slim jeans, your next step is to head to the fitting room! You’ve done the research, but if you are still on the fence, now it’s time to try them on. You can even bring the fitting room to your home with Democracy’s 30-day return policy to help you decide whether your new skinny or slim fit jeans are right for you.
No matter what you choose, know that you’ll feel comfortable and confident in your new jeans. Boost your assets with Democracy denim.
