Take three pairs of jeans into the fitting room with you – your usual size, one size smaller than your usual size, and one size larger. This gives you some options right there in the dressing room without having to change back into your clothes and exchange your jeans for another size if they don’t fit. Remember that depending on the cut of the jean, you might wear a different size in two different styles from the same brand.
To measure your waist, use a piece of string around the narrowest part of your waist, but don’t pull too tight! Measure the string against a ruler to determine your measurement. Measure the fullest part of your hips with your feet about 6 inches apart for your hip measurement. [5] X Research source
Petite jeans generally have slightly smaller waist and hip measurements than regular jeans in the same size. Tall jeans tend to have the same waist and hip measurements as regular jeans in the same size, but will have much, much longer inseams. Curvy jeans normally have the same inseam as regular jeans, but slightly larger waist and hip measurements.
If you’re under 5’4” tall, you’ll generally want to look for a “short” length jean. If you’re between 5’4” and 5’5”, you’ll generally want a “regular” length jean. If you’re taller than 5’6”, try a “long” length jean. [7] X Research source Whatever the length of your skinny jeans, skinnies should hit you at the same place. Perfect-length skinnies should work with flats, heels, and sneakers, and you should also be able to tuck them into boots without bunching up the material. [8] X Research source
If you’re looking for curvy skinny jeans, try something with a slightly higher waist. [9] X Expert Source Kalee HewlettFashion Stylist Expert Interview. 23 April 2019. If you’re looking for petite skinny jeans, try something that’s got a slightly lower waist. [10] X Research source
Dark washes tend to have a slimming effect, hiding the imperfections we might not want easily visible. Dark wash jeans are also the easiest to take from day to night, so you might want to go with a dark wash if you need a pair of skinnies for an event right after work. Light washes are great for summer skinnies because they pair well with the lighter and brighter colors we tend to wear then. But some light washes can make your legs look bigger and some are see-through! Skinny jeans also come in a lot of different colors and patterns, rather than just denim washes. Small patterns – like polka dots or a leopard print – won’t add any heft to your leg, and vertical stripes will actually slim them. Stay away from overly large prints and horizontal stripes!
If you’re a little flat in the back, go ahead and get jeans with big pockets! They will be more flattering. [12] X Research source [13] X Research source
For a more formal look, try a darker wash. As mentioned above, that wash tends to be slimming and it also looks great with dressier shoes. For an edgier look, try skinnies that have interesting details – rips in the legs, a distressed wash, or an embroidered pattern can make your skinnies stand out.
If you have a curvier figure, try tucking your skinnies into mid-calf or knee high boots and pair them with a longer tunic shirt. This will flatter your body by evening out your proportions! If you have a slim and straight figure, try a low rise that’s tailored to be tight at the ankles. This slims your legs and gives your hips the appearance of being wider. If you have a petite figure, high rise skinnies can make your legs look much longer, particularly if you pair the skinnies with a tucked-in shirt! If you’re on the taller side, congratulations! Skinnies will look great on you regardless of how you style them. If you’re self-conscious about the length of your legs, a low-rise skinny with a long shirt can help them appear shorter.
