Skinny Jeans Style
When skinny jeans for men first became fashionable – during the rock ‘n’ roll years of the 1950’s and 60’s when the likes of Elvis and The Rolling Stones made the skinny look the one to be seen with – it was seen as just a flash in the pan. In fact, they did fall out of fashion as the hippy movement and later music and popular culture ideals swept the world in the 70’s and 80’s.
The skinny fit made a comeback in the 00’s for women, but now, it is pretty much a given that a man with any sense of style will have at least one pair of skinny jeans in his wardrobe. Like all classic garments, there is a way to wear skinny jeans – and also ways not to! Let’s take a look at the do’s and don’ts of skinny jean fashion for men.
The Right Fit
Perhaps the most important factor if you’re looking to wear skinny jeans is to take your time to get the right fit. Now, you might assume that sizes are the same by brand; you’d be wrong! Manufacturing processes and other factors can make quite a difference to the actual garment, and with skinny jeans, this is one where you really do need to try them on.
What you should also think about is the length. Skinny fit means tight, and tight means that the lower leg of the jeans will be prone to ride up. Good advice here is to look for a pair that are a couple of inches longer than your usual length. This way, you have leeway for when they do ride up. Also, make sure you have some space around the waist when you wear them – perhaps a fingers width – and that you have some loose denim around the thigh. If you can’t achieve either of these, they are too tight and will not look casual on you. You’ll find more information on size advice if you click here and read on.
Match to Body Type
It’s a fact we have to mention, but skinny jeans are not for everyone! If you are a big man, you need to find a pair that complement your body size and type, and then wear appropriate clothing with them to make it look right. Whereas a very thin guy will look great with just skinny jeans and a t-shirt. For the bigger men, the look may be disproportionate. Look for a way to wear something baggy and longer with your skinny jeans – a leather jacket perhaps – and you’ll find a way to make it work.
What you need to be aware of here is what your actual measurements are. Many men are prone to simply ordering by waist size, and regular or long, but with skinny jeans this might result in a mistake. Know your measurements – have them taken by a tailor if you’re unsure – and make sure you test the jeans you want, so there’s no error. It’s the only way to get a look that is absolutely right.
What to Wear them With
Skinny jeans look good as part of a smart casual ensemble; perhaps a pair of black or dark blue jeans and a t-shirt or loose shirt in the summer, and a plain yet stylish sweater in the cooler months. They also look the part worn with a blazer – make sure the colours don’t contrast to much – but the problem for many is what to wear on your feet when wearing skinny jeans!
Smart shoes may be fine when you’re wearing a blazer for a smarter look, but what if you want to achieve a more casual effect? Boots can be a problem sometimes (see here) as the cut is not right for some boot tops, so the answer is casual, everyday shoes that don’t draw attention to themselves. Some boots that will work are dress boots and Chelsea boots with a narrow opening.
Skinny jeans are a great addition to your wardrobe, and one that you will find you get plenty of wear from, but you need to take care when buying them, so follow the above advice and read more on how to style skinny jeans, and then start shopping around and trying on the ones you like – you’ll find the right pair soon enough!