They aren’t just for punk rockers.
While catwalks across the whole globe are going crazy over wide-legged pants and the general ‘everything oversized’ trend—the skinny fit jeans are still a favourite off the runways! They are no longer a ‘trend’, but a staple in the wardrobes of both men and women. Having said that, most men still are a bit unsure of how to nail this style! We don’t blame you; skinny jeans are a bit intimidating even for the thinnest of guys!
So, before we get into the styling bits, here are a few details before you go pick up a pair of skinny denims…
▶ GET THE FIT RIGHT: Skinny jeans don’t necessarily have to be ‘super tight or clingy’! When it comes to this style, the fit is EVERYTHING! So, it’s important to try on as many pairs as possible before finding one that doesn’t drain the blood out of ‘you know where’!
▶ IT’S ALL ABOUT PROPORTIONS: No two bodies are alike! Take your body proportions into account before buying a pair of skinny jeans! This style of denims doesn’t look good on very slim/tall men, as they will draw attention to their thin legs. If you have a big, muscular or rounder upper body, it’s a no-go for you too—as it will create an exaggerated imbalance in appearance.
The shape of your legs also has to be considered before squeezing yourself into a pair. If you’re on the leaner side—opt for the standard, slightly looser version of skinny jeans—so that your legs don’t look like a ‘maachis ki teeli’. For the lucky guys who are more proportionately built, have fun with fitted styles! If you have chunky quads, like The Rock, it’s best to avoid skinny jeans—unless you don’t mind showing off leg-day gains!
There are two kinds of skinny jeans, broadly speaking: The Spray On pair and the Standard ones! The former, made with usually a blend of cotton and elastane, will look like it has been sprayed onto your pins! The stretch elastane wraps your thighs to your ankles. Full disclosure: It’s skin-tight and will get tighter and less comfortable as you eat or drink! The Standard ones on the other hand, are friendlier to your ‘man parts’, therefore, more popular!
Here are a few ways to wear them right…
1. SKINNY JEANS + TEE
This combo is perhaps the easiest and fail-proof way to pull this style off! If you’ve been going hard at the gym, and have a physique to show for it—dare to wear a snug T-shirt with skinny jeans! For the rest, the general rule of thumb is to maintain contrast. Pair the skinny pants with loose-fitting tees with stylish hem details for an edgy look!
EDITOR’S TIPS: Make sure to maintain contrast by choosing colours on opposite ends of the spectrum. Also, avoid wearing chunky sneakers with this look. Go for low-top or canvas ones instead!
2. SKINNY JEANS + BIKER JACKET
The OG of outerwear, the biker is a cropped leather jacket that usually comes in black, complete with studs and asymmetric zips. It’s a sure-shot way to channel rockstar vibes!
EDITOR’S TIPS: Team a white crew-neck tee with a pair of black denims. To finish off the look, throw on a leather biker jacket and a pair of white Converse shoes. Accessorise with some leather bracelets or metallic jewellery.
3. SKINNY JEANS + SWEATER
Sweater season is soon approaching, and skinny jeans and sweaters are a solid pair. Singer-actor, and our very own international superstar Priyanka Chopra’s husband Nick Jonas, is often spotted wearing this combo and so are Kanye West and Michael B Jordan of Black Panther and Creed fame!
EDITOR’S TIPS: Loose fitting sweaters are ideal for this look. We don’t mean baggy, but ones with a relaxed silhouette. Sneakers or sneaker-boots work the best here!
4. SKINNY JEANS + BLAZER
The blazer, as you now know, is no longer just the top half of a suit. It’s versatile and can be worn with almost anything! Wear it with a pair of indigo skinny jeans and voila, you’ll win the best-dressed-in-office vote on casual Fridays!
EDITOR’S TIPS: Choose the Standard skinny fit for this one! Pair it with a button-down shirt or a crew-neck tee and a well-fitting blazer. Seal the look with brown brogues or loafers!
5. SKINNY JEANS + SHIRT
This duo is all about effortless style! Besides, skinny jeans and a collared shirt spoils you with choice: The layering combinations are endless! Much like with the tee pairing, stick to contrasts for making this work—whether it’s texture or colours.
EDITOR’S TIPS: Go the denim-on-denim-route and wear a denim shirt. Or a striped shirt. You could also throw a collared shirt over a T-shirt to layer. Wear either leather boots, boat shoes, lace-ups or sneakers to pull off this cool-casual look!
We admit that skinny jeans are a polarising menswear trend. You either love it or hate it. However, these tips will help amp up your style game, if you’re willing to take the risk and experiment!
[Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock]
Eva Pavithran
Vertical Head - Lifestyle