There’s no phrase more loathsome, anxiety-inducing or hair-raising for those of us who survived the late 2000s and early 2010s unscathed than skinny jeans.
As tight as leggings and so figure-hugging they appeared to be spray-painted on, just the simple mention of this taut denim style takes me back to the days of struggling to slip my leg into what felt like the opening of a boa constrictor's mouth, all in the name of looking as desirable as the models of Hedi Slimanne’s Saint Laurent.
Style Notes: Kate Moss is the patron saint of skinny jeans.
From cafés to clubs, skinny jeans had no limits as to where they’d be accepted. (As long as they were accompanied by an infinity scarf, leather jacket and wired headphones, of course.)
The chokehold this silhouette has on the fashion set has certainly waned throughout the years, leaving the sartorial-induced questions posed within these circles not “what to wear with skinny jeans”, but rather “what to wear instead of skinny jeans?”
On the latter, I have a few ideas. As someone who hasn’t worn skinny jeans in over 15 years, I’ve found several chic alternatives that will still give off that polished and structured look without feeling like you’ve fallen into an indie sleaze costume box.
These days, my trouser arsenal mainly consists of pleated pants à la the Olsen Twins. While I still have a soft spot for jeans that contour to the body—there’s truly nothing better than a pair that tightly hugs your bum—I’ve learned that you don’t have to risk suffocation to look cool.
Ahead, you’ll find some suitable denim substitutes to help scratch your skinny jeans itch, but also pant options on the complete other end of the spectrum. (See: Billowing, slouchy but sculpted enough to give your outfit an intriguing shape.)
From the jean trend endorsed by celebrities to the other nostalgic pant style designers have been reviving, keep scrolling for a fashion writer-approved list of what to wear instead of skinny jeans.
What to Wear Instead of Skinny Jeans: 6 Trousers That Are Equally Chic
1. Straight-Leg Denim
Style Notes: Instead of skinny jeans that taper in at the ankle, opt for a shape that will give the joint a little more breathing room, like straight-leg denim. This style is still quite fitted at the top of the thigh, however, it falls in a gentle line that looks, at least in my opinion, far more sleek than ultra skinny jeans.
Shop the Look:
The COS column straight-leg jeans are an editor favourite, pairing perfectly with button-downs and crisp white t-shirts.
Khaite's Danielle jeans are up there with the brand's Benny belt or Scarlet sweater as one of its best-selling designs.
A jean that suits everyone, this Abercrombie style is available from size 23 to 38 and is offered in five different leg lengths.
When it comes to investments, Agolde is one brand that's well worth the return.
2. Capri Pants
Style Notes: Of all the styles on this list, the most similar in appearance to skinny jeans is capri pants. A true French girl staple, consider capris like the flirtier and well-travelled younger sister. Resting just below the calf, capris are just as slick, but won’t have you wrestling to get into them, which is certainly a benefit I can get around.
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Wear with ballet flats to channel your inner Parisian.
These are made of a fluid stretch material, making them perfect for daily wear. (A complaint that I certainly had about skinny jeans.)
So breathable.
This high-waisted pair elevates the humble silhouette with a smoothing jersey fabric.
3. Cuffed Jeans
Style Notes: As skinny jeans have proven, it’s that denim trends can be fleeting. In 2025, the most enduring style of note has been cuffed jeans. The appeal of this cut is deceptively simple. Rather than letting the bottom puddle around the ground, simply turn up the hem to give your look an element of contrast and dimension. Just ask the likes of Kendall Jenner and Lila Moss...
Shop the Look:
This pair comes with a built-in cuffed hem for styling ease.
Once again, COS denim comes in clutch.
This simple act of tucking can do so much to make minimalist outfits all the more thoughtful.
Another Agolde pair to pique your interest.
4. Satin Trousers
Style Notes: Of all the 2010s fashion trends to be given a contemporary makeover, satin trousers might have had the most transformative overhaul. Because of this, they make a great substitute to skinny jeans. Not only do they harken back to the same time period, but they give of an air of elegance and sophistication in a way that skinny jeans haven't been able to convey.
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This pearlescent pair is simply divine.
You'll never want to wear leg-skimming denim again after wearing something as leisurely as this.
Burgundy is such a great transitional colour.
I plan on replicating this entire look.
5. Linen Trousers
Style Notes: To the uninitiated, linen trousers could be viewed as the antithesis of skinny jeans. They're more airy, usually lighter in colour and far more casual than it's stiffer counterpart. However, it's these qualities that make it an ideal alternative. Far more lightweight and loose, they bring an element of nonchalance to your look in a way that offsets the edgier pieces you'd typically wear with skinny jeans.
Shop the Look:
Reformation's linen styles are one of its best-selling categories, so you know the brand invests in ensuring the fabric is of the highest quality.
These will have people doing a double-take at how well disguised they are as black jeans.
Primmed for year-round wear thanks to the moisture-wicking and heat-regulating qualities of the material.
The fabric of this pair is slightly more rigid, if you feel like you're missing the structure that's innate to slimmer styles.
6. Balloon Pants
Style Notes: Balloon pants could not be more diametrically opposed to skinny jeans if they tried. Still, they make a worthy stand in. To start, the popularity of balloon pants is rising regardless, especially after Alaïa, Zimmermann and Chloé all showcased the silhouette on their recent runways, meaning that this bloomer-esque pant will soon be everywhere anyway. But even more so, they subvert the rules of skinny jeans outfits, while remaining true to fundamental principles of proportions. Where skinny jeans work best with oversized jackets, the volume of this style allows you to wear something more skin-tight on top and keeps you comfortable. A true win-win.
Shop the Trouser:
If you need more proof of the 2010s resurgence, just peep the peplum hemline.
This crinkle detail is so elegant.
Wear once and you'll forget you ever owned a pair of skinny jeans.
Top of with a bandana, broderie anglaise blouse and oval frames to live out your Slim Aarons fantasy.
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