They may not be the most exciting thing in a closet, but a good pair of black skinny jeans are a wardrobe essential that I can't imagine life without. This was made much more apparent to me recently when I got rid of my trusted pair of black skinnies that I'd worn for years and were definitely past their prime. Only once this key piece was missing from my closet did I realize just how important it was that I invest in a new pair. (You really don't know a good thing until it's gone, amirite?) I have L.A. style, after all, so I wear jeans pretty much every day, and a black, skinny option was very noticeably absent after only a few weeks.
So I set out on the most daunting quest of them all: denim shopping. Nothing gives me a headache quite like the glare of fluorescent dressing-room lighting, but I wanted to make sure I weighed all my options before deciding on a new pair. Since virtually every brand under the sun makes a basic black skinny, I had many options to choose from. To save all of you the same headache (and unflattering lighting), I'm here to share my tips on how to find the best black skinny jeans. I tried on a total of 19 pairs between in-store and online orders, but there were only seven true winners that I would feel 100% confident replacing my old pair with. The brands I didn't like shall remain nameless, but the ones I did are going to get a huge shout-out momentarily.
Below are my seven holy-grail pairs and an explanation of why I feel so strongly about them. Plus, see some poorly lit fitting-room selfies for your entertainment.
PAIGE
For those who prefer a bit more stretch in their skinny jeans, Paige's Hoxton in Black Shadow is ideal. It's super-stretchy denim without being too thin or jegging-adjacent, so you'll still feel like you're wearing pants (the most comfortable pants you've ever worn).
AG Jeans
Denim production can be quite a pain to the environment, but AG is making strides to change that. Its sustainable business model is quite admirable, and its jeans are even better. This pair hits the ankle just right and has the perfect amount of stretch.
BOYISH
Something that's so mind-blowing about denim is that it comes in a million different shades. The wash on these jeans is everything. Now that I found them on sale, I'll be ordering a few more pairs.
CITIZENS OF HUMANITY
If you like an ultra-high rise, these are the skinny jeans for you. Full disclosure, I strictly wear high-rise jeans, and I have an abnormally long torso, so a normal high rise typically doesn't even come close to my belly button. But this miracle pair features quite the rise that hits well above my belly button, and for that, I am forever grateful. Plus I like that these are more of a washed black so they look like you've had them for years.
Re/Done
Re/Done has yet to create a pair of jeans I don't love, and its black skinnies are no different. They're made of 97% cotton and 3% elastane, so these are ideal for those who hate super-stretchy denim. Also please note the raw hem at the ankle.
REFORMATION
Another amazing sustainable-denim option is Reformation's High Skinny Jean. These are some of its best-selling styles for a reason. They're the absolute perfect fit. Good for you and good for the environment is a win-win in my book.
FRAME
Frame's Le High Skinny makes the perfect staple skinny jeans due to the thick material. Plus, they actually stay skinny all the way through to the hem (which I find is somewhat of a challenge when you're not 6'), so there's no bunching around your ankles.
Shop More of Our Favorite Black Skinny Jeans
Coated to look like leather? That's my kinda denim.
These are exceptionally soft.
This gets excellent reviews.
If you prefer a looser fit, this slim-fit take on jeans is everything.
A high-rise silhouette looks chic with statement sweaters.
I love how this looks with an oversized coat.
A forever favorite.
A WWW editor favorite.
I'm so into this wash.
I've heard so many great reviews about Good American I think I need to try it next.
Getting so many styling ideas from this look.
Jeggings are so comfy.
This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Next: 38 Under-$100 H&M Finds That Made Me Say "Aha, You're Coming Home With Me"
