Let’s cut to the chase: If skinny jeans make you feel constricted and uncomfortable, they don’t belong in your wardrobe. It’s that simple. Yes, skinny jeans are supposed to hug the body. Yes, they’re better when made of sturdy denim rather than a flimsy jegging-like material. But should they leave you fearing the compression of your vital organs? I think we all know the answer.
Despite skinnies being around for decades, it’s surprisingly difficult to find a pair that strikes the perfect balance. Many of the skin-tight jeans out there are so stretchy that they start sagging in awkward places after just a few wears, and others are so rigid they feel like a straight jacket for your legs. What you really want is a considered blend of cotton and elastane; a composition that offers enough give that you can happily wear them all day, combined with the durability of genuine denim.