True Story: I Found the World's Most Slimming Skinny Jeans

Welcome to the latest edition of the series in which we’ll cover a variety of affordable basics that we turn to time and time again. We hope that The Basics will help you to build your closet with pieces that you, too, will wear on repeat without doing harm to your bank account. This editor has already covered the $30 pants that I consider life-changing, a $100 cashmere sweater that makes my wardrobe look expensive, and the (formerly) free leggings everyone is talking about. Next up, I’m sharing my experience with the direct-to-consumer skinny jeans that convinced me to start wearing the style again.

Here's the deal—I used to be a skinny jeans–only kind of girl, but a few years ago, I decided I was completely bored with them and ready to open my closet up to the plethora of more forward denim trends out there. Most recently, I've become devoted to cropped flares and high-waisted vintage styles. But when I caught wind of Mott & Bow, a new brand of premium denim with a low price point (thanks to its direct-to-consumer business model), I was intrigued.

Mott & Bow is an NYC-based company that sticks to the basics—it currently sells just three women's styles (but in a variety of washes). I chose the high-rise skinnies in a dark denim wash from the roster, which also includes a midrise skinny style and slim boyfriend jeans. I was pleased to see that the pants start at $96 and top out at $128, which is considerably low compared to other premium denim brands with prices starting in the $200+ range. Something else that initially pleased me was how the brand offers a free at-home try-on program, so you can choose a second size to try and return while only paying for the one pair you keep.

Facts aside, the thing I was really curious about was how my new jeans would look and feel. Would they be flattering and cool enough to tear me away from my beloved frayed-hem Levi's? Well, the verdict is in, and I can say without a doubt that they're the first pair of skinny jeans to win me over in years. While some high-waisted jeans epitomize discomfort, Mott & Bow's are stretchy and soft without losing their shape like much high-stretch denim is prone to do. Additionally, they're the most slimming pair of skinny jeans I've found, and their classic, clean cut solidifies their timelessness. I could go on, but you probably just want to see the jeans already, right?

Read on to see what makes Mott & Bow's wallet-friendly skinny jeans so special, see yours truly wearing them, and shop a few outfits that are sure to make your new favorite skinny jeans even cooler.

The Facts

Me Wearing the Jeans

Shop the Jeans

Related: I Tried the Free Leggings Everyone Is Talking About

Shop Outfits Featuring the Jeans

Pictured Above: Étoile Isabel Marant Janey Blazer ($530); Mott & Bow High Rise Skinny Jeans ($108); Martiniano Glove Shoes in Panna ($456); Zara Cropped Ramones T-Shirt ($20).

Pictured Above: Tibi Crinkled Ribbed Knit Cropped Top ($375); Gucci Thin GG Leather Belt ($330); Mott & Bow High Rise Skinny Jeans ($108); H&M Open-Sided Pumps ($40).

Pictured Above: Madewell Shrunken Leather Motorcycle Jacket ($498); J.Crew Italian Silk Square Scarf in Soft Peony Paisley Print ($35); Mott & Bow High Rise Skinny Jeans ($108); Re/Done | Hanes 1960s Slim Tee ($78); Veja Esplar Sneakers in Extra White ($120).

Next up, shop stylish tops to pair with high-waisted skinny jeans.