What to Wear Instead of Skinny Jeans: 6 Alternatives That Are Equally Chic (and Way Comfier)

There’s no fashion term more loathsome, anxiety-inducing or hair-raising for those of us who came of age in the 2000s and early 2010s 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 squeeze 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 Slimane’s Saint Laurent.

From cafés to clubs, skinny jeans were acceptable everywhere (as long as they were accompanied by an infinity scarf, leather jacket and wired headphones, of course). The chokehold this silhouette had on the fashion set has certainly waned throughout the years, leaving the question 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 making you look like you’ve fallen into an indie sleaze costume box. These days, my trouser arsenal mainly consists of pleated, wide-leg pairs, à la the Olsen Twins. Whilst 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 options on the complete other end of the spectrum: styles that are billowing and slouchy but sculpted enough to give your outfit an intriguing shape.

From the jeans trend endorsed by celebrities to the other nostalgic trouser 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 as Chic

1. Straight-Leg Denim

Style Notes: Instead of skinny jeans that taper in at the bottom, opt for a shape that will give your ankles a little more breathing room, like straight-leg jeans. 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 sleeker than ultra-skinny jeans.

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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 the skinny's flirtier and well-travelled younger sister. Finishing a touch 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 appreciate.

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3. Cuffed Jeans

Style Notes: As skinny jeans have proven, 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 on the ground, simply turn up the hem to give your look an element of contrast and dimension. Just look to Kendall Jenner and Lila Moss for inspo.

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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 for skinny jeans. Not only do they hark back to the same time period, but they give off an air of elegance and sophistication that skinnies haven't been able to convey.

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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 their 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.

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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 whilst 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.

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