Skinny vs Straight Cut Jeans: Which is Best?

Skinny jeans or straight cut — which is best? If you want a body-hugging silhouette that elongates your legs and slips seamlessly into boots, choose skinny. If you want timeless denim that balances comfort, versatility and durability, choose the straight cut. The decision comes down to shape and lifestyle: skinnies bring sleek definition; straights bring effortless wear. Whichever you prefer, sizing is the real stumbling block — and that’s where tellar.co.uk steps in, matching your exact fit across 1,500+ brands in seconds.

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Skinny Jeans: Sleek, Modern, Curve-Defining

Skinny jeans are engineered to sculpt. Cut close from hip to ankle with just enough elastane to move, they’re designed to elongate and define. Think sharp ankle boots, oversized knits or a crisp white shirt tucked in — skinnies create the clean line beneath.

Silhouette: Hugging from thigh to hem.
Fabric behaviour: 2–4% elastane keeps them wearable, though high-stretch skinnies may lose shape over time.
Best for: Hourglass or rectangle shapes, and anyone looking to highlight their legs.

Straight Cut Jeans: The Timeless Classic

Straight jeans are denim’s forever cut. They don’t taper, they don’t flare — they simply fall clean from hip to hem. Traditionally cut in 100% cotton or low-stretch blends, they’re built to last and soften beautifully with age.

Silhouette: Streamlined, balanced and universally flattering.
Fabric behaviour: Rigid or low-stretch cotton that holds its shape.
Best for: Pear and apple shapes, or anyone prioritising comfort and longevity.

Explore classics worth buying once and wearing for years: tellar.co.uk.

Stylist Picks: The Best Brands (High Street, Premium, Designer)

High Street

Zara — trend-led skinnies, sharp washes, fashion-forward fits.
H&M — affordable straight legs that capture the 90s aesthetic.
Marks & Spencer — dependable straight cuts, inclusive sizing, quality that lasts.

Premium

Levi’s — 501 straights are iconic; 711 skinny is a wardrobe staple.
AG Jeans — premium stretch blends that keep skinnies sleek without sagging.
Reiss — smart, tailored denim that moves into smart‑casual dressing.

Designer

Frame — Californian polish, razor‑slim skinnies and enduring straights.
Acne Studios — Scandinavian minimalism; rigid straight jeans with flawless drape.
Saint Laurent — the definitive rock ’n’ roll skinny jean: slim, sharp and unapologetic.

Lifestyle & Longevity

Mobility: Skinnies can restrict if stretch is low; straights offer more freedom.
Climate: Skinnies cling in heat; straights breathe better.
Wear cycle: Rigid straights age beautifully, softening and fading with time.

See the season’s direction here: tellar.co.uk and tellar.co.uk Solves It

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Measure once (bust, waist, hips) or input your existing brand size.
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