Could a spider crawl up your pants?
A HOW-TO GUIDE ON NARROW FITS
Fit is determined by how it fits your body, not by what’s on the label.
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This is bunny. She will be our model today. Her measurements don’t conform to any brand’s standards, so she looks in the mirror to identify the fit style on her body.
Her boyfriend is lankier and borrows her jeans sometimes. The same pants are a different fit on him.
Read on to tour the 4 narrow fits on Bunny.
The Narrow fits: Skinny, Slim, Cigarette, Straight
Unlike looser silhouettes, the differences between narrower fits are dependent on the shape of your body. What is a straight fit for one person may be a slim fit for another. The label says “cigarette” but it’s loose around your knee… is it still a cigarette? Brands categorize fits based on specific body measurements. Unless you happen to be a fit model, they aren’t likely to be yours.
Use the guide below to determine the fit of the jeans you’re wearing right now, regardless of what the label says.
Skinny
At the far end of the fit continuum, skinny is the tightest. From waistband to hem, there’s no gap between your skin and the fabric.
The test: A spider could not crawl up your pants.
Slim
Fitted through the calf, and tapered from calf to ankle.
The test: Narrower at the hem than the knee, but a spider could definitely crawl up your pants. You can pinch some fabric below the widest part of your calf. Stretching stretchy fabric to do this doesn’t count.
Cigarette
Fitted through the knee, straight from knee to ankle.
The test: If you have muscular calves (go you!) what is intended to be a cigarette jean may actually be slim on you. Conversely, if you’ve got slender legs it might fit you straight. Cigarette fit will allow you to pinch fabric from the knee down. In the mirror, it will look like an even pipe from knee to ankle.
Straight
Fitted through mid-thigh. Straight from mid-thigh to ankle.
The test: You got room for your knees, but can still see your buh-thigh (Thats the official term for the curve between your butt and your thigh, and strictly prohibited at summer camp dances in the 90’s.) A straight fit will hug your body to mid-way between hip and knee, then maintain width to the hem.
Compare the four narrow fits
The bottom line (mediocre pun intended) is that fit is determined by how a garment fits your unique body. Brands each have their own standard fit measurements, so fit names are not universal across brands.
If you’re trying to achieve a specific look for yourself, look in the mirror, not on the label.
Ralph Lauren delivers a skinny silhouette with an ankle-skimming hem that spotlights loafers, heels, or boots. The medium wash looks sharp through all four seasons, so you can swap your winter leather for spring slides when the time comes.
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Whether you call these “pedal pushers”, “clam diggers”, or “capris”, we can all agree that MOTHER DENIM created a pair that have a rocker edge. Black is a great way to ease into the style if you’re still warming up to the look.
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I guess we’re really feeling black jeans right now. Full length, classic, high-rise, in comfortable stretch fabric, this product comes in regular, tall, and petite sizes.
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The Wedgie was first launched in 2016 and has since achieved icon status for the Levi’s brand. If you don’t yet know why the Wedgie is so loved, try on a pair and check your backside.
Slim fit in soft washed grey. Enough said.
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You think it’s all basic until you notice the cut hem.
Versatile with a little spunk for a look that’s easy but not boring.
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American Eagle calls this a “Mom Jean” but it’s more fitted than the Levi’s 550. With a taper from calf to hem, it’s slim fit on this model.
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We appreciate that Madewell switched out the term “cigarette” for “pencil.” It’s smarter, more modern, and just as French. Just like the lines on these jeans.
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We’re showcasing the ecru version here, but this Everlane pick comes in 7 different colors and 2 different lengths (26.5” and 28.5”). This model is 5’5” and nailing the right way to wear light jeans in the fall. The color-scheme is bridged from ecru to black leather by the expertly styled beige and charcoal tops.
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J.Crew made these optic-white jeans in super-stretch fabric for “maximum comfort.”
Read our article on white denim to avoid the common pitfalls, then enjoy a comfortable sit on a picnic blanket. White is a summer staple, but you can style with a red sweater and metallic accessories for a holiday look.
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Reformation delivers a timeless straight fit with a top block that reminds us of the Levi’s Wedgie. Made from 100% Good Earth Cotton fabric for a non-stretch look and feel.
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COS is one of few brands that offers raw denim for women. We love the Reprise straight in dark indigo. They have the crisp, lustrous look of raw denim, but have been very slightly rinsed. Rigid, 100% cotton of course.
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We love the Longline Straight Jean by Madewell, but the real star of the show is the non-stretch leopard-print fabric made by vintage favorite Cone Denim Mills.
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