It’s Not You, It’s the Skinny Jeans
How Skinny Jeans Defeated Me in Just 48 Hours
Part of my job is market research, which means trying other denim brands, seeing how they fit, understanding why people buy them. And one question has been haunting me for years:
Why do skinny jeans still have my generation in a chokehold?
They're everywhere—on the streets, in every coffee shop line. An elder millennial uniform. And no shame if you love them. I die for a slim leg silhouette—it's timeless, it's chic. But I had to know—what is it about skinnies specifically that feels impossible to let go of?
Spoiler: It’s not you, it’s them. Big corporations are keeping you stuck in the cycle—because selling you a disposable product and calling it “essential comfort” is a great way to make A LOT of money.
Here’s the thing: I wore skinny jeans for a long time. I knew them intimately. But eventually, I wanted more from my wardrobe. I wanted pieces that last, that feel good over time, and actually get better with wear instead of worse. Denim is workwear by design—it’s meant to be durable, to hold its shape, and to stand up to real life. That’s why I made the switch to 100% cotton denim (and design using natural materials exclusively)
It wasn’t an instant transition. Getting used to a new silhouette after years in stretchy pants takes time. But once I adjusted, I realized how much I had been settling. Skinny jeans are uncomfortable because they’re not good at ANY of their jobs (except being disposable).
If I want jeans, I can do better. If I want leggings, I can do better.
I planned to wear the skinny jeans for a full week as part of the research—but I barely made it two days. I physically couldn’t do it. The discomfort was immediate, obvious, and honestly a little offensive. No wonder people have trust issues with jeans. These were somehow falling down while being absurdly tight. How does that even happen? The shape was terrible. They didn’t even code as jeans, and I was immediately overheating in all the plastic.
This is the kind of product that makes people give up on denim entirely. And honestly? Fair. But I’m here to tell you there’s a better life out there. You deserve jeans that actually show up for you.
Why Are Skinny Jeans Still Everywhere?
The reason these jeans exist at all? A trend that started in the early 2000s. But trends don’t stay alive for 20+ years unless there’s money to be made.
Here’s what happened: big corporations realized that the more elastane they put in denim, the easier it was to fit a ton of different body shapes (poorly). It’s a one-size-fits-most approach that doesn’t actually fit anyone well.
And then they figured out something even better (for them, not for you): jeans loaded with plastic break down quickly. When your jeans stretch out, bag at the knees, and lose their shape, guess what?
You have to buy another pair.
This is how gigantic brands keep customers in a buying cycle. They rebrand the same product over and over—"comfort stretch," "move-with-me technology," "adaptive fit"—framing it as a luxury, a necessity, something you need to feel comfortable.
But let’s be honest. This isn’t about your comfort.
It’s about keeping you trapped in a constant loop of repurchasing.
The Reality of Wearing Skinny Jeans Again
I thrifted a pair of high-end skinny jeans for this experiment. They retail for $400 online right now. Let’s discuss:
They made me overheat instantly. The fabric is so obviously synthetic.
They look cheap. Even at a $400, they look cheap. They feel cheap. And worse, they feel bad.
Look closely at the hole in the knee — Those white hairs aren’t cotton yarns, they’re plastic. That’s what’s touching your skin. This type of material is designed to fail and its not repairable or recyclable. Thats dark.
Why Stretch Isn’t the Answer for Curves and Plus (and What Actually Is)
If your measurements don’t fit the so-called industry standard (that’s the majority of us), you might think you need stretch in your jeans to get the right fit or feel comfortable. But here’s the truth: 100% cotton denim can be incredibly comfortable—if the pattern is designed thoughtfully.
That means patterns that actually consider how the body moves and how jeans feel when you're seated across the sizing spectrum. The break-in period is also a very important consideration. It’s not just about size, it’s about how weight is distributed and how denim should mold to that. That’s where most brands fall short. Instead of designing for real bodies, they add stretch to force one pattern to fit as many shapes as possible. It's cheaper, faster, and makes it easier to sell more product more often. But it doesn’t actually fit anyone well.
I design Decade jeans with real bodies in mind, and consider different weight distributions—up to size 40. So if you’ve ever thought you’re too juicy for non-stretch jeans (at any size), you’re actually in the right place. The jeans are here. They exist. And they’re designed to feel good.
If You Love A Slim Silhouette, There Are Better Options
I don’t hate slim silhouettes. Not at all. But these jeans aren’t it.If you’re not ready to give up the skinny silhouette, I get it. I’m not here to tell you where to shop or how much to spend—everyone has their own values when it comes to clothing. But if you’re looking for something better, I highly recommend:
Finding an independent brand who prioritizes natural fibres
Looking for keywords like "slim fit" or “tapered leg” (instead of "skinny," which is often code for stretchy)
Even 2% elastane is a ton of plastic. A higher percentage of stretch and they’re jeggings. So opt for 100% cotton or a blend of natural fibres.
Breaking the Habit
I get it—a new silhouette takes time to get used to. After years of stretch and skinny, anything with a relaxed look and feel can seem like a huge leap. But be kind to yourself. Take baby steps. Try a slim-straight, a relaxed fit, something with a little structure but not too much commitment. The goal isn’t to overhaul your style overnight—it’s just to open the door to better options.
Because once you feel real denim—the kind that holds its shape, softens with wear, and actually gets better over time—you won’t want to go back.
I promise it’s worth it. Let’s break the cycle of denim distrust, because we deserve better.
Can you explain how 2% elastane is ‘a ton of plastic?