boys: skinny jeans

"Is it hard to fight paparazzi when you got on skinny jeans?"-Skillz in reference to Kanye West

 

Earlier this month, The Huffington Post and other news outlets reported on Levi's debut of their ex-girlfriend jean for men (pictured above). No doubt, Levi's knew that with a name like that, it was bound to get some media attention. So, what is the ex-girlfiend jean? It is their 510 jean in a super-skinny fit that Levi's describe as looking "sprayed on". Their website describes the jean as "Remember the girlfriend with the great style? Here's a tribute to her--a fit that's super-snug allover, an updated of the five-pocket classic that's as skinny as it gets." 

When I asked my very "official" PR male fashion advisory board, they unanimously agreed they would not wear the ex-girlfriend jeans. Shocking. Their exact words were "would not be caught dead in them" followed by other commentary I cannot publish here. Needless to say, the reaction was strong. So, while the super "skinny as it gets", almost jegging look may be a bit too fashion forward for your average hetero North American male, the truth is a slimmer, more androgynous look for pants has been on trend for a while. Kanye West and Pharrell have been rocking the skinnier look for a while causing conversation in the hip hop world. But they prove, if styled right, the skinny look can actually be flattering on most men.

 

Some skinny jeans worth considering (without raiding a woman's closet) are featured above (clockwise)
-Gap Salvage Skinny Fit Jeans
A preppy wash gives this jean a less grungy look but still the slim silhouette.
-Zara Super Elastic Skinny Jeans
The Europeans always get the fitted look right. Zara has a casual skinny jean if you are trying for the more laid-back, rocker look.
-Rock and Republic Rollins Commando Jean
This designer option (amongst many) gives the semi-skinny look with the signature Rock and Republic pockets and premium denim.
-Levi's Skinny 511 Jeans
If the 510 is just too a tad too much for your taste and you don't want people to think you're wearing girly jeans, Levi's has the skinny (just skinny, not super skinny) 511 series. The classic brand is always a good pick and the skinny denim is quite affordable at under $50.

As women's fashion is slowly transitioning into wide leg 70's inspired looks for Spring with the slight evolution but continuation of the boyfriend jean, it will be interesting to see if the skinny trend will continue for men. Otherwise, things may get confusing if your boyfriend is borrowing his ex-girlfriend's boyfriend jeans.

Ladies does your guy rock the skinny jean? And guys what are your thoughts on getting "as skinny as it gets"?

image source: levis.com, gap.com, neimanmarcus.com, zara.com, Pharrell--Getty Images

-SD

Comments

[lettuceman]

Thanks for the rec PR! I went to Gap and bought a pair. I couldn't brave the super skinny line but I did go with the straight fit which just a tad looser. I love 'em so far!

[Catherine]

I don’t have a problem with the jeans themselves, more of a problem with the fact that everybody thinks they can wear them. You need a very specific body type to pull those off and, much like tight ribbed tank tops, not everybody should be wearing them.