They may not be the most exciting thing in a closet, but a good pair of black skinny jeans is a wardrobe essential that I can’t imagine life without. This was made much more apparent to me recently when I got rid of my trusted pair of black skinnies that I’d worn for years and were definitely past their prime. Only once this key piece was missing from my closet did I realize just how important it was that I invest in a new pair. (You really don’t know a good thing until it’s gone, amirite?) I have L.A. style, after all, so I wear denim pretty much every day, and a black, skinny option was very noticeably absent after only a few weeks.
So I set out on the most daunting quest of them all: denim shopping. Nothing gives me a headache quite like the glare of fluorescent dressing-room lighting, but I wanted to make sure I weighed all my options before deciding on a new pair. Since virtually every brand under the sun makes a basic black skinny, I had many options to choose from. To save all of you the same headache (and unflattering lighting), I’m here to share my tips on how to find the best black skinny jeans. I tried on a total of 19 pairs between in-store and online orders, but there were only seven true winners that I would feel 100% confident replacing my old pair with. The brands I didn’t like shall remain nameless, but the ones I did are going to get a huge shout-out momentarily. Below, my seven holy-grail pairs and why I feel so strongly about them. Plus, some poorly lit fitting-room selfies for your entertainment.
For those who prefer a bit more stretch in their skinny jeans, Paige’s Hoxton in Black Shadow is ideal. It’s super-stretch denim without being too thin or jegging-adjacent, so you’ll still feel like you’re wearing pants—but the most comfortable pants you’ve ever worn.
Denim production can be quite a pain to the environment, but AG is making strides to change that. Its sustainable business model is quite admirable, and its jeans are even better. This pair hits the ankle just right and has the perfect amount of stretch.
Something that’s so mind-blowing about denim is that it comes in a million different shades. The wash on these jeans is everything. Now that I found them on sale, I’ll be ordering a few more pairs.
If you like an ultra-high rise, these are the skinny jeans for you. Full disclosure, I strictly wear high-rise jeans, and I have an abnormally long torso, so a normal high rise typically doesn’t even come close to my belly button. But this miracle pair features quite the rise that hits well above my belly button, and for that, I am forever grateful. Plus I like that these are more of a washed black so they look like you’ve had them for years.
Re/Done has yet to create a pair of jeans I don’t love, and its black skinnies are no different. They’re made of 97% cotton and 3% elastane, so these are ideal for those who hate super-stretchy denim. Also please note the raw hem at the ankle.
Another amazing sustainable-denim option is Reformation’s High & Skinny Jean. These are some of its best-selling styles for a reason. They’re the absolute perfect fit. Good for you and good for the environment is a win-win in my book.
Frame’s Le High Skinny makes the perfect staple skinny jeans due to the thick material. Plus, they actually stay skinny all the way through to the hem (which I find is somewhat of a challenge when you’re not 6′), so there’s no bunching around your ankles.
Coated in leather, that’s my kinda jean.
These are exceptionally soft.
This gets excellent reviews.
If you prefer a looser fit, this slim-fit take on jeans is everything.
A high-rise silhouette looks chic with statement sweaters.
I love how this looks with an oversized coat.
A forever favorite.
A WWW editor favorite.
I’m so into this wash.
I’ve heard so many great reviews about Good American I think I need to try it next.
Getting so many styling ideas from this look.
I love a good flare.
This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
