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How to Wear Skinny Jeans: If You Have Large Thighs

Be honest — if you’re anything like us, your thighs are the subject of far more full-length-mirror scrutiny than any of us would like to admit. If we added up the number of hours we’ve spent dreaming up ways to minimize, camouflage, and otherwise disguise our thighs — all because they’re larger than the toothpicks we’re told are perfect — we’ve probably lost at least three years of our lives. Throw skinny jeans in the mix, and we’re likely to have a complete try-on room meltdown.

Fortunately, there are some practical guidelines that will ensure you look fab in those skinny jeans and remain sane. Check out Tips for Wearing Skinny Jeans for those of us with larger thighs.

Dark wash is your friend.

Distressed Denim

You already know that darker colors are more slimming, so dark wash or black is a no-brainer — but also consider sticking with a classic solid wash, and skip the thigh fading and whiskering details that brings all the attention right to where we don’t want it.

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Chunky shoes.

Chunky Sandals

Go for wedges or platform-style heels, to create balance in the line of your leg; skinny jeans with delicate shoes will only emphasize the width on top. Espadrilles are perfect for summer, like these adorable Tommy Hilfiger wedges at DSW.

Layer up.

Layered Cardigan

Slip on a long fine-knit cardigan over a body-skimming tee and your skinny jeans, camouflaging bulkier thighs while maintaining a long body line overall.

Lighten up (on top).

Ruffled Top

If you’ve got your dark wash skinnys on the bottom, further the slimming effect by going with a light-colored top (like this ruffled envelope top from Gap) that falls to your mid-hip (stopping short of the top of the thighs). A light hue will both draw the eye up and away from your problem area, while creating the illusion of more width on top (and, by default, make the dark bottom half seem even smaller!).

Check Out The Rest of Our Skinny Jean Guide

Petite Skinny Jean Tips
Skinny Jean Tips for Those with a Tummy
Plus Size Skinny Jean Tips

Laura

Sunday 7th of June 2015

I'm only 13 and I already have the problem of big thighs. It's not that I am fat or anything, it's just that everyone in my family has big thighs. But I love to wear skinny jeans. I have a weird sort of pear/hourglass shape body meaning that I have a small waist and bigger thighs and a normal bust. I normally just wear tshirts that go past my hips and halfway down my butt, I was just wondering if there was any way I could accentuate my waist whilst not having to wear very girly clothes. I don't like to wear girly clothes so when I see advice pages like this I always see that you should wear heels and dresses, which is not my preferred style. Thank you for your help TBF

Catherine

Sunday 7th of June 2015

Laura, You might try longer, A-line tops paired with your skinny jeans. Or, layer a shorter tee with a longer cardigan. Catherine

Bigassthighs

Tuesday 26th of March 2013

I am not heavy at all, I have a very obvious hour glass shaped body, and my thighs are HUGE. I hate it, and I only like skinny jeans and jeggings. I wish I could have those tiny thighs. Must be so much easier.But , I guess long shirts, and layers will have to cut it for me.

Ruthless1917

Sunday 3rd of March 2013

I just read an article that women 50 and over should not wear skinny leg jeans what is right

WonderWoman

Tuesday 4th of September 2012

Would of like to see plus size models for this article.

Moonstone

Friday 27th of July 2012

I LOVE JEAN BUT MY FAVOR SINCE 1978ARE GLORIA V TRADITIONAL THEY ARE PERFECT FOR MY BODY I REMEMBER I USE TO PAID FOR THEM ABOUT$100PLUS KNOW THEY ARE LESS EXPENSIVE BUT THE QUALITY ARE GREAT!

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