While there are many types of jeans available, skinny jeans have long been the go-to look for on-trend gents and ladies. So, if you’re looking to dress more fashionably, these slim denim designs can make an excellent choice. As well as being stylish, skinny jeans are also surprisingly versatile. They can even suit a variety of body types, including those that are big. So, whether you’re naturally large, carrying a little extra weight or have thick and muscular legs, skinny jeans can make a fantastic addition to your wardrobe. All you need to know is the right way to wear them, which is why we’ve created this helpful guide for big guys on how to wear skinny jeans.
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Skinny Jeans for Big Guys
To pull off a pair of skinny jeans as a large gent, you need to make sure that the fit and style are right for you. After all, you want your look to flatter your body type. So, take your time when shopping and select a pair that suits your proportions correctly and looks great on you.
Best Skinny Jeans for Big Guys
When it comes to picking the best skinny jeans for fat guys, styles that feature a high-waist tend to be the most flattering. Thanks to their higher rise, these cuts can cover up and flatten your stomach while preventing any unappealing bulges. However, it’s important to note that the look doesn’t suit everyone. So, if you don’t like the style of a high-waist or don’t feel that it looks good on you, don’t force yourself to wear it. Instead, consider opting for a low-rise pair of skinny jeans. Doing so may give you the appearance you’re after while still allowing enough room to avoid the bulge. Just make sure that you pick the right size for your frame.
To pick the right size skinny jeans for you, be sure to try them on. No matter how big you are, your skinny jeans should fit snugly against your legs while allowing you enough room to bend your knees and sit comfortably. Making sure jeans tick these boxes before you buy them will ensure that you only purchase the best style for your body type.
Worst Skinny Jeans for Big Guys
If you’re big, it’s best to avoid selecting a pair of skinny jeans that are too tight around the waist. As these jeans can create a stomach bulge above the waistband, which is often called a muffin-top, they are unflattering to those who are large. As such, they are one of the worst skinny jean styles for big guys and should be passed over for a more flattering cut. Alternatively, if you have a pair that looks great on your legs but still gives you a slight stomach bulge, try partnering them with a long t-shirt. Wearing a top that’s long enough to cover the waistband of your pants will disguise the area and give you a stylishly casual look in the process.
While the waist of your skinny jeans is an essential consideration, you also need to think about the rest of their fit. As mentioned, skinny jeans should fit your legs snugly without being overly tight or uncomfortable to wear. Therefore, be sure to avoid styles that are loose or baggy as well as those that are too figure-hugging, particularly in the crotch area. Also, be sure that the length is right for your legs as any bunched fabric can ruin the stylish appearance of skinny jeans. If you already have a pair, but they are too long, consider getting them altered or try pinrolling the bottoms.
Skinny Jeans Styles
When shopping for skinny jeans, there are two main styles from which you can choose. While the standard skinny jean style is always a worthwhile wardrobe addition, spray-on options can provide a uniquely stylish alternative.
Standard Skinny Jeans
Standard skinny jeans can be surprisingly flattering on all types of big men. Whether you’re short or tall, toned or untoned, these jeans can look good on you. Standard skinny jeans are also relatively simple to style, making them an excellent choice for those who aren’t too confident in their fashion choices. Thanks to their fit, which is snug but not skin-tight, these jeans won’t add any bulk to your legs or highlight your curves. However, if you have particularly large calves or ankles, standard skinny jeans may not fit you. If that’s the case, consider opting for a slim or straight-leg cut instead for a similar appearance with a better fit.
Spray-On Skinny Jeans
If endless squats and leg presses have left you with big and muscular legs, spray-on skinny jeans can make a particularly flattering option for you. Thanks to their super-slim appearance, these jeans will show off every sculpted curve of your legs in a stylish way. Just be sure to partner your spray-on jeans with a slightly loose top to balance your look. Also, ensure that you feel confident and comfortable while wearing them. Due to their fashion-forward appearance, spray-on skinnies can appear a little awkward on those who aren’t assured of their style. Likewise, if your legs are thick but not muscular, it’s also best to avoid this cut. Even if they fit comfortably, spray-on jeans may not look good on you as they tend to draw attention to any untoned areas.
Skinny Jean Designs
It’s not just the fit and style of your skinny jeans that’s important; it’s also the design. Therefore, once you’ve found the cut that suits you best, it’s time to consider the colour and fabric. The most flattering skinny jean designs for big men tend to be those that feature a dark colour or hue. By selecting a dark shade of denim, such as black or indigo, you’ll be opting for a flattering and slimming look. Light denim designs, on the other hand, will draw attention to your lower half and make you appear out of proportion. As for fabric, thick and heavy types of denim are best avoided by big men as they can make you hot and sweaty. So, select thinner styles instead, but be sure that they don’t appear too cheap or worn-out.
How to Style Skinny Jeans
Once you’ve found the perfect pair of jeans, you just need to style them in the right way. By wearing your skinny jeans with items that complement their style and flatter your body type, you’ll be able to achieve an impressive appearance. To plan your outfit, be sure to balance your legs by steering clear of tops that are overly tight or baggy. Also, be aware of the length of your shirt or t-shirt. Selecting one that covers the waistband of your jeans will help you create a slimmer appearance and disguise any stomach bulges.
When it comes to the design of your top, be sure to choose colours and materials that are flattering and work well with your jeans. In general, bold patterns are best avoided by big men as they can make you appear larger than you are. The only exception to this rule is a verticle stripe, which can help elongate and slim your torso. Likewise, dark colours tend to be more flattering than light or bright shades. As such, if you want to add a splash of colour to your look, it’s best to do so with accessories, such as a tie, pocket square or socks.
Another important styling note is to ensure you don’t over-fill the pockets of your skinny jeans. Carrying too much or bulky items in your pockets will draw attention to the area and make you appear larger than you are. It will also stretch out your pockets, ruining the flattering clean lines and fitted appearance of your pants.
When to Buy New Skinny Jeans
To ensure you always look great, you will need to buy new skinny jeans when your’s are worn-out. While a new pair of skinny jeans fits perfectly and appears sleek and stylish, an old, worn-out pair often looks sloppy and saggy. As such, it’s essential to update your jeans when needed, including when they are faded, stained, stretched-out at knees or pockets or ripped/frayed at the hems. For this reason, you may also want to consider purchasing multiple pairs of your favourite jeans to ensure you have a back-up when one is past its prime.
Another time when you will need to buy new skinny jeans is when your size has changed. There’s no point spending the time to find your perfect fit if you don’t change it when your body does. Whether you’ve gained weight or lost it, it’s important to re-evaluate the fit of your skinny jeans to ensure they still suit you. If you find that your skinny jeans no longer sit right or flatter you, put them back on the shelf and find a new pair that does. You can even buy the same style, just in a different size, to make things simple.
How Big Men Can Wear Skinny Jeans
- Ensure your skinny jeans fit well and are not too tight or loose.
- Opt for a high-waisted cut to slim your stomach and avoid bulging or pair a low-rise cut with a long top.
- Select a dark denim design for a flattering appearance.
- Stick to lightweight denim, but ensure that it doesn’t appear cheap.
- Wear your skinny jeans with dark garments, adding colour with accessories if you wish.
- Replace your skinny jeans whenever they appear worn-out or no longer fit you properly.

Taylah Brewer holds a bachelor's degree in fashion and business and is a skilled writer with several years of experience in the world of online content creation and copywriting. She is passionate about fashion, beauty, and all things lifestyle-related and has been writing for The Trend Spotter since 2016. She currently works as the Head of Digital & Ecommerce at White & Co.
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