Skinny Jeans and, Um, Well…

I can’t seem to let go of skinny jeans. I’m 42, and for years, my go-to has been the all-black, Madewell skinny jeans. I bought four pairs at one point, and now I’m down to two. Sure, I’ve read endless articles about skinny jeans being “dead.” I’m not one for trends, but I’ll admit—sometimes now, when I put on my skinnies, they just feel… off. That said, I still believe black skinny jeans can be timeless. My body type may change, but a good pair of black jeans, somehow, never goes out of style.

Throughout 2024, I’ve ventured out, trying jeans from Todd Snyder to Madewell, but I just couldn’t let go of my skinny-fit. I might have to eventually, though, since most brands seem to be moving away from skinny cuts, with slim being the next best thing.

Then, as I was packing for my NYC apartment, I stumbled upon my old 7 For All Mankind jeans from college. Why did I keep them? I think for two reasons. First, they were the first jeans I’d splurged on—back then, $140+ was serious cash. Second, because one night in Seattle, some girl casually told me, “You’ve got a great ass in those jeans.” Anyway, I tried them on… and to my surprise, they still fit. Snug but comfortably so. However, they were baggy. Somehow, though, the cut still worked. From the rise to the inseam, everything was just right. And suddenly, I wondered—could baggy be cool again? I tossed the jeans in a box, ready for my NYC wardrobe.

A couple of weeks later, I was playing tennis with a friend who knows his way around fashion. I told him, “I need pants. I just can’t do baggy.” He laughed and insisted I give it a shot. He recommended Abercrombie’s ‘Baggy Trouser.’ On the flight home, I adjusted my TikTok feed to show ‘pants for men’ and saw countless styles with looser cuts. When I landed, I ordered those trousers—they even arrived same-day, which was a nice perk.

When I tried them on, they fit almost exactly like my old 7s. The next day, I styled them with a black sweatshirt and leather jacket. They felt great, giving me a whole new look. A few of our sales leaders were in the office that day, and within seconds, someone asked, “What are those?” I just smiled and said, “You have no idea what you’re missing.”

Walking around later that day, I couldn’t help but notice others still clinging to their skinnies. There I was, feeling free in my baggy trousers, no longer restricted by the tightness of skinny jeans. Funny how fashion does that to you.

Remember parachute pants? Cargo pants? There was a time when those felt like the height of style. This feels like one of those moments. Hopefully, baggy will stick around, at least enough to stay in rotation.

Join me ;)

Note: As I write this, I’m, yes, wearing skinny jeans.

Mark Michael