Men's Skinny Jeans

Men's skinny jeans, which have had a loyal following among rock musicians and fitness enthusiasts for many years, now rank among the most popular and stylish forms of denim clothing among men from all walks of life.

The history of the appeal of men's skinny jeans can be traced back to the 1950s, when singer and pop music icon Elvis Presley made tight pants a major part of his stage presence. During the same decade, legendary actor James Dean showed off his tightly fitting jeans with rolled-up cuffs on the silver screen. Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones sported skinny jeans on stage in the 1960s, and bands such as the Ramones, the Clash and Iggy Pop and the Stooges embraced the look in the 1970s.

Insight City Riot Skinny Jeans

The demand for men's skinny jeans remained fairly steady throughout the next couple of decades, although boot-cut jeans, which become wider below the knee, had a surge of popularity during the 1990s. Since then, however, men's skinny jeans have become more popular than ever, with every prominent denim company currently offering customers a wide selection of skinny jeans. Upscale fashion companies, boutique denim designers and mass-market clothing firms all consistently place their own versions of men's skinny jeans on the market at various price levels.

The signature look of men's skinny jeans includes tapered legs, narrowly pegged ankles and an overall form-fitting feel. Before the popularity of men's skinny jeans became so widespread in recent years, some men opted to buy skinny jeans made for women. That tactic is no longer necessary, as skinny jeans designed expressly for men are now readily available at department stores, at specialty apparel shops and through online retailers.

Skinny jeans are known by many nicknames, including "drainpipes," "Slim Jims" and "cigarette jeans."

» Go to Part 2: Wearing Men's Skinny Jeans