Skinny, Stacked, Flare: Denim Fits Explained

Half the denim on this site is described with a fit name that only means something once you have worn a pair. Here is what each one actually does.

Skinny

Narrow from the knee to the ankle, sitting close to the leg the whole way down. Ends at or just above the shoe so there is no bunching. If you wear low-profile sneakers, this is the cut that keeps the silhouette clean.

Stacked

Cut longer than your actual inseam on purpose, so the extra length gathers — "stacks" — above the shoe. The stack is the point. Works best over a boot or a chunky sneaker that gives the fabric something to sit on. Order your normal waist; the length is built in.

Straight

Same width from knee to hem. The most forgiving cut and the easiest to dress either direction. If you are unsure what suits you, start here.

Flare

Narrow through the thigh, then opening from the knee down. A Y2K silhouette that has come all the way back around. Needs a shoe with some presence or the hem swallows it.

Reading a wash

A clean or basic wash has no rips and minimal fading — the easiest to wear. Rip and repair means the denim was destroyed and then backed with fabric behind the tear, so it holds up. Coated or waxed denim has a resin finish that reads like leather under light. Acid and vintage washes are mottled on purpose, so no two pairs are identical.

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