There are many types of jeans [not including the monstrosity of jorts], the two most popular being wide leg and skinny jeans [bootcut is an honorable mention]. Of the two, there is an obvious answer for which one is better.

The Winner: Wide Leg Reigns Supreme
Skinny jeans are just plain uncomfortable, clinging to your legs like a second skin, making it impossible to exist comfortably. In comparison, wide leg is much more comfortable and lets your skin actually breathe.

Now, denim is never comfortable when wet, but if you get as much as a drop on skinny jeans, the denim is going to be agitating to the skin for as long as an hour due to how long it takes to dry. Meanwhile, the extra room wide leg provides keeps the wet denim from itching your skin.

Appearance-wise, wide leg is also the better choice, working with more outfits. It can be argued that skinny jeans could be better for a more formal setting, but if you’re in a formal setting and want to wear pants, you might as well wear corduroys (or other more formal pants).

In a casual setting, if you’re wearing skinny jeans, you might as well wear leggings; not only do they look better while still being a similar skin-tight style, but the fabric is also just more comfortable than denim. Skinny jeans are unflattering and uncomfortable, while wide leg remains a good-looking, comfortable alternative.

In conclusion, wide leg is the superior clothing option over skinny jeans in style and comfort, and there is absolutely no reason to still be wearing skinny jeans in the big 2026.