A Smokin’ Jean Style

One stylish jean option you should look into adding to your fall wardrobe is the cigarette jean. A cigarette isn’t exactly the nicest object to use, but you have to agree it definitely fits this jean style to a “t.” This style can also be used to describe a pant style, but it’s most commonly associated with jeans. Cigarette jeans are also called other names, like pegs, drainpipes, stovepipes, skinny pants, Asian tight pants, and skinnies. The urban dictionary describes them as being “super tight, almost painted-on pants.”

It can be a bit confusing, but cigarette jeans are not necessarily a skinny or straight leg jean. Just like the name implies, the most prominent characteristic of this style of jeans is that they have a snug fit on the body all the way from top to bottom. The leg opening can be anywhere from nine inches to 20 inches, depending on the size of the garment. This pant style falls somewhere between straight leg pants and leggings, and it’s often made with a bit of spandex to give them easy access and keep their shape.

This cool-looking jean always looks contemporary, but in fact it has been part of fashion since the 1950s. You can always find this style if it’s a favorite of yours. Like many other styles, they’ve taken a turn in the spotlight practically every decade ever since they hit the fashion scene. Because of their deep retro roots, this jean style is perfect for several of the overall fashion looks we are seeing for fall 2012. No matter what your favorite fashion era is, you’re in luck; you can reach as far back as the ’50s and ’60s or work one of the more recent decades.

You don’t need to do much more than add separates, shoes, and accessories of that particular era. And your choices are endless, as this jean style is currently part of most jean labels and brands.

Cigarette jeans tend to be popular with younger fashionistas, but this cut can work for both men and women of any age. This style of jean can be embellished by the designer or done by the person who owns them, but I think they are most versatile when they are plain. With the right top and accessories, a pair can go to the office on casual Friday as easily as they go out to a club or on a hot date.

The easiest way to take the cigarette leg jean from casual to dressy is by the choice of fabric. Later in the season textiles like velvet, sateen and pretty prints make a perfect nighttime look. For casual looks and office attire, look for darker denim, twill, and blends in neutrals or bright colors. Simple styles and cuts will be the most versatile for creating outfits, but also look for interesting and decorative hardware like lots of rivets, studs, and zippers at the ankle.