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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2009
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7

Skinny Jeans Craze Puts the Squeeze on Guys

Style trumps comfort as trend hits not-so-hip

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(Newser) – The market for skinny jeans is expanding, as more and more men looking to show off their assets are pouring themselves into tight fitting styles, the Wall Street Journal reports. But as they target a crowd beyond the usual hipsters, skaters, and hip-hoppers, manufacturers are giving customers a bit of a break: Levi’s has added space in their jeans’ seat and thigh; Gap has loosened the thigh and knee.

“Guys don't want leggings,” notes Gap’s head designer. Despite the recession, sales of men’s jeans selling for $50 or more rose 8% in the year ending April 30. And more and more men are willing to make sacrifices in the name of fashion. “Discomfort comes with the territory," says a wearer who has found running and crossing his legs impossible.

Models walk the runway at the MJOLK Ready To Wear men's collection presentation at the Overseas Passenger Terminal during the Mercedes Australian Fashion Week May 5, 2005 in Sydney, Australia.
Models walk the runway at the MJOLK Ready To Wear men's collection presentation at the Overseas Passenger Terminal during the Mercedes Australian Fashion Week May 5, 2005 in Sydney, Australia.   (Getty Images)
Models walk the runway at the MJOLK Ready To Wear men's collection presentation in this file photo.
Models walk the runway at the MJOLK Ready To Wear men's collection presentation in this file photo.   (Getty Images)
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7 comments
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freethemall
Jul 6, 09 12:53 PM CDT
When did this happen? I thought baggy jeans worn below the hips, was all the rage. I guess I'm getting too old to keep up with changes in fashion. But what does staying fashionable mean? It means: "I have conformed sooner than you have". Reply
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Reader64481089
Jul 6, 09 1:03 PM CDT
LMAO you and me both. I still see the ones around with boxers showing, I love them on the cop shows when they try to outrun the cops and pants fall around the ankles tripping them.... that cracks me up each time a new one pops up.
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+5
IN RESPONSE:
Reader22060479
Jul 6, 09 1:20 PM CDT
although this "fashion" seems a bit extreme it is a whole lot better than saggy pants, that make men look like they are old ladies wearing a calf length skirt. It should be nice to watch men's behids again.
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0
Jojo
Jul 6, 09 1:17 PM CDT
They are going back to exactly the way they were when I was in high school. I would have rather died than well bell bottoms and still can't stand them so thank god. I am getting tired of hearing "skinny" jeans though - they should just be called what they were originally called last time they were in style - "jeans". LOL Reply
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Fondue
Jul 6, 09 2:36 PM CDT
Why buy more when you can buy less for even more? Reply
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+1

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