"Skinny" jean size refers to a tight, body-hugging fit, typically in smaller waist measurements like size 24-27 (equivalent to US sizes 0-4/6) for women, though it's more about the style's contour than a specific number, as sizes vary by brand, height, and body shape. The key is the close fit through the hip, thigh, and ankle, often with stretchy fabric.
What is size 27 jeans in US? US size 27 jeans fits a 27-inch waist and 38-inch hip and corresponds to a US size 4. What is size 28 jeans in US? US size 28 jeans fits a 28-inch waist and 39-inch hip and corresponds to a US size 6.
The perception of a "skinny" waist size can vary based on factors such as body shape, height, and personal preferences. Generally, a waist size below 26 inches can be considered relatively slim or skinny.
A size 6 is slim. Average (depending on which source you reference) is between 12-16. Of course a size 12 looks much different on a woman who is 5' tall compared to a 5'11” woman. A 6 on a 5' tall woman would look average.
Waist size 30 is not big by any sense of the word; most sizing charts tend to put a waist size 30 at a medium, potentially smaller if you're buying from a brand that markets to older women.
A waist size of about 32 inches or more indicates that you have an increased risk of health problems. A waist size of about 35 inches or more indicates that you have a high risk of health problems.
For your appearance, a waist circumference of anywhere from 0.4–0.5 times your height will look great, and being on the narrower side might be slightly more attractive. What matters more, though, is the ratio between your waist circumference and hip circumference (study).
Common sizing problems like gapping, loose hips, or inconsistent lengths can be frustrating, but they don't have to stand in your way. Once you get familiar with your measurements, know your shape, and figure out which brands support your build, shopping becomes less of a mystery.
The Hourglass Shape:
(Calculation example: You are an hourglass if your shoulders and hips measure 36 inches and your waist is 27 inches or smaller). Those of you with an hourglass body shape naturally have a balanced look with a defined waist.
Waist circumference prevalence
In 2022, the average waist measurement for adults was 95.1cm (99.3cm for males and 91.0cm for females). More than two in three (67.9%) adults had measured waist circumference that put them at an increased risk of disease. This has increased from six in ten (62.9%) adults in 2011–12.
Are you at risk? Male*: more than 94 cm (37 inches) is increased risk; more than 102 cm (40 inches) is substantially increased risk. Female*: more than 80 cm (31.5 inches) is increased risk; more than 88 cm (35 inches) is substantially increased risk.
US 6 - either UK 8 (Waist 26”/27" and Bust 33”/34") or UK 10 (Waist 27”/28" and Bust 35”/36") US 8 - either UK 10 (Waist 27”/28" and Bust 35”/36") or UK 12 (Waist 29”/30" and Bust 37”/38") US 10 - either UK 12 (Waist 29”/30" and Bust 37”/38") or UK 14 (Waist 31”/32" and Bust 39”/40")
A size 26 in jeans usually refers to a 26-inch waist, which typically converts to an Australian size 8, or sometimes a US size 2 or 4, depending on the brand; it's generally smaller than a size 8 in general clothing sizes (like dress/top sizes) but aligns with a smaller waist measurement. For general women's sizing, a size 8 is often a Small (S), while a size 6 is Extra Small (XS), so a size 26 (waist) is closer to a size 8 fit.
4 golden tips for finding the perfect jeans fit
On the flip side, many Gen Zers still prefer baggier silhouettes for their comfort, gender inclusivity, and laid-back feel. If you scroll through TikTok or Instagram, you'll still see memes and debates about the “skinny jean wars,” especially when comparing Millennial vs. Gen Z fashion choices.
While they may start tight, they typically loosen up with regular wear. The stretching factor is influenced by denim type, quality, wear frequency, and washing techniques. However, understanding this stretching behaviour is crucial lest you end up overstretching them.
That being said, to me, generally, for a person who is ~5'5", I would say that "slim" ends at around size 4 , and sizes 6-8 are then "average" or "standard" or whatever you want to call it. Size 10-12 would read as "curvy" to me and then sizes 14+ would probably read as plus-sized.
Women with a BMI of 25 to 29.9 are considered overweight. Women with a BMI of 30 or more have obesity.
The average waist size for American women is 35.6 inches. That means a 27-inch waist would be smaller than 95% of average women. However, it's important to remember that 3 out of 4 adult women in the US are overweight or obese.
What is a healthy waist size? This all depends on your gender and ethnicity. For a healthy measurement you need to aim to be less than: 80cm (31.5in) for all women.
Desirable waist size