These are not like the leggings-tight skinny jeans that have become popular in the last couple of years, but they ARE like the original skinny jeans from several years ago.  The ankle diameter is about 6 inches across.  To me, skinny means the jeans skim your shape closely, but do not cling tight to it.  I'm happy I do not have to take these in to the tailor to fix the fit.  Also, in case it's important to you, these are a very narrow wale thin corderoy that resembles velveteen at first glance.