Inge, I don't know about CoH specifically, but I don't usually have to size up in skinnies. The ones I have and have had in the past are a slim fit, and definitely tighter than my other jeans, but it seems like the way they are meant to fit is already taken into account before the size is tagged. They will obviously feel tighter than your bootcuts or straight legs, but that is just how they are. Otherwise you'd end up with baggy skinnies, which defeats the purpose.

One of my friends just can't stand skinnies, whether they fit or not, because she just hates the feeling of the fabric clinging to every inch of her legs. If you're concerned, I would just head out to an H&M and try on their skinnies (the SQIN fit) and see what you think. The CoH jeans will probably be way more soft and comfortable since they are premium, but you'll at least have some idea.

I wouldn't size up ... I have COH in a slim straight leg and they fit similarly except they don't taper at the ankle and I was able to wear my regular size. My jeans are very soft and comfortable, and they do give a bit over the course of the day.

I don't know about CoH but in general there is no reason to size up just because they are skinnies. Every brand's sizing is differently, of course, but if you know your size in a different style of that same brand, then I'd start with that size for the skinnies. Good luck, this is exciting!

I believe Avedon is their only skinny style, but within the Avedon line there are some variations (Avedon stovepipe, with 13" opening, Avedon Skinny with 11" opening, Twiggy Avedon Skinny with 12" opening, Avedon Slick Skinny with 10" opening etc.). So you might want to try the ones with a wider opening (also check the width of the knee break) if you are worried about tightness.

Fit depends on the style and wash. According to Revolve, the skinny and stovepipe versions run 1/2 to 1 size larger than other CoH jeans, depending on wash.

So bottom line -- you need to try on different styles and washes and sizes to get the best fit! Kind of a pain if you mail order, so a place with free shipping and returns is great.

Thanks for all the helpful replies ladies!

As it happens I had the opportunity to try on a few pairs today. I'll still be ordering them online however: one pair costs more than $400 here. Appalling! Unfortunately I haven't found a company yet that offers free shipping and returns to Belgium, Cathy;-)

Anyway, good thing I tried them on. I must have a very peculiar shape because I had to go up 2 (!) sizes in the Avedons. I couldn't even get them past my hips in my regular COH size...
I'm not very fond of the low rise (for me) and I wasn't sure they looked as flattering in the back as my Ambers. So not sure if I should get them (I didn't wear boots though, I'm thinking the look will be different then?)

While I was there I also tried on the Ava and Elson straight-legged jeans.
The Ava's are very low rise, but I liked the Elsons (looked better than the Avedons in my opinion).
I'm considering getting the Elsons just to tuck into boots, but am still worried that the excess fabric (they are supposed to scrunch a bit at the ankles, so more fabric there;-) will get in the way.

Any advice?

The only boots I can tuck the Elson's into are scrunchy boots, which give you extra width. I have to tuck the jeans first into my socks to get it to work. It's not the best look.

I don't remember which I tried on now (it was months and months ago), it began with an A so might have been the Avedon... they came in two different rises, a low rise and one more similar to the Ambers: 8.5.

Sorry :0(. Can't help you out more than what's been suggested. But for the most part, COH runs true to size. I wouldn't size up or down.

Inge, I have the Elsons - in my mind they are *almost* skinnies. I wear them interchangeably with other skinny jeans, anyway; they tuck into any of my boots with no problem.