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If you’re willing to give the best barrel-leg jeans a try, you might just become (or cement your place as) the coolest person you know. We understand the skepticism—our editors were also unsure about this denim trend at first—but as soon as you try them on, you’ll get it. The shape is here to stay, and you might as well embrace its leg-lengthening magic.
What are barrel jeans, exactly? These wide-leg jeans, also known as balloon or horseshoe jeans, flare at the thighs and taper at the ankles. Curved, twisted seams exaggerate and elongate the shape of the legs, lending an editorial edge that’s distinct from your average straight-leg denim. Below, Glamour editors share their favorite pairs of jeans to help you make the most of the trend.
The best barrel-leg jeans, at a glance
Best Overall: We the Free Good Luck Barrel Jeans
1/9We the Free Good Luck Barrel Jeans
“My mid-20s barista was wearing these pants, and I was immediately drawn to their baggy shape, tapered ankle, and mid-rise—qualities missing from my millennial jeans wardrobe that favors high-rise, wide-leg cuts,” says Glamour commerce editor Malia Griggs. “My friends tease me and call these my Gen-Z look, but you know, joke’s on them: These pants are so soft and comfortable, even along my waist—as if I’ve owned them for years instead of weeks. They have giant rips around the knees that add a touch of artful distress and ventilation. I’ve taken to wearing them around the house and to the coffee shop with a big T-shirt.” (You can also try a blazer, a tank top, and moto boots.) Bonus: They’re available in a huge array of washes and treatments, plus three inseam lengths.
Sizes: 24–33 in regular, short, and long / Washes: 12 options / Material: 57% cotton, 43% lyocell
Best for Beginners: Madewell Pieced Barrel-Leg Jeans
2/9Madewell Pieced Barrel-Leg Jeans
Glamour deputy editor Anna Moeslein loves these subtly tapered jeans—which just barely count as barrel—enough to write an entire review on them. “I was trying on everything and not having any luck until I put on a pair in a perfectly worn-in light wash. I didn’t realize they were barrel-leg jeans until I looked at the tag, already convinced these were It,” she writes in her Madewell barrel jeans review. “The first thing I noticed was the side panels, which (I think) add an interesting visual element and, even better, a flattering curve to my legs. The ankle length is easy to style with sneakers or heels, depending on the occasion, and gives a bit of structure to the otherwise loose jean. The waist sits comfortably just above my belly button, with a bit of room to breathe. I also like that the fit is relaxed but not too baggy.” Sold.
Sizes: 23–33 in regular, petite, and tall / Washes: 3 options / Material: 100% cotton
Best Under $100: Abercrombie & Fitch Mid-Rise Barrel Jeans
Original image by Glamour reviewer Christin Bryant wearing Abercrombie Mid Rise Barrel Jean
3/9Abercrombie & Fitch Mid-Rise Barrel Jeans
Canada-based fashion blogger Christin Bryant loves that these mid-rise jeans are on the more affordable end, despite the durable 100% cotton denim. Another plus, she says, is the three inseam options—short, regular, and long—and the strong barrel shape that’s relaxed at the waist but structured enough to make a statement. You’d be forgiven for thinking they cost double or triple their relatively modest price tag. Contrast these balloon jeans’ dark wash with a light top or white sneakers.
Sizes: 24–34 in short, regular, and long / Washes: 9 options / Material: 100% cotton
Best Stretch: Everlane Way-High Curve Jeans
4/9Everlane Way-High Curve Jeans
This curvier variation of Everlane’s best-selling Way-High jeans comes in two inseam lengths and features a generous amount of stretch, courtesy of the 2% elastane blend—a rarity in this silhouette. “I finally bit the bullet and bought this pair of barrel-leg jeans after months of back-and-forth over whether the style was something I really wanted or just a trend I was chasing,” says Glamour senior trending news and entertainment editor Sam Reed, “but these exceeded my expectations. They’re super comfy and instantly elevate any look. No regrets!”
Sizes: 23–33 in regular and long / Washes: 8 options / Material: 98% organic cotton, 2% elastane
Best Splurge: Frame Bubble Jeans
Frame’s on-trend barrel jeans cost nearly $300, yes, but they have one of the best cosigns in fashion: a stamp of approval from Glamour global editorial director Samantha Barry. “When skinny jeans ruled the scene, I steered clear of denim altogether. But these barrel-leg jeans from Frame changed everything,” she says. “Their flattering, effortlessly stylish shape has me reaching for them constantly. Whether paired with a simple white tee and ballet flats for casual cool or dressed up with a statement shirt and strappy heels, they’re pretty versatile. Plus, that pale blue wash? Simply perfect.”
Sizes: 23–34 / Washes: 5 options / Material: 100% cotton
Best High-Waist: AG Hattie High-Rise Barrel Jeans
Original image by Glamour reviewer Malia Griggs wearing AG Jeans Hattie High Rise Barrel
6/9AG Hattie High-Rise Barrel Jeans
Glamour’s Griggs is a huge fan of these nonstretch, high-rise barrel-leg jeans that are fairly lightweight, thanks to a lyocell-cotton blend. They’re snug at the waist and loose-fitting toward the bottom, and they have a double seam that runs down the outer leg, offering even more shape. Griggs says they’re especially comfortable and easy to style with just about anything, although they do tend to run a little small; if you’re between sizes, consider sizing up. Try an airy blouse and slim loafers for easy, elevated styling.
Sizes: 22–33 / Washes: 2 options / Material: 82% cotton, 18% lyocell
Best Petite: Pistola Wes High-Rise Barrel Jeans
7/9Pistola Wes High-Rise Barrel Jeans
These aren’t technically branded as petite jeans, but the 30-inch inseam creates an edgy, editorial look on shorter legs. “At five feet two, I didn’t think the barrel-leg trend was for me—until I found this petite-friendly pair from Pistola,” says Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle. “They’re not so balloon-size in shape that I feel like a cowboy. The light wash is great for the summer. And I like that they feel lived-in already, but the 100% cotton denim is still sturdy.”
Sizes: 23–33 / Washes: 5 options / Material: 100% cotton
Best Tall: Gap High-Rise Barrel Jeans
8/9Gap High-Rise Barrel Jeans
For a high-rise barrel pair that’s made well but won’t blow your budget, look to this under-$100 pick from Gap. It comes in a staggering number of washes with inclusive waist and inseam sizing, meaning you’re bound to find the exact pair you’ve been dreaming of. We especially love these for tall women, considering the longest inseam is 33.5 inches—plenty for even people above six feet tall. One Glamour reviewer says the barrel shape isn’t too exaggerated, which makes it a great pick if you want to dip your toe into the vibe.
Sizes: 24–35 in regular, tall, and petite / Washes: 23 options / Material: 100% cotton
Best Statement: Levi’s Blue Tab Barrel Jeans
9/9Levi’s Blue Tab Barrel Jeans
These Levi’s barrel jeans might be some of the priciest here, but they’re also some of the most interesting on the market. Inspired by worn-in pairs and crafted from selvage denim, they’re actually pretty easy to wear; the silhouette is on the subtler side. We love that they’re ankle-length and allow you to show off boots, heels, or high-top sneakers. One skinny-jeans-obsessed Glamour reviewer says she found these to be the perfect transition into baggy jeans because they hug the hips and waist for a slimmer shape.
Sizes: 23–32 / Washes: 1 option / Material: 100% cotton
How to style barrel-leg jeans
Styling wide-leg jeans has everything to do with proportion, according to fashion stylist and editor Audree Kate López. “My rule of thumb is the wider and baggier the pants are, the smaller and more fitted the top should theoretically be,” she says. Keep the top simple so that the focus is on the bottom of the body, and don’t be afraid to play around with proportions and silhouettes when styling this jeans trend. A cropped fall jacket that hits at the waistline or a baby tee that fits snug around your torso are perfect to pair with a barrel-leg jean style.