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You know something is good when you take it to the group chat. “Hot tip: These new Madewell barrel jeans are very good,” I wrote amid my friends’ discussion of a $6,500 Martini Olive Ring and advice on how to determine what salary requirement one should give a potential employer. “Not too exaggerated, comfortable fit.”
My review was met with both skepticism (“I am scared of barrel jeans”) and enthusiasm (“Oh cuuuute. Those def aren’t like barrel barrel.”), which didn’t surprise me. The barrel jeans trend has been a divisive one since it arrived on the scene last fall. The denim shape—also known as balloon or horseshoe jeans—flare at the thighs and taper at the ankles. To many, this curved silhouette seems too exaggerated for everyday wear. Those who jumped on board, however, say it elongates the legs and can give an otherwise stale outfit some much-needed edge.
I’ve been solidly in the former camp. At their most extreme, to me, the pants make the wearer look like the villain in an old-timey Western or like they’re going for a sort-of “clown off-duty” vibe. There are absolutely stylish people who can pull that off in a chic, exciting way. I am not one of them. I’m also frugal to a fault, meaning I actively try to avoid buying a new trend lest I get stuck with something that’ll be considered outdated within a month’s time. All of this meant I was the least likely person to be purchasing a pair.
But then I found myself needing new jeans after giving birth to twins. (Nothing changes your body shape quite as much as suddenly losing 12-plus pounds, not to mention the hormonal roller coaster that follows.) I hadn’t needed to shop for a pair in years, and the process felt a bit jarring and disorienting now that denim shapes have changed so much in recent months. I always knew I liked a high-waist and a straight leg. Now the dominant styles are all wide-leg, low-rise, or barrel. Clearly, these are not passing fads and are here to stay for a while. So what would my new denim identity be?
It’s a shock even to myself to say I’m a barrel girl, apparently. I was trying on everything and not having any luck until I put on a pair in a perfectly worn-in light wash: Madewell’s Pieced Barrel-Leg Jeans, specifically. I didn’t realize they were barrel-leg jeans until I looked at the tag, already convinced these were It.
My honest review of Madewell’s Pieced Barrel Jeans
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.
Best of all, the “barrel” element is super subtle.
I’ve received several compliments while wearing these out and am usually met with surprise when I say they’re technically barrel-leg jeans. It’s convinced me that these are the perfect gateway barrels—a way for somebody to gently test out the trend and modernize their denim lineup without going too wild.
Really, the only question I have left is: Should I get the black or the white wash next?
