For years now, the wide leg jeans have been reigning supreme. Sure, we’ve seen different iterations of the style, mid-rise, baggy, and low-waisted, but the fit is almost always perfect every. Single. Time. They’ve well and truly earned their wardrobe staple status. And while we’re not quite ready for the comeback of skinny jeans (thanks, Alix Earle), we are keen to try our hand at styling the controversial revived take on the mom jeans, barrel-leg jeans.
Ever since Alaïa’s creative director Pieter Mulier sent a pair trotting down the AW24 runway last year, the trend has filtered down to TikTok try-on hauls with brands like Free People, Frame, Rollas, and Agolde dropping pairs in every wash just in time for Australian winter.
“The barrel jean trend has emerged out of the tapered leg trend,” explains Sarah Gilsenan, Rolla’s Head of Women’s Design and Creative. “Hems have been tapering on the catwalks for a few seasons now, with the saroul leg silhouette making an appearance from a number of brands such as Alaia and Chloe in soft, drapey fabrications.”
“For many years, it’s been about rise or leg width, but this is quite a different shape that is actually wearable — it’s this freshness combined with wearability that makes for success.”
While the balloon style isn’t for everyone, it’s an easy way to shake up your denim wardrobe after being semi-stagnant for a few seasons. “I think it’s trending as it’s the first time we have seen a really ‘new’ silhouette in denim for a while,” says Sarah.
Sarah explains the appeal of a new trend like this is that it effortlessly updates your existing go-to outfits. “The newness of the shape makes your trusty staples, like an ankle boot or a loose t-shirt, feel new again.”
So, how would you style barrel jeans? Well, according to Sarah, the barrel jean works well sized up or down (for a high or low-waisted look). “It’s more important to go with what feels right — you wear the jeans, don’t let the jeans wear you!”
The wider, shorter cut lets your shoes have a moment, so play with your styling choices — boots, ballet flats, sneakers, loafers, slides, pops of colour.
Up top, you can stay true to your own style and the occasion and experiment with different crops, textured fabrics, and layers to help add some dimension and play to your overall look.
As things start to cool down, we’ve decided it was probably time to embrace the trend by tracking down the perfect pairs.
The Best Barrel Leg Jeans In Australia
Celebrities like Hailey Bieber, Jennifer Lopez, Katie Holmes, Julianne Moore, Elsa Hosk, Bella Hadid and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley have recently been spotted embracing the barrel-leg jeans.
Rollas Gigi Barrel Jean
Rolla’s Gigi Barrel is a super high rise jean with a sculptural leg silhouette. These particular jeans can be worn sized up for a looser fit or true to size for a slim/relaxed look.
Size range: Five to 16.
Available washes: Vintage white, various blues, black, and red corduroy.
Image: Rollas.
Free People x We The Free Good Luck Mid Rise Barrel
The Free People Barrel Jean went viral on TikTok after the style debuted at the end of last year. Everyone was filming try-on hauls and styling videos featuring the controversial style. We love to see it.
Size range: 24 to 33.
Available washes: Ultra light beam and barnyard blue.
Image: Free People.
Assembly Label High Rise Barrel Jeans
Assembly Label’s High Rise Barrel Jeans are a trusty relaxed silhouette that’ll form 50 per cent of your ‘jeans and a nice top’ combo.
Size range: 23 to 34.
Available washes: Indigo fade and light grey.
Image: The Iconic.
Alpha60 Penny Jean
These are the barrel leg jeans that got me on board the trend. I’ve hardly taken them off ever since I bought them (partially because of the compliments I’m showered in whenever I wear them). I look at all my other jeans in dismay now, because none of them are as interesting as these.
Size range: XXS to XL.
Available washes: Indigo and black wash.
Image: @hawleydunbar.
Good American Good Barrel Jean
With a high-rise waistline and relaxed legs that curve and taper at the ankles, these Good American statement jeans blend comfort and style seamlessly.
Size range: 00 to 18.
Available washes: Indigo and black.
Image: Good American.
Levi’s Women’s Baggy Dad Barrel Jeans
If you don’t like the slightly cropped tapered look that a lot of barrel leg jeans offer, you might be more inclined to give these Levi’s a go.
Size range: 23 to 34.
Available washes: Blue, brown and washed black.
Image: Levi’s.
Agolde Low Curve Jean
The Agolde Low Curve are mid-rise, relaxed-fit jeans with a super subtle barrel leg, perfect for if you want to dip your toes into the trend without going all out.
Size range: 23 to 34.
Available washes: White, various blue wash, black.
Target Barrel Leg Denim Jeans
Target offers some great affordable barrel leg jean options. These come in three different colours, and would look cute paired with a blouse or cardigan this spring.
Sizr range: Four to 20.
Available washes: Blue, brown and black.
Image: Target.
Not interested in the barrel jean trend? You can find our other jeans recommendations here.
Image credit: Rollas / Elsa Hosk / Free People
The post 8 Pairs Of Barrel Leg Jeans Worth Shopping If You’re Keen To Try The Viral Denim Trend appeared first on PEDESTRIAN.TV .
