11 Best Barrel-Leg Jeans Will Breathe New Life Into Your Denim Rotation
We get that you might not be sold on wide-leg bottoms—yet. But 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 were skeptical about this controversial denim trend, too, but as soon as Glamour editors tried on the sculptural bottoms, it became clear that this is no passing fad—this shape is here to stay, and you might as well embrace the leg-lengthening magic. (It doesn’t hurt that Katie Holmes and Julianne Moore have stepped out in the silhouette this year.)
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 completely distinct from your average straight-leg jeans. That shape is the reason there’s virtually no middle ground when it comes to this trend—it inspires visceral reactions.
This is shaping up to be the year of love-’em-or-hate-’em pants trends, what with the rise of boxer shorts and the return of low-rise denim. If you give the best barrel-leg jeans a chance, though, you might find that they really do live up to the hype. Below, style editors share their favorite pairs, plus the options that are currently living rent-free in our heads.
The best barrel-leg jeans, at a glance
- Best Overall: We the Free Good Luck Mid-Rise Barrel Jeans, $98
- Best Size-Inclusive: Pilcro Heritage Curve Mid-Rise Barrel Jeans, $148
- Best Stretch: Everlane Way-High Curve Jeans, $128
- Best Full-Length: Agolde Balloon Jeans, $248
- Best Statement: Lioness Horseshoe Jeans, $89
- Best Tapered: Frame Long Barrel Jeans, $278
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Best Overall: We the Free Good Luck Mid-Rise Barrel Jeans
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Courtesy of brand1/11We the Free Good Luck Mid-Rise Barrel Jeans
“My mid-20s barista was wearing these pants and I was immediately drawn to their baggy shape, tapered ankle, and mid-rise—jeans qualities missing from my millennial 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.” Bonus: They’re available in a huge array of shades and three inseams.
Sizes: 24–33 / Washes: 15 options / Material: 57% cotton, 43% Lyocell
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Best Size-Inclusive: Pilcro Heritage Curve Mid-Rise Barrel Jeans
Courtesy of brand2/11Pilcro Heritage Curve Mid-Rise Barrel Jeans
This gem from Anthropologie’s in-house denim line is technically a pair of mid-rise jeans, but it sits just low enough to satisfy both barrel and low-slung trends at once. Unlike many other pairs, it’s genuinely size-inclusive, featuring a full plus-size range and three inseam options. (There’s also a tiny bit of elastane in the mix for more comfortable wear.) Style yours with a tank top, a button-down, and slim loafers for a model-off-duty look.
Sizes: 23–34 in standard, 16–26 in plus / Washes: 2 options / Material: 99% cotton, 1% elastane
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Best Stretch: Everlane Way-High Curve Jean
Courtesy of brand3/11Everlane Way-High Curve Jean
This curvier variation of Everlane’s best-selling Way-High jeans comes in two inseams and features a generous amount of stretch—a rarity in the barrel 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 Sam Reed, Glamour’s senior trending news editor. “These exceeded my expectations. They’re super comfy and instantly elevate any look. No regrets!”
Sizes: 23–33 / Washes: 6 options / Material: 98% organic cotton, 2% elastane
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Best Full-Length: Agolde Balloon Jeans
Courtesy of brand4/11Agolde Balloon Jeans
Featuring a relatively long 28-inch inseam, these high-rise barrel jeans are ideal for tall women. Style them as you would any other pair of wide-leg pants; we’d love to see them with a baby tee, slingback heels, and skinny sunglasses for a dressy brunch moment.
Sizes: 23–34 / Washes: 1 option / Material: 100% cotton
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Best Oversized: Zara TRF Mid-Waist Baggy Balloon Jeans
Courtesy of brand5/11Zara TRF Mid-Waist Baggy Balloon Jeans
Based on the number of A-listers who’ve been spotted in baggy jeans in recent weeks—Dakota Johnson and Jennifer Lopez among them—the ultraloose silhouette is here to stay. This particularly spacious pair of mid-rise barrel-leg jeans is just a touch more structured than other pairs, keeping things both comfy and chic.
Sizes: 25–32 / Washes: 5 options / Material: 100% cotton
Best Tapered: Frame Long Barrel Jeans
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Courtesy of brand6/11Frame Long Barrel Jeans
First-timers, rejoice: At first glance these barrel jeans look like any other pair of wide-leg denim. The relatively svelte silhouette lends itself to plenty of cute outfit ideas; we suggest a tank and slim sneakers for a music festival or a blouse and mesh ballet flats for the office.
Sizes: 23–34 / Washes: 3 options / Material: 100% cotton
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Best White: Citizens of Humanity Horseshoe Jeans
Courtesy of brand7/11Citizens of Humanity Horseshoe Jeans
White jeans always look good, no matter the time of year, but they’re having a big moment in 2024. This cutoff pair bears a striking resemblance to sailor jeans—there’s just a bit more curve—making it an easy way to get into the trend if you’re still on the fence. Finish your look with other neutrals, like a white T-shirt or a butter-yellow cardigan.
Sizes: 23–34 / Washes: 1 option / Material: 100% cotton
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Best Light-Wash: Mother Half-Pipe Flood Jeans
Courtesy of brand8/11Mother Half-Pipe Flood Jeans
Give your usual high-waist pants a break and go a little more unexpected with these vintage-inspired beauties from Los Angeles-based brand Mother. Paired with a loose blazer and ballet flats, it’s the kind of outfit that works for just about any occasion.
Sizes: 23–34 / Washes: 1 option / Material: 100% cotton
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Best Dark-Wash: Levi’s Barrel Jeans
Courtesy of brand9/11Levi’s Barrel Jeans
Inspired by the way some vintage Levi’s collectors like their oversized finds to fit, this premium pair of jeans is designed to age beautifully. The dark indigo wash will fade with years of wear, only getting better with time. We also love that the barrel shape isn’t especially exaggerated; it’s one of the most low-key ways to give the trend a try.
Sizes: 23–32 / Washes: 1 option / Material: 100% cotton
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Best Statement: Lioness Horseshoe Jeans
Courtesy of brand10/11Lioness Horseshoe Jeans
The point of barrel-leg denim isn’t to blend in—so lean into your “extra” side with these baggy jeans. There are three colors available, including a light wash and an animal print, but we love the two-tone option most. Keep the rest of your styling on the minimal side, opting for a slim top and leather flats or white sneakers; these pants do all the talking.
Sizes: XXS–XXL / Washes: 3 options / Material: 95% cotton, 5% polyester
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Best Designer: Jacquemus Le de-Nîmes Ovalo Jeans
Courtesy of brand11/11Jacquemus Le de-Nîmes Ovalo Jeans
If you’re ready to fully invest in the trend, try these high-rise barrel jeans from beloved French brand Jacquemus. The rigid dark blue denim keeps the piece’s sculptural form afloat, making you look like the subject of an Yves Klein painting. We suspect you’ll get many, many years of wear out of these showstoppers.
Sizes: 23–32 / Washes: 1 option / Material: 100% cotton
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