Fashion trends come, go, and then resurface — especially when it comes to jeans. The once-dominant skinny-jean silhouette has taken a back seat, while nostalgic 1990s-style loose-fitting jeans are having a moment that doesn’t seem to be dying down anytime soon. And speaking of jeans with a roomier fit, there’s one newer silhouette that looks like it’s here to stay: barrel jeans. These jeans feature a high waist and — like the name suggests — exaggerated barrel-like wide legs that finish with a tapered hem.
How to Style Barrel Jeans
With their unique design, it can be difficult to figure out how to wear these jeans, which is why we asked actual stylists for their best tips on how to sport them in a flattering way. Tamra Byrd, a Dallas-based fashion stylist, told HuffPost over email that the key to styling barrel-leg jeans is to focus on your proportions. “Since barrel jeans are wider through the thigh and crop at the ankle, you should try a top option that is more fitted or closer to the body,” she said.
Byrd suggested pairing barrel jeans with a bodysuit, crop top or a slightly oversized top or jacket. “When choosing a crop top or jacket, make sure it stops either at the waistline or slightly above the waistline of the jeans,” she said.
If you’ve been watching this stylish jean trend from afar and are now ready to finally take part, we asked Byrd and other stylists for their favorite pairs below, plus added a few cute ones we found ourselves to refresh your wardrobe.
Top Picks for Barrel Jeans
Banana Republic Mid-Rise Utility Jean
Byrd previously recommended a now-discontinued style from Banana Republic, but these utility-style barrel jeans are very similar, featuring fun patchwork detailing down the front, a mid-rise fit and ankle-length hem. Shop these in a denim wash or cream and sizes 24-35 in both tall and regular inseams. $95 at Banana Republic (regularly $120).
Quince Stretch Barrel Jeans
We appreciate Quince for promising on-trend and high-end goods at prices that won't break the bank. The brand's stylish Bella barrel jeans are a top seller and are made with a denim that has a touch of stretch and a waist-hugging design. Shop them in four washes and sizes 24-33. $50 at Quince.
Levi's Cinch Barrel Jeans
This pair of Levi's comes at the recommendation of Aisya Washington, a New York City-based fashion stylist who echoed Byrd's suggestion of pairing barrel leg jeans with bodysuits and crop tops. "Go toward more of a chic, tailored look to complement the cool silhouette the jeans give. They are definitely statement jeans, so you want to think about the jeans first and then how you want to style them," she told us over email. These barrel jeans from Levi's feature an ankle length and emphasized curved leg. They come in women's sizes 23-32, three inseams and in six washes. $54+ at Amazon, $75 at Target, $85 at Levi's.
Gap Curvy High-Rise Barrel Jeans
The great thing about Gap jeans is the variety of styles that include regular, petite and tall sizing, complete with different inseam length options. And this pair of barrel-leg jeans is no different. Featuring a high-rise length, these roomy jeans with a curvy fit pair perfectly with your favorite pair of spring sandals or sneakers. They come in women's sizes 24-35. $90 at Gap.
Stretchy Mid-Rise Barrel Jeans from Amazon
These affordable barrel jeans are made with a micro-stretch denim and have a slouchy, relaxed fit. You can shop them in 10 colors, including a faded leopard print and an all-black wash, and sizes XS-2XL. $37 at Amazon.
Everlane Utility Barrel Pant
Though not technically jeans, we couldn't resist including these utility barrel pants from Everlane that come in 11 colors, including black, navy, rust and cream. Made with lightweight cotton twill, these pants offer a high-rise fit, curved leg and cropped hem. They come in women's sizes 000-16 with tall lengths available. $118 at Everlane.
H&M High-Waist Barrel Jeans
As intimidating as barrel jeans may seem as a style, H&M made this pair incredibly accessible, flattering, yet current and stylish. With a high waist and close-fitting backside, these jeans have a curved, voluminous thigh before tapering off below the knee. They are made with a stiff cotton denim that softens with wear, come in up to two washes and are available in sizes 0-18. This same barrel style jean also comes in a regular waist. $50 at H&M.
Target Classic High-Rise Barrel Jeans
These wallet-friendly barrel pants from Target are made with a recycled, no-stretch denim and have a high-rise waist with a cropped hemline. Available in this white and light denim wash, you can shop them in three lengths and sizes 0-30. $38 at Target.
Frame's The Candle High-Waisted Barrel Jeans
New York City-based fashion stylist and image consultant Nyasia Rudolph is a fan of Frame's barrel-leg jeans and says they are currently on her wishlist. When styling barrel-leg jeans with tops and shoes, she said balance is the most important factor. "If the leg is wide, we want to make sure the top is more fitted to balance the eye. The great thing about this trend is these jeans can be worn a number of different ways, so it's all about which shoe goes with what look for the day," she told us over email. At full price, Frame jeans can be pretty expensive, but we found this pair at a deep discount at Nordstrom Rack. The Candle style is high-waisted, with a more subtle barrel profile compared to some of Frame's other styles. They come in two washes (both on sale) and sizes 24-31, depending on the wash. $100+ at Nordstrom Rack (regularly $258).
Frame's The Bubble Cuffed Jeans
Because you can never have too many jeans, and Frame's barrel leg jeans were deemed as among the best you can get by both Rudolph and Washington, we included an additional pair for you to check out, but this time, with a bit more of an exaggerated barrel silhouette and a cool cuffed hem. Made from non-stretch regenerative cotton denim, you can shop these in sizes 25-31. $224 at Nordstrom (regularly $298).
Gap Low-Rise Barrel Jeans
These low-slung and ultra-comfortable barrel jeans from the Gap are full-length, but with an easily cuffable hem. Made with an ultra-soft non-stretch denim, they come in several washes, including this railroad stripe pair, and sizes 24-35 in multiple fits and inseams. $90 at Gap.
