I Just Tried On So Many Barrel-Leg Jeans—These 4 Stood Out

January 31, 2025

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I Just Tried On So Many Barrel-Leg Jeans—These 4 Stood Out

We’re almost a month into the new year and one thing is clear—barrel-leg is the silhouette of the season. Whether you’re exploring new-in denim or bolstering your tailored trouser collection, this cut is making waves for 2025, and February hasn’t even begun.

But what is a barrel-leg cut? This looser style, also known as balloon-leg and horseshoe, can be distinguished from other silhouettes by a fitted waist which leads into a voluminous leg that finally tapers at the ankle. The style tends to come in mid or high-rise options, with variations on how dramatic the voluminous shape can be.

As a more discerning fashion editor, I like to put trending items to the test, especially when it comes to denim. For one, denim is a significant part of my wardrobe and is worn so frequently that I can easily identify the styles that will work hard in our wardrobes, and those that won’t. Secondly, it’s widely agreed that trying on jeans can be one of the worst ways to spend an afternoon. If you’re going in blind without advice or recommendation, you can be left squeezing into ill-fitting styles that do anything but spark joy.

To alleviate any dressing room drama, I took it upon myself to hit the high street in search of the best barrel-leg jeans around and found 4 pairs that now come with editor approval. Scroll on to explore, and find guidance on the rise, fit, shade options and sizing below.

The Abercrombie & Fitch Mid-Rise Barrel Jeans

(Image credit: @florriealexander)

Style Notes: In recent years, Abercrombie & Fitch is a brand I’ve frequently turned to for excellent denim offerings. With a range of lengths, sizes and curve offerings, the brand lets us tailor each pair in so many ways that I’ve been able to add longstanding favourites to my collection. Naturally, I wanted to see how it faired with a bold silhouette. Once again, I’m highly impressed.

The Mid Rise Barrel Jeans are already a bestseller for the brand, and it comes as no surprise to me. Here, I’m wearing my normal size 28 in the regular length. Though I’m on the petite side at 5’2″, I’ve found that I prefer an ankle-skimming length for barrel leg jeans. Another aspect I’m really fond of is the seam detailing that runs down the side, further accentuating the unique silhouette of this cut.

Shop the Abercrombie Mid-Rise Barrel Jeans:

Abercrombie & Fitch

Mid Rise Barrel Leg Jeans

Abercrombie & Fitch

Mid Rise Barrel Jean

Abercrombie & Fitch

Mid Rise Barrel Jean

The Free People We The Free Good Luck Barrel Jeans

Woman wears white t-shirt and black barrel-leg jeans

(Image credit: @florriealexander)

Style Notes: One of the greatest assets I have is access to a seriously chic group of women—also known as my fellow editors. Free People’s Good Luck jeans came up in conversation as a pair I simply had to try, as these have already joined the wardrobes of a few of our team. If you really want to embrace a bold silhouette, this is the pair for you.