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We're shopping the best barrel jeans for an instant wardrobe update
Meet your new fave denim
Not quite ready to welcome the return of skinny jeans? Us too, so let us introduce you to the denim style you need to know about right now. Meet: The Barrel Jean. (Also known as carrot, balloon and tapered leg jeans, in case you don't know what we're on about here.)
A fave with celebs, models and influencers alike, barrel jeans first caught our eye at the Alaïa A/W 2023 runway show and we've been obsessed ever since. And, we're not the only ones. We've spotted everyone from Blake Lively and Rosie HW to Gigi Hadid and sister Bella Hadid embracing the baggy, relaxed jeans – and who doesn't want to look like an off-duty model?!
We know that finding the best jeans for you is no easy task, and with so many straight leg, wide leg and skinny styles around RN, it's easy to fall into the habit of staying in your comfort zone and picking up what you've always worn. But, the beauty of barrel jeans is they are a mix of all our favourite styles. It's like if straight-leg jeans and mom jeans had a love affair. What's more, they come in a variety of rises – high rise, mid-waist or low rise – some are super baggy and relaxed, while others feature a subtly tapered leg for a touch of drama.
You guessed it, we're officially entering our barrel jean era. Not only do they give effortlessly cool vibes but they are so comfy, mega practical and there's a style and shape to suit everyone, whether you wear them for casual Fridays at the office, to dinner with friends or running errands à la Gigi. You really can't go wrong with a barrel jean, and best of all they look ace paired with just about anything – white trainers, ballet flats, loafers, sandals, the list goes on...
High waisted? Check. Mid-wash blue denim? Check. Tapered fit? Check. These River Island barrel jeans are the throw-on-and-go denim we've been dreaming of.
Love a baggy jean? This one's for you. From ASOS, the Extreme Barrel Jean is super relaxed with a mid-rise waist. You could easily lounge around the house in these all day if you're that so way inclined...
For a more relaxed style, you can’t go wrong with Albaray’s boyfriend jeans. Loose-fitting with a tapered leg and cut in a light wash denim, it's a yes from us.
FP’s We The Free has mastered the lived-in look and these barrel leg jeans are no exception. Available in a mega impressive 16 washes, they're a best seller for good reason and tick all our boxes. Mid-rise, super slouchy, wide-legs in a relaxed fit, complete with subtle distressed detailing.
& Other Stories cropped barrel style features a mid-rise waist, loose-fitting leg, and look super cute paired with ballet flats. One for your workwear wardrobe?
The Sydney denim from the ASOS premium range is a worthy investment for everyday wear. A little baggier and more relaxed than the other barrel jeans in our edit, this style features a high rise waist, belt hoops and five pockets. Available in black, ecru, grey and bleach blue.
From Abercrombie's Curve Love range, these high rise denim have a little more room around the hip and the thigh with a classic tapered, barrel-leg shape. What's more, they are available in four denim washes. We'll take one of each, pls!
If your office has a more casual vibe, you can't go wrong with COS' signature Arch jeans. Easily taking you from work-to-weekend, pair with a classic button-down shirt and flats for office days, and swap in a slogan tee and trainers when you clock off.
This ASOS Design take on barrel jeans is totally timeless (and incredibly pocket-friendly too!) Loose-fitting with a relaxed silhouette and tailoring details, they will for sure become your new staple.
Created for the 501 girlies who want something a little more oversized and baggy, Levi’s barrel jeans offer the same flattering fit with a looser and curvier silhouette. We love!
Bershka is really nailing denim right now, and we love its take on the barrel style. The low-rise, tapered leg light blue denim is ideal for summer, but it’s also available in an ecru hue if that’s more your vibe.
We love swapping out dark denim for a lighter wash in the summer months, and H&M’s pale blue jeans are perfect for doing just that. At under £40 they are also a total barg, too. Extra style points when you pair them with this season's mesh ballet flats.
Ganni's barrel jeans are a little pricer, but worth the investment if you've got the cash. Fitted at the waist with a relaxed and curved-leg silhouette, they are the perfect barrel jean. Keep it classic with the dark blue wash, or make a proper statement with the lilac foil pair. Iconic.
If you’re not quite ready to embrace the ultra baggy barrel leg just yet, try Mint Velvet’s style on for size. Available in light blue and ecru, these jeans have a soft and subtle tapered effect and look so good paired with sandals or trainers.
Ciara McGinley is a freelance journalist, editor and mindfulness meditation practitioner. She covers health, wellbeing and lifestyle topics for her favourite women's lifestyle publications. She's all about betting that mind-body connection, and takes her self-care and night-time routine very seriously... When she's not writing or teaching meditation, you'll find her trying out the latest wellness trend, escaping London for a hiking weekend or eyeing up pieces for her capsule wardrobe.
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