We get that you might not be sold on —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 , too, but as soon as 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 and have stepped out in the silhouette this year.) What are barrel jeans, exactly? These , 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 .
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-it-or-hate-it , what with the rise of and the return of . 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. All products featured on are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Free People “My mid-20s barista was wearing these pants and I was immediately drawn to their baggy shape, tapered.
