Barrel Jeans Are the Most Divisive Denim Trend of the Year—Here’s How to Nail the Look

In case you missed the memo, relaxed-style pants are currently dominating the style scape. You’ve got wide leg jeans, parachute pants, boyfriend jeans, and bell bottoms, all of which embrace a loose fit. Barrel jeans fall into this camp, as well, and this bold silhouette is currently rising in popularity. So what are barrel jeans, how are they different from other relaxed styles, and what’s the best way to style them? Scroll for answers.

What Are Barrel Jeans?

Also known as balloon jeans, barrel jeans are fitted in the waist, tapered at the base, and have a bow-like relaxed fit from hips through ankles. They get their name because of their barrel-like silhouette. 

“Legends have said they are an inspiration from 1920s French workwear, or quite possibly jodhpurs which are primarily used for horse riding. I think they are closer to the latter,” says Jennifer Johnson, stylist and founder of True Fashionistas.

She adds that there’s not anything else quite like them. They’re different from wide leg jeans because those aren’t tapered at the bottom, and they’re definitely not the same as flared jeans which are fitted through the thigh and flared at the ankles. 

Where to Wear Barrel Jeans

Barrel jeans are a casual pant, meaning they’re best for low key settings versus semi-formal or formal ones. Still, they’re pretty versatile.

“There are many times and occasions you can rock these,” says celebrity stylist Nina Vargas. “Barrel jeans are the cool kid at the smart-casual party. Though they’re too relaxed for the office—unless you're a fashion maven—they can elevate your weekend brunch game or street style for sure.”

Along with brunch, you can wear them to cocktail hour or date night, while running errands about town, or even on a travel adventure where you can show off your fit in front of a cool backdrop. 

How to Style Barrel Jeans 

Many people are scared to even try on a pair of barrel jeans, but don’t write them off so fast. You might just be surprised at how good they look, Johnson says, adding that they’re flattering for those with pear, hourglass, slim, and curvy figures.

With their bowed silhouette, figuring out how to style barrel jeans can feel a little tricky. Use these tips to help plan your outfit.  

• Pair With a Fitted Top: “When rocking barrel jeans, I suggest you pair them with a fitted top to balance the volume,” Vargas suggests. This can be anything from a baby tee to a crop top to a nice blouse.
• Try a Body Suit: As an alternative to a top, Johnson recommends wearing barrel jeans with a figure-hugging bodysuit.
• Add a Blazer: Want to wear barrel jeans to the office? “Pair a tighter fitting tee with a fitted blazer and either heels or awesome fashion sneakers and you are going to look fashion forward,” Johnson says.
• Pick a Great Shoe: Thanks to their tapered fit at the ankle, barrel jeans are perfect for showing off a pair of statement shoes, says Vargas. For an extra casual look try sleek Sambas or chunky sneakers, or dress things up with a heeled sandal or pump.
• Avoid Over-Accessorizing: Barrel pants garner a lot of attention, essentially serving as a statement in and of themselves. That said, Vargas says to avoid the temptation to over accessorize. “Let the jeans steal the spotlight—and they will,” she says.