The best barrel leg jeans and how to style them

If you haven't already invested in a pair of barrel leg jeans, what are you waiting for? This curved hem style has become the denim break out style star in every fashion insider's wardrobe and it's set to continue in popularity for 2025, thanks to its flattering shape.

Swap out your skinnies and say goodbye to your boyfriend jeans because this style will transform even the simplest of outfits. Cast aside any worries that they might not the best jeans for your body type - with a nipped in waist and generous leg room, barrel leg jeans work on all silhouettes, and their loose cut makes them some of the most comfortable jeans out there.

For the second year, barrel leg jeans are set to be one of the key spring/summer fashion trends. From gently rounded hems to pairs with additional darting at the knees to create an emphasised shape, there is a pair out there for every taste. The curved hem paired with a nipped in waist helps to create the illusion of slim legs underneath, plus they can be a great alternative to the best wide leg jeans.

What are barrel leg jeans?

Barrel Leg jeans, or Horseshoe jeans as they're sometimes known, have a unique and flattering shape. The style typically sits high on the waist before flaring out to a wide leg from the upper or mid-thigh, only to taper at the ankle again – creating the exaggerated curve on the outer leg from which barrel jeans derive their name. It may sound daunting but trust me when I say that barrel leg jeans are set to become your best jeans this season.

They're particularly flattering for those with pear or hourglass body shapes as the looser trouser fit skims thighs, creating a slimming look. Cropped barrel jeans also highlight ankles, drawing the eye to the narrowest point of your leg so are flattering if you're petite.

Best barrel leg jeans to buy now

Whether your budget allows you to splurge on designer denim or you're more into the best Zara jeans, the good news is that there's a cool pair of barrel leg jeans out there for you. We've rounded up six of our favourite styles with options for every wallet - you'll even find styles in the best jeans on Amazon!

4 different ways I'm styling barrel leg jeans

If you’re wondering how to style jeans, Deputy Fashion Editor Charlie Bell says: "In the baggy versus skinny debate, barrel leg jeans are the perfect compromise. They have the nonchalance of the boyfriend cut but with a more elegant tapered leg that makes them easy to dress up with heels to create a cool high-low look. For a flattering fit, look for ones that sit high on the waist and a darker wash to keep them feeling polished.”

The key to mastering how to style barrel leg jeans is finding balance in your silhouette. With the loose shape of the lower half, it’s important to avoid anything oversized on your upper body as this will swamp your frame, making you appear larger than you are. Instead, aim for a more fitted look for the upper part of your outfit, particularly paying attention to tucking in tops to highlight the waist to create a narrow point that highlights your slimmest point. Items such as bodysuits, form-fitting jersey, and slimline t-shirts are ideal for this, helping you achieve a streamlined silhouette that complements the curve of the barrel leg jeans.

Brilliantly, this jean shape works for all body types. If you’re naturally slim, the exaggerated cut will add curves to a straight up and down silhouette; while if you’re pear-shaped or have an hourglass figure, barrel leg jeans are one of the best jeans for curvy women as the loose cut through the leg will skim thighs whilst the narrow, high waist will draw attention upwards.

“Barrel leg jeans can be a little intimidating at first, but this shape has a universal appeal and suits all body types. The narrow waist and tapered leg is flattering on curves but equally can add volume and proportion to athletic figures,” says Heajun Park, Womenswear Design Director EMEA at 7 For All Mankind.

How to style Barrel Leg jeans for work

Just like every denim style, there are nuances to consider from just how curved you’re willing to go to where on your leg your jeans finish. From cute crops that show off your shoes to longer styles that curve in just above for a more louche, relaxed take on this trend, there’s a style to suit everyone. If you’re looking for the best petite jeans, a shorter length that finishes just above the ankle is the most flattering, while those of a statuesque height can pull off floor-sweeping styles with aplomb.

As office dress codes have relaxed, more and more of us are choosing to wear jeans to work. While many might reach for the straight-leg jeans that can pass as regular trousers in a dark wash, barrel leg jeans are just as easy to style for a day at your desk. To keep your outfit looking professional, look for a pair with a more muted curve with smart, finished hems with minimal or no fraying. A chic Breton top, low heels and blazer are a failsafe combination that will make you feel pulled together. Katie Holmes recently styled barrel jeans with a pretty floral blouse and kitten heels, showing just how easy it is to dress this denim style up.

Kelly Harrington, founder of trademarkblue.com, offers this advice when shopping for the perfect pair of barrel leg jeans and how to style them for the office:

“These jeans exude refined cool, they look great fashioned with a smart blazer and heels for the office and equally fun for a night out paired with a strappy top and stilettos. Seek soft, 100% cotton or - better yet - recycled cotton fabrics with stretch. A cropped length flatters most heights, but focus on the waist fit. Tucked shirts and tops will highlight that leg-lengthening waistline.”

Jacket proportions are key here – while oversized blazers are still on-trend, they need careful styling as a double hit of voluminous fabric can leave you looking swamped, particularly if you err on the petite side of life.

Instead, why not opt for a classic fitted design - a single-breasted blazer balances the loose proportions of your lower half. Make sure that whatever you wear underneath is fitted, such as a bodysuit or slim fit tshirt that tucks in to accentuate your waist. If you’re short-bodied, a cropped style of jacket will show off the nipped-in waist of your jeans.

How to style Barrel Leg jeans for the weekend

Whether you’re heading to the playground or a bottomless brunch, barrel leg jeans are a great base for every weekend outfit. This loose style of denim looks just as great with trainers and a slogan tee as it does when worn with a colourful cashmere sweater and teamed with ballet flats. Add a pair of gold hoops or chunky chain necklace for a cool finishing touch to your outfit before throwing on your best leather jacket for insouciant cool.

Jeans with a hem that sits above or on the ankle will show off the slimmest part of your leg, creating a flattering silhouette. Low-profile trainers such as Converse, Adidas Sambas or Vans complement barrel leg jeans

Harrington says: “For weekends, keep it effortless with a vintage graphic tee, sneakers and a crossbody bag when running errands. Toss on an oversized menswear shirt and slides for brunch, or channel Parisian chic in a neutral camisole. Their versatility makes barrel leg jeans a wardrobe staple.”

How to style Barrel Leg jeans for a night out

Heading out for dinner and drinks? Barrel leg jeans can easily be dressed up for a night on the town. If you’re wearing heels, why not try a slightly longer leg to mix up the style and add some height. The extra inches on your hem mean you can go higher in your best designer heels too. To elevate the classic combination of jeans and a nice top, try swapping blue denim for dark wash such as grey or black to smarten up your outfit.

The key to looking sleek and chic for your night out is to go for a fitted upper half to your outfit, balancing out the wider silhouette on your bottom half. A bodysuit is great as it will create a seamless line but you could also try a delicate camisole or slinky silk shirt, wear them tucked in highlight your waist, balancing the volume of your barrel leg jeans.

Elevate your look with statement earrings and a cool clutch then you're ready to go!

How to style Barrel Leg jeans with boots

When it comes to styling barrel leg jeans with boots, why not take a tip from Sienna Miller and opt for a pair of cowboy boots? The actress opted for a floor sweeping hem for her Barrel Leg jeans, meaning that most of the boot was covered up, with just the pointed tip poking out.

This contrast between the voluminous leg of her jeans and the geometric shoe front creates an interesting look but if you'd rather show off your boots and create a longer and lean silhouette, look for a hem length that hovers around your ankle. A fitted boot style works best here as the slimline profile of the ankle is more flattering and slides seamlessly under your jeans - a chunky boot such as Uggs is unlikely to fit under the tapered ankle of your jeans, creating an ungainly look.

If you want to wear a pair of boots with a thick tractor tread, look to how Jennifer Lopez styled hers - while her boots have a chunkier look, they work well with her jeans as the area around the ankle is slimline, complementing the tapered ankle of her jeans.

FAQs

Are Barrel Leg jeans flattering?

With their wide leg, cinched waist and narrow ankle, barrel leg jeans are a universally flattering style for every body shape, provided you think carefully about proportions, as Park highlights:

“It's important to make sure that your barrel leg jean of choice fits really well around the waist, just so that the distinct volume of the silhouette looks intentional - and not that it's the wrong size! The length should sit squarely at the ankle and ideally show a little bit of skin with a delicate shoe.”

Are Barrel Leg jeans in style for 2025?

If you’re looking for a quick way to update your style for 2025, add a pair of barrel leg jeans to your wardrobe. While there are plenty of excellent styles on the high street from brands such as ASOS and River Island, this style is going to be around for a while so if you’re going to invest in a new pair of the best designer jeans, make your next denim purchase a pair of barrel leg jeans.

Our experts:

Kelly Harrington

Kelly Harrington is a fashion futurist, trend forecaster, designer and vintage archivist with over 20 years of industry expertise. Her uncanny ability to identify future movements has established Kelly as a denim authority. Kelly has collaborated with Grenson Shoes, M&S, Gap, Tomwood and more as a consultant guiding creative strategy, content and collection development grounded in cultural insight.

Charlie Bell

As deputy fashion editor at Future plc, Charlie works across multiple women’s magazines including Woman & Home, Woman and Woman's Own, ensuring she has her finger on the pulse. Beginning her career in the magazine industry in 2009, Charlie has written for titles including Stylist, Closer and Dare. With a weakness for a printed midi dress, Charlie is on a mission to shop more sustainably and loves finding new ethical brands and second-hand buys.