For years now, the classic mom jeans have been reigning supreme. Sure, we’ve seen different iterations of the style, mid-rise, straight-leg, baggy, and low-waisted, because the fit is almost always perfect every. single. time. They’ve well and truly earned their wardrobe staple status. And while we’re not quite ready for the comeback of skinny jeans (thanks, Alix Earle), we are keen to try our hand at styling the controversial revived take on the mom jeans, barrel-leg jeans.
Ever since Alaïa’s creative director Pieter Mulier sent a pair trotting down the AW24 runway last year, the trend has filtered down to TikTok try-on hauls with brands like Free People, Frame, Rollas, and Agolde dropping pairs in every wash just in time for Australian winter.
“The barrel jean trend has emerged out of the tapered leg trend,” explains Sarah Gilsenan, Rolla’s Head of Women’s Design and Creative. “Hems have been tapering on the catwalks for a few seasons now, with the saroul leg silhouette making an appearance from a number of brands such as Alaia and Chloe in soft, drapey fabrications.”
“For many years, it’s been about rise or leg width, but this is quite a different shape that is actually wearable — it’s this freshness combined with wearability that makes for success.”
While the balloon style isn’t for everyone, it’s an easy way to shake up your denim wardrobe after being semi-stagnant for a few seasons. “I think it’s trending as it’s the first time we have seen a really ‘new’ silhouette in denim for a while,” says Sarah.
Sarah explains the appeal of a new trend like this is that it effortlessly updates your existing go-to outfits. “The newness of the shape makes your trusty staples, like an ankle boot or a loose t-shirt, feel new again.”
So, how would you style barrel jeans? Well, according to Sarah, the barrel jean works well sized up or down (for a high or low-waisted look). “It’s more important to go with what feels right — you wear the jeans, don’t let the jeans wear you!”
The wider, shorter cut leg lets your shoes have a moment, so play with your styling choices — boots, ballet flats, sneakers, loafers, slides, pops of colour.
Up top, you can stay true to your own style and the occasion and experiment with different crops, textured fabrics, and layers to help add some dimension and play to your overall look.
As things start to cool down, we’ve decided it was probably time to embrace the trend by tracking down the perfect pairs.
The best barrel trends in Australia
Celebrities like Hailey Bieber, Jennifer Lopez, Katie Holmes, Julianne Moore, Elsa Hosk, Bella Hadid and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley have recently been spotted embracing the barrel-leg jeans.
Rollas Gigi Barrel Jean
Rolla’s Gigi Barrel is a super high rise jean with a sculptural leg silhouette. These particular jeans can be worn sized up for a looser fit or true to size for a slim/relaxed look.
Size range: Five to 16.
Available washes: Vintage white, brad blue, forever blue, Helena rinse blue and forever black.
Free People x We The Free Good Luck Mid Rise Barrel
The Free People Barrel Jean went viral on TikTok after the style debuted at the end of last year. Everyone was filming try-on hauls and styling videos featuring the controversial style.
Size range: 24 to 33.
Available washes: Ultra light beam and barnyard blue.
Frame Long Barrel Jean
Frame’s Long Barrel Jean were one of the first pairs to drop after the Alaïa AW24 show. True to Frame form, they’re a classic fit and wash that can effortlessly be added to your wardrobe.
Size range: 23 to 34.
Available washes: Serpentine and white.
Dissh Caleb Barrel Jean
If the Frame pair is a little out of your budget, these Dissh ones are an excellent choice. They’re classic dark blue wash denim with a super high waist and a long billowing silhouette.
Size range: Six to 16.
Available washes: White and indigo.
Good American Good Barrel Jean
With a high-rise waistline and relaxed legs that curve and taper at the ankles, these statement jeans blend comfort and style seamlessly.
Size range: 00 to 18.
Available washes: Indigo and black.
Cotton On Barrel Jean
Cotton On makes affordable, good-quality jeans. So, if you’re working to a budget of under $100, here’s where you’ll find them. The fit and cut are just as good as some of the designer pairs, only for less than half the price.
Size range: Four to 22.
Available washes: Saltwater blue, sunfaded blue, blue dusk, indigo, and graphite black.
Agolde Luna High Rise Pieced Taper
The Agolde Luna High Rise jeans are high-waisted, relaxed-fit jeans with a pieced insert at the side seams to create a bowed leg silhouette.
Size range: 22 to 34.
Available washes: Element, void, spilt, control and posses.
Not interested in the barrel jean trend? You can find our other jeans recommendations here.
Image credit: Rollas / Elsa Hosk / Free People
The post 7 Pairs Of Barrel Jeans Worth Shopping If You’re Keen To Try The Viral Trend appeared first on PEDESTRIAN.TV .
