“What’s the deal with barrel jeans?” one of my friends asked. “It seems like everyone is wearing them—even some people who don’t usually wear jeans have been convinced. Should I jump on the bandwagon now, or will they go out of style soon?”
I encouraged her to buy a pair without hesitation. Yes, barrel jeans are one of the biggest denim trends of 2025, but they’re not a passing fad. They feature a snug fit at the waist, a curved shape at the thighs, and a tapered hem around the ankle, making them a real eye-catcher. The architectural design makes them a favorite among fashion fans who are always on the lookout for garments that are fun and have a slightly unusual twist. Enter dramatic ballooning denim that demands attention.
And luxury designers are far from done experimenting with the horseshoe silhouette. Creative director Michael Rider ushered in a new era for Celine with a spring 2026 collection featuring accessible and wearable oversized straight-leg jeans. Aside from his clever shirt sandwiches made of black blazers and button-down shirts, the light-wash, slightly flared jeans would look great with a simple white T-shirt and sneakers or a short denim jacket.
Prominent stylist and creative consultant Marissa Pelly sees Alaïa’s iconic round jeans as the origin of the controversial denim trend. During Fashion Week in fall 2023, the Parisian label presented oversized, light-washed barrel jeans paired with a figure-hugging denim jacket. This modern interpretation of the classic Canadian tuxedo focused on the exaggerated barrel legs, fueling the fashion world’s enthusiasm for this shape.
“What’s more,” Pelly adds, “I think these pants remain so popular because they’re as comfortable as they are flattering.”
If baggy jeans are like comfortable wide-leg pajama pants, then tapered jeans with barrel legs feel like your favorite jogging pants with a structured cut.
On Alaïa’s Fall 2023 runway, barrel jeans took center stage.
Since Alaïa’s ultra-curvy denim first hit the market, the denim trend has taken hold in many runway shows and sold-out capsule collections from indie brands. “Agolde, Entire Studios, A.W.A.K.E. Fashion, Toteme, and Frame have some of the best barrel jeans on the market,” Pelly says as a buying recommendation.
Another viral style beloved by fashion fans is Nili Lotan’s best-selling Shon barrel jeans, which Marie Claire editor-in-chief Nikki Ogunnaike also cites as a key piece in her personal style. I personally own Madewell’s Darted Barrel Denim and can attest that they are just as comfortable as my nylon sweatpants but look more elegant.
On May 14, Kendall Jenner tried out Darkpark’s Khris Barrel Leg Denim Jeans with a simple T-shirt and the anything but simple Terrace Bag from The Row, worth $4,370.
You don’t have to be a celebrity to try out this trendy jeans silhouette. If you want to wear barrel jeans casually this winter, Pelly recommends pairing them with a faux fur coat, a simple white T-shirt, and loafers with socks, as the preppy look is back in vogue among trend-conscious it girls.
Above all, the stylist recommends gradually integrating barrel jeans into your wardrobe by pairing them with comfortable garments such as your favorite ballerina flats. “If you adapt them to your taste, they will suit your personal style and not look out of place,” she says.
Are you interested in trying barrel jeans? Then follow Pelly’s style advice. Now is the perfect time to experiment with these pants, especially since they will continue to be an important trend in 2026.
More Styling Ideas for Barrel Jeans
Combine your barrel bottoms with a practical barn jacket to embrace two trends at once. Opt for embellished jeans to emphasize the texture of your outfit.
Bring on the drama with a floor-sweeping leather trench coat that demands attention. Don’t be surprised when you make a few heads turn.