For quite some time, the classic mom jeans have been dominating the fashion scene. We've seen variations like mid-rise, straight-leg, baggy, and low-waisted styles, consistently offering a flawless fit every single time. They have genuinely solidified their place as a wardrobe essential. Although we're not entirely ready to welcome back skinny jeans (thanks to Alix Earle), we are excited to try styling the newly revived and somewhat controversial mom jeans variation, the barrel-leg jeans.
Since Alaïa’s creative director Pieter Mulier introduced a pair on the AW24 runway last year, this trend has trickled down to TikTok try-on hauls, with brands like Free People, Frame, Rollas, and Agolde launching various washes just in time for the Australian winter.
“The barrel jean trend has evolved from the tapered leg trend,” explains Sarah Gilsenan, Rolla’s Head of Women’s Design and Creative. “For several seasons, hems have been tapering on runways, with the saroul leg silhouette making appearances from brands like Alaia and Chloe in soft, flowing fabrics.”
“For years, the focus was on rise or leg width, but this offers a different and wearable shape — the freshness combined with wearability contributes to its success.”
While the balloon style might not be for everyone, it's a simple way to refresh your denim collection after a few seasons of stagnation. “I think it’s trending because it’s the first genuinely ‘new’ denim silhouette we’ve seen in a while,” says Sarah.
Sarah highlights that a trend like this effortlessly updates your existing go-to outfits. “The novelty of the shape gives your reliable staples, like ankle boots or a loose t-shirt, a fresh feel.”
So, how should you style barrel jeans? According to Sarah, the barrel jean looks great either sized up or down (for a high or low-waisted appearance). “It’s more important to go with what feels right — you wear the jeans, don’t let the jeans wear you!”
The wider, shorter leg cut allows your shoes to stand out, so feel free to experiment with styling choices — boots, ballet flats, sneakers, loafers, slides, and pops of color.
On top, stay true to your personal style and the occasion, and experiment with various crops, textured fabrics, and layers to add dimension and playfulness to your overall look.
As temperatures drop, we've decided it's time to embrace the trend by seeking out 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 seen embracing the barrel-leg jeans trend.
Rollas Gigi Barrel Jean
Rolla’s Gigi Barrel is a super high-rise jean with a sculptural leg silhouette. These 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 its debut at the end of last year. Everyone was sharing try-on hauls and styling videos featuring this controversial style.
Size range: 24 to 33.
Available washes: Ultra light beam and barnyard blue.
Frame Long Barrel Jean
Frame’s Long Barrel Jean was among the first to be released following the Alaïa AW24 show. True to Frame's style, they offer a classic fit and wash that can be seamlessly integrated into your wardrobe.
Size range: 23 to 34.
Available washes: Serpentine and white.
Dissh Caleb Barrel Jean
If the Frame pair is beyond your budget, these Dissh jeans are an excellent alternative. They feature a classic dark blue wash, a super high waist, and a long, flowing silhouette.
Size range: Six to 16.
Available washes: White and indigo.
Good American Good Barrel Jean
These striking jeans combine comfort and style with a high-rise waistline and relaxed legs that curve and taper at the ankles.
Size range: 00 to 18.
Available washes: Indigo and black.
Cotton On Barrel Jean
Cotton On offers affordable, high-quality jeans. If you’re sticking to a budget of under $100, this is where you’ll find them. The fit and cut are just as good as some designer pairs, but 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
