"What's the deal with barrel jeans?" asked one of my friends. "It seems like everyone is wearing them—(even some non-jeans-wearing people have been swayed)—so should I hop on the wave now, or will they fall out of style soon?"
I encouraged her to purchase a pair without hesitation. Yes, barrel jeans are one of the biggest denim trends of 2025, but they're not just another flash-in-the-pan style. Their compelling architectural shape makes them like catnip to the fashion crowd, who are always looking for wardrobe basics with a fun and slightly freaky twist. Luxury designers are also not done experimenting with balloon-leg denim; Creative director Michael Ryder commenced Celine's new era with a Spring 2026 collection filled with unintimidating barrel jeans—the tapered denim was wearably oversized and easy to envision as a timeless staple along with your favorite Levi's 501 jeans.
Fashion girls are saying so long to skinny jeans in favor of loose-fitting alternatives.
Defined by a snug fit in the waist, a billowing silhouette throughout the thighs, and a tapered hemline around the ankle, barrel jeans are naturally striking. “The bold and voluminous shape of these roomy pants can instantly amp up any outfit,” says celebrity stylist and creative consultant Marissa Pelly.
One glance at Pelly's Instagram page reveals barrel jeans cooly styled with forever essentials like structured white tank tops and leather bomber jackets, including Alaïa’s cult-favorite Round Jeans. During the Fall 2023 fashion week circuit, the Parisian label showcased suprersized, light-wash barrel jeans styled beside a sculpted denim jacket. Their modern twist on the age-old Canadian tuxedo arguably catalyzed the fashion industry’s barrel-jean obsession.
On Alaïa’s Fall 2023 runway, barrel jeans took center stage.
Since then, this statement-making denim trend has found its way into numerous collections. “Some of the best barrel jeans on the market are from brands like Agolde, Entire Studios, and A.W.A.K.E. Mode,” says Pelly. Coveted designs by Toteme, Nili Lotan, and Frame have also risen the ranks and frequently sell out online. “I think these pants have become so popular because they’re just as comfortable as flattering,” Pelly notes.
This also explains why stylish celebrities have hopped on the barrel jeans bandwagon. Kendall Jenner has decreed the denim a staple in her high-low outfit rotation, often styling balloon-leg jeans with simple baby tees and $5,00-plus designer handbags. Katie Holmes wears hers with laid-back wardrobe staples like button-down shirts and comfort-first flats, while Jennifer Lopez mainly wears the baggy jeans trend with Western-inspired jean jackets and glossy designer handbags in true J.Lo fashion.
On May 14, Kendall Jenner took Darkpark's Khris Barrel Leg Denim Jeans out for a spin with a basic T-shirt and The Row's far-from-basic $4,370 Terrasse Bag.
But you don’t have to be an A-lister to dabble in this fashion-forward denim silhouette. And although barrel jeans might seem intimidating, there are plenty of streamlined ways to approach them. Suppose you want to take barrel jeans for a casual spin this summer. Pelly recommends coordinating them with a simple white T-shirt and pairing them with loafers styled with socks since the preppy combination is gaining traction amongst the savvy It-girl crowd. Most importantly, the stylist says to ease into barrel jeans by wearing them with your comfortable pieces, like your favorite ballet flats or breezy linen shirts. "Adapting it to your taste helps it work alongside and not against your personal style.”
For your next day out and about, consider this relaxed look.
Feeling inspired to give barrel jeans a try? Go ahead and take notes from Pelly’s style playbook. It's the perfect time to test-drive these bottoms—with virtually every denim brand carrying a version. Keep scrolling for more barrel jean options ahead.
More Styling Ideas for Barrel Jeans
This trendy look is begging to be added to your fall wardrobe.
Pair your barrel bottoms with a pragmatic barn jacket to tackle two trends at once. Opt for slightly distressed or embellished jeans to play up the texture of your outfit.
A straightforward turtleneck outfit doesn't have to be dull.
“There’s nothing I love more than wearing a turtleneck and my favorite long wool overcoat,” says Pelly. “I’ll usually call on my barrel jeans to shake things up a bit.”
You'll be surprised by how far a hint of red can take your outfit.
Slip into dark wash barrel jeans that give off a moody vibe. For the rest of your look, stick with a neutral color palette or add a slight color pop.
In this case, less is indeed more.
Minimalists will appreciate this uncomplicated uniform; all you’ll need is a black buttoned cardigan, medium-wash barrel jeans, and black boots. If you get chilly, pull on a puffer jacket.
Nothing screams "look at me" quite like a lustrous leather trench.
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.
Meet the Style Expert
Marissa Pelly is a fashion stylist and creative consultant in New York City. Her clients include Ice Spice, Austin Millz, Camrus Johnson, Nicky Hilton, Bailey Bryan, Bartees Strange, Bobby Bones, and Caitlin Estell. Her keen eye for style, attention to detail, and immaculate taste solidify a foundation for all clients. Marissa's work has been featured on the covers of Billboard and Paper magazines as well as in Teen Vogue, Haute Living, Tmrw Magazine and beyond.
