"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 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 just a passing fad. Characterized by a snug fit at the waist, a curved shape through the thighs, and a tapered hem around the ankle, barrel jeans are naturally eye-catching. Their architectural design makes them a favorite among fashion enthusiasts, who are always on the lookout for wardrobe staples with a fun and slightly edgy twist. Enter: dramatic ballooning denim that demands center stage.
A New York Fashion Week street styler in curved barrel jeans with a jean jacket in a matching medium-blue wash.
And luxury designers are not done experimenting with the horseshoe silhouette. Creative director Michael Rider started Celine's new era with a Spring 2026 collection that features approachable and wearably oversized barrel denim. Beyond Rider's clever shirt sandwiches of black blazers and button-down shirts, it is easy to imagine the light-wash, slightly curved jeans paired with a simple white tee and sneakers, or a cropped, matching denim jacket.
The most recent Celine runway, where low-key barrel jeans balanced out preppy equestiran stapples.
Celebrity stylist and creative consultant Marissa Pelly credits the controversial denim trend to Alaïa’s cult-favorite Round Jeans. During the Fall 2023 fashion week circuit, the Parisian label showcased oversized, light-wash barrel jeans paired with a sculpted jean jacket. Their modern take on the classic Canadian tuxedo focused on the exaggerated barrel-leg bottoms, arguably fueling fashion's obsession with that shape.
“Plus," Pelly adds, "I think these pants remain so popular because they’re just as comfortable as flattering." If baggy jeans are like comfy, open-leg pajama pants, then tapered barrel-leg jeans feel like your favorite structured jogger sweatpants.
On Alaïa’s Fall 2023 runway, barrel jeans took center stage.
Since Alaïa's ultra-curved denim appeared, the energized denim trend has made its way into many runway shows and sold-out capsules from indie brands. “Agolde, Entire Studios, A.W.A.K.E. Mode, Toteme, and Frame have some of the best barrel jeans on the market," says Pelly for your shopping consideration.
Another viral pair that fashion enthusiasts strongly endorse is Nili Lotan's best-selling Shon barrel jeans, which Marie Claire editor-in-chief Nikki Ogunnaike also called a key piece of her personal style. I personally own Madewell's Darted barrel denim and can vouch that they're as comfortable as my nylon track pants, but offer more polish than the bottoms I wear to work out.
Stylish celebrities have also jumped on the barrel jeans trend. Kendall Jenner has made denim a staple in her high-low outfit rotation, often pairing balloon-leg jeans with simple baby tees and designer handbags costing over $5,000. Katie Holmes keeps her look casual with wardrobe basics 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, true to 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 need to be an A-lister to try out the trendy denim silhouette. If you want to wear barrel jeans casually this summer, Pelly suggests pairing them with a simple white T-shirt and loafers styled with socks, since the preppy look is becoming popular among the trendy It-girl crowd. Come fall, try barrel jeans with classic wardrobe staples like structured white tank tops and leather bomber jackets.
Most importantly, the stylist suggests gradually introducing barrel jeans into your wardrobe by pairing them with 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," she says. Feeling inspired to try out barrel jeans? Feel free to take notes from Pelly’s style playbook. It's the perfect time to experiment with these bottoms, especially since they're about to become a big trend for fall 2025.
More Styling Ideas for Barrel Jeans
For your next day out and about, consider this relaxed look.
With a pant silhouette as bold as a barrel, a neutral, no-fuss blazer and black tee underneath are great complements. To up the volume, though, consider a supersized shoulder bag.
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 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.” Your favorite trendy sneakers (mine are Adidas' SL 72 Ogs) will ground the look with a sporty base.
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 cherry red color pop.
In this case, less is indeed more.
Minimalists will appreciate this uncomplicated uniform; all you’ll need is a black button-front shirt, medium-wash barrel jeans, and black boots.
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.
