“Barrel jeans,” for the uninitiated, refers to a silhouette in the same way that terms like “low-rise” or “wide leg” do. A barrel leg is at its widest in the middle, meaning it tapers at the top and the bottom. I was hesitant about the look, I admit, but I’ve been shocked at how flattering this cut is. It’s hard for me to find jeans that look good on me, but I feel confident in my barrel jeans. And they’re trendy, and they’re comfortable. The typical outfit of denim jeans and a tee becomes a little more fashion-forward with no additional effort whatsoever.
Enough of my droning; you get the point. I hand-selected each pair on this list based on style and input from my fellow editors. Ahead, find the 15 best pairs of barrel jeans to wear on repeat.
Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
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The Ripped Pair
Gap High Rise Barrel Jeans
My boss and ELLE’s digital director Claire Stern Milch is a woman on the go. From back-to-back meetings to dinners to casually planning a wedding while she’s at it, items have to earn a place in her wardrobe. This pair passed with flying colors.
Sizes: 24-35 (Regular, Tall, Petite)
Colors: Light Indigo, Medium Indigo, Black, Light Indigo Crossover
The Black Pair
Everlane The Way-High Curve Jean
Here they are: The jeans that have carried me through 2024. I’d like to take a moment to thank Everlane for these heaven-sent pants.
Sizes: 23-33; 27” or 29” inseam
Colors: 6 options
The Low-Rise Pair
B Sides Lasso Ankle Jeans
If you accomplish nothing else today, do yourself this one favor: Buy a pair of off-white jeans. You will be amazed by how often they come in handy. Dale Arden Chong, ELLE’s senior fashion commerce editor (and denim guru of the team), agrees.
Sizes: 24-32
Colors: Cream
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The Designer Pair
Tibi Classic Wash Denim Sid Jeans
If you struggle to stray away from relaxed boyfriend silhouettes, this pair from cool-girl brand Tibi gives the best of both worlds.
Sizes: 24-32
Colors: Classic Blue
The Dramatic Pair
Jacquemus Le De Nimes Ovalo
Between the button fly, pleats, and solid dark wash, this Jacquemus pair offers a completely different look compared to the rest of the pack.
Sizes: 24-30
Colors: Navy
The Long Pair
Frame Denim Long Barrel
Personally, I’ve been leaning into jeans that come in nontraditional colors. It’s a solid way to breathe fresh air into your wardrobe while sticking to a classic you know and love.
Sizes: 23-34
Colors: 6 options
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The Under $150 Pair
Madewell The Darted Barrel-Leg Jean
The best part about a pair like this is that they’re totally timeless—and that they’re another editor-approved option from senior fashion commerce editor Dale Arden Chong. You need not worry about passing fads; these will always be stylish.
Wearing barrel jeans already signals that you’re up on sartorial trends. When you tell the ladies that these are Alaïa, your status will be raised to full-blown fashion hero.
Sizes: 2-10
Colors: Stone Wash
The Raw Hem Pair
Citizens of Humanity Horseshoe Superhigh Waist Raw Hem Crop Barrel Jeans
If senior fashion commerce editor Dale Arden Chong is feeling a little wild, this is the bold pair she reaches for.
Sizes: 24-33
Colors: Marshall
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The Mid-Rise Pair
Pilcro Heritage Curve Mid-Rise Barrel Jeans
Shoppers of all shapes and sizes can get excited about this affordable pair, which comes in a variety of fits.
Sizes: 23-34 (Standard, Tall, Petite, Plus)
Colors: Blythedale, Eyck Wash
The Off-White Pair
Still Here Cowgirl Cut-Out Jeans
They’re not rips, they’re cut-outs. With symmetrical placement, these are nothing like the grungy shredded pair of yesteryear. Plus, senior fashion commerce editor Dale Arden Chong is a major fan.
Sizes: 22-32
Colors: Bone, Classic Blue, Vintage Blue, Indigo Indigo, Washed Black
The Subtle Pair
COS Arch Tapered Jeans
Here’s a barrel that is ever so slight. If you’re not sold on the trend just yet, these could easily pass for a standard straight leg.
Sizes: 24-32
Colors: Indigo, Blue
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The Relaxed Fit Pair
We The Free Good Luck Mid-Rise Barrel Jeans
I’m patiently waiting for these to arrive in the mail, and no, I’m not just saying that. These have an effortless street style air about them and are available in wide range of hues.
Sizes: 24-33 (Short, Regular)
Colors: 18 options
The Ankle Pair
Mother Denim The Half-Pipe Flood
Subtle, isn’t it? Mother Denim’s washed black pair showcases a less heavy-handed approach to the trend.
Sizes: 23-34
Colors: Outta Sight
The Light Wash Pair
Agolde Luna Pieced High Waist Raw Hem Barrel Jeans
This is a pair that I could see myself wearing day in and day out.
Sizes: 23-32
Colors: Void
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Meg (she/her) is the associate fashion commerce editor at ELLE.com, where she specializes in shopping stories spanning the fashion, home, and lifestyle categories. Over the past three years, she has devoted countless hours to researching brands, testing hundreds (maybe even thousands!) of products, and deep-diving into market and consumer trends. Her favorite job responsibilities consist of co-writing the monthly series Same Same But Different and curating the fashion market for ELLE Escapes. Meg graduated magna cum laude from the Missouri School of Journalism with an emphasis on magazine editing. In 2020, one of her feature stories in the service article category was recognized by the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication. The year prior, the Society of Professional Journalists named voxmagazine.com “Best Affiliated Magazine” in its Mark of Excellence Awards, when she was on staff. Meg’s stories have appeared on Cosmopolitan, Town & Country,Harper’s Bazaar, and Good Housekeeping, among many other outlets. Her personal passions include travel, buffalo sauce, and gardening. You can find her in New York, where she lives, or on Instagram, where she also lives. She will never stop hoping for a One Direction reunion tour.