How to Style Barrel Jeans

Style /
October 2025

More than just a trend, barrel jeans are a comfortable, versatile cut that belongs in any fashion-forward wardrobe. Each pair is designed with that signature curved silhouette that makes them the perfect piece for stepping out of your comfort zone or refreshing your denim collection. Still having doubts? We’ll show you how to nail this sculptured style for endlessly chic looks every time.

What are Barrel Leg Jeans?

Barrel jeans are exactly what they sound like – jeans with a curved, barrel-like silhouette that’s wider at the thigh and knee than it is at the waist and ankle. Carefully constructed panels give barrel jeans shape through the leg, while the fitted waist and tapered ankle anchors the structure. They’re similar to straight jeans, but the curved shape gives them a modern, fashion-forward feel that’s just as wearable.

The rise of the Barrel Jean

Barrel jeans have become a denim mainstay over the last few years. The statement shape is becoming a cool-girl staple for every season. Now, you can find barrel jeans influenced by all your favourite jean cuts, from baggy barrel jeans with a subtle structure to high-waisted styles that replicate the fit of straight-leg jeans.

How to style Barrel Jeans

Proportionally, barrel jeans are similar to straight or wide-leg jeans, so they’re easy to style despite their unique silhouette. Not every pair of barrel jeans fits the same – designs for barrel jeans include wide-leg and closer-fitting styles, with various rises that sit differently on your body.

Pair slouchy barrel jeans with a plain, close-fitting tank for a sleek silhouette that draws attention to your jeans. Pair more fitted styles with looser tees or white shirts, tucked in at the waist to accentuate the barrel silhouette of your jeans.

Footwear dictates the mood of any outfit, so take advantage of the versatility of barrel jeans by switching up your shoe choices for every season and occasion. Barrel jeans work well with any shoes, from trainers to boots, flats and heels. Keep things simple on your top half to spotlight your footwear and make your jeans the star of your look.

Tips for Finding the Perfect Pair of Barrel Jeans

Finding the right pair of barrel jeans is no different to finding a well-fitting pair in any silhouette. Barrel jeans are meant to have a wide-leg feel, but they’re available in different rises – focus on finding a style in your favourite rise and choose the right leg length.

Our women’s jeans guide is your one-stop shop for the lowdown on our iconic jeans, from timeless cuts to our take on trending styles. Use our Fit Finder to let us pair you up with your new favourite jeans.

If you’re looking for an easy-to-wear high-waisted style that’s ultra flattering, Cinch Barrel Jeans take everything you love about your favourite straight jeans and reimagine them with a barrel shape, complete with knee darts so that they fall just right. They’re designed to stack at the hem, giving the tapered ankle an even cooler finish.

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Find your way into the barrel jean trend with Baggy Dad Barrel Jeans – a roomy, relaxed take on this iconic cut with subtle tapering at the ankles and just enough structure through the leg to create that statement curve.

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Shop the Barrel Jean Collection Here

Ready to try barrel jeans? Explore our jeans collection to find expertly crafted barrel jeans in a range of fits that blend this modern silhouette with the timeless construction of Levi’s® jeans.