We get that you might not be sold on wide-leg bottoms—yet. But if you’re willing to give the best barrel-leg jeans a try, you might just become (or cement your place as) the coolest person you know. We were skeptical about this controversial pants trends, too, but as soon as Glamour editors tried on the sculptural bottoms, it became clear that this is no passing fad—this shape is here to stay, and you might as well embrace the leg-lengthening magic. (It doesn’t hurt that celebs like Katie Holmes and Jennifer Lawrence, and Jennifer Lopez have stepped out in the silhouette this year.)
What are barrel jeans, exactly? These wide-leg jeans, also known as balloon or horseshoe jeans, flare at the thighs and taper at the ankles. Curved, twisted seams exaggerate and elongate the shape of the legs, lending an editorial edge that’s completely distinct from your average straight-leg jeans. That shape is the reason there’s virtually no middle ground when it comes to this trend—it inspires visceral reactions.
This is shaping up to be the year of love-’em-or-hate-’em denim trend, what with the resurgence of low-rise denim and jorts. If you give them a chance, though, you might find that they really do live up to the hype. Below, style editors share their favorite pairs of jeans, plus the options that are currently living rent-free in our heads.
The best barrel-leg jeans, at a glance
How to style barrel-leg jeans
Styling wide-leg jeans has everything to do with proportion, according to fashion stylist and editor Audree Kate López. “My rule of thumb is the wider and baggier the pants are, the smaller and more fitted the top should theoretically be,” she says. Keep the top simple, so that the focus is on the bottom of the body, and don’t be afraid to play around with proportions and silhouettes when styling. A cropped fall jacket that hits at the waistline or a baby tee that fits snug around your torso are perfect to pair with a barrel-leg jean style.
