19 best barrel leg jeans, according to our denim-loving editors
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I've waxed lyrical about my love for barrel leg jeans – and seriously, not a single one of my fashion editor friends disagrees with me – so I breathed a sigh of relief when I saw they were still trending for 2026.
Not that we should care so much about what's in and out these days, if you love it and it suits you, you should absolutely continue to wear it, but it's always a plus to know your favourite outfit component is approved by the masses. And in the burgeoning world of women's jeans, barrel legs are as iconic as straight leg jeans at this point.
So when did the love for this fresh denim shape begin? It all started in AW23 when Alaïa made a pair the focal point of their entire runway. The barrel-leg trend took flight, and fashion hasn't looked back since – not even for classic high-waist mom jeans.
While Agolde and Citizens of Humanity have been leading the way in recent years, now, multiple brands have seen huge success from their balloon-shape denim, so you best believe they're the silhouette to shop throughout the rest of 2026. It's not just being specialist brands who have tapped into the denim trend either, there's so many best-selling pairs in the ‘new in’ sections all over the high street, too – with everyone from Cos and Arket to Free People and Nobody's Child having iterations to choose from, and certain styles by ARRANGE at ASOS and Damson Madder being so popular, they constantly sell out in popular washes.
While some of you will be welcoming the news of the skinny jeans' return – you've no doubt seen the return of Topshop's iconic Joni jeans after its runway return last year – I, for one, am dreading it. So much so that I've set my sights on their antithesis. I tried out the Agolde Luna jeans that every fashion insider and editor raves about, and I get it, they're as perfect as everyone says. This light wash pair (seen on me above) with its frayed hem and roomy, but not too roomy leg shape is one that I can easily wear to the office, take on a night out or style at the weekend with a cardigan and loafers.
I love that the more tapered ankle on this viral pair makes them work with quite literally any shoe choice – from a pointed-toe heeled ankle boot to ballet flats or trainers, they basically solve the problem of never knowing which shoe type to wear with your favourite jeans. Genius.
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Google searches for ‘barrel jeans’ are up by around 41% since this time last year, so I'm getting all the styling inspo from my favourite A-listers. Katie Holmes wears her light wash pair with a cardigan (no, not a bradigan, this time) and the Dune woven bag that so many celebs have been spotted in. Bella Hadid and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley prove they're an off-duty model failsafe, with Rosie styling her more sleek pair with a sheer top, blazer and heels.
How we tested the best barrel leg jeans
We wanted to put all shapes, fabrications, lengths, colourways and even prints to the test to check which pairs of barrel leg jeans are really worth buying into this year. To do this, Glamour editors and contributors Georgia Trodd, Mayola Fernandes, Sophie Cockett, and Felicity Hayward wore several pairs over the course of a few weeks to create an edit of the 19 best barrel leg jeans.
Why you can trust us
In a bid to find the very best barrel leg jeans to suit all body shapes, heights, sizes and style preferences, we tried each pair for different occasions. So we dressed them up with heels, wore them with trainers and a sweater and styled them to different upcoming plans to see how versatile they were, how confident they made us feel (this is important when it comes to denim shopping) and how easily they went with the rest of our wardrobe. Considering we're all quite particular about the denim brands we wear, together, we're a board of editors who are picky when it comes to adding a new pair of jeans to our wardrobes. So trust us when we say, these are the best barrel leg jeans out there right now.
Slightly equestrian and adhering to the current cowboy movement, the best barrel-leg jeans are far more wearable than you'd likely first imagine. Try them over a pair of kitten heels or ballet pumps to balance out the oversized barrel silhouette with a delicate and feminine contrast, and opt for something more fitting on top.
Now you've got some barrel leg outfit inspiration, here are the best pairs to suit all budgets, sizes and styles from the likes of Alaïa and Agolde to Reiss, Levi's and H&M.
Below, shop the barrel leg jeans trend for 2026.
For more from Glamour UK's Senior Commerce Writer Georgia Trodd, follow her on Instagram @georgiatrodd and freelance fashion editor Harriet Davey @harriet.davey.
I recently bought a pair of light grey baggy jeans from Arket, and my outfits haven't been the same since. I've worn them so often, all my other jeans have been made redundant, so now I want the exact same wash in a barrel leg – enter: H&M's high-rise pair. I'll be styling these with a sleek leather jacket and ruched loafers + socks to keep my toes warm while it's still Baltic outside.
Size range: UK 4-22.
Available wash styles: Grey, blue black and ecru.
Care: Machine wash at 40 degrees.
Save when you shop for the best barrel jeans with these H&M discount codes at checkout.
We The Free Good Luck Mid-Rise Barrel Jeans
Free People has so many incredible barrel leg jeans, so it's hard to pick just one, but considering these come in not one, not two but 21 different washes, I would say they're the best of the best. Mid-rise and cropped, they give that real horseshoe shape that gave this jean style its name in the first place.
Size range: W24-33 (available in petite, regular and tall/long).
Available wash styles: 21 different wash options, including black, a variety of blues and greens.
Care: Cold machine wash.
Save when you shop for the best barrel jeans with these Free People discount codes at checkout.
These Arket blue barrel leg jeans are so good, they have a habit of selling out as soon as there's a restock. It's no wonder the TikTok girlies can't get enough of this indigo, mid-rise style that'll work with everything from heeled ankle boots and kitten heels to trainers or sandals as soon as good weather is on the way. And we all know this dark shade of blue will go with absolutely everything in your wardrobe.
Size range: W25-33.
Available wash styles: 6 colours.
Care: Machine wash.
Save when you shop for barrel leg jeans with these Arket discount codes at checkout.
So many of the Glamour team own these Cos barrel leg jeans, and it's hardly a shock when the tapered pair has subtle volume, making them so easy to wear on heavy rotation for the office. So, of course, we're all naturally obsessed with this new khaki, brown kind of colourway that's just landed online. With everything from a classic white T-shirt to laid-back cardigans – simply wear them how you would your usual much-loved jeans.
Size range: W23-32.
Available wash styles: 7 colours.
Care: Dry clean to keep them at their best.
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I have a thing for & Other Stories' denim – along with its dresses, jewellery and knitwear, for that matter. While I already own a blue and black pair of barrel jeans from the high street brand, I definitely have space for this brown pair. How will I be styling them? For now, with a cashmere knit and pointed-toe boots. Come spring, these will be added (most days) to a vest top and flat sandals combo.
Size range: W32-46.
Available wash styles: 5 other colours.
Care: Machine wash 30 degrees.
Editor's thoughts: “Rewind a year, and ALIGNE was an under-the-radar brand only known by the fashion set. Now? Though it remains very cool and highly-adored by influencers and editors alike, they're beginning to make it into the mainstream. Their New York store opening took place a few months back, and the collab with Elizabeth Day sold like hot cakes. This pair of white barrel leg jeans is my second piece of denim from the brand, and the fit is impeccable. I find jeans so hard to buy, but this pair is so high-waisted, flattering and high in quality. I love a barrel leg anyway, but this pair has become my go-to now that the warmer weather has hit. I couldn't recommend enough.” – Sophie Cockett, Senior European Commerce Editor.
Size range: W24-40.
Available wash styles: White and khaki.
Care: Machine wash.
Of course, the OG denim brand has a pair, and this Levi's style is a hybrid of barrel leg jeans and dad jeans. With a high waist and baggy leg, I think this everyday pair will be a fashion editor favourite in no time. Best part? There are also three leg lengths to choose from – 30, 32 and 34, so they'll suit you no matter your height.
Size range: W23-34.
Available wash styles: Six colours available.
Care: Machine wash cold.
Barrel Leg Jeans In Indigo Blue
Reiss is best-known for its straight-leg jeans and skinny pairs, but it's nice to see how the high street hero is also jumping onto the barrel leg jean trend. This washed pair is firmly on my wish list – expect to see me wearing these with trainers, a knit vest and a funnel neck jacket.
Size range: W24-32.
Available wash styles: Blue.
Care: Machine washable.
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Putting barrel leg jeans on the fashion map, of course I had to include the iconic pair by Alaïa. These horseshoe jeans have been worn by so many celebrities, and yes they're a splurge, but seeing as barrel leg jeans are here for the long haul, they're one well worth making in my opinion. Go big or go home is the rule to follow with this one!
Size range: FR34-FR46.
Available wash styles: Blue, acid wash blue and black.
Care: Machine wash at 30 degrees.
Save when you shop for the best barrel jeans with these Net-A-Porter discount codes at checkout.
I have a thing for Nobody's Child's denim collection – if it isn't the printed mini dresses, it's the indigo waistcoats that get my attention. And when it comes to jeans, I'm backing this grey barrel leg pair made from 100% organic cotton. Being less exaggerated on the leg than most balloon styles, they're just as easy to style as your favourite trusty straight leg or mom jeans.
Size range: UK 4-18.
Available wash styles: Grey, indigo, light blue and brown.
Care: Machine washable.
ASOS DESIGN High Waist Barrel Leg Jean
As I patiently wait for spring to arrive, I'll be slowly prepping my wardrobe in the hope for warmer days with these sage green winners. For now, though, I love the way they'll look with a chunky brown jumper and my favourite pointed snake print boots that I haven't stopped wearing with every winter look.
Size range: UK 4-18.
Available wash styles: 6 colours, including chocolate and grey.
Care: Machine wash.
The panel on the side of these Abercrombie & Fitch barrel jeans basically creates the volume we're looking for. And I love that the hemline has been left frayed for a casual, laid-back look to this light wash denim pair. In short, regular and long lengths, there's one to suit all leg lengths and they're perfect if you prefer that low-rise shape.
Size range: W24-34.
Available wash styles: 8 shades of blue plus black and ecru.
Care: Machine wash.
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Agolde Luna High-Rise Tapered Jeans
Editor's thoughts: “Everyone in the Glamour office will attest, not a week goes by that I'm not wearing these jeans. They suit my 6ft pear-shaped frame perfectly – I just wish they were slightly more affordable so I could buy every other colourway sooner.” – Georgia Trodd, Senior Commerce Writer.
Size range: W23-32.
Available wash styles: Light denim, dark denim, white and black.
Care: Machine wash.
Whistles Light Wash Authentic Barrel Leg Jean
In petite or regular, the Whistles authentic barrel leg jeans are of course some of the best on the high street. I have quite a few stylist friends who own these, and they always tell me how effortlessly they work in their wardrobes with everything from tailoring to knitwear. As soon as warmer weather is on the horizon, you bet I'll be wearing these with my favourite linen shirt and a straw bag.
Size range: W24-38.
Available wash styles: Light wash, denim, black, dark denim and white.
Care: Machine wash.
We all know M&S are the heroes when it comes to brilliant cashmere, comfy shoes and even comfier denim. This everyday pair of barrel leg jeans are so easy to style, you'll wonder how you ever got dresses without them. The best part is, these come in four different leg lengths – extra short, petite, regular and long – so you're bound to find the exact fit for you.
Size range: UK 6-24.
Available wash styles: 6 colours.
Care: Machine wash at 40 degrees.
ARRANGE Curve Sydney Denim Barrel Leg Jean
The luxe ARRANGE Curve collection at ASOS is so popular, items (you must have seen that sequin disc dress in butter yellow and now blue) keep selling out. These high-rise barrel jeans are surely next to go, but luckily, as I type, they're currently still in stock in all sizes 18-30. In washed black, they're guaranteed to go with all your outfits, no matter the season.
Size range: UK 18-30.
Available wash styles: Washed black, heather grey, light wash blue and tiger print.
Care: Machine wash.
Save when you shop for barrel leg jeans with these ASOS discount codes at checkout.
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Editor's thoughts: “I really wanted to love these barrel leg jeans, so I tried the bow print pair while they were still in stock. The idea of an elasticated waist on jeans? Genius. Comfort is key when I'm curating my wardrobe. But at 5’10, they hit that awkward ankle-swinger length that I can never pull off. They'd be perfect on a shorter frame, though.” – Robyn Eugene, Social Media Manager.
And while the bow-print pair was quick to sell out (you may be able to find them on Vinted), Damson Madder has created the same Felix style in a tartan check, and I've already seen them on so many fashion insiders as part of the countryside chic vibe inspired by The Traitors.
Size range: UK 6-20.
Available wash styles: Yellow or blue stripe.
Care: Machine wash.
Save when you shop for barrel leg jeans with these Damson Madder discount codes at checkout.
Burgundy Long Barrel Leg Jeans
Editor's thoughts: “There's no doubt about it, burgundy is going to be one of the colours du jour once again this year. Already being spotted on bags, boots and now barrel leg jeans, as someone who is 5' 4”, I didn't get this long pair but I have them in the regular length and they fit like a dream. So far I've worn them with my favourite COS T-shirt and wool coat, but for the season ahead, I'll be adding a pink vest top and silver sandals." – Harriet Davey, freelance fashion editor.
Size range: UK 6-18.
Available wash styles: Burgundy, blue and brown.
Care: Machine wash.
Save when you shop for barrel leg jeans with these New Look discount codes at checkout.
Citizens of Humanity Miro Long Mid-Rise Barrel-Leg jeans
Citizen of Humanity has always delivered the drama with super exaggerated horseshoe jeans, but for 2026, I love this more streamlined shape from the much-loved denim label. You may not need another pair of black jeans, but when this barrel leg long style is this good, you'll probably want to get them anyway.
Size range: W23-33.
Available wash styles: Black and dark blue.
Care: Machine wash.
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What is a barrel leg jean?
Wondering what, exactly, a barrel leg jean is? Snug at the top (just like the best jeans for women with a high waist), barrel legs flare out, reaching their widest point somewhere around the knee region before tapering back in towards the ankle. They sound dramatic… and they are.
If mom jeans, wide-leg jeans and baggy jeans had a baby, barrel-leg jeans would be it. And considering there are so many different denim washes, styles and cuts to choose from, they actually tend to work for both minimalist and maximalists alike. So they're the hybrid pair of jeans anyone can appreciate, no matter your personal style.
What is another name for barrel leg jeans?
Barrel leg jeans have a few different names – it just depends on which brand you're shopping from. Citizens of Humanity call them ‘horseshoe jeans’, with this super wide-leg pair by Citizen of Humanity being one of my faves, whilst you might also see them named ‘balloon jeans’, or referred to as ‘tapered’. No matter what you call barrel leg denim, just know that the capacious pairs are about to become your most-loved and worn denim in your wardrobe. Trust me.
