Tapered Barrel Jeans Are Winter's Most Polarizing Denim Trend
This billowing cut continues to spark debates.
"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 a passing fad. Characterized by a snug fit at the waist, a curved shape through the thighs, and a tapered hem around the ankle, they're naturally eye-catching. The 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 attention.
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-leg denim. Beyond his clever shirt sandwiches of black blazers and button-down shirts, it's easy to imagine the light-wash, slightly curved jeans paired with a simple white tee and sneakers, or with a cropped denim jacket.
The Celine Spring 2026 runway, where low-key barrel jeans balanced out preppy equestrian staples.
Celebrity stylist and creative consultant Marissa Pelly credits Alaïa’s cult-favorite Round Jeans as the genesis for the controversial denim trend. During the Fall 2023 fashion week circuit, the Parisian label showcased oversized, light-wash barrel jeans paired with a sculpted jean jacket. This modern take on the classic Canadian tuxedo focused on the exaggerated barrel-leg bottoms, 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 first appeared, the 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.
Stylish celebrities have also jumped on the barrel jeans bandwagon. Kendall Jenner has made denim a staple in her high-low outfit rotation, often pairing balloon-leg pairs 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 denim trend with Western-inspired jean jackets and glossy designer handbags.
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.
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 winter, Pelly suggests pairing them with a faux fur coat, a simple white T-shirt and loafers styled with socks, since the preppy look is once again becoming popular among the trendy It-girl crowd.
Most importantly, the stylist suggests gradually introducing barrel jeans into your wardrobe by pairing them with comfortable pieces like your favorite ballet flats. "Adapting it to your taste helps it work alongside and not against your personal style," she says.
Feeling inspired to try out barrel jeans? Take notes from Pelly’s style playbook. It's the perfect time to experiment with these bottoms, especially since they'll continue to be a major trend for 2026.
More Styling Ideas for Barrel Jeans
For your next day out and about, consider this relaxed look.
With a silhouette as bold as a barrel leg, a neutral, no-fuss blazer and black tee are great, complementing companions. To up the volume, though, consider adding a supersized shoulder bag.
This trendy look is begging to be added to your winter 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 go in an outfit.
Slip into dark-wash barrel jeans for 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
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. Her work has been featured on the covers of Billboard and Paper magazines as well as in Teen Vogue, Haute Living, Tmrw Magazine, and beyond.
