So, All of Hollywood Is on Board With This Divisive Denim Trend

It’s more flattering than you think.

Iman Balagam

26 January 2025 at 7:00 pm·3-min read

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When I first heard that “everyone” was wearing barrel jeans, I was a bit confused. When did this happen? Weren’t we all obsessed with skinny jeans just last week? Of course, two things can be true: While some are still riding the skinny-jeans wave, ‘It’ girls of every generation like Hailey Bieber, Jennifer Lopez, Katie Holmes, Julianne Moore, and Elsa Hosk have recently been spotted embracing this divisive denim trend.

Barrel jeans aren’t exactly new. Alaïa featured them in their fall 2023 ready-to-wear collection, but it wasn’t until recently that my TikTok feed began reflecting the trend (cueL The Devil Wears Prada cerulean sweater monologue).

While they might seem a bit dramatic at first glance, they’re surprisingly flattering. The key is all in the styling. I like to think of barrel jeans as the shoulder pads of pants—bold, structured, and a little intimidating at first, but game-changing when done right. Since they’re often mid- or low-rise, the proportions of your top are key. I love pairing them with a fitted top and chunky boots or going for a blazer and pointed kitten heels for a chic, polished, “yeah, I have a job” vibe.

So below, I rounded up my favorite barrel jeans at every price point and denim wash—because options are everything, especially with something as divisive as this.

Abercrombie & Fitch Mid-Rise Ultra Barrel Jeans

Personally, I’m a fan of barrel jeans because I hate clothes that cling to my body. These mid-rise jeans offer a loose, comfortable fit while still cinching at the waist, so you’re not completely drowning in fabric. Like all of Abercrombie’s jeans, they’re available in short, regular, and long lengths, so no matter your height, you can join in on the trend. Plus, they come in both medium and dark rinse washes—so why not grab both?

Madewell The Darted Barrel-Leg Jeans

These barrel jeans from Madewell are a bit less exaggerated than some of the other options on this list, making them a great way to ease into the trend. They feature subtle knee darts that create a curved silhouette. For a higher rise and a closer fit, the brand suggests sizing down, as these jeans are made from 100 percent cotton with no stretch—something to keep in mind. They’re available in four shades, including a white and black wash, and come in standard, petite, and tall options.

Everlane The Utility Barrel Jeans

Tapered and cropped at the ankle, these barrel jeans are perfect for showing off your new ballet flats or a pair of heeled boots. If you’re worried about volume, don’t be—the barrel leg on these is subtle. They fit true to size and are available in sizes 23 to 33.

EB Denim Enzo Mid-Rise Barrel Jeans

This L.A.-founded brand is a favorite among celebrities like Kendall Jenner, Sabrina Carpenter, Emily Ratajkowski, and Suki Waterhouse, which is why it was at the top of my wishlist this season. Made from 100 percent cotton, the denim has a stiff structure, making the barrel shape more pronounced.

Shop more barrel-leg jeans below.