17 best barrel leg jeans for SS25, photographed on our editors
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The topic of women's jeans is a divisive one; everyone's favourite shape differs. But if 2025 has taught me anything thus far, it's that the best barrel leg jeans have us united. Not a single one of my friends or colleagues dislikes them.
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 – nope, not even for classic straight-leg jeans.
From Agolde to Citizens of Humanity, Frame and more, multiple brands have seen huge success from their balloon-shape denim, so you best believe they're the silhouette to shop for SS25.
While some of you will be welcoming the news of the skinny jeans' return, I, for one, am dreading it. So much so, that I've set my sights on their antithesis.
I'm not the only one, either. Google searches for ‘barrel jeans’ are up by around 41% since this time last year, and the street style set is into it too. Bella Hadid and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, prove this pair of jeans is the off-duty model failsafe, whilst Katie Holmes has shown this year that the trend transcends seasons. Mix up light blue and black denim colourways throughout the year, easy to pair with your florals in spring/summer and layer with cardigans and loafers come autumn/winter. Timeless.
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.
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 indigo frayed pair being our faves, whilst you might also see them named ‘balloon jeans’, or referred to as ‘tapered’ like Frame's ‘The Narrow’ pair.
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.
For more from GLAMOUR UK's Senior Commerce Writer Georgia Trodd, follow her on Instagram @georgiatrodd, and freelancer Hattie Cotmore @hattiecotmore.
Below, shop the barrel leg jeans trend for 2025.
Size range: 4-22.
Available wash styles: Six colours available, from pale blue denim to black.
Care: Machine wash at 30°.
Save when you shop for the best barrel jeans with these H&M discount codes at checkout.
Size range: FR34-FR46.
Available wash styles: 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.
ASOS DESIGN High Waist Barrel Leg Jean
Size range: UK 4-18.
Available wash styles: Khaki.
Care: Machine wash.
We The Free Good Luck Mid-Rise Barrel Jeans
Size range: 24-33 (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.
Size range: 24-32.
Available wash styles: Mid blue, white, black, indigo, ivory.
Care: Medium iron. Line dry. Only non-chlorine bleach when needed. Dry clean. Machine wash at 40°.
Size range: UK 6-16.
Available wash styles: Grey, blue, dark blue.
Care: Machine wash.
Save when you shop for barrel leg jeans with these New Look discount codes at checkout.
Curve Love Mid Rise Barrel Jean
Size range: 24-34.
Available wash styles: Leopard print, white, rinse, dark, light gray, black, medium blue, light blue.
Care: Machine wash.
Agolde Luna High-Rise Tapered Jeans
Size range: 23-32.
Available wash styles: Light denim, dark denim, white and black.
Care: Machine wash.
Editor's thoughts: “Everyone in the GLAMOUR office will attest; not a week goes by where 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 pair sooner.” – Georgia Trodd, Senior Commerce Writer.
Size range: 34-44.
Available wash styles: Blue.
Care: Machine wash.
Save when you shop for barrel leg jeans with these Arket discount codes at checkout.
Size range: W24-W40.
Available wash styles: White, khaki.
Care: Machine wash.
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 last month, their collab with Elizabeth Day sold like hot cakes, and their Spring collection is getting plenty of well-deserved praise on socials. 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 are so high-waisted, flattering and high in quality. I love a barrel leg anyway, but this pair has become my go-top now that the warmer weather has hit. I couldn't recommend enough.” – Sophie Cockett, Senior European Commerce Editor.
ARRANGE Curve Sydney Denim Barrel Leg Jean
Size range: UK 18-28.
Available wash styles: Washed black, heather grey.
Care: Machine wash.
Save when you shop for barrel leg jeans with these ASOS discount codes at checkout.
Felix Jeans in Bow Laser Print
Size range: 6-20.
Available wash styles: Blue bow print, yellow stripe, blue stripe.
Care: Machine wash.
Editor's thoughts: “I really wanted to love these barrel leg jeans. The pattern was gorgeous, and 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.
Save when you shop for barrel leg jeans with these Damson Madder discount codes at checkout.
Citizens of Humanity Horseshoe Frayed High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans
Size range: 23-32.
Available wash styles: Five blue wash options including one two-tone blue. Also available in black and white.
Care: Machine wash.
Pepe Jeans Women's Addison Jeans
Size range: 24W 32L-34W 34L.
Available wash styles: Blue.
Care: Machine wash.
Whistles Light Wash Authentic Barrel Leg Jean
Size range: 24-38, available in petite and regular.
Available wash styles: Light wash, denim, black, dark denim and white.
Care: Machine wash.
Size range: W24/L32-W32/L34.
Available wash styles: Dark blue stone, mid blue stone.
Care: Machine wash.
Frame The Narrow High-Rise Tapered Jeans
Size range: 23-33.
Available wash styles: Mid denim.
Care: Machine wash.
