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The Best Barrel Jeans That Seamlessly Pull Together Any Outfit
Including a J.Lo-approved (and affordable) option.
Well, y’all, I hate to say I told you so, but I totally told you so. Even though I’ve been spreading the gospel of barrel jeans since late fall, it took a celebrity endorsement from Jennifer Lopez to get your attention. But, now that I have it, listen up.
The cocooned silhouette is everything you could ask for in a pair of pants. It’s relaxed but not too relaxed, with a structured leg that’s widest in the middle and tapered at the waist and ankle. The result is an elongated, effortless look that’s universally flattering and can be dressed up or down. They’re trendy, they’re roomy, and they’re more interesting than your standard flared or skinny jeans.
Of course, as with any pair of jeans, it can still be hard to find the exact right fit. And because every denim brand seems to offer its own take (or five) on the tapered trend, I put in the legwork to help you find a pair that you’ll actually want to wear on repeat. From exaggerated styles to more subtly ballooned silhouettes, here are 14 of the best barrel jeans on the market—including the pair that J.Lo and I have in common.
Here they are: The jeans that won me over and then won J.Lo over (in that order; don’t get it twisted). These have an effortless street style air about them and are available in a wide range of hues. They’re just so cool.
Sizes: 24-33 (Short, Regular)
Colors: 18 options
Are they black? Are they blue? I love a truly inky pair of blue jeans that teeters that line perfectly. And I love Reformation jeans, too.
Sizes: 23-24
Colors: Ondine
For all my ladies who like their denim without a hint of stretch, this pair from Veronica Beard is for you. Personally, I think the barrel style is the ideal silhouette for non-stretch textile because of the forgiving fit.
Sizes: 23-32
Colors: Bandit
This high-rise pair presents two equally playful options: Cuff them at the ankle for a casual look, or wear them at their full length should you seek a bit more drama.
Sizes: 23-32
Colors: Westbury, Outlaw, Dorado
Wearing barrel jeans already signals that you’re up on sartorial trends. When you tell the ladies that these are Alaïa, your status will be raised to full-blown fashion hero.
Sizes: 34-44
Colors: Noir Alaia
With exaggerated seams and a faded wash, this structured EB Denim pair offers a more elongated look that’s absolutely cool girl-approved.
Sizes: 23-32
Colors: 6 options
Here’s a mid-rise barrel that is ever so slight. If you’re not sold on the trend just yet, these could easily pass for a standard straight leg.
Sizes: 23-34
Colors: Los Angeles, Venice, Asphalt
ELLE’s digital director Claire Stern Milch is a woman on the go. From back-to-back meetings to dinners to casually planning a wedding while she’s at it, items have to earn a place in her wardrobe. This pair passed with flying colors. Gap is so back.
Sizes: 24-35 (Regular, Tall, Petite)
Colors: 8 options
These jeans carried me through 2024, and I would like to take a moment to thank Everlane for these heaven-sent pants.
Sizes: 23-33; 27” or 29” inseam
Colors: 6 options
If you accomplish nothing else today, do yourself this one favor: Buy a pair of off-white jeans. You will be amazed by how often they come in handy. Dale Arden Chong, ELLE’s senior fashion commerce editor (and denim guru of the team), agrees.
Sizes: 24-32
Colors: Cream
The best part about a pair like this is that they’re totally timeless—and that they’re another editor-approved option from senior fashion commerce editor Dale Arden Chong. You need not worry about passing fads; these will always be stylish.
Sizes: 23-33 (Regular, Petite, Tall)
Colors: Vintage Canvas, Olenda Wash, Irmo Wash, Dobbins Wash
If you struggle to stray away from relaxed boyfriend silhouettes, this pair from cool-girl brand Tibi gives the best of both worlds.
Sizes: 24-32
Colors: Classic Blue
Shoppers of all shapes and sizes can get excited about this affordable pair, which comes in a variety of fits.
Sizes: 23-34 (Standard, Tall, Petite, Plus)
Colors: Blythedale, Eyck Wash
Here’s a barrel that is ever so slight. If you’re not sold on the trend just yet, these could easily pass for a standard straight leg.
Sizes: 24-32
Colors: Indigo, Blue
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