10 Best Barrel Jeans Worth Adding to Your Fall Wardrobe, According to Experts
Shop styles from editor-approved brands like Madewell, Levi’s, and Old Navy, starting at $25.
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As an editor living in New York City, I've learned that the smallest styling tweaks can make the biggest difference. Lately, that tweak has been swapping classic jeans for a more unexpected denim silhouette. “A pair of barrel jeans instantly adds some visual interest to even the simplest outfit,” says Amanda Constantine, home & apparel reviews analyst at the GH Textiles Lab.
Barrel jeans, also known as horseshoe jeans, are characterized by their wide, curved shape through the thigh and knee that tapers down towards the ankle. Barrel jeans often come in high-, mid-, and low-rise designs and can be styled with sweaters to button-downs to a simple white tee—making them a versatile addition to your wardrobe.
Ready to embrace the barrel-leg trend this fall? Ahead, shop the 10 best barrel jeans worth adding to your wardrobe, including top-tested brands in our Textiles Lab like Madewell, Levi’s, and Abercrombie & Fitch.
With its high-waisted fit, full-length inseam, and curved leg, this pair of Gap jeans offers a classic barrel-leg look. It’s made from a rigid, 100% cotton fabric that’s designed to break in with each wear. What’s more, Gap jeans have consistently performed well in our Lab tests, and our editors love the affordable price point.
Sizes: 24–35 | Colors: 3 | Inseam lengths: 29, 31.5, 35.5
As someone with curvier hips, I’ve been a longtime fan of Abercrombie’s Curve Love jeans—they’re made with an extra two inches in the hip to help eliminate waist gap. These high-waisted jeans have a more subtle barrel-leg shape, with a slightly cropped fit designed to skim the top of your shoe.
Sizes: 24–34 | Colors: 10 | Inseam lengths: 26.25, 28.25, 30.25
RELATED: Our Editors Keep Raving About These Abercrombie Jeans
For a budget-friendly barrel jean that doesn’t skimp on quality, our editors recommend Old Navy—after all, it was named our best value denim brand pick. This pair is infused with a touch of stretch from spandex, so they won’t take as much time to break in as other jeans on this list.
Sizes: 00-30 | Colors: 4 | Inseam lengths: 28, 30, 33
Whether you’re petite or looking for an ankle-baring jean that’ll show off heels and flats, these Mother jeans offer a dramatic cropped fit that exaggerates the barrel shape. A twisted seam adds to the sculptural silhouette, and they’re made from a rigid denim for a structured look.
Sizes: 23–34 | Colors: 2 | Inseam lengths: 27.5
Another great option for curvier shoppers? These Levi’s barrel jeans, which feature adjustable button tabs at the waist for a cinched fit. They’re designed to have a baggier cut than other barrel jeans on this list, giving them an effortless look that’s ideal for weekends and casual settings.
Sizes: 23–34 | Colors: 3 | Inseam lengths: 29, 31, 33
Senior Analyst Grace Wu loves that these jeans are lightweight, soft, and don’t cling to her body. “The barrel silhouette feels relaxed yet balanced: It's not overly curved but still stands out compared to my other jeans,” she says. “It feels like the perfect medium between baggy and polished. I find it easy to style with a mix of tops and jackets for both everyday wear and work.”
Sizes: 22–34 | Colors: 1 | Inseam lengths: 31 (alterations available)
For the barrel-leg skeptics, these Madewell jeans are a great way to dip your toe into the trend. They have a straighter cut rather than an exaggerated wide leg, and the darts at the knee help accentuate their curved design. Plus, they sit low on the hips for a relaxed yet polished look.
Sizes: 23–33 | Colors: 2 | Inseam lengths: 24.5, 26.5, 29.5
Designed to hit just below the bellybutton, Favorite Daughter’s take on the trend has a versatile mid-rise fit and an understated barrel curve. I love that the rigid, 100% cotton fabric has a subtly distressed wash, giving this pair a lived-in look inspired by vintage denim.
Sizes: 23–34 | Colors: 2 | Inseam lengths: 30
Zara is one of our editors’ favorite destinations for shopping the latest trends at an accessible price, and that includes barrel-leg jeans. I’m drawn to this patterned pair that goes beyond your typical denim, made with contrasting velvet pinstripes that’ll transition nicely from fall to winter.
Sizes: 25–31 | Colors: 1 | Inseam lengths: 26.5
If comfort is your priority when shopping for denim, editor-loved brand Quince has plenty of stretchy options like these barrel jeans. They’re made from a cotton-lyocell-spandex fabric that’s designed to feel soft and stretchy, with a high-waisted fit and tapered barrel leg.
Sizes: 24–33 | Colors: 6 | Inseam lengths: 26, 28
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