The barrel leg jean has been slowly creeping into our local boutiques and retailers (and our wardrobes) over the past 3 years now. But for many of you, they’ve been a more recent discovery and one that perhaps at first, you considered a steadfast ‘no’ when you saw the likes of me wearing them.

I know this to be true from the reactions and comments I received on my very first video featuring my barrel leg jeans back in 2022. Let’s just say, reactions were mixed! Comments like, “they make you look bow-legged” and “I think you need to get back on your horse Sally!” were common.

But fast-forward almost 3 years, and it seems that you’ve come around… finally. The barrel leg jean, I would argue, is not just ‘another trend’ that we’ll look back on and think, “what was I thinking?” it’s instead just another version of a wardrobe staple… the classic denim jean.

As you know I’m a huge lover and wearer of denim. I always have been. For me, the jeans in my closet are what keeps my style grounded, interesting and modern. I love the way a pair of jeans can instantly make me feel relaxed, sporty, edgy, unique, cool… whatever way I want to feel on any given day.

Jeans can be like that for you too. And having a variety of styles of jeans is what allows you to determine what image you want to portray from one day to the next. The barrel leg jean is just another tool in your denim toolbox.

While I might use a barrel leg jean to lean into the contemporary side of my personal style, you can use them to achieve something completely different, because your style will be different to mine. I’ve now styled hundreds of clients in these jeans, not with the intention to create clones of myself, nor to project my sense of style on to them, but to help them build wardrobes with more tools at their disposal.

My clients have ranged from Millennials wanting to get out of their skinnies, retirees wanting to modernise their look, creatives looking for a funky yet comfortable jean to sit at their desks in, and mum’s on the sidelines of weekend sport desperate to get out of their leggings.

I’ve worked with women of all shapes, sizes, heights, ages and budgets and put them in a barrel leg jean. Trust me when I say, everyone can wear them. The only clients I’ve met who’ve ‘declined’ the barrel leg jean, simply don’t like them. And that’s cool! I’m not here to tell you NEED a pair, especially if the look of them does not appeal to you. It’s of little service even if an item of clothing looks amazing on you, you just don’t feel good wearing it.

So below, due to popular demand after my most recent postare my favourite barrel leg jean styles that I’ve styled my clients in. I’ve included a range of price points, size ranges and barrel ‘extremes’. How these suggestions work for your wardrobe, and your personal style, is up to you. Don’t overthink barrel leg jeans, they’re just another jean in your wardrobe!

If you need a refresh on styling them, you can always check back to these posts:

All the below suggestions are shown in Australian sizing and in AUD. No commission is earnt from these links.

Witchery Jeans in Indigo Denim, sizes 4-18 – $179 (other washes available)

These are REALLY good! Witchery have managed to perfect the curve with an additional panel down the side of each leg. Very Tibi-esque (the Tibi version, is included below)

Commonry Jeans in Ecru, size 8-24 – $149.95 (other washes available)

For those who need a little bit of reinforcement around the waist, the waistband and double button feature of these is really great for creating additional shape and support.

Agolde Luna Jeans, sizes 6-16 – $479 (other washes available)

These are one of the pairs I own, and they’re great. I was unsure about the raw hem (I’m pretty sure there are hemmed options) but it does add a little bit of additional edge. Come to think of it, this is probably the style Witchery modelled their’s off.

Cos Arch Taper in washed black, size 6-14 – $159 (other washes available)

For those wanting a less extreme shape, these are goodies. Trouble is Cos don’t seem to bring in many of any size, so they sell out quickly.

Rolla’s Gigi in raw denim, sizes 6-16 – $159.95 (other washes available)

If you like your barrels with a little bit of retro edge (i.e. those rear pockets) then these Rolla’s are a great option, and reasonably priced too. The raw denim (as I’ve featured in a few picks) is perfect if you want your denim to feel more elevated.

City Chic Harley Fit, sizes 10-26 – $119.95 (other washes available)

These include the hallmarks of a good barrel, with the diagonal stitching at the knee, giving the jeans a little extra personality. And psst… these have an elasticised rear waistband!

Alpha 60 Dalton Jeans, sizes XXS-XL – $229

My OG barrels are these from Alpha 60 (I have the indigo and washed black) The contrast stitching on these below is cool, but can look a bit ‘wrong’ if you’re petite, as it falls a bit too low on the leg.

Tibi Sid in classic wash, sizes 6-14 (short & regular length) – approx. $750 (other washes available)

I have the bleached denim version of these and I’m literally tempted every other day to buy another pair! So I keep an eye on them secondhand. These will NEVER go on sale at Tibi FYI! They come in 2 lengths too! Great for tallies like me.

Decjuba Camille jean, sizes 6-20 – $119.95 (other washes available)

A great affordable option in a good size range. Decjuba always do great denim (that is also usually soft and comfortable)

Ksubi Spliced Barrel, sizes 4-14 – $299.95 (larger size range in other washes)

So, I haven’t seen these on but… I think I need to try them! For those of you who like your clothing a little more experimental, I reckon these are super cool.

Frame ‘The Bubble’ sizes 6-16 – $535 (other washes available)

Say no more, Frame knows how to make denim. Yes they’re an investment, but at the end of the day if the barrel leg style and silhouette really works for you, and you can see yourself wearing them for years to come (like me) and you have the budget, then that’s a choice only you can make.

Thanks for reading x