Hit or Miss: Barrel Jeans — Rouge Magazine

You have likely encountered them everywhere–the pants dominating this spring's fashion scene: Barrel jeans. Now, you may wonder, what is the difference between the average pair of wide-leg or "baggy" compared to this "barrel" cut? Barrel jeans have a similar shape to their namesake; the middle bows out as you would see in a barrel; they hug the waist snuggly with a peak circumference around the knees before tapering around the ankles, providing the lower body with a horseshoe-like shape effect. Although the name and inspiration from which it comes might not sound glamorous or red-carpet-ready, they have debuted on the runway as seen in shows such as the Alaïa Fall/Winter 2023, which showcased a "barrel" design through a pair of light wash overalls and a black turtleneck maxi dress, both with the ballooning lower half (Parker, 2023).

However, seeing a piece worn by a model on a catwalk can feel very different from buying it yourself. Before the year's end, most of us will most likely succumb to the influence and buy a pair, as fashion networks throughout the globe have deemed them the "denim trend of 2024" (Murray, 2024). While others have called them a "divider of the fashion set," they will not leave anytime soon (Parker, 2023). If you are considering purchasing a pair, you might find yourself at a loss regarding where to shop or how to complement them best, as this trend is still developing. Here are some recommended retailers and styling suggestions to get you started.

On the lower end of the price spectrum, priced at $20.99, Forever 21 showcases a pair of high-rise barrel-cut jeans in dark wash denim with some decorative stitching along the front. The model accompanies the jeans with a muted green tube top and a pair of black-heeled boots.

In the mid-price range, Free People sells many variations of barrel jeans. The pair I chose is priced at $98, listed as the "We the Free Good Luck Mid Rise Barrel Jeans," and has over 14 colors with taste distress unique to each pair. The model pairs her jeans with a denim vest of darker wash than the pants with a plain white baby tee underneath and a statement belt.

On the high side of the spectrum, Revolve offers a few pairs of barrel or horseshoe jeans, such as the "Horseshoe Jean" from Citizens of Humanity, priced at $278. This pair of low-rise barrel jeans is a dark wash accentuated by light stitching along the belt loops and button. Paired with a brown knit turtleneck long-sleeve bodysuit, a brown mule heel, and a statement handbag, it exudes effortless style.

As you browse the samples above or conduct your own research, it becomes evident that barrel jeans epitomize versatility, transitioning from casual to formal attire and acclimating to various individual styles and price points. As this trend continues to develop, will these be a hit or a miss?

Refrences

High Rise Baggy Barrel Jeans. Forever 21. Retrieved from

https://www.forever21.com/us/20012607720105.html?srsltid=AfmBOooZRMnGxlhWYwRXDs2wGnvSu5yLLwxVhCOilps_5uOjYme3XHuZeKQ

Horseshoe Jean. Revolve. Retrieved from

https://www.revolve.com/citizens-of-humanity-horseshoe-jean-in-bravo/dp/CITI-WJ1793/?d=Womens&page=1&lc=1&itrownum=1&itcurrpage=1&itview=05

Murray, D. (2024, March 14). Barrel-Leg Jeans Are Officially The Denim Shape for 2024.

Retrieved from https://www.elle.com/uk/fashion/what-to-wear/a45335571/barrel-leg-jeans/

Parker, A. (2023, November 17). The Controversial Denim Trend That’s Continuing to Divide the

Fashion Set. Vogue. Retrieved from https://www.vogue.com/article/barrel-jeans

We The Free Good Luck Mid-Rise Barrel Jeans. Free People. Retrieved from

https://www.freepeople.com/shop/we-the-free-good-luck-mid-rise-barrel-jeans/?category=jeans color=045&type=REGULAR&quantity=1

Written by Katherine Fivgas