How to Wear Barrel Jeans: 7 Easy Outfits for Fall and the Holidays

Barrel jeans are the denim shape of the season, and once you try a pair it's easy to see why. They sit relaxed through the hip and thigh, curve out gently through the leg, then taper back in at the ankle. The result is a rounded, slightly slouchy silhouette that feels fresh next to the skinny and straight jeans already in your closet.

If you love the look but aren't sure how to style it, this guide covers fit, washes and seven outfits you can wear from a weekday coffee run to a holiday party. Every style we mention lives in our barrel jeans collection.

How barrel jeans should fit

Barrel jeans are meant to look roomy, but they shouldn't feel sloppy. Look for:

• A secure waist. Most barrel styles are mid or high rise, so the waistband should sit flat without gapping at the back.
• Room through the thigh. The curve starts below the hip and gives the leg its rounded shape.
• A tapered hem. The leg narrows again at the ankle. That taper is what separates a barrel from a wide leg.
• The right length. A cropped hem at or just above the ankle shows off boots and sneakers. Full-length pairs stack a little at the shoe.

Between sizes? Start with the brand's size chart. Our Risen jeans include several barrel fits, and the Risen size guide on our site walks you through measuring your waist, hips and inseam.

Pick your wash

• Light and medium wash feel casual and easy. Wear them with neutrals, creams and soft pastels.
• Dark wash looks polished. It works with blazers, loafers and heels.
• Black and vintage black are the go-to for evenings and holiday plans.
• Colors and prints such as camo, olive, leopard and cream add instant interest. Keep the top simple and let the jeans do the talking.

7 ways to wear barrel jeans

1. With a fitted tee and sneakers. The simplest formula. A fitted top balances the fuller leg, and a front tuck shows off the waist.
2. With a chunky sweater. Fall's favorite pairing. Choose a cropped or half-tucked knit so the shape of the jeans still shows. Our sweaters include cable knits, turtlenecks and cozy pullovers that work here.
3. With a bodysuit and a blazer. A bodysuit keeps the line smooth at the waist, and a structured blazer makes the look office-ready.
4. With ankle boots. Barrel jeans and boots were made for each other. Choose a boot that ends at or below the hem so the taper stays visible.
5. With an open flannel or shacket. Layer it over a tank or tee and roll the sleeves for an easy weekend outfit.
6. With a statement top for holiday plans. Swap the tee for something with shine, sequins or velvet, add heels and you're ready for the party. Our Holiday Glam collection is full of tops made for this.
7. With a long coat. A longline coat over barrel jeans creates a long, lean line that carries you through winter.

Barrel jeans questions we hear most

Are barrel jeans flattering? Yes, when the rest of the outfit is balanced. Keep the top fitted or cropped, and let the ankle or the shoe show.

Can petite women wear barrel jeans? Yes. Pick a cropped length and a high rise, then add a small heel, a platform sneaker or a pointed flat.

What shoes go with barrel jeans? Ankle boots, loafers, sneakers, ballet flats and pointed heels all work. Skip shoes that cover the hem, since they hide the curve.

Are barrel jeans the same as wide leg jeans? No. Wide leg jeans stay wide from hip to hem. Barrel jeans curve out through the leg, then taper back in at the ankle.

How do I care for them? Wash denim inside out in cold water and hang it to dry. The color stays richer and the fit holds its shape longer.

Find your pair

New styles arrive every week, so there's always a fresh wash or fit to try. Start with our barrel jeans, add a sweater and boots, and you have an outfit you'll reach for all season.