I’ll admit it: when I first saw barrel-leg jeans, I wasn’t entirely convinced. The shape is a little unusual, after all; it’s bold, sculptural and unlike anything else in my wardrobe. When wearing them, I thought, my legs would surely just resemble a banana. 

But exaggerated denim silhouettes have a way of surprising you. Since Alaïa’s autumn/winter 2023 show, barrel-leg jeans have been showing up on the catwalks and street style roundups. That the likes of Julianne Moore, Sienna Miller and Katie Holmes have been seen wearing them is only further proof that high-waisted denim with bold shapes has serious staying power.

And once you try on a pair for yourself (Uniqlo’s, ideally, if you can get your hands on them – though they’re swiftly selling out) and style them, they make more sense than you’d think. And dare I say, they might even be easier to wear than your go-to straight-leg pair. 

If you’ve had similar reservations about barrel-leg jeans but are still eager to tap into this spring’s latest trend, keep scrolling. I’ve put together a handy guide packed with outfit inspiration and wardrobe tips on how to style them this season.

Balance out the volume

Barrel-leg jeans are known for their voluminous fit around the thighs, tapering down towards the ankles. To create a balanced silhouette, pair them with more fitted tops or cropped jackets that help maintain proportion.

Madina (below) has mastered this look by opting for a cropped, structured blazer. The clean lines and simple design help counterbalance the fullness of her jeans without overwhelming the overall outfit. 

Smarten it up with a sleek shoe

Since barrel-leg jeans can be wide, shoes with a slight heel or platform can help elongate your legs and add structure. Chunky boots or sleek ankle boots are great options, depending on the vibe you’re after.

Personally, I prefer the simplicity of ballet flats with barrel-leg jeans. During the latest London Fashion Week, I noticed so many chic women wearing woven ballet flats paired with of-the-moment indigo denim barrel-leg jeans. The ballet flats are effortless, keeping your look relaxed while still stylish.

For inspiration, look to Agnes (below), who opted for a striking red mesh pair. I also love these braided ballet flats from H&M, £37.99, for a summery look. 

Experiment with layering

When layering, the key is to avoid overly heavy layers that might overwhelm the jean’s structure. Instead, aim for lighter, more streamlined pieces that complement the jeans without hiding them. For inspiration, look to those outside the autumn/ winter 2025 Miu Miu show, where the style set paired thin cotton shirts, with vest tops and lightweight jackets to create multi-layered looks.

Saroop’s look below is a perfect example of this. She’s mastered the art of layering, balancing a khaki green bomber with a white T-shirt and denim jacket, all without compromising the bold shape of her jeans. The mix of textures (corduroy and denim) adds depth to her outfit, while still allowing the barrel-leg jeans to shine as the statement piece.

Images: Getty; courtesy of brands