If you’re willing to give the best barrel jeans a try, you might just become (or cement your place as) the coolest person in your group chat. As soon as you wear a pair, you’ll get it: Its leg-lengthening magic is real, and the cut has officially transitioned from denim trend to modern standard.
What are barrel jeans, exactly? This wide-leg silhouette, also known as balloon or horseshoe jeans, flares at the thighs and tapers at the ankles. Curved, twisted seams exaggerate and elongate the legs, lending an editorial edge that’s distinct from your average pair. Their smart, structured shape works for the office—but pair it with a crop top and boots, and you’re ready for a night on the town.
Below, we rounded up the best barrel jeans on the market, including picks for petites, extra-stretchy pairs, and plenty of denim well under $100.
Our barrel jeans shopping list
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The best barrel jeans under $100
You don’t have to shell out hundreds to buy into the look. These days there’s a bevy of budget-friendly picks that’ll perfectly round out your denim drawer. Our favorite sub-$100 options come in generous sizing and a slew of rinses, so you’d be forgiven for thinking they go for double or triple their modest price tags. These balloon-leg bottoms elevate even the simplest of outfits—say, a plain tee and sporty sneakers—with no extra effort required.
Insider tip: In this price range, you’ll find both 100% cotton options and fabrics that mix in manmade fibers like polyester and elastane. Cotton pairs (like Levi’s) tend to wash and age better, while mixed materials (like Zisica’s) offer more stretch.