Carrot, horseshoe, banana, balloon or barrel – whatever unsexy name you call them, these roomy, curved-leg jeans (which are fitted at the waist, have a flared-out shape around the mid-thigh and a tapered silhouette at the bottom) have been gaining momentum over the last few months and it seems to be a key “fashion denim” shape for autumn/winter, too.
At first glance, the barrel-leg trouser might seem a bit controversial but it is, in fact, easier to wear than you think. When Trinny Woodall posted a video to Instagram, wearing this very divisive jean to the office, people had very strong opinions on her A.W.A.K.E. Mode (a designer brand FYI) two-tone barrel-leg jeans.
Some may say these “man repeller” jeans look like you borrowed a clown’s trews, but if you choose the less extreme avant-garde barrel-leg (which, I’ll admit, can resemble cowboy fancy dress), I think they’re the perfect contemporary cut for women who struggle with jeans – especially if you’re a pear shape or, like me, an hourglass.
I’ve been a barrel-leg jeans and trousers fan for as long as I can remember. Why? The curvature cut and seams are super-flattering for my bottom-heavy figure, because it follows the natural curvaceous line of my silhouette, rather than fighting against it.
And it’s not just Trinny and I who are super-fans. Endless hands went straight up in our GH HQ when I asked who loves barrel-leg jeans.
Florence Reeves-White, GHI senior beauty writer says: “Any trend that cleverly combines comfort and style gets the green light from me. In a world where low-rise trousers and skinny jeans are tapping on our shoulders like ghosts of teenage outfit blunders gone by (gulp), the barrel-leg shape is a refreshing reminder that you don’t have to waste your days fantasising about pulling on your trackies – these are just as comfy.”
GH cookery director Meike Beck says “I jumped on the barrel-leg trend as I feel they suit my hourglass frame. Generally, because of their looser fit, they’re super comfy, yet they feel like you’ve made a bit of a fashion choice. But I must admit to having limits about how far I go with the barrel – really tight on the ankles or too many visible, bendy seams are a no from me.”
GH health & features editor Sarah Marber told me: “I’m a size 14 and honestly thought I could never wear anything other than skinnies… but I’m a complete convert. My barrel-legs (the sold-out ‘carrot’ from Marks & Spencer) make me feel more modern and are supremely comfortable – a world away from the trussed-up feeling you have with skinny jeans. Counterintuitively, they are more flattering; showing a bit of ankle does make a difference. In the summer, they were great with Birkenstocks, but I’m still trying to find the autumn equivalent!”
And I would agree with Sarah – the key to nailing this tricky jean trend are the shoes you wear with it. My top tip? Show either some ankle or a pop of sock, as it breaks up the bulk. In the daytime, I always pair my dark blue barrel-leg jeans with my white high-top Converse and white socks peeking out (I love contrast), then after dark I switch for my pointy kitten heels. I also think styling them with tucked-in tops and tailoring refines the “bulkiness”.
So, if you’re thinking of venturing beyond your usual 501s, here are my top picks. Roll out the barrel I say…
Our favourite barrel-leg jeans:
