12 of the Best Barrel Jeans to Get You Right for Fall, Vetted by Editors

Associate Fashion Commerce Editor Stephanie Meraz is a big fan of these jeans for their superior comfort. “They’re the coolest thing since sliced bread,” she wrote in a full review, adding, “I actually sized up not one but two sizes because I wanted the mid-rise fit to sit extra low on my hips, and while I should have only gone up one size, I still love how they look like the ultimate street style jeans—and I especially love how they don’t squeeze my waist or thighs in the slightest.” They’re also available in three different inseam lengths and three washes.

Fast Facts

• Size Range: 25-34
• Colors/Washes: 3
• Materials: 100 percent cotton

Former Commerce Editor Olivia Dubyak tested these jeans over the summer, and said Madewell’s take on the style was her favorite she had seen thus far. “I was pleasantly surprised with the fit of Madewell's version,” she wrote in her review. “While there isn't much stretch, they already feel broken in right out of the gate and are super soft, so I don't feel uncomfortable when I sit down.

When it comes to the most controversial part of these jeans (the leg shape), I can confidently say that I do like it on my body. The brand notes that the pants run a little large—I got my regular size, so they have a bit of bagginess to them, but not too much. The darts at the knees also add some more shape to them.” With a cropped design, these jeans are perfect for showing off your trendiest fall shoes.

Fast Facts

• Size Range: 23-33
• Colors/Washes: 4
• Materials: 100 percent cotton

Senior Editor Dana Dickey gave these affordable barrel jeans a try, and notes that they are a great option for petite shoppers. “I was served an ad on Pinterest for these barrel jeans and thought the around-$50 ask was low-enough risk for me to cosplay trendy denim,” she explained in her review. “I'm so glad I did—the super-short inseam means I could wear these right away with no hemming, and the balloon-y leg looks cute as long as I top them with a clingy top, so that my petite frame isn't wholly swallowed by fabric.” Made with a blend of cotton and polyester, they include two side pockets and two back pockets where you can store some of your smaller belongings.

Fast Facts

• Size Range: 2-12
• Colors/Washes: 11
• Materials: cotton/polyester

Dickey also recommends this breezy pair from Free People for their style and softer fabric. “I bought the inexpensive ones from Amazon, but also wished I had spent the $98 for this pair from Free People because they have a much softer fabric.” Dickey recommends picking these barrel jeans up for their tapered ankle and cozy construction. Buyers give mixed reviews on how true to size they run, so definitely check the size chart before purchasing.

Fast Facts

• Size Range: 24-33
• Colors/Washes: 16
• Materials: recycled cotton, cotton, lyocell

Associate Editor Sydney Meister says she is obsessed with these barrel jeans from Citizens of Humanity. “What I love most about the pair from Citizens of Humanity—which I own—is how they instantly cinch my waist,” she writes. “They’re some of the only bottoms I'd wear with a tiny crop top, thanks to the balloon-like silhouette that offers more than enough fabric. They offer that perfect balance of structure and comfort, also making them great for when you’re bloated after scarfing down a lobster roll with a Corona.” Available in multiple colors, they are on the pricier side, but well worth it considering the quality and longevity you are getting in return.

Fast Facts

• Size Range: 23-34
• Colors/Washes: 12
• Materials: 100 percent regenerative cotton

If you still want a barrel look that isn’t too oversize, you can go with the editor-approved Abby Jeans, which Meraz couldn’t stop raving about when she tested them. “If you know me, then you know I live in sweatpants, so when I find jeans that can make my butt look perky and leg look longer without sacrificing on comfort, I’m sold. I’ve come to realize that I prefer a baggier style to a skinner one, so this lax straight leg felt like it was tailor-made for me,” she noted in her review. According to Meraz, these jeans hold up well in the washing machine too, which is always a bonus.

Fast Facts

• Size Range: 23-30
• Colors/Washes: 1
• Materials: cotton/tencel

Meraz also tested the Reformation High-Rise Straight Jeans, which she compared to the Abby style. In her review she noted, “As someone who’s 5’7, inseams tend to be quite a conundrum for me as the standard length is usually too short for my liking and the tall length too tall. I’d say the Cynthia jeans fall somewhere in the middle. My pants fell just at the start of my laces, so if I had to do it all over again, I’d size up one and order the tall version, taking advantage of Reformation’s complimentary alteration service to get them just right.” While you may have to get them altered to achieve the fit best for you, they look lovely when styled, according to Meraz.

Fast Facts

• Size Range: 23-34
• Colors/Washes: 7
• Materials: cotton/tencel

These jeans are a slightly curvier version of the Agolde Criss Cross Upsized Jeans, which Meraz tested earlier this year. In her review of those, she noted, “They’re the ideal relaxed, street style pants I didn’t need but wanted as an extra addition in my closet. They have an overall relaxed and roomy fit around the waist and leg that I find comfortable, and the 18-inch width at the knee tapers to 16 inches around the ankle, creating the subtlest straight-leg meets balloon effect.” The Luna is a more oversize version of the Criss Cross as, they offer a 16-inch leg opening. Made with a blend of regenerative cotton, lyocell and recycled cotton, they are also very comfortable.

Fast Facts

• Size Range: 23-32
• Colors/Washes: 1
• Materials: cotton/tencel

I’m also a huge fan of these barrel jeans from EB Denim as they totally nail the ‘90s look in my opinion. Offering all of the traditional features associated with barrel jeans such as five-pocket styling and a 22-inch inseam that narrows down to 14 inches, they sit on your hips and waistline comfortably without any shifting. They also come in three different colors, my favorite of which is the foil colorway as it is reminiscent of the early Y2K metallic era (think Britney Spears and TLC).

Fast Facts

• Size Range: 23-34
• Colors/Washes: 3
• Materials: 100 percent cotton

These barrel jeans check the boxes of style and comfort with their oversize construction. They’re also versatile—they can be paired with a wide range of footwear, from over-the-knee boots to sneakers—but it’s the exaggerated curved leg that really makes this silhouette standout. Just note that the jeans take time to break in according to the brand, which is something to keep in mind before purchasing.

Fast Facts

• Size Range: 24-31
• Colors/Washes: 1
• Materials: cotton/elastane

When it comes to achieving that ‘80s/’90s look we’re all going for here, who better to shop from than the GAP, which was at its peak during that time period? These jeans are a winner according to reviewers, one of whom notes, “The denim fabric is soft and has opt for a smaller ankle opening but the opening on these are good, and they are very comfortable to wear. Plus, they run true-to-size.” Available in regular, tall and petite fits and four different washes, there are certainly plenty of options to choose from.

Fast Facts

• Size Range: 24-35
• Colors/Washes: 4
• Materials: cotton/recycled cotton

When I saw these jeans available for under $150, I knew I had to immediately add them to my collection. I was actually a little concerned that the balloon style would be oversize to the point where it makes walking a bit difficult, but to my surprise, these jeans fit true to my petite frame without feeling overly baggy. Available in three different washes, they also come with a choice of standard, tall, petite and plus sizes.

Fast Facts

• Size Range: 23-32
• Colors/Washes: 3
• Materials: cotton/elastane