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Free People has become a destination for elevated boho staples that celebrities such as Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez have worn. Plus, it’s not uncommon for the brand’s styles to go viral on TikTok, like the famous Hot Shot Onesie. Now, a new look has garnered attention on social media, and it has the fashion world divided.
We the Free Barrel Jeans have become a controversial denim style for its exaggerated horseshoe-like legs that have some people claiming it’s the shape of the summer, while others find the look practically impossible to style. Thankfully, TikTok has some ideas on the best way to wear the viral barrel jeans.
More than 27 million TikTok videos have been made about the We the Free Barrel Jeans, with users showing off how to style the look in the most fashion-forward way. TikToker Julia Huynh has earned around 1.1 million views on the platform, where the user claims the reason the style works isn’t a result of “my body — I think it’s the way I wear them.” She then proceeds to theorize that long and low-rise fits will look more flattering than a cropped style.
While the Free People denim and barrel jeans in general have fashion lovers questioning its stylishness, that hasn’t stopped people from stocking up on the look. Free People’s version is not just under $100, it also comes in 15 washes to choose from — and it’s already selling out fast.
To make sure you get your hands on a pair to test the look out for yourself, you can shop the exact barrel jeans below.
We the Free Good Luck Mid-Rise Barrel Jeans
The We the Free barrel jeans not only come in a variety of shades, but feature three lengths: short, regular and long. The brand recommends staying true to your size or sizing up, depending on how loose and baggy you want the denim to feel. It’s also designed using Free People’s most rigid denim, which means there won’t be a lot of stretch.
The barrel jeans have even been curvy-approved, with TikToker Brieana Banks claiming, “I’m convinced that a thick girl invented barrel jeans.”
If you’re already obsessed with the denim style or just want to add a few more to your rotation, we also rounded up similar styles from popular brands below.
Which Are the Best Barrel Jeans?
To help you build out your trendy jeans collection, keep reading to find some of the top-rated and bestselling barrel jeans online now.
AE77 Premium Barrel Jean
American Eagle’s barrel jean comes in two washes — dark and light — so you can show off the look year-round. The denim features a mid-rise fit made using a more rigid denim that comes from the brand’s sustainable fashion line. The rinse was also created to look vintage-like for a more retro appearance.
ELOQUII Plus Size The Barrel Jean
Target’s plus-size barrel jeans give off a more ’90s look with the classic medium blue wash that’s slightly faded in the center of the legs. There is a high-rise fit that sits above your waist, and features a mid-stretch material that will loosen slightly with more wear to give off a more worn-in feel.
Pilcro Heritage Curve Mid-Rise Barrel Jeans
Anthropologie wasn’t messing around with its version of the famous barrel jean. The company provide four different fits to choose from — petite, regular, tall and plus — to help you get the most comfortable look. Plus, it has a lower rise and two vintage-inspired washes to choose from.
Loose Barrel Baggy Jeans
Walmart’s barrel jeans embrace a laid-back look with a baggy style and low-rise waist. If you’re looking outside of the classic denim blue look, these jeans come in a range of washes, including this versatile khaki shade you can dress up or down.
Barrel Jeans
Garage offers a slightly less exaggerated barrel jean look, which still has the famous horseshoe shape — just not as wide — to give off more of a skater appearance. You can also take advantage of the five-pocket styling and cotton material that’ll get softer with every wash.
GREAIDEA Mid Rise Barrel Jeans
Amazon is keeping things crisp with these white barrel jeans you can wear to brunch or drinks with friends. The shade makes it easy to dress down with a crop top or pair it with a blouse for a dressier feel. Since it features a low-rise waist, it creates a more relaxed vibe, while the pockets in the front and back allow you to store small essentials such as your phone and cash.
What Are Barrel Jeans?
While TikTok has been labeling the jeans “barrel,” the style is known by a couple other names, including “balloon” and “horseshoe” jeans. What sets it apart from the classic wide-leg jean is the fact that the design flares out at the thighs and tapers off by the ankles. This gives it that rounded shape similar to a barrel.
Are Barrel Jeans in for 2024?
Barrel jeans have been going viral all over social media for months now, making it clear that the look isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Though it has the fashion community theorizing the best way to style the denim look, that hasn’t stopped people from clamoring to stock up on as many styles as possible.
For more product recommendations, check out ShopBillboard‘s roundups of the best denim jumpsuits, slip dresses and jean shorts.
