The chatter surrounding barrel leg jeans continues to divide - and rather dramatically at that. Are they in or out? Are they cool or highly unflattering? Should we invest our precious time and money into a pair of trousers that doubles the width of our thighs in the name of fash-un?
The silhouette consists of a nipped-in waist that puffs out into a bow-legged structure below the hips. As if someone took a pair of mom jeans and pumped them with air. Alaïa was the first brand to fully champion the cut, incorporating its popular High-Rise Barrel-Leg Jeans into the autumn/winter 2023 collection. Cult labels took note, such as Toteme, Agolde and Ganni who all started to toy with the billowing trouser style.
No matter where you stand on the topic, it seems that these tapered bottoms aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. In fact, they’ve recently evolved into a skirt silhouette, translating their signature shape that balloons along the thighs into a more feminine alternative.
© ImaxtreeAlready adopted by high street brands such as Topshop and Cos, barrel skirts are proving to be the next controversial trend to split opinion. Sure, they’re not exactly designed to enhance the female form, but that’s not the point. Roomy, comfortable and statement-making, barrel skirts are primed for those on the hunt for a new in-office hero piece, one that merges modesty and modishness within one androgynous design.
Plus, barrel skirts are made for the girls, meaning you’re bound to draw compliments from stylish passersby wherever you go. No male gaze to be seen here, these parachuting puppies epitomise dressing for yourself, regardless of what the corporate bros think. And really, what's better than feeling on-trend while repelling every man in sight? Nothing, that’s what.
Get ahead of the trend cycle and discover our favourite barrel skirts below.
Best barrel skirts to shop now:
Demin Seamed Barrel Skirt
Topshop
If you're looking to dive headfirst into the barrel skirt trend, look no further than Topshop. The brand has a grand total of six options to choose from, but our favourite is this roomy, denim option that's ideal for chic everyday wear.
Rounded Cotton Midi Skirt
Cos
For those who remain weary of the humble denim skirt, we'd recommend this airy cotton version from Cos - sleek, black and primed for modest in-office styling.
Raw Denim In-Stitch Skirt
Estudio Niksen
Crafted from raw denim with vivid contrast seams and a timeless dark wash, Estudio Niksen's luxurious piece is a subtle take on the barrel silhouette for minimalists to coo over.
Belted Midi Skirt
Studio Nicholson
Complete with a detachable and adjustable button-fastening belt and a rich ebony shade, Studio Nicholson's sculptural piece is destined to spark joy among quiet luxury lovers who can't resist a bit of kook.
Edina Skirt
Plumo
Prepped for a Mediterranean summer, Plumo's off-white skirt in breezy linen radiates summer cool - ready to take you from Islington to island with ease.
Bittersweet Denim Maxi Skirt
We The Free
Tap into bohemian dress codes with a helping hand from Free People. We The Free's tapered barrel denim skirt features a feminine curved outseam with intentional darting to lengthen the legs.
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