Balloon Jeans: The Fun New Jean Style You Should Try! (2021)

Balloon Jeans

So you’ve heard skinny jeans are out of fashion… but you’re not sure how to dive into the baggy jean trend?

I’ve got a new style of denim for you to consider.

Barrel jeans!

They have a couple different names (balloon jean, arc jeans, curved jeans, etc) but essentially they’re a trendier version of the straight jean with a high waist and wide cut legs that taper in at the ankle.

I call it the Aladdin jean.

It’s a denim style you probably have to get used to.. but after marinating in your brain for months trust me – it’ll grow on you!

Here are some of the coolest barrel jeans to check out now.

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Balloon Jeans for Women

Trendy jean styles aren’t to everyone’s taste, but we were pretty surprised by how much we liked the balloon jean trend!

The looser style is very comfortable to wear, and the looser leg shape is very flattering on pear shaped bodies. Even if you have more of a straighter, athletic build you’ll like the balloon jean shape.

The fitted waist, hip and butt add shape at your waistline while the tapered ankles keep the wider leg fabric from drowning your figure.

And because they’re usually a cropped ankle length, barrel leg jeans are a great way to show off your shoes!

Plus curved, tapered jeans like this come in all sorts of fabrics, from rigid denim to soft cotton elastane blends, and even utility canvas. It all depends on your preference!

Best Barrel Jeans in Every Style

Best Classic Balloon Jean: Levis
Most Comfortable Balloon Jeans: Everlane
Most Sustainable Balloon Jean: AGOLDE
Softest Balloon Jean: AG
Best Designer Balloon Jeans: Toteme

Best Balloon Jeans (2021)

Best Classic Balloon Jean: Levis

Levi’s are a trusted classic.

Their version of the balloon jean is perhaps the most conservative – almost a blend between a curved arc leg and a mom jean.

They feature a high waisted, 5 pocket design with extra room in the thighs and butt. If the popular Levi 501s are too tight for you, you’ll probably like these!

Plus, these Levi’s are made from a very soft denim, with tencel blended in for a comfortable fit.

Levi's Taper Jean

Sold on Zappos, Levi's, Nordstrom, Shopbop, Revolve & Amazon

Check the latest reviews and see all color options here

Most Comfortable Balloon Jeans: Everlane

I picked up the Everlane arc pants in the white utility fabric and quickly fell in love with them.

You can read my more in-depth review here, but the quick rundown is these are a fun shaped pant with an extra high (11.5″) rise and curved leg fit.

I especially like the dark indigo jean color, with the contrast stitching and silver button details! Pair these with a simple white tee and sneakers for a casual cool look.

Everlane Arc Pant

Sold on Everlane

Check the latest reviews and see all color options here

Most Sustainable Balloon Jean: AGOLDE

AGOLDE is famous for their denim, and for good reason.

Their balloon jeans have a super flattering fit despite the voluminous tapered legs. They’re cut to sit high on the waist and made from a structured organic cotton denim for a hold-you-in fit. Great to pair with chunky knits, band tees, or anything really!

I also love dressing up balloon jeans for a dinner date by pairing them with strappy minimalist heels, like these simple low heeled ones from Amazon. The contrast between the looser bottoms and heels look great!

AGolde Balloon Jean

Sold on Net A Porter, Nordstorm, Shopbop, Revolve & Amazon

Check the latest reviews and see all color options here

Softest Balloon Jean: AG

AG Adriano Goldschmied makes their barrel jeans in all colors and fabrics.

These soft ecru pants would be a great option for spring and summer, especially if you’re past the age of short shorts!

Made from 98% cotton, these ankle length barrel jeans strike the perfect balance between casual and polished. Wear them with a simple white tank or a pretty ruffled top to look effortlessly chic!

AG Adriano Goldschmied Balloon Jean

Sold on Zappos & Anthropologie

Check the latest reviews and see all color options here

Best Designer Balloon Jeans: Toteme

If you’re partial to designer denim, Totême is fabulous.

They’re one of the first brands to even make curved jeans and they now offer their balloon designs in all types of pants – from casual jeans to dressier wool options.

Totême’s barrel leg jeans feature a high rise waist, unique baggy shape around the knee and loose ankle opening. A must if you love scandi style.