The $30 jeans our fashion editors can't stop wearing.

February 26, 2025

By now we've all got the memo that barrel jeans are in.

Kind of like straight leg jeans, they're cut with extra volume through the middle of the leg that gives them a sort of ballooning effect. And while they sound scary, they're actually super wearable.

I was sceptical that the style would work for my shorter frame, but I'm happy to say I've been proven wrong.

Watch us style Alix in multiple outfits with just a few key pieces. Post continues below.

Mamamia

A few months ago I was on a photoshoot for Big W, styling women in pieces from their new Autumn-Winter range, so I had the opportunity to preview the collection before it dropped in store.

The team offered me a pair of $30 barrel jeans to wear for the video along with a cropped blazer, and though I was hesitant about the look at first, when I pulled the jeans on I breathed a huge sigh of relief.

Writer wears an outfit from Big W. Wearing an outfit from Big W on set. Image: Supplied.

Tamara Davis

February 26, 2025

No Stylist, No Problem: Finding Your Fashion Confidence

Nothing To Wear

There's nothing more awkward than having to project confidence in an outfit you don't feel good in, but these jeans made me feel amazing. They were so comfortable, they skimmed over my curves and hit at just the right point on my ankles.

I put them on my mental shopping list for March, when they'd be landing in stores.

Cut to last week, and the funniest thing happened — a kind of fashion kismet.

I was recording an episode of the Nothing To Wear podcast with host Leigh Campbell, and she entered the studio in a vintage blouse paired with blue barrel-leg jeans. I knew them instantly: they were the Big W jeans.

Leigh Campbell styles her Big W barrel jeans. Image: Instagram/@leighacampbell.

All morning in the Mamamia office, I watched as Leigh fielded questions about her jeans. No less than five women committed to heading in-store to try them on.

So consider this your PSA, especially if you're new to the trend and want to ease in with an affordable option.

If you still need some convincing (fair), just ask Sydney-based personal shopper Fifi Milne.

For months, Milne has been educating her Instagram followers on why this new denim shape is worth trying, demonstrating its versatility through her own outfits.

Personal shopper Fifi Milne wears barrel jeans two ways. Images: Instagram/@shopwithfifi

Milne shared her thoughts on the controversial cut in a recent post.

"Let's talk about the jeans," she wrote of her favourite blue Zara barrel jeans.

"I think you will agree with me that barrel jeans are instant wardrobe updaters. So comfortable. So chic. Feel new. Look cool."

And that's what it really comes down to: the fact that they feel new.

Because while there's a lot of talk in fashion about investing in "classic" styles you'll wear forever, the reality is that jeans do date. We've seen the evidence with skinny jeans - how a denim style can feel right for years, and then all of a sudden feel very wrong.

Sometimes you need to update your classics, and that's what Milne's shopping content is all about.

Since my first experience with the Big W jeans, I've been inspired to try on other pairs.

Cotton On's Barrel Jeans come in several washes and offer the accessible price tag of $79.99. I bought them in black because I know this colour will be a winter staple: you can style them casually with a tucked-in tee and flats, or dress them up for work with a blazer and heels.

A fashion editor styles Cotton On Barrel jeans in black. Wearing the Cotton On barrel leg jeans at home, with a casual and office-ready look. Images: Supplied.