The Best Petite Barrel Jeans for Grown Women

At 5'3″ tall, I usually need a petite cut for my jeans. Sometimes I can just go with short, or get them hemmed, but for jeans with very specific silhouettes, petite is necessary for the right proportions and the right length. The barrel leg jean is a trend I expected to disappear pretty quickly, but has become the 2020s equivalent of the boyfriend jean we all wore through the late 00s and much of the 2010s.

The Best Petite Barrel Jeans for Grown Women

If you're petite, you may be wondering which barrel leg jeans will actually work for you. I have tried a few pairs, and share which ones I found work best for us petite grown-ass women. These petite barrel jeans accommodate soft curves, are made from quality materials, and will be more likely to hold up through washes and wears.

The Universally Loved Jean: Madewell Petite Darted Barrel-Leg Jean

I can't tell you how many of my friends and many of you readers have bought the Madewell Darted Barrel-leg jean and not only loved it, but found it to be the first pair of Madewell jeans they ever truly loved. Also available in a curvy fit, the darts at the knee elevate the style and provide a more wearable leg curve. Available in petite 23-33 in a range of colors and washes.

The Cool Girl Jean: Ruti The Ultimate Barrel Leg Jean 2.0

Ask around and folks will share if you're petite and looking for really cool and stylish petite barrel jeans, the Ultimate Barrel Leg Jean 2.0 from Ruti is where it's at. Available in 2P-16P and two washes, these jeans aren't too balloon-y, the wash looks expensive, the denim has stretch but doesn't stretch out yet isn't too heavy or stiff.

If in doubt size down with the Ruti Barrel 2.0; I vary between a 14 and 16 and the 14P is quite comfortable on me.

The Subtle and Nicely Priced: J. Crew Factory Barrel-leg Jean in All-day Stretch

Some barrel jeans look like a legit barrel on each leg, while others just have a hint of roundness that feel more like a modern-day boyfriend jean. The Barrel-leg jean from J. Crew Factory is the latter. Not too stretchy, not too wide, plus these jeans get rave reviews for being a great fit for petites. Available in petite sizes 23-35.

The Rigid High Rise Jean: Pistola Wes High Rise Barrel Jean

A lot of barrel jeans are soft and stretchy and slouchy, but they don't have to be like that to be very stylish and look great on us grown women. If you prefer rigid jeans, the Wes from Pistola only has a splash of stretch and id made from a quality denim that will keep its shape wear after wear and even after multiple washings. With a stylish high rise, the Wes Barrel Jean is available in a range of colors and washes in petite sizes 23-33.

The Comfy (Yet Chic) Jean: SPANXshape™ Authentic 360 Barrel Leg Jeans

Some like rigid denim, and some like their denim to feel more like athleisure. For those who like their denim soft and comfortable, but not likely to stretch out with wear, check out the SPANXshape™ Authentic 360 Barrel Leg Jeans. These are well designed to work with, not against the curves and softness of a woman's body and come in one of the most extensive size ranges (petite, tall, and misses all available in XS-3X). These are a full-length jean, even in petite sizing, so they're also a good option if you're hoping to wearing your barrel jeans with booties.

The Go Hard or Go Home Jean: Gap Mid Rise Easy Horseshoe Jeans

I tried several pairs of barrel jeans and found them not quite right for me. Then on a whim, I tried the Mid Rise Easy Horseshoe Jeans from Gap and LOVED them.

They're huge, bigger in the legs than a barrel jean, but with the lighter-weight denim and drawstring waist, it somehow worked on my petite soft curvy frame. And I wear them all the time. If in doubt, size down; I am wearing a petite large and they haven't shrunk even when in the dryer. Petites XS-L.

Advice for Styling Barrel Jeans as a Grown Woman

Barrel jeans can easily look try-hard or like a costume, especially on us grown women. But I don't want that to dissuade you; this is a fun denim trend that is also comfortable and likely will work with items already in your closet.

Shoes for Barrel Jeans

Barrel jeans are a specific trend, but there are really different variations of them. Some are slightly cropped, some are full length, some really taper at the ankle, some have a wide leg opening.

The Fashion with a capital F girlies are wearing their barrel jeans with things like pointed toe kitten heels and heeled sandals. And if your feet are chill with such footwear, go for it my friend. If not, there are toe-friendly alternatives that will still look cool on us:

• Low-profile sneakers. Adidas Sambas, SL72, and Tokyo styles, Puma Speedcat, and other sneakers that are sleek, trim, and lower on the ankle.
• Structured flats. Flats with proper soles, tabi or square toeboxes or elongated pointed toes, higher vamps, possibly with straps or hardware. This is not your Teiks or ballet flats, these have substance. Black is a safe and on-trend option.
• Booties. If the jean has a wider leg opening, a pair of boots with a higher shaft that slips under the hem can look modern. A kitten or low slim heel with an elongated toebox, or something more chunky like a Chelsea can work quite nicely. Just make sure the shaft is tall enough that there is no peek of skin or socks.

Styling Tips for Petites

For petite women, you want your barrel jean to be between 24″ to 26″ in length. If you wish to have your body look more elongated, pair your barrel jeans with a pointed-toe shoe, possibly with a heel, and balance the volume with a fitted top.

However, don't be afraid to play with volume and proportions; you may find you love the look of volume with volume. For example, here I wore my Gap Horseshoe jeans with an oversized sweater and Birkenstock sandals and while the effect didn't whittle my waist, it felt modern and cool and I was comfortable.

What really makes the biggest impact with wearing barrel jeans is show there is a waist. Not comfortable with tucking in tops? Maybe this example of whether to tuck or not will offer inspiration. But by showing a waist with a cropped and/or tucked in top will enhance the barrel shape and show it is the jeans, not you making the shape. That you are not only trying out new trends but knowing how to style them too!

Finally, if you think the barrel jean trend is silly, then don't try it. And don't yuck someone else's yum who loves it. We live in a time where one doesn't need to adopt a single current trend to look stylish, and we live in a time where experimenting and playing with clothing is extremely fashionable. Dressing for your own comfort and joy and not treading on another's is the epitome of great style!