TRENDING: BARREL LEG

Are you looking to increase your handmade trouser count? Perhaps you have a gap in your spring wardrobe for a pair and are looking for something a little outside your comfort zone? There is one trouser silhouette you will be unable to ignore this season - the barrel leg.

You might have been looking at the high street offerings thinking that this trend isn't for you. I'm about to show you why you should consider adding this shape to your wardrobe and I confess, I am a convert. As a pear-shaped gal, I am enjoying this new addition to my wardrobe. 

Not all barrel legs are equal. Some are super exaggerated, while others are much sleeker. I cover all iterations in this top 10 barrel leg patterns round-up!

Matchy Matchy Archer Work Pants

These easy-fitting barrel-shaped pants feature special details like oversized askew front pockets and a contrasting inseam panel. There are knee darts on both the front and back legs as well as a back ankle dart, giving these pants their distinctive shape. These elastic waist pants are intended to sit at the natural waist with a relaxed fit in the hip and looser fit through the legs. The length hits above the ankle to further highlight the shape.

Sizing: XXS – 6XL (approx. UK 6 – 38)

Sewing Level: Confident beginner

Fibre Mood Gizeh Trousers

Gizeh is an ankle-length balloon pant with a fly front, side front pockets, back patch pockets, and horizontal darts in the back for a cool effect. It you fancy sewing a pair of barrel leg jeans that are somewhere in the middle (not to exaggerated, and not too subtle), this should hit the spot.

Sizing: EU 32 – 60 / US 0 – 28 / UK 4 – 32 (approx. UK 6 – 28/30)

Sewing level: Intermediate

Style Arc Twig Woven Pant

Did you know that the barrel leg look doesn't have just be casual? This pattern has a real tailored feel to it and is smart enough to wear to the office. These barrel leg, high waisted pants or jeans feature a fly front, in-seam pockets, elastic back waistband, front and back leg pintucks, and a cropped length.

Sizing: 4 – 16 or 18 – 30 (approx. UK 4/6 – 16/18 or UK 18/20 – 32)

Sewing Level: Intermediate/Advanced

Matchy Matchy Kite Pants

Designed with beginners in mind (but great for all skill levels), this pattern comes together quickly and is packed with playful details. If you prefer a more of a subtle barrel leg shape, this could be the one for you!

The high-waisted, ankle-length fit features a subtly curved leg for a relaxed, modern shape (think barrel-lite). A unique side inset detail makes the perfect canvas for patchworking, colour-blocking, or using up those favourite fabric scraps. 

Sizing: XXS – 6XL (approx. UK 6 – 38)

Sewing Level: Confident beginner

The Assembly Line Barrel-Leg Trousers

If you are ready to embrace the trend and want to go for a more exaggerated shape, I recommend going for this design. Features include a dropped crotch and a cropped, curved leg, front and back pockets, zip fly and button closure. There are three options for the back (regular, curvy, and straight), ensuring a comfortable fit for different body shapes.

Sizing: XS – L or XL – 3XL (approx. UK 8 – 18 or UK 18/20 – 28/30)

Sewing Level: Advanced

Allie Olsen Buttress Jeans

If you want to play the field a little because you aren't ready to commit to the barrel leg trend yet, this pattern offers you other shapes to play with. Inspired by acid wash denim of the early 1980s, this modern take has a clean silhouette and is offered in three leg widths: barrel (View A), straight (View B), and wide (View C). The fun front yoke opens the door contrast fabric opportunities.

Sizing: US 00 - 32 (approx. UK 6/8 - 32/34)

Sewing Level: Intermediate/Advanced

Sew Liberated Chanterelle Pants

As above, this pattern is ideal for anyone who is a little unsure of the barrel leg look as you get three designs in one. Oh, and this is suitable for confident beginners and beyond, so it's an easy option.

Featuring a comfortable and easy-to-fit elastic waist and three leg options, Chanterelle will fill any gap in your wardrobe and be an all-seasons piece for years to come. It's our bestselling trouser pattern of the moment!

Sizing: US 0 – 34 (approx. UK 6/8 – 32/34)

Sewing Level: Confident Beginner

Itch to Stitch Belleville Jeans

One that bucks the trend, Belleville was one of the first patterns that signalled the barrel leg trend was coming to the sewing world. Barrel leg purists will enjoy adding these handmade jeans to their collection.

The bottom line is that these pants are worthy of all the hype. The Belleville Jeans feature a high waist, classic five-pocket styling, a pocket stay to keep the pockets in place and trim the tummy, darts at the knees and front hem, and an above-ankle length. 

Sizing: US 00 – 40 (approx. UK 6/8 – 34/36)

Sewing Level: Intermediate

Closet Core Patterns Sepia Pants and Shorts

Still not convinced? Well, I have another 3-in-1 pattern so you really can just dip your toe in the barrel leg pool. You get both barrel and wide leg options with this design, as well as shorts for summer. Plus, the shape is barrely without being too barrely, if you know what I mean.

Sepia has a clever design that blends style and comfort. Functional double pockets in the front are sewn to create a floating effect, with additional topstitched pockets in the back. A traditional elastic waistband is elevated with a fluted paperbag edge and optional drawstring.

Sizing: 0 – 20 (approx. UK 6 – 20)

Sewing level: Confident Beginner

JULIANA MARTEJEVS Quinn Pants

I thought I'd wrap things up with a really fun and full-out barrel leg delight. These on-trend trousers sit at the natural waist, are loose at the hip and thigh, and taper towards the ankle. They have a zip fly, front pockets, and belt loops. They are perfectly curved in every way.

Sizing: XS – XXXL (approx. UK 6/8 – 20)

Sewing Level: Intermediate

So, what do you reckon? Are you ready to join the barrel leg gang? It's tempting, right? You can browse more barrel leg trouser patterns here.