It’s no secret that barrel jeans have been trending for a minute. The denim trend went crazy viral last year, and going into 2025, it’s been upholding its status as the defining jean style of the moment. It’s a little controversial, sure. I get how their bowed-leg shape can’t be tricky to wear (especially if you’re not used to the look of super baggy jeans as it is), but these days, every denim brand from Abercrombie to Alaïa and Agolde to Mother is putting their spin on the barrel shape, so there’s little excuse not to take them for a test-run anymore.
The logical next question, then, is what to wear with them—specifically, what to wear up top. If so, you’ve come to the right place, as today we’re mapping out our ultimate guide to the best tops to wear with barrel jeans. Whether it’s a classic button-down shirt or a cooler going-out top, behold the eight styles fashion people (and us) agree are the chicest ways to go.
Styling, Solved: The Best Tops to Wear With Barrel Jeans
1. Classic Button-Down Shirts
Style Notes: Jeans and a button-down shirt couldn’t be any more classic, and that’s true even with a trendier style like barrel jeans. The timelessness of the shirt is what makes the denim so much more approachable, especially if you’re just getting started styling them.
Shop Button-Down Shirts:
With Nothing Underneath
The Boyfriend Shirt
This classic will work hard for you.
Mint Velvet
White Pintuck Detail Shirt
I love the sleeves on this one.
THE FRANKIE SHOP
Lui Organic Cotton-Poplin Shirt
Available in five versatile colours.
The Row
Nesson Shirt in Linen
So easy to dress up or down.
2. Oversize Tees
Style Notes: Sometimes, the baggy-on-baggy look can work. With an oversize but still boxy T-shirt, the jeans take on an effortless and relaxed vibe that’s ideal for your weekend wardrobe.
Shop Oversized T-Shirts:
GANNI
Heavy Cotton Drop Shoulder Heart T-Shirt
Just the right amount of slouch.
COS
OVERSIZED COTTON T-SHIRT
Burgundy is the breakout hue of the moment.
Jil Sander
Logo Cotton Jersey T-Shirt
Logo tees are back in for 2025.
Uniqlo
Airism Cotton T-Shirt
Everything you want from a classic tee.
3. Baby Tees
Style Notes: Of course, a T-shirt is always a fail-safe option. Try a baby tee that lends the jeans a more ’90s model-off-duty feel.
Shop Baby T-Shirts:
Intimately
Morning Pages Baby Tee
This is begging to be worn with a suede jacket and light-blue denim.
Weekday
Slim Fitted T-Shirt
This comes in a range of different colours.
ME+EM
Ultimate Fitted Rib Crew Neck Tee
The perfect spring layer.
Alaïa
Cropped Polo Shirt
This cut screams 90’s and I’m here for it.
4. Sleek Turtlenecks
Style Notes: Barrel jeans have a striking silhouette all their own, so styling them with a sleek fitted turtleneck top will ensure nothing else in the outfit will overwhelm the jeans and their shape will stand out.
Shop Turtlenecks:
Whistles
Black Maja Knitted Polo Neck Knit
You just can’t beat a classic.
& Other Stories
Merino Turtleneck Jumper
Wear with black denim and pair of loafers for an easy office look.
WOLFORD
Colorado Thong Bodysuit
GABRIELA HEARST
May Wool, Cashmere and Silk-Blend Turtleneck Sweater
Simple but so very effective.
5. Off-the-Shoulder Tops
Style Notes: The jeans offer plenty of volume on your lower half, so one way to maintain an overall look of polish with them is to pair them with a fitted piece up top. An off-the-shoulder top works flawlessly here to add a dose of elegance and transition the jeans into the evening with a pair of heels.
Shop Off-the-Shoulder Tops:
Dorothee Schumacher
Off-Shoulder Top
I’d wear this with a silk slip and slingback heels.
An off-shoulder cut is forever timeless.
ZARA
Asymmetric Soft Interlock Top
Reformation
Elio Knit Top
6. Cardigans
Style Notes: If you’re going to wear a knit, reach for a cardigan that hits at the top of the hips instead of a sweater that swallows you whole. If you do have a non-cropped sweater, try tucking it in the front to create some dimension.
Shop Cardigans:
Reformation
Clara Cashmere Crew Cardigan
This navy shade is great point of difference from black.
COS
CROPPED WOOL CARDIGAN
Arket
Alpaca-Wool Blend Cardigan
A short-sleeve iteration you can wear from now and into summer.
Jardin des Orangers
Cotton and Cashmere Cardigan
A minimalist’s dream cardi.
7. Cropped Jackets
Style Notes: Jackets that are cropped right at or slightly above the hip will complement the jeans the best since their hemline ends right where the jeans start to bow out. Look for jackets that don’t go any lower than hip height to ensure the proportions are balanced.
Shop Cropped Jackets:
AGOLDE
Palmer Cropped Recycled-Denim Jacket
Double denim? Yes, please!
No one would believe this is a high street piece.
Massimo Dutti
Short Suede Leather Jacket
Suede outerwear will always look chic.
ZARA
Leather Effect Cropped Biker Jacket
I’m a big fan of the oversized fit.
8. Sculpted Blazers
(Image credit: The Style Stalker)
Style Notes: Like I said, I’d normally advise against wearing anything too long with barrel jeans as jackets that hit mid-thigh cut off their shape in an awkward way, but sculpted blazers are the exception here because of their hourglass shape that defines the waist. Moral of the story? Try a fitted blazer over a boxier one when it comes to these jeans.
Shop Sculpted Blazers:
ALIGNE
Daphne Waisted Blazer
The high neckline is so gorgeous.
Abercrombie & Fitch
Collarless Suiting Blazer
M&S Collection
Tailored Collarless Blazer
Pale yellow is shade we’ll be seeing everywhere this season.
River Island
Grey Military Button Front Blazer
Perfect for in or out of the office.
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