Loose jeans are back at the center of streetwear, but “loose” covers several very different shapes. Baggy, wide leg and barrel leg jeans can look similar on a hanger and completely different on you. This guide explains how each one fits, how to tell them apart and how to wear them.
The quick answer
- Baggy jeans are roomy everywhere: seat, thigh and leg. They sit relaxed and usually stack or pool over your shoes.
- Wide leg jeans fall straight and wide from the hip or thigh to a wide hem. The focus is the leg opening.
- Barrel leg jeans are full through the thigh and knee, then curve back in toward the ankle, like the outline of a barrel.
| Baggy | Wide leg | Barrel leg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat & thigh | Very roomy | Relaxed to roomy | Roomy |
| Knee | Roomy | Wide | Widest point |
| Hem | Wide, often stacks | Wide, straight fall | Narrower, curves in |
| Overall look | Relaxed, Y2K / skate | Clean, long line | Curved, fashion-forward |
| Easiest shoes | Chunky sneakers | Skate shoes, loafers | Low-profile sneakers |
Baggy jeans
Baggy jeans give you the most room overall. The seat and thighs are generous, the leg stays wide all the way down and the extra length breaks or stacks over sneakers. It is the classic Y2K and skate silhouette.
Wear them with: a fitted or boxy tee, a heavyweight hoodie and chunky sneakers. Our Vintage Wash Baggy Jeans come in blue or black, in thick 420 gsm denim.
Wide leg jeans
Wide leg jeans are about the line of the leg. They can be a little neater through the seat than baggy jeans, then fall straight and wide to the hem, which creates a long, clean shape. They work dressed down with a hoodie or up with a shirt and loafers.
Wear them with: boxy tees, overshirts and skate shoes. Try the Black Wash Wide Leg Jeans, the Blue Vintage Wash Wide Leg Jeans or the ripped Distressed Wide Leg Jeans.
Barrel leg jeans
Barrel leg jeans are the most distinctive of the three. They are cut full through the thigh and knee and then taper toward the hem, so the side of the leg follows a gentle curve. Because the hem is narrower, they sit cleanly on top of your shoes instead of covering them.
Wear them with: a cropped or boxy top so the curve stays visible, and low-profile sneakers. Our Vintage Wash Barrel Leg Jeans are cut from thick 450 gsm denim. Want the shape without denim? The Piping Fleece Barrel Leg Sweatpants and Vertical Stripe Barrel Pants use the same curved leg. See how to style barrel leg jeans for outfit ideas.
What about straight leg?
If all three feel like too much volume, a relaxed straight leg is the in-between option: roomy through the hip and thigh, then straight down to the hem. See our straight leg jeans, including the Vintage Wash Relaxed Straight Jeans.
How to compare fits using a size chart
Photos can be misleading, so the most reliable way to compare two pairs is to look at the measurements. On every VFF jeans page you will find a size chart with three numbers, measured flat:
- Waist: straight across the waist. Double it for the full circumference. This is the number to size by.
- Hip: straight across the widest point. A bigger number means a roomier seat and thigh.
- Length: from the waistband to the hem. Longer than your usual pair means more stacking at the ankle.
For example, in size S our Vintage Wash Baggy Jeans measure 58 cm (22.8 in) across the hip and 111 cm (43.7 in) long, while the Vintage Wash Barrel Leg Jeans measure 53.5 cm (21.1 in) across the hip and 106 cm (41.7 in) long: the baggy pair is roomier and longer, as you would expect. Lay a pair you already like flat, measure it the same way and pick the size that comes closest. Between sizes? Message us before you order.
FAQ
Are baggy and wide leg jeans the same thing?
Not quite. Baggy jeans are loose everywhere, including the seat. Wide leg jeans are defined by a wide, straight leg and hem, and can be neater at the top.
What is the difference between barrel leg and wide leg jeans?
Wide leg jeans stay wide down to the hem. Barrel leg jeans are widest around the knee and curve back in at the ankle.
Should I size up for a baggier look?
It is usually better to buy your true waist size in a baggier cut than to size up in a regular cut, because sizing up makes the waist too big and changes the rise.
Shop all baggy & wide leg jeans, barrel leg pants & jeans or the full jeans & pants collection.