It feels like the very wrong time to talk about denim. The weather is sticky, we’re looking for ways to cool off from the hot sun, and the idea of extra fabric on our bodies isn’t exactly enticing. Ugh.
Yet, it is the time when brands begin gearing up for the next season: ie, launching new denim collections (or like Anthropologie and Costco, full-blown opening up their Halloween shops…uhm, what?).
Back With The Best: Gap High Rise Barrel Jeans
Since jeans are one of my very favorite things to wear, I’m always perusing the latest releases and couldn’t help but gasp out loud when I saw that Gap brought back one of my very favorite pairs of barrel jeans.
jeans (27 Tall) | tee (M) | sandals | bag
Since Gap jeans often come with a high sell-out risk, I had to share these sooner than later – seasons be damned.
Gap Does It Again: Their New Denim Will Make You Want To Wear Jeans In The Summer
If anyone remembers, Gap had a barrel jean a couple of years back that a few of us on the team were genuinely in love with. They were such a subtle barrel shape compared to styles we know today, and I wore them so much that I even put them on my favorites list for all of 2022.
But then they promptly sold out… and never came back.
Left: Gap’s barrel jean from 2022 (28, Tall) | Right: Gap’s new barrel jean (27, Tall)
Right away when I saw this latest launch of their barrel jean online, I knew it was different. They didn’t just bring back the 2022 pair, they fully revamped them – while seemingly keeping the one quality I loved so much about the original pair: the barrel silhouette is subtle. Very subtle.
I immediately grabbed both washes available to test out.
jeans (27 Tall) | tee (M) | sandals | bag
There’s both a clean, dark blue wash as well as a lighter, distressed wash available in Gap’s Barrel Jeans. I’ve preferred clean, not-ripped denim for the last few years, but something about these jeans with distressing just screamed a match made in heaven. The laid-back nature of the loose silhouette felt even better with some old-school holes in the knees.
jeans (27 Tall) | similar sweater | sandals | bag
Both washes fit exactly the same (thank god, you just never know if there will be wash discrepancies).
The length is long, much longer than their old barrel jean, which is a modern upgrade I much appreciate. The subtle barrel effect is mostly noticed near the bottom, when the hem of the pant leg tapers in ever so slightly.
Overall, the jeans give off a baggy appearance, with just a hint of something unique…set apart.
jeans (27 Tall) | tee (M) | sandals | bag
The jeans feel amazing on. They are 100% cotton and upon first wear reminded me of old favorite vintage jeans I have.
Sizing notes: My true size 28 fit, but were naturally very baggy and loose from the get-go. Since these are 100% cotton I decided to also try a size down from my regular and ended up preferring them, especially knowing these would perfectly mold to my body over time. If you don’t like to put in any work with your denim and want them comfy off the bat, stick with your true size. But if you prefer to put in the time with 100% cotton denim to have a waist that fits like second skin, I would recommend trying a size down.
jeans (27 Tall) | similar sweater | sandals | bag
Gap’s new barrel jean is the perfect jean to test out if you’re curious about the barrel silhouette but timid about an entirely new shape. They’re perfect if you love baggy jeans and looking for a new pair that comes in petite, short, long, or tall sizing. They’re perfect if you love high-quality denim for under 100 bucks.
jeans (27 Tall) | similar sweater | sandals | bag
They’re also just an amazing jean, period. Comfortable, modern, and flattering around the bum (there’s really nothing more I could want)!
Xx,
Amy
Let’s be friends on Instagram! Sharing life from a California beach town, daily style & beauty faves, and never-ending Taylor Swift dance-athons…all with a good dose of adorable toddler content, too.
