My love story with M&S barrel leg jeans started with Sienna Miller. Before her collaboration with the British clothing brand a couple of years ago, I'd never tried curvy but tapered barrel leg jeans before, and I rarely bought the same pair of jeans more than once.
The thing with these jeans is they're the perfect combination of comfy and chic. The loose fit feels so much more modern than skinny jeans, plus they can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. The mid-rise works with any top, from T-shirts to knitwear, and at £30 a pair, it's tempting to buy every colour. I should know - I have honestly lost count of how many pairs I own now.
I've tried the really similar M&S carrot jeans, which are great too, but in my opinion, the barrel leg denim styles are the best M&S jeans you can buy. Currently, while the weather is warm, the white version is on constant rotation in my wardrobe, which I wear with linen shirts and summer tops.
I actually have multiple pairs of the same jeans in the identical colours, but in different sizes and lengths. Some days, bigger sizes just feel comfier and easier, and for some outfits I want a length that will show off my shoes, or a style that hits further down on my ankle.
With a raw hem and a fresh white finish, these are perfect for summer days. They're available in four different lengths - extra short, short/petite, regular and long (some colours are also available in extra long), and in UK sizes 6 to 24. They're 100% cotton so there's no stretch to them, which for me, means sizing up a little, as I'm between sizes.
If you're new to barrel leg jeans, a mid-blue wash is a good place to start. They'll work with everything in your year-round capsule wardrobe, but don't wait long to order them, as sizes often seem to fly off the virtual shelves.
These jeans wash really well too, and haven't faded at all over time. I've got two different sizes in these - a longer pair that works well with ballet flats and sandals in summer, and a shorter version I can wear with ankle boots in autumn.
If you find white jeans don't work for you, ecru is a much softer alternative. This colour will work long into autumn, too, so now is the perfect time to invest.
I've also got the side-stripe blue version, which has almost sold out, but before you start worrying about me, I'm not the only one who is utterly obsessed with these jeans.
The M&S Mid Rise Barrel Jeans have got more than 1300 customer reviews on the website, including one that reads: "I love the shape of the barrel leg. I find they suit my body shape and are quite flattering. I am 5 ft 1 so have the short leg and find this length perfect. I have two pairs that are 6 months old and wash well and are excellent quality."
Another shopper wrote: "Usually I wear straight, wide or mom jeans and vowed not to succumb to the 'bow-legged' trend of barrel jeans but they looked good on the model so thought to try them out. M&S you proved me wrong! These are my ultimate favourite jeans as of now and have further purchased another 2 pairs in washed black and light blue and they are just as perfect."
While another added: "Love these jeans - I've just bought them in cream (my third pair!). I buy them in the shorter length as I prefer them to be slightly cropped. Perfect barrel shape."
