Generous at the thigh, narrow at the ankle: balloon jeans draw a rounded silhouette like no other. They are also known as bubble jeans or, in their most curved version, barrel jeans. It is the most talked-about fit of the winter, and one of the easiest to wear.
Balloon, barrel, bubble: what are we talking about
"Jean ballon" and balloon jeans are the same fit: a high waist, volume over the hips and thighs, then a leg that gradually narrows towards the ankle. "Jean boule" is the French nickname for it, because of its rounded shape.
The barrel is a variant: the leg follows a more pronounced curve, like a barrel, often emphasised by seams that curve around the knee. Several of our balloon jeans have exactly these curved seams and take on this barrel look, such as the balloon jeans with knee seams.
Not to be confused with baggy jeans, loose from the waist to the hem without narrowing, or with wide-leg jeans, whose leg stays straight and open.
Why they suit so many silhouettes
Because they add movement without widening. The waist stays defined, the ankle stays slim, and the volume sits in between. They balance curvy hips as well as a very straight silhouette, to which they add curves.
Which size to choose
Take your usual size: the volume is in the cut, not in the size. Balloon jeans taken too big lose their shape and slip down the hips; it is the fitted waist that holds the whole silhouette.
On our models, the leg opening measures 15 to 24 cm laid flat: the narrower it is, the more pronounced the balloon effect. Our balloon jeans come in XXS to XL depending on the model. If in doubt, the Fit Finder helps you find your size.
Cropped or classic length
Balloon jeans are worn at the ankle. In a cropped version, they show it and go with ankle boots as well as loafers; if you are petite, this is the length that lengthens the most. See for example the washed cropped balloon jeans.
In a classic length, they break slightly over the shoe: the look is more relaxed, ideal with trainers. The balloon jeans with ankle zips let you play with both, closed or open.
What to wear them with
On top, keep the waist visible: a tucked-in top and a belt, a white shirt tucked in at the front, a short jumper that stops at the waistband. A fine roll-neck leaves all the attention to the cut.
Over them, a loose blazer gives a more urban look, a short jacket balances the volume below, and a long straight coat lengthens the silhouette.
On your feet, pointed ankle boots lengthen the leg, loafers make the balloon dressier, trainers make it more relaxed. In the evening, a slim court shoe is enough to transform it.
From the office to the weekend
At the office: raw denim, a tucked-in shirt, a blazer and loafers. At the weekend: a light wash, a short knit jumper and trainers. In the evening: black balloon jeans, a close-fitting top and court shoes.
Which wash to choose
Raw denim or a dark wash makes balloon jeans dressier: they go to the office effortlessly, like the balloon jeans with large patch pockets. A light wash accentuates the curves of the cut and is rather worn at the weekend, like the light wash balloon jeans.
The black balloon jeans are the easiest to dress up. And to move away from blue, our regular-rise balloon jeans come in sand, seaweed green and coffee brown.
Caring for them so they keep their shape
Wash them inside out, at a low temperature, and let them dry flat or hanging rather than in the tumble dryer. This way the denim keeps its hold, and the leg its curve.
Frequently asked questions
Do balloon jeans make you look bigger?
Not if they are well chosen. The fitted waist and narrow ankle frame the volume; it is balloon jeans that are too big, or worn with a loose top left untucked, that weigh the silhouette down.
Balloon or barrel jeans, which to choose?
The balloon is the easiest to wear every day. The barrel, more curved, makes a bolder statement: it stands out more and goes best with simple tops.
Can you wear balloon jeans if you are petite?
Yes: choose a cropped version that shows the ankle, a high waist, and a shoe with a low heel or a pointed toe.
Try them on in store or order them
Balloon jeans are best judged in movement, sitting as much as standing. Come and compare them with our other fits at 25 rue du Président Édouard Herriot, in Lyon. Online, an order placed before 3 pm is dispatched the same day, and in-store collection is available within 2 hours.
See all the balloon jeans, read our guide to choosing your jeans fit, or discover flared jeans.