The Men’s Folio team put UNIQLO’s Barrel Leg collection to the test, with each member selecting and trying a different style from the range. From those who typically favour slim or straight-leg trousers to those already embracing looser silhouettes, each editor shares their honest first impressions, styling approach and thoughts on wearability.

Izwan Abdullah, Editorial Director

Izwan wears the EZY Barrel Jeans in 68 Blue, Coverall Jacket in 09 Black and Broadcloth Shirt (Long Sleeve) in 68 Blue.

The EZY Barrel Jeans were an easy pick for me. They’re soft to the touch and comfortable to move in, which is always a priority when I’m travelling. My tip: go one or two sizes up for a baggier silhouette. I find the extra volume works better for my proportions.

I paired them with the Coverall Jacket for a denim-on-denim look, layering a Broadcloth Long Sleeve underneath with the collar worn out over the jacket. It’s a little nod to ’70s and ’80s styling that gives the look more character. A pair of square-toed loafers adds just enough structure to balance the relaxed shape of the jeans.

The best part? The whole outfit feels surprisingly light, so even walking around in Singapore’s heat is comfortable.

Asaph Low, Managing Editor

Asaph wears the UNIQLO : C Barrel Pants in 32 Beige, Uniqlo U Utility Jacket in 38 Dark Brown, Souffle Yarn Polo Sweater in 31 Beige, and Striped Polo Shirt (long-sleeve, women’s) in 10 Pink.

I picked out the Uniqlo U Utility Jacket, Souffle Yarn Polo Sweater, long-sleeve Striped Polo Shirt (women’s), and UNIQLO : C Barrel Pants for a look that straddles amekaji and ametora styles. I’ve gone with a look that works in both popular vacation spots where temperatures are starting to dip and Singapore’s harsh a/c environments. The full three-piece upper works for the former, while mixing any two of the three pieces works just fine in Singapore’s offices and malls.

My choice of pants offers versatility; it can be dressed up or down and will work with a wide range of colours. While the overall look veers towards a looser fit, the curved silhouette and slight taper of the pants round out the otherwise boxy ensemble. With chunky boots my choice of footwear these days, I cuffed the hem for a cleaner break and to exaggerate the Barrel Pants’ curved silhouette. The Utility Jacket’s inner drawstring lets me adjust its silhouette as well. Though it isn’t obvious here, the polo shirt’s pink, blue, brown, and white stripes add a fun touch to the overall outfit.

Charmaine Tan, Digital and Jewellery Editor

Charmaine wears the Jersey Barrel Leg Pants in 09 Black and the Utility Cotton Blend Parka in 31 Beige.

I’ve never particularly liked the straighter fit of the formal black pant, but I’m also not one to buy clothes that can only either be formal or casual. Fashion and jewellery events also differ slightly in how “proper” you need to look, so having to attend both event types means I need wear something that still feels me without being too…uptight.

Cue the Jersey Barrel Leg Pants in Black. It meets both these dress codes with (literal) ease; the barrel shape plays with volume in a way that I can style up and down, but it’s neither a pair of baggy, TGIF jeans nor trousers that need steaming to look presentable. The jersey is thick enough to hold its curve without suffocating me, and it’s slightly stretchable — good for long hours of sitting in an office or long-haul flights.

I paired these pants with ballet flats, chunky, silver jewellery, and a Utility Cotton Blend Parka that keeps me warm in A/C environments without making me break a sweat outside. The latter point is particularly important to me as I also have sensitive skin, and sweat in general is a big no-no for me — glad I now have the option to do seasonal layering sans the warmth even in Singapore. I especially love wearing this with the adjustable hem tightened and the jacket fully zipped to the chin, plus see the bubble look balanced with the rounded shape of the Barrel Leg Pants. I foresee this being a travel must-have in all if not most of my upcoming trips overseas.

Lucy Lauron, Writer

Lucy wears the Jersey Barrel Leg Pants in 39 Dark Brown, Coated Relaxed Shirt Jacket in 09 Black and Long-sleeved Mini T in 37 Brown.

As someone who’s built like a box, barrel jeans have been such a blessing because now I can create the illusion of a waist! Even better for those who love their bulky outwear (like UNIQLO’s Coated Relaxed Shirt Jacket that adds a slight edge to an otherwise relaxed and casual office ‘fit) the easiest hack is to just pair it with some barrel jeans – nothing will ever look frumpy again.

For some extra emphasis on creating some shapes, I took a more casual route with UNIQLO’s Long-sleeved Mini T, that’s cropped just at my jeans’ waistband so my overall silhouette looks extra crisp and clean. Other than adding some shape and structure to an otherwise simple outfit, the Jersey Barrel Leg Pants are also super comfortable to move around in and won’t feel suffocating on shoot days or at events where I’ll be running around all day.

The UNIQLO Barrel Leg Pants collection is available online and in stores islandwide. Once you are done with this story, click here to catch up with our September 2026 issue.