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The Viral We the Free Jeans
Despite being rather social media averse these days, I still managed to get sucked into the allure of the viral We the Free Good Luck Mid-Rise Barrel Jeans.
I reviewed the first generation of balloon jeans (from Madewell) years ago, back when no one thought the exaggerated silhouette would stick. I really liked the way the curve through the hip and knee fit my curvy, pear-shaped frame.
They didn’t look like too much on me, and they provided more comfort without sacrificing style.
I have to admit I was surprised, in a good way, when I realized the “balloon jean” had survived, despite the odds. Now, it’s been rebranded as a barrel jean, and the shape is everywhere in fall collections. Of course, it’s the We the Free jeans from Free People that set off the craze.
I purchased the Free People jeans to try and wasn’t satisfied with the way they fit in the crotch. There was simply too much fabric in the wrong places. At a price point of $98, they really needed to fit correctly.
Gap Makes the Perfect We the Free Barrel Jeans Dupe
So, when I spotted a very similar pair from Gap last week at 40% off, I scooped ’em up to try. And I love them! These are called Mid Rise Horseshoe Jeans, and they’re the perfect Free People Barrel Jeans dupe. At full price they’re $89.95, but sales come and go throughout the month.
An added bonus: The Gap Jeans are 95% cotton, 5% recycled cotton and made with a Washwell process, which uses 20% less water than conventional methods.
When it comes to shopping, my aim is to find the best fit in a fabric that will last. If there are sustainable and ethical initiatives associated with production, that’s a big plus. I’m happy to have found a pair of jeans with the exaggerated barrel shape that fit well.
