Next’s £26 ‘trendy’ barrel leg linen trousers are ‘the perfect shape’ and ideal for summer

The barrel leg is one of the season’s most trending style, and Next’s £26 linen trousers have been hailed ‘the perfect shape’ by shoppers

The perfect pair of trousers for summer(Image: Next)

Barrel leg jeans are the biggest denim trend to come about over the last year. It’s likely you’ve been seeing them cropping up, and this spring, more and more high-street retailers are dropping their own takes on the silhouette.

And it’s not just denim we’ve seen this trendy shape in, brands are releasing linen, cotton and poplin trousers with this balloon-like sihouette

I was initially conflicted about the style ever since they became popular. But after finding my perfect barrel leg jeans (thank you H&M) I think they perfectly combine that slouchy, relaxed look with a fashionable, cool-girl vibe.

Next’s £26 offering immediately caught my eye as the perfect summer trousers. The Tie Waist Barrel Leg Linen Blend Trousers are firstly so affordable at under £30 and secondly, a little bit different from the usual wide-leg or tapered linen trousers around.

READ MORE: ‘We got a first look at Next’s new summer collection and these are set to be the pieces to sell out’

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Next barrel leg linen trousers
The barrel leg has been called ‘the perfect shape’ by shoppers(Image: Next)

Coming in four neutral colourways, including white, khaki, navy and black, these trousers will be so easy to pair with everything. Designed with a looser fit than usual, they offer breezy comfort without compromising on style, making them ideal for warm days when you want to look put-together with minimal effort.

The barrel leg shape adds a trendy touch, while the tie waist detailing keeps things flattering and comfy. Plus, the pull-on style and handy front pockets make them as practical as they are stylish.

Style them with a simple striped tee for a casual daytime look, or dress them up with a silky top and chunky sandals for balmy evenings out. Add a woven tote and oversized sunnies, and you’ve got the perfect holiday look.

Shoppers have also been loving these breezy trousers, one wrote: “As I’m a little over weight at time trousers can be tight on the tops of my legs, but this session barrel legs trousers fit well.” While a second added: “Love the fit of these and the shape is perfect for me.”

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This shape isn’t for everyone, however, with one shopper claiming the silhouette is too “clowny”.

Strictly’s Tasha Ghouri in ‘really bad place’ over break-up and co-star dating rumours

The former Love Island contestant opened up about the dark days dealing with both breaking up with Andrew Le Page and fighting off gossip involving Jamie Borthwick

Tasha Ghouri said she felt “numb” following her emotional double-whammy(Image: Joe Maher/Getty Images for BFC)

Strictly Come Dancing sensation Tasha Ghouri has candidly revealed her turmoil following the break-up with Andrew Le Page, saying it plunged her into “a bad place”.

Their paths crossed on ITV’s Love Island last year, where viewers were captivated as the couple’s romance blossomed, leading them to declare their love on the show.

Despite not winning and finishing fourth, their relationship thrived after the show ended – a rarity for fleeting on-screen romances. However, earlier this year, fans were shocked to hear that the pair had called it quits.

During an emotional conversation with Kate Thornton on the White Wine Question Time podcast, the Strictly star delved into the difficulties she faced when the break-up hit the headlines.

She reflected: “When the break-up happened, it actually kind of happened around the [Strictly] tour. I just remember pushing it to the back of my head. I didn’t really deal with it that well, if I’m honest.

Photo of reality TV stars Tasha Ghouri and Andrew Le Page at the UK premiere of Marvel Studios'
She previously dated fellow Love Islander Andrew Le Page(Image: Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for Disney)
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“When I was on the tour, the first week it kind of got leaked to the press. I didn’t have the control of how it happened. I remember it was just everywhere.”

Kate probed into the Strictly celeb’s feelings, asking if it felt like a point of no-return once “everybody knows”. Tasha replied: “And especially when it involves public opinions, they kind of create a narrative and that’s what serves them best.”

Rumours had been swirling that she was seeing her Strictly co-star, EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick. But she shut down those whispers, explaining: “And I felt like there was all these narratives happening. Like, the press started making it out like me and Jamie were dating, that was not the case at all. I just felt like I had no voice.

Screengrab from Nov 30 2024 episode of Strictly Come Dancing, featuring dancers Tasha Ghouri and Aljaz Skorjanec performing live on stage
Tasha, pictured with Aljaz Skorjanec, also said she was close to leaving the Strictly tour(Image: BBC/Guy Levy)

“I just remember after rehearsals, we were in Birmingham, I’d go to the hotel bar and it sounds really bad, but I literally was drinking wine to make me feel numb. I didn’t want to feel emotion.

“I was just in a really bad place that week. A really, really bad place. I was kind of close to leaving the tour.”

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On a cheerier subject, away from her break-up woes, Tasha expressed her deep appreciation for being part of the hit BBC show, saying when asked to join, her response was an eager “absolutely, I would love to”.

She didn’t just participate; she thrived, dancing her way to the final with partner Aljaz Skorjanec. However, their dreams were dashed as they were narrowly beaten to the top spot.

Arteta Wants Arsenal To Use Liverpool Guard Of Honour As Title Fuel

Mikel Arteta has urged Arsenal to use the frustration of having to give champions Liverpool a guard of honour on Sunday as fuel to win the Premier League title next season after admitting they have gone “backwards” this term.

Arteta’s side are destined to finish the season without a major trophy after failing to keep pace with Liverpool and crashing out of the Champions League semi-finals on Wednesday.

The Gunners’ 2-1 defeat against Paris Saint-Germain ended their bid to win the tournament for the first time.

It was a painful loss for Arsenal, who created a host of chances in the early stages of the second leg but couldn’t find a way past inspired PSG keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Still licking their wounds from the disappointment in Paris, Arsenal head to Anfield this weekend for the uncomfortable task of watching to Liverpool’s ongoing title celebrations.

Arne Slot’s men wrapped up the title two weeks ago, leaving second-placed Arsenal trailing in their wake.

After finishing as runners-up to Manchester City for the previous two seasons, the north Londoners remain with a title since 2004.

“Something has to drive you, motivate you, and pain for this is a good one to use, when you really want to do something. It’s the right thing to do, usually as a motivation for next season,” Arteta said of Arsenal’s guard of honour for the champions.

“They’ve been the best team, they’ve been the most consistent, and what Arne and the coaching staff have done has been fascinating, it’s been really good.

“They fully deserve it, and that’s the sport. If somebody is better, you have to accept it and try to reach that level.”

Arteta attracted criticism in some quarters for claiming Arsenal were the best team in the Champions League this season despite their last four exit.

The Spaniard stood by his claim days later, saying: “100 percent. I’m watching the impact, I’m watching all the stats because they were the best stats and the best goal difference in the semi-final, so it’s very clear.

“When you look at the important stats that normally give you the best platform to win football matches, it’s crystal clear who was better.”

Arsenal’s failure to sign a striker in the January transfer window was a major blow in a season marred by long injury absences for Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka at various stages.

“In January it was clear or not? I made a very clear statement, and the statement continues the same. I want the best team, the best players. If we have three goalscorers over 25, bring them in, we’re going to be a much better team, yes,” Arteta said.

Arteta conceded Arsenal have been unable to match his expectations this season.

But he is adamant they have the quality to end the club’s five-year trophy drought.

“In the Premier League we’ve done a step backwards. With the points that we have created, it’s clear that we haven’t done as good as last season, that’s obvious,” he said.

“but with the amount of points that we have generated in the last few seasons, we could have two Premier Leagues.

“So we know how close. We are there, we are providing the numbers that win you titles. We have to be a little bit luckier, but still do better to make sure that nobody has a season better than you.”

‘Superstar’ horse eyes first Badminton Horse Trials win

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Badminton Horse Trials

Watch on iPlayer

The Olympic gold medallist pairing of Ballaghmor Class and Oliver Townend, could become the outright most successful British combination in eventing history at Badminton this weekend.

The pair have already enjoyed a distinguished career, claiming four five-star titles and leading Team GB to an historic Olympic gold medal at the Tokyo Games.

The 18-year-old gelding has not been placed outside of the top five on his past four visits to Badminton, finishing runner-up twice.

And you can watch highlights of the 2025 Badminton Horse Trials on Sunday, 11 May (BBC Two and iPlayer from 13:45 BST).

Oliver Townend holds and looks at Ballaghmor ClassHannah Cole

“He’s very shy to start with but I think he’s become quite aware that he’s a superstar now.

“When the wagon goes down the road to a competition and he’s not in it, he’s banging the stable door down. Thomas is what you’d call a professional, a proper competition horse.”

The “quirky” horse first gained attention in winning the Burghley Horse Trials on his debut at the level in 2017. He has since achieved success at Kentucky, Burghley again and Maryland last autumn.

Townend, 42, has won nine five-star level events, including Badminton in 2009 on Flint Curtis.

“For me to try to show the world how good he is, is my main job but, so far so good. By the time he finishes everybody will realise quite what a special horse we’ve seen,” he added.

Townend is also riding Ballaghmor Class’ stablemate Cooley Rosalent in a bid to claim his second Badminton title and 10th five-star win.

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  • Equestrian

‘Superstar’ horse eyes first Badminton win – watch on BBC

Getty Images

Badminton Horse Trials

Watch on iPlayer

The Olympic gold medallist pairing of Ballaghmor Class and Oliver Townend, could become the outright most successful British combination in eventing history at Badminton this weekend.

The pair have already enjoyed a distinguished career, claiming four five-star titles and leading Team GB to an historic Olympic gold medal at the Tokyo Games.

The 18-year-old gelding has not been placed outside of the top five on his past four visits to Badminton, finishing runner-up twice.

And you can watch highlights of the 2025 Badminton Horse Trials on Sunday, 11 May (BBC Two and iPlayer from 13:45 BST).

Oliver Townend holds and looks at Ballaghmor ClassHannah Cole

“He’s very shy to start with but I think he’s become quite aware that he’s a superstar now.

“When the wagon goes down the road to a competition and he’s not in it, he’s banging the stable door down. Thomas is what you’d call a professional, a proper competition horse.”

The “quirky” horse first gained attention in winning the Burghley Horse Trials on his debut at the level in 2017. He has since achieved success at Kentucky, Burghley again and Maryland last autumn.

Townend, 42, has won nine five-star level events, including Badminton in 2009 on Flint Curtis.

“For me to try to show the world how good he is, is my main job but, so far so good. By the time he finishes everybody will realise quite what a special horse we’ve seen,” he added.

Townend is also riding Ballaghmor Class’ stablemate Cooley Rosalent in a bid to claim his second Badminton title and 10th five-star win.

Related topics

  • Equestrian

Liverpool’s Salah Wins Football Writers’ Player Of The Year

Mohamed Salah won the Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year award for the third time on Friday after inspiring Liverpool’s march to a record-equalling 20th English title.

Salah earned the prize after scoring 28 goals and producing 18 assists for Liverpool in the Premier League this season.

The Egypt forward broke the record for the most goal involvements in a 38-game Premier League campaign as Arne Slot’s side romped to their first title since 2020.

Salah secured almost 90 percent of the football writers’ votes, marking the biggest winning margin this century.

Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk came second in the contest, with Newcastle striker Alexander Isak third and Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice fourth.

READ ALSO: Man Utd One Step Away From Europa League Glory Despite Horror Season

Salah, who was previously given the award in 2017-18 and 2021-22, is now level with former Arsenal forward Thierry Henry as the only players to win it three times.

The 32-year-old recently ended speculation over his future by signing a new two-year contract to stay at Anfield until 2027.

Salah’s decision to commit to Liverpool will make them favourites to win a record 21st title next season as they look to move ahead of Manchester United as England’s most successful top-flight club.

Alessia Russo became the second Arsenal player to land the women’s award as the striker finished ahead of last year’s winner Khadija Shaw.