Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of joining models Adwoa Aboah and Alva Claire at a Topshop evening in Notting Hill. The two sat down for a casual conversation about Adwoa’s career, mental health advocacy and life split between London and Los Angeles. While the chat made for a fascinating encounter, my mind was distracted by one thing - Adwoa’s strawberry red balloon trousers that I couldn't peel my attention from.
They looked perfect on the cover star. Gloriously puffed, vibrant and elegantly androgynous, the unmissable silhouette was comfy-chic personified - a far cry from the clichéd elephant-printed rendition I wore to death during my ‘gap yah’ at the tender age of eighteen.
Adwoa’s outfit choice made it official - balloon trousers are coming in hot. Ideal for low-key in-office wear and breezy weekend coffee dates, the bulbous bottoms have peppered both the high street and fashion sphere.
© PaojbragaThe piece boasts a rich history outside of the Western world. Defined by a puffed cut along the thigh that smoothly slims into tapered leg, the trousers are often synonymous with harem pants, which originated from traditional Middle Eastern, North African, and South Asian garments like the shalwar, designed for comfort and mobility. Popularised in Western fashion in the early 20th century by designers like Paul Poiret, they have evolved from 1910s 'harem skirts' to 1980s 'Hammer pants' and modern high-waisted styles.
© Imaxtree
© Imaxtree
© Imaxtree
© Imaxtree
© Imaxtree
© ImaxtreeWe saw the pants really take off for spring/summer 2025, with brands including Alaïa, Zimmermann and Chloé debuting whimsical, bohemian bloomers on the runway. Lace, skirted, low-slung and elasticated versions had style set in a sartorial chokehold. Elsa Hosk and Lily James included.
Fast forward to fashion month just gone and the bloomer craze transformed into full-blown balloon pant mania. For autumn/winter 2026, Moschino debuted a pleated sky blue version, styled with a contrasting mustard jacquard cardigan. Toga Archives also leaned into cool tones, cladding models in starched electric blue offerings overlaid with fine knit button-ups. Dior championed glittering black bouclé options with ribbon-cinched cuffs, while Zimmermann platformed cable knit versions in classic cream shades.
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© ImaxtreeThe street style scene also fell prey to the billowing staples across the fashion capitals. Leonie Hanne attended the Zimmermann show sporting a dreamy caramel iteration, teamed with heels and a leather funnel-neck jacket, while London-based creatives opted for sporty renditions.
Get ahead of the curve and shop our favourite balloon trousers below.
Best balloon trousers to shop now:
Pleated Flowy Trousers
Chloé
Allow your wardrobe to bloom with a helping hand from Chloé's silk-jacquard trousers. Featuring a romantic aqua-tinged floral print with a high-waisted fit and gathered ankles, this luxury pair is one to cherish forever.
Extreme Poplin Pull Balloon Trouser
Topshop
Step into spring with a touch of honey yellow courtesy of Topshop's vibrant balloon pants. Cosy and chic in equal measure.
Hypnotic Layered Lace Barrel-Leg Pants
Zimmermann
Transform into a whimsical vision with Zimmermann's Hypnotic Layered Lace Barrel-Leg Pants. Featuring a cream colourway with frothy lace panelling, these pants are made for those with a penchant for beach-ready sophistication.
Balloon-Leg Modal Trousers
H&M
Available in two timeless colourways and delightfully affordable, H&M's flowy trousers are ideal for spring-into-summer styling.
Striped Balloon Pants
Xu Zhi
Coming in hot from designer Xu Zhi, these sumptuously fluid, shimmering silk-blend balloon trousers are elegance personified. Ideal for summer evenings spent barside with a dirty martini in hand.
Pocket Oshi Trouser
Arodazi
Made from 100 per cent cotton with a ribbed, cotton stretch waistband, sleeves and neck, Arodazi's Pocket Oshi Trouser are the trousers London's style set are currently fighting over. The hottest piece to bag in time for summer.
Linen Wide-Leg Pants
Inspired by traditional Ottoman silhouettes, Comme des Garçons’ harem pants are the dream blend of avant-garde aesthetics and easy-wear style. Completed with a beige shade for a timeless finish.
Striped Flowing Balloon Pants
Massimo Dutti
A striped option for print enthusiasts, Massimo Dutti's charcoal bottoms merge office-friendly style and weekender cool.
Dark Brown Pleated Balloon Trousers
ROTATE Birger Christensen
Inject some Scandi flair into your curated collection with ROTATE Birger Christensen's glorious dark chocolate balloon pants showcasing pleated high waistband and softly gathered hems.
Aven Pant
Reformation
Keep it clean and simple with Reformation's failsafe Aven Pant, crafted from crisp organic cotton for a lightweight feel. Team yours with a classic tank top and sandals.
Apollo Balloon Pants
Alémais
Love eclectic design? Look to Alémais, the brand to keep firmly on your radar when searching for dopamine-inducing pieces like these serene silk-printed pants.
HELLO!'s selection is editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items our editors love and approve of. Best Quality Designer Handbag may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. To find out more visit our FAQ page.
