Fashion
Bloomer Shorts Push Balloon Silhouette to New Extremes
The voluminous silhouette is here to stay, but it’s taking a new form.The voluminous silhouette is here to stay, but it’s taking a new form.
If the spring 2026 runways were any indication, voluminous balloon shorts are still setting the tone — but a more niche subset is emerging. From the grounds of Coachella to the street-style scene and the Instagram feeds of trendsetters like Elsa Hosk, bloomer shorts or pants — also known as petticoat pants — are gaining traction.
Marked by their immense volume, bloomer shorts are typically gathered at the hem, creating a peplum-like shape often trimmed with lace, eyelet, or tie details. The silhouette dates back to the 1800s, when it was an alternative to restrictive skirts during the Victorian era. Early versions were associated with feminist figures like Amelia Bloomer, who championed more practical, less constraining clothing for women at a time when corsets and heavy petticoats defined the female silhouette.
Today’s bloomers tap into that same sense of freedom, but with a more modern sensibility. Like their historical counterparts, delicate lace and crochet details typically complete the look — seen in the sheer white pair Elsa Hosk recently shared on Instagram. Beyond these references, however, designers are reworking the silhouette in lightweight silks, crisp cottons, and increasingly exaggerated proportions that treat volume as the central design feature. The result is a piece that feels both nostalgic and fresh, but perfectly in step with fashion’s current love of bold, expressive silhouettes and a return to maximalism.
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Courtesy of Etro
The Victorian-era revival marks the latest evolution of the balloon pant. The silhouette has been trending for several seasons, with designers like Etro and Marina Moscone pushing it further into romantic territory on the spring 2026 runways through lace, crochet and sheer, colorful fabrics. What began as an amplified take on volume has gradually softened into something more decorative and experimental, bridging historical references with a renewed focus on texture and construction. Brands like Free People and Miguelina have played up the playful yet casual iterations that lend to summer.
After years defined by minimalism and the dominance of ’90s- and Y2K-inspired silhouettes — sleek, fitted, and pared back — the return of bloomer shorts feels intentionally disruptive. The key to styling them often lies in contrast: grounding the exaggerated shape with fitted ribbed tanks, sharp tailoring, or cropped tops that keep the silhouette balanced. But as the look gains momentum, the styling conversation is expanding beyond that formula.
Stylist Hina Low says balance is key when styling this season’s bloomer shorts — but that doesn’t necessarily mean pairing them with a slim, simple top. “Balance does not always have to mean reducing the volume. I’m very pro volume-on-volume when it’s done with intention,” Low says. Elsa Hosk’s recent bloomer look, styled with equally dramatic proportions, is a prime example of leaning into that approach.
“An oversize shirt, a boxy jacket or something breezy and tunic-like can look really beautiful with a fuller pant. The balance might come from a more open neckline or exposed wrists or ankles — that pop of skin exposure is great for breaking up volume and fabric — or thematic contrast, rather than silhouette, like pairing the softness of bloomers with a sharper shoe, a strong bag or bolder jewelry,” the stylist adds.
More than just a statement piece, bloomer shorts reflect a broader shift toward more experimentation in fashion, where proportion, texture, and drama once again take precedence over restraint. The current resurgence of oversize sunglasses, massive totes, and chunky statement jewelry reinforces the same direction. In that sense, a summer of embracing bloomer shorts feels less like nostalgia and more like recalibration — a move away from safe, familiar styling codes and toward pieces that reintroduce play, volume, and visual risk into the everyday wardrobe.