The Demand for Balloon Pants Is Rising so You Should Buy These Pairs Before They’re Gone
Fashion is full of tricky trends. The ongoing no-pants movement springs to mind. Now the industry is reversing course by favoring pants that not only cover legs, but drown them in fabric. If you were alive in the early 90s, you’re probably familiar with MC Hammer and his banger “U Can't Touch This.” In the accompanying music video, the rapper unleashed harem pants into the fashion lexicon and they, much like the track, took off. Also like Hammer, the trend faded away into oblivion. (Aside from a brief appearance in one of Jennifer Coolidge’s recent Discover commercials.) Balloon pants are the modern interpretation, offering exaggerated legs, frequently tapered at the ankle.
Alaïa is solely responsible for the latest craze. The label is inundated with variations, first unleashed to the world as part of its Spring 2025 runway presentation. Not all pairs are created equal, however. Like its most popular peplum-accented silhouette. Then there’s a cropped soft nylon set. If you’re looking for pure volume, check out the brand’s perfectly purple creation.
The luxury fashion house doesn’t own the sole rights to the idea, though. Chloe is on the bandwagon creating several different incarnations. Loewe, Valentino, Max Mara and TOTEME are also fans. There is an easy way to get acclimated to the burgeoning phenomenon. Our go-to Zara has several takes that can translate IRL. For newbies, its ZW Collection Satin Balloon Pants supply a semi-streamlined design that qualifies but doesn’t necessarily personify the concept. While the affordable retailer’s ZW Collection Denim Balloon Pants are a step above all of those still-popular barrel-leg jeans.
Regarding styling, your best bet is to keep the rest of your look simple. Tuck a tee, a long-sleeve shirt or even a solid cashmere sweater into your pant of choice. Shoes are of the upmost importance. They’re the key to balancing out your look. A simple rule of thumb is the wider the legs, the slimmer the footwear. That applies to sandals, loafers and boots. Once you build up your tolerance, you can try experimenting with chunkier shoes and incorporating layers up top.
Keep reading to uncover the best balloon pants to introduce into your wardrobe before (and during) fall.
Alaïa Pleated Georgette Peplum Tapered Pants, $3,350 at Net-a-Porter
Mango Balloon-Style Pants With Elasticated Waist, $89.99 at Mango
Max Mara Pleated Balloon Trousers, $627 at Farfetch
ASOS Design Petite Laundered Poplin Pull On Pants With Utility Panels in Sage, $30 at ASOS
The Frankie Shop Briar Faux Leather Balloon Pants in Black, $165 at The Frankie Shop
Chloe Cropped Fluid Pants in Crêpe de Chine, $1,850 at Chloe
Zara ZW Collection Denim Balloon Pants, $79.90 at Zara
Loewe Trousers in Technical Fabric, $1,200 at Loewe
Alaïa Soft Nylon Balloon Pants, $2,090 at Alaïa
Bardot Alira Soft Balloon Pants, $119 at Anthropologie
The Frankie Shop Isorella Balloon Pants in Pink, $99 at The Frankie Shop
TOTEME Gathered Jersey Trousers, $350 at Farfetch
Sea Suzette Sportswear Balloon Pants, $375 at Shopbop
Zara ZW Collection Satin Balloon Pants, $89.90 at Zara
Alaïa Balloon Tapered Pants, $3,090 at Mytheresa
Helsa The Balloon Pants in Silk and Wool, $278 at FWRD
Zara Flowy Balloon Pants, $45.90 at Zara
Bimba y Lola Harem Trousers, $295 at Farfetch
Valentino Cady Couture Silk Wide-Leg Pants, $3,500 at Mytheresa
Zara ZW Collection Flowy Balloon Pants, $79.90 at Zara
Massimo Dutti Studio Shiny Balloon Trousers, $220 at Massimo Dutti