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Earlier this year, we predicted that balloon pants would begin replacing wide-leg styles. Now both designers and celebs are proving us right.
Balloon pants are characterized by a voluminous leg and tapered, cuffed ankles. The trend offers drapey movement and visual interest, even when paired with a basic tee. While polarizing, balloon pants have been spotted on the runways and street style, showcasing the style's versatility.
- Florence Pugh, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Claire Danes all recently stepped out in balloon pants, showcasing the trend's versatility.
- Chloé, Zimmerman, and Celine embraced the exaggerated silhouette on F/W 2026-2027 runways.
The Evolution of the Balloon Pant
While the origin of balloon pants can't be traced back to one country or person, the modern balloon emerged centuries ago as part of traditional dress throughout the Middle East and South Asia. It's there that pants with loose fits and narrow hems began.
In the 1960s and '70s, bohemian counterculture adopted the relaxed and breezy silhouette, but it was the 1980s and '90s that solidified its influence in mainstream media, stemming primarily from hip-hop culture including MC Hammer's hit song, "Hammertime".
After a fashion hiatus, designers and celebrities are embracing balloon pants once again. This time, styling feels more intentional, with a focus on exaggerated proportions and elevated pairings.
How to Style Balloon Pants in 2026
During Paris Fashion Week, Tracee Ellis Ross styled balloon pants with a cozy chic sweater and booties for a casual cool ensemble while Claire Danes wore hers with a structured blazer and elegant lace cami. In New York, Florence Pugh channeled gothic romanticism by pairing hers with a jacquard top featuring lace accents and puff sleeves.
Ultimately, celebrities have proven that balloon pants are more versatile than one might think. They can feel edgy when paired with a windbreaker and oversized sunnies or more sophisticated when styled with structured and heels.
Trending Balloon Pants for Fall
ASOS DESIGN Cotton Balloon Pants
Add a fashion girl feel to your outfit by styling your favorite tee and heels with these cotton pants, which will instantly make your outfit more chic. They feature a modern bubble hem and comfy stretchy waistband.
Old Navy x Altuzarra Extra High-Waisted Balloon Trouser Pants
With their extra high-waisted design and pleated details, these trousers from Old Navy's Altuzarra collab are giving major '80s vibes. Pair it with a belt and pumps to complete the look.
We The Free Lotus Balloon Jeans
Denim lovers can opt for this Free People pair, which features flap pockets and adjustable drawstring hems you can customize.
Zara Plaid Parachute Pants
The brown and black plaid pattern of these balloon pants feels extra autumnal, especially when styled with suede booties and oversized knits.
ASOS DESIGN Tailored Balloon Pants with Frill Hem
With their trouser-inspired tailoring, these balloon pants make styling simple and easy. A frill drawstring hem adds a fun flair. Choose from three colors.
Zara Balloon Pants
A cozy pick, these soft pants with a gathered hem feel more put together than a pair of sweatpants. Pair them with an off-the-shoulder top and ballet flats for the ultimate airport look.
Mango Elastic Waist Harem Pants
Designed from a soft modal fabric, these baggy balloon paints with self-tie tapered hems, you can easily dress up or down this pair.
NRTHYE Pleated Balloon Pants
These look almost too chic to be from Amazon, but lucky for our wallets they are. This daring pair of balloon pants have an exaggerated, baggy silhouette with a bubble hem, making you the most fashionable person in the room.
Evening jackets are the easy fall style hack for looking rich from day to night.
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