Not Wide-Leg, Not Skinny—The Polarizing Pant That's Back for Spring

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Women wearing balloon pants
(Image credit: @deborabrosa; Altuzarra/Launchmetrics Spotlight)
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I'll admit, when balloon pants (aka harem pants or genie pants) started gaining momentum last summer, I was slow to warm to the trend. It wasn't a style I was particularly drawn to and I had reservations whether they would actually suit me. But after continuing to spot them on fashion girls in different cities, styling them in fresh, cool, and most importantly, wearable ways, I'm officially inspired and convinced that I now need a pair.

Luckily, it looks like the trend has staying power. The comfortable silhouette, defined by its rounded silhouette with a tapered hemline, was championed on the spring 2026 runways by designers such as Altuzarra and recently spotted on the fall 26 Chloé runway, showing us that the pant trend will look just as cool styled with boots and a leather jacket as it will with sleek minimalist sandals.

If you need further convincing to try the balloon pant trend then take a look at the outfits below for inspiration then shop our favorite harem pants of the season.

On the Runway

Woman in balloon pants and a funnel-neck jacket

(Image credit: Altuzarra/Launchmetrics Spotlight)

Woman in black balloon pants and white tank

(Image credit: Michael Kors/Launchmetrics Spotlight)

Woman in balloon pants on the Chloé runway

(Image credit: Chloé/Launchmetrics Spotlight)

On the Street

Woman in balloon pants and blazer

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Woman in brown balloon pants and a vest

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Woman in balloon pants and a blazer

(Image credit: Getty Images)

On Instagram

Woman in white tank top and balloon pants

(Image credit: @deborabrosa)

Woman in a black top and balloon pants

(Image credit: @elizagracehuber)

Woman in balloon pants and a white sweater

(Image credit: @modedamour)

Shop the Chicest Balloon Pants

Judith Jones
Judith Jones
Associate Shopping Director

Judith Jones is the associate shopping director at Who What Wear and has worked in fashion for over a decade. She specializes in shopping content and trend stories with high-affiliate impact. She shares the coolest, most desirable fashion market finds and brands for every budget. Previous to working in fashion, Judith worked as a TV host on the PBS travel show Globe Trekker (airing on Netflix and Amazon Prime) sharing her passion for travel and culture.