Goodbye, Bubble Shorts—Everyone Everywhere Is Wearing This "Dated" Pant Trend Instead
Here's how It girls in New York, London, Copenhagen, and more are styling them in 2025.

If bubble shorts were *the* bottoms trend of the summer, for fall, genie pants are getting the same viral treatment. Fortunately, unlike bubble shorts, genie pants (referred to by some as bubble pants) aren't just usable in one specific season. Instead, I've seen them worn in the summer with bikini tops on vacation, but also styled with clogs, ballet flats, and kitten heels for autumn. Winter might call for a warmer alternative (though I did find a cashmere pair from The Row that's quickly selling out), but when spring arrives, so will more ways to wear genie pants.
The draw of genie pants is how unique they are. No matter what you pair with them, they'll always be the centerpiece of your look, meaning that you can really play it safe with the rest of the pieces you wear. For example, a simple tank top and flip-flops with perhaps an added cord necklace, anklet, or cuff bracelet are all you need if your bottoms are genie pants. You can't always say the same thing with basic jeans or khaki pants. They also come in a variety of different forms, from sheer options in boho prints to flowier jersey versions. Others are made of poplin, a great choice for warmer weather and more casual ensembles.
If you're intimidated by this particular pants trend, I get it. They're not exactly approachable at first glance. That's why I put together a guide full of genie pants outfits for you to copy in 2025. Trust me—there's a look (or two) for you that'll ease you into the style with grace.
Get the look: Bandeau bralette + genie pants + polka-dot scarf + long beaded necklace + flip-flops
Get the look: White tank top + silk scarf + white genie pants + shoulder bag + heeled sandals
Get the look: Animal-print top + white genie pants + wedges
Get the look: V-neck sweater + white T-shirt + genie pants + Mary-Jane flats
Get the look: Bandeau bralette + black genie pants + peep-toe shoes + shoulder bag
Get the look: Strapless top + white genie pants + kitten heels + oversize stud earrings
Get the look: White strapless top + black genie pants + flats
Shop the genie pant trend:
The Sport Jeans are genius in that the drawstring at the bottom can turn them from standard straight-leg jeans into genie pants in five seconds flat.
Eliza Huber is an NYC-based senior fashion editor who specializes in trend reporting, brand discovery, and the intersection of sports and fashion. She joined Who What Wear in 2021 from Refinery29, the job she took after graduating with a business degree from the University of Iowa. She's launched two columns, Let's Get a Room and Ways to Wear; profiled Dakota Fanning, Diane Kruger, Katie Holmes, Gracie Abrams, and Sabrina Carpenter; and reported on everything from the relationship between Formula One and fashion to the top runway trends each season. Eliza lives on the Upper West Side and spends her free time researching F1 fashion imagery for her side Instagram accounts @thepinnacleoffashion and @f1paddockfits, watching WNBA games, and scouring The RealReal for discounted Prada.
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