There’s something to be said about volume in fashion, and balloon pants are pivotal in that discussion as of this spring and summer. Now, I know when first seeing them in the wild, it’s easy to think they’re an intimidating style choice, one only to be worn by an eclectic art teacher, for example. But I’m here to tell you that balloon pants are a staple closet necessity that you should invest in, and they’re not going anywhere anytime soon.
Over the past few years, we’ve seen this style take over Western fashion, but its origins date back almost 2,000 years, beginning in many Middle Eastern, African, and Asian cultures. Balloon pants, also known as harem pants and colloquially as parachute or genie pants, were originally worn for practicality by horse and camel riders. They feature a loose, billowy fit with a tapered or tied ankle. In the early 20th century, French designer Paul Poiret introduced the style to Western fashion.
In the past few seasons, we’ve seen luxury brands like Michael Kors, Altuzarra, and ALAÏA show balloon pants in their runway collections, an obvious testament to their It factor.
There are a ton of fun ways to style balloon pants, and it all starts with figuring out the shape you’re trying to go for.
Balloon Pants With a Flashy Top
If you don’t mind a few double takes, pairing the pants with a bold, fitted top can be a nice start. This furry one adds an extra layer of flair that draws you in and keeps the interest.
Balloon Pants With a Graphic Top
Pairing balloon pants with a graphic tee, like this “I Heart NY” one, is a way to make the outfit feel intentional, dynamic, and casual. Just the right ratio for having fun with your look.
Balloon Pants With a Neutral Top
Tossing on a simple neutral-colored top is a prime option, too. It makes the look more relaxed and less showy but still feels incredibly fashion-forward and interesting.
Balloon Pants With a Button-Up Top
Pairing balloon pants with a button-up top falls in line with the neutral shirt approach. It is for the more subtle fashion person who wants to look put together but not too flashy.
In conclusion! Balloon pants are stylish and functional, especially considering the type of outfit you can wear all day long in the summer heat. Because of their breathable material, you’ll never have to give up fashion for function with these. And I think those are the best kind of clothing pieces to invest in.
Aiyana Ishmael is the style editor at Cosmopolitan magazine. In her work, Aiyana focuses on the culture of fashion and how it intertwines and shapes the zeitgeist. She is an award-winning journalist from Miami, Florida, and a graduate of the historically Black university, Florida A&M. She is a 2024 Forbes 30 Under 30: Media honoree, and her debut romance novella PASSING GAME is set to release March of 2027 (831 Stories/Simon & Schuster).
