As a fashion insider, I’m no longer surprised when styles I never thought would see the light of day again get resurrected and modernized. Things like ballet flats, capris, and peplum from ye olden times were not on my 2026 bingo card, but alas—they’re here again. And let me tell you, bloomers weren’t either! I thought they only had life in history books, but alas, the anti-jean crowd wants them to have their time in the sun.
The semi-cropped silhouette—typically hitting just below the knee—was originally worn under dresses and skirts in the mid-to-late 19th century as a lighter, more practical alternative to petticoats and other restrictive layers. But they didn’t stay hidden for long! Popularized by Amelia Bloomer (the inspiration behind the name) and embraced by early feminists, they became an act of rebellion as women began wearing them more visibly, challenging norms at a time when pants were off-limits for us. Now, they’ve completely rebranded and have evolved from an undergarment to a full-on fashion statement.
Honestly, with balloon pants back in the mix as a 2026 trend, the bloomer revival tracks. Fashion is clearly in its voluminous era, considering how different they are from the straight-cut, minimalist denim and tailored trousers that have dominated for years. People are craving shape, movement, drama, and, dare I say, a little historical romance? It’s giving we want to have fun with clothes again!
What really sells me, though, are the details. The silky material, frilled hems, the lace trims, the cinched fabric at the knee—it all leans into this sense of whimsy that we’ve seen across trends lately. It’s really refreshing in a landscape that’s been so focused on basics with quiet luxury. And once I fully got on the bloomers train, I started doing some internet research, and I’ve found myself coming back again and again to this $40 pair from Cider.
For me, these check all the boxes. They fully embody the bloomer identity while still feeling current, thanks to a drawstring waistband that makes the fit easy to customize and a relaxed mid-rise that sits comfortably at the hips without feeling tight or stiff. They also come in a range of colors, from easy neutrals to brighter pastels. And, I just need to reemphasize the $40 price tag!
And as much as I’m loving the ones from Cider, I’ve also got my eye on a few other styles too… Shop them here:
Megan Uy is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, where she searches for the best products in all things fashion, home, beauty, sex, gifts, and more, so you don’t have to. When she’s not writing for the site, she’s whipping up some cool and trendy content for the fashion section of the print magazine. She’s been with the brand since 2019 (when she was an itty-bitty editorial fellow), and she's also written for Delish, House Beautiful, and People. Follow her on Instagram to get some BTS of the editor life and chaotic NYC content. Also, feel free to hit her up if you ever wanna discuss the madness that is TikTok.
