Watch Out: This Controversial Shorts Trend Is Bubbling Way Up

As summer rapidly approaches, it’s time to say goodbye to sweater weather and hello to shorts season. However, we’re not referring to the usual summer favorites—forget about boxer shorts, hot pants, and jorts. A new shorts trend is emerging, and it’s impossible to ignore: bubble shorts. Made from soft cotton and sometimes fluid silk and satin, bubble shorts represent a seamless combination of comfort and style. Featuring an elastic or trouser-style waistband that can be worn high on the waist or comfortably on the hips, the distinguishing bubble hem creates a voluminous shape that is surprisingly easy to integrate into everyday wear.

The popularity of these balloon shorts can be traced back to the bubble-skirt trend that surfaced on the spring/summer 2024 runways, where its playful, exaggerated design drew attention. Thanks to the skirt’s success, designers this year have adapted this concept into shorts.

To present our case for adopting this trend, we’ve compiled the spring/summer 2025 runway looks alongside street style images that demonstrate how, with the right styling, these shorts can look polished. We’ve also curated a selection of the best bubble shorts, making it simple for you to incorporate this fun trend into your wardrobe.

On the Runway

The bubble-shorts trend made a striking impression on the spring/summer 2025 runways, where Chloé and LaQuan Smith showcased this playful yet avant-garde style. Chloé’s design featured a blend of delicate, airy fabrics and a voluminous cut, offering a refreshing reinterpretation of the brand’s usually romantic vibe. In contrast, LaQuan Smith’s version emphasized high-octane glamour, presenting the inflated shape in a micro silhouette matched with a sensual lace top. Both designers uniquely redefined the limits of proportion and comfort, adding a dramatic twist to a staple silhouette.

In the Wild

Beyond the runway, we’ve seen the style set incorporate bubble shorts into their closets by pairing them with more casual items. For example, one fashion person spotted outside the Chloé S/S 25 show styled her shorts with a utilitarian-inspired cotton jacket and lace top. We’ve even seen Chriselle Lim style a pair with a white cropped blouse and black knee-high Western boots.

Shop the Best Bubble Shorts