Presenting the Pants Trend I Never Imagined I’d Consider Chic (I Stand Corrected)

      I won't keep you waiting any longer to discover the mysterious pants trend that brought you here. It's "genie pants." Or perhaps they are harem pants, peplum pants, or bubble pants. The fashion industry and the internet haven't quite settled on a name for this trend, but regardless of the nomenclature, it's definitely making its presence known.

      Over the past two weeks, I've been gathering Instagram images from some of the platform's most stylish individuals showcasing their voluminous bottoms, moving past capris, cigarette pants, barrel trousers, linen pants, Bermuda shorts, and yes, skinny jeans. Clearly, people are craving comfortable bottoms that also make a bold statement, and genie pants fit this bill perfectly, positioning them for a resurgence this summer.

      On the runway: Alaïa S/S 25 (Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight) Although the genie pants trend gained momentum on social media, it originated on the runways back in September of last year. Pieter Mulier debuted models (including Kendall Jenner) in these once-outdated pants, presenting them in pastel hues and neutrals crafted from jersey and taffeta at Alaïa's S/S 25 show, held within the Guggenheim Museum on the Upper East Side. Later that same season, Loewe and Chloé also featured genie pants in their shows, with Loewe showcasing leather and floral silk variations, while Chloé presented them in transparent lace.

      Now, months later, those runway pieces are hitting stores, and fashion-forward individuals and stylists like Hanna MW and Oumayma Elboumeshouli are sporting them.

      How to wear genie pants: However, it’s not just the designer bubble-shaped pants that are trending on fashion's internet. A particular pair from Zara priced at $129—considerably less expensive than the luxury counterparts—has been making waves too. These cotton yarn pants come in white with drawstring bottoms and are part of the ZW Collection, which fashion-savvy Zara enthusiasts will tell you is the brand's premium line, ensuring quality upon delivery.

      Shop the $129 Zara version that everyone is purchasing:

      ZARA

      ZW Collection Striped Balloon Pants

      Still not convinced? I certainly am. Just take a look at the five different pairs of genie pants currently residing in my shopping cart. Scroll down to explore and shop them all and more.

      Shop genie pants:

      Old Navy

      Mid-Rise Linen-Blend Harem Pants

      This on-sale pair is definitely coming home with me. For just $22? Absolutely!

      These are stunning. I can’t wait to style them.

      Chloé

      Pleated Silk-Charmeuse Tapered Pants

      Mango

      Floral Balloon Pants

      I'm usually not into florals, but this pair is hard to resist.

      Lovers and Friends

      Eliette Pant

      I need to grab this pair before they sell out.

      Someone order these before I do. Or we could all buy them together.

      Alaïa

      Pleated Georgette Peplum Tapered Pants

      I can't imagine what I would do to own these yuzu-colored Alaïa pants with a peplum ruffle…

      Zara

      Textured Balloon Pants

      Helsa

      The Balloon Pants in Silk and Wool

      Okay, Helsa! Please give us everything we desire.

      Alaïa

      Silk-Taffeta Tapered Track Pants

      This colorful taffeta pair deserves a place in your wardrobe (and mine).

      Free People

      Forever Young Bloomer Pants

      For the bohemian spirit within you.

      Loewe

      Floral Silk-Blend Draped Wide-Leg Pants

      Looking to splurge? Here’s your opportunity.