Bubble shorts have been dominating my socials, with style mavens wearing them to perfection. But no. They are not for me. So tell me, are you ready to jump on this ballooning fashion craze?

There’s a quiet confidence in letting a trend walk on by, admiring it on everyone else, looking utterly fabulous, while knowing all the way to the pit of my blazer pockets that said sartorial fad is not for me. And that is 100% the case with the latest love for bubble-hem shorts. Because let’s be honest, they do look marginally like an oversized nappy. No? Originally spotted on the Chloé spring/summer ’25 runway, the controversial look seems to have been fully embraced by both the high street and more niche brands this season. As a result, a multitude of the chic have recently adopted these Y2K-inspired bloomers.

There’s a quiet confidence in letting a trend walk on by, admiring it on everyone else, looking utterly fabulous, while knowing all the way to the pit of my blazer pockets that said sartorial fad is not for me.

Ashling, Contributing Style & Interiors Editor

Topshop has gone all in on a variety of colours, including the cutest polka-dot pair, while Aligne and The Frankie Shop have made these bottoms seriously cool. In truth, it comes down to how you style bubble shorts. If I were tempted, I’d team them with a tee or a relaxed, oversized shirt. And yes, it may sound like I’m wavering, especially when some of my go-to labels have designed such cool creations, but I remain resistant to this one. What are your thoughts? If it’s a big thumbs-up, here’s your chance to prove me wrong. I have rounded up some of the best bubble shorts out there to get you started.

Scroll to shop bubble shorts

A person wearing sunglasses poses in a bright red, loose-fitting zip-up jacket with large front pockets and matching red bubble shorts against a plain light grey background.
Alina Bubble Hem Shorts
The Frankie Shop, 185 EUR
A woman stands against a white wall wearing a maroon leather jacket, a white crop top, and playful bubble shorts with large black polka dots. She looks at the camera with a relaxed expression and one hand in her pocket.
Satin Bubble Short
Topshop, £36
A woman wearing a sleeveless brown polo-neck top and brown sheer polka-dot bubble shorts walks forward against a plain white background.
Polka Dot Balloon Skort
Zara, £32.99
A woman in blue, embroidered bubble shorts and a straw hat stands on a gravel path in a sunny garden with cacti and lush plants, in front of a stone house with blue window shutters.
Broderie Bubble Hem Shorts
River Island, £36
A woman with long brown hair stands against a plain white wall, wearing a black sleeveless crop top, bright orange satin bubble shorts, and several gold bangles on her wrist. She has a neutral expression and her arms are crossed.
Satin Bubble Short
Topshop, £36
A person with short brown hair wears a blue denim long-sleeved shirt with rolled sleeves and matching loose-fitting bubble shorts, standing against a plain light grey background.
Varzy Denim Bubble-Hem Shorts
The Frankie Shop, 175 EUR
A person wearing dark sunglasses, a sleeveless deep V-neck olive green jumper over a black bandeau top, and bright blue bubble shorts stands against a plain light grey background.
Ameglia Bubble-Hem Mini Shorts
The Frankie Shop, 160 EUR
A woman stands against a plain background wearing an oversized white button-down shirt and short blue bubble shorts, holding a black woven handbag by her side.
Cotton Bubble-Hem Shorts
Maeve, £68
A woman stands against a plain background wearing a loose turquoise striped shirt and matching bubble shorts. She holds a straw tote bag and wears brown strappy sandals.
Marcelline Short
Balzac Paris, £145
A person with blonde hair stands on a city pavement at night, holding a drink. They wear a black sleeveless top, white bubble shorts, and black ballet pumps, with one hand in their pocket.
Paulo Bubble Hem Poplin Short
Aligne, £89
A woman in a strapless orange broderie anglaise top and matching bubble shorts poses holding a blue fringed handbag. She wears flip-flops, bangles, and has long wavy hair, standing against a plain white background.
Cotton Broderie Bubble Hem Shorts
River Island, £36
A woman models a sleeveless, ruffled, smocked blue-grey top with matching high-waisted bubble shorts featuring embroidered details against a plain beige background. Her face is partially out of shot.
Smocked Bubble Shorts
By Anthropologie, £98
A woman stands against a plain white wall wearing a colourful, asymmetrical striped top, light blue bubble shorts, black flip-flops, and large earrings. She has straight brown hair and a neutral expression.
Bubble Short
Topshop, £36
A woman stands against a plain white background wearing a sleeveless black bodysuit, high-waisted cream bubble shorts with black polka dots, black high heels, and holding a black clutch bag.
Zoe Satin Polka Dot Balloon Shorts
Manière De Voir, £70
A woman stands against a plain white background wearing a fitted, long-sleeved, dark brown satin blouse with a deep V-neck and cream-coloured bubble shorts. She holds a braided brown handbag in one hand.
Zoe Satin Balloon Shorts
Manière De Voir, £70
A woman stands against a white background, wearing a white vest and tan bubble shorts. She holds a brown woven clutch, pairs the look with white sandals, and lets her loose hair frame her neutral expression.
Bubble-hem Cotton Shorts
H&M, £42.99
Fashion, Outfits, Trending Fashion

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