Forget Baggy Jeans—Genie Pants Are the New Summer Trend European It Girls Can’t Stop Talking About

Plus, the viral Zara pair everyone’s buying.

I won’t make you wait, prolonging your ability to find out what mysterious pants trend made you click on this story. It’s “genie pants.” Well, that or harem pants, or peplum pants, or bubble pants. Fashion and the internet haven’t quite decided what they want to call this sartorial phenomenon, but even if it’s technically nameless, that doesn’t change the fact that it’s here.

Over the last two weeks, I’ve been busy saving Instagram photos of the platform’s best dressers debuting their best billowy bottoms, skipping capris, cigarette pants, barrel trousers, linen pants, Bermuda shorts, and, yes, skinny jeans, in the process. People clearly want comfortable bottoms that also make a statement, and genie pants check off both boxes, making them primed for a comeback this summer.

On the runway:

Image 1 of 3Alaïa S/S 25(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight)Chloé S/S 25(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight)Loewe S/S 25(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight)

Though social media is where the genie pants trend took off, it got its start on the runways back in September of last year, when Pieter Mulier sent models (including Kendall Jenner) down the runway (the spiral pathway inside of the Upper East Side’s Guggenheim Museum) at Alaïa’s S/S 25 show wearing the formerly outdated bottoms in a mix of pastel shades and neutrals made of jersey, taffeta, and more with bandeau tops and thong sandals. Later that season, in Paris, Loewe and Chloé too displayed genie pants in their runway shows, Loewe in leather and floral silk, and Chloé in see-through lace.

Now, months later, those pieces we saw on the catwalk are arriving in stores, and elite dressers and stylists like Hanna MW and Oumayma Elboumeshouli are wearing them.

How to wear genie pants:

But designer pairs aren’t the only bubble-shaped bottoms going viral right now on fashion’s internet. A very specific pair from Zara that costs $129—hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars less than those aforementioned luxury options—is making the rounds, too. They’re made of cotton yarn and are white with drawstring bottoms. Plus, they’re from the ZW Collection, which real Zara experts will tell you is the brand’s highest-quality line, meaning that when these pants arrive on your doorstep, you know they’ll be good.

Shop the $129 Zara version everyone’s buying:

ZARA Zw Collection Striped Balloon Pants

Convinced yet? I know I am. For proof, just see the five different pairs of genie pants that are currently calling my shopping carts home. Scroll down to shop them all and more.

Shop genie pants:

Old Navy Mid-Rise Linen-Blend Harem Pants

This seriously on sale pair is definitely coming home with me. For $22? Say less.

Zara Balloon Knit Pants

These are so pretty. I can’t wait to style them.

Chloé Pleated Silk-Charmeuse Tapered Pants

Dreamy.

Mango Floral Balloon Pants

I’m not usually a floral person, but this pair is tempting.

Lovers and Friends Eliette Pant

Another pair I’m buying before they sell out.

Chelsea Mak Rain Jogger

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

Alaïa Pleated Georgette Peplum Tapered Pants

The things I would do to own these yuzu-colored Alaïa pants with a peplum ruffle…

Zara Textured Balloon Pants

The navy is so good.

Helsa The Balloon Pants in Silk and Wool

Okay, Helsa! Go and give us everything we want.

Alaïa Silk-Taffeta Tapered Track Pants

This candy-colored taffeta pair belongs in your wardrobe (and mine).

Free People Forever Young Bloomer Pants

For the inner bohemian in you.

Loewe Floral Silk-Blend Draped Wide-Leg Pants

Want to splurge? Here’s your chance.