TO full volume. Soft, roomy, unexpectedly chic: harem pants are back on the crest of the wave. Inspired by exotic silhouettes and reinterpreted from contemporary catwalks, they redefine the concept of urban comfort with their flowing leg and drop crotch.
Their peculiarity lies in the shape, which changes with each step: their strong point is precisely the fabric, which expands and then folds, following the rhythm of the body without ever forcing him. From fashion shows to street style, harem pants are establishing themselves among the models of the moment: an unstoppable comeback trend.
Harem pants, what are they? A story with oriental charm
Far from being a simple seasonal obsession, they have their roots in the traditions of the Middle East and South Asia, where loose, draped garments responded to both climatic needs and cultural codes. Introduced to the West at the beginning of the twentieth century, harem pants soon (also known as “Turkish style” or Sarouel) they became a testing ground for the stylists of the timeattracted by the freedom of their proportions.
Giorgio Armaniin particular, he immediately understood its potentialtransforming them into an element consistent with his vision of relaxed elegance. Through fluid lines and light constructions, far from any folkloristic reference, harem trousers found a new interpretation already in the 1980s, anticipating a less rigid tailoring closer to natural movement.
Harem trousers from Emporio Armani’s Fall 1989 collection. (Getty Images)
The new Spring Summer 2026 harem trousers
On the Spring Summer 2026 catwalks, dropped crotch trouser models find a new centrality. From Michael Kors and Altuzarra dominate minimal and sophisticated versions, in which balloon silhouettes wink at light fabrics and essential combinations. Etro, on the contrary, emphasizes the scenographic character of the garment, focusing on prints and bright colours. The looseness of the garment remains the absolute protagonist, between volume and gracefulness.
From Altuzarra’s Spring-Summer 2026 collection. (Spotlight Launchmetrics)
How to wear harem pants now
With harem trousers, everything is about proportions: the right balance is essential to enhance the volume without weighing down the figure. Space at the top, fitted cardigans and blazersperfect for defining the silhouette and balancing the lower part of the outfit. On your feet, yes to sandals and ballerinas, flat or with low heels.
Soft, versatile and elegant: harem trousers fit perfectly into minimal-chic looks. (Getty Images)
If available in neutral shades such as gray and black, wide trousers with a low crotch fit well into the always on-trend trend of minimal-chic outfits. Chosen in light and bright nuances, however, they acquire a fresher and more casual character, more in tune with the summer.
Fashion still speaks… at full volume.
