The ‘bubble hem’, also known as the balloon hem, has made waves throughout fashion history – especially in the 1980s, when designers like Christian Lacroix, Yves Saint Laurent and Ungaro reinterpreted it in cocktail dresses and taffeta skirts.
This striking style reflected the decade, which was characterized by dramatic, voluminous silhouettes and youthful glamour. But as early as the late 1950s, it was Cristóbal Balenciaga who significantly influenced the ‘bubble hem’ and made it a symbol of a new, body-hugging silhouette in his designs, as an alternative to Dior’s figure-hugging “New Look”.
The ‘Bubble Hem’ in the FS26 season
The ‘Bubble Hem’ is making an impressive comeback for spring/summer 2026. Designers are taking up the rounded, voluminous shape again and presenting it as a refreshing alternative to the often figure-hugging silhouettes of recent years.
For buyers, this trend effortlessly translates from runway fashion to wearable everyday clothing. There are, among other things, puff-hem mini skirts, balloon skirts and harem pants that can be perfectly combined with both fitted tops and casual knitwear.
Here are ten standout looks from the Spring/Summer 2026 runway collections.
Chloe SS26
At Chloé, designer Chemena Kamali presented a blouse in a blue and green floral pattern with a ruffled neckline and balloon sleeves, combined with matching shorts in the same print.
MSGM SS26
MSGM’s Massimo Giorgetti showed off polka-dot chiffon trousers with a bubble hem for SS26, teamed with a matching blouse.
Zimmermann SS26
Zimmermann opted for a strapless dress with a blurred pattern in purple, blue and white, a twisted detail at the neckline and a ‘bubble hem’.
Dolce & Gabbana SS26
Dolce & Gabbana presented navy and white striped trousers with a ‘bubble hem’, teamed with a matching top and worn under a voluminous jacket, a silk camisole and high stockings.
Calvin Klein SS26
At Calvin Klein, Veronica Leoni chose a short, white dress with a V-neck, a waist tie and voluminous balloon sleeves, rounded off with a ‘bubble hem’.
Coperni SS26
Arnaud Vaillant and Sébastien Meyer sent a strapless dress in sky blue down the catwalk for Coperini, the layers of which formed a striking balloon hem.
Kate Barton SS26
Kate Barton showed off a light pink cotton ‘bubble hem’ skirt for SS26, teamed with a sporty navy and gray top.
Jacquemus SS26
Jacquemus presented a blue and white striped dress with an elastic, off-the-shoulder neckline and a striking ‘bubble hem’.
Mithridate SS26
For Mithridate, Daniel Fletcher wore a pink, off-shoulder dress with a ruffled bodice and a short bubble skirt.
Balenciaga SS26
For SS26, Balenciaga presented a khaki voluminous bubble hem skirt paired with a cropped brown leather top and long purple gloves.