Harem Pants Have Had a High-Fashion Glow-Up for Summer 2025

Even as a seasoned fashion editor, sometimes a trend comes along that’s so unexpected it catches me completely off guard. I spoke about this before when Prada plucked the barn jacket out of its dog-walking obscurity and transformed it into lat winter's must-have jacket style. And for Spring/Summer 2025, it seems the fashion houses were at it again—but this time, it was our trousers they had their eye on.

No longer reserved for backpacking travellers and kooky artistic types, harem pants (or balloon trousers, as they've also become known) have had a reinvention this season. Now, the billowing style, with its elasticated waistband and cuffed hem, has become the go-to trouser trend for those wanting to exude an effortlessly cool vibe with just a touch of bohemian style thrown in.

Leading the harem pants revival on the catwalk was, of course, Chloé, where creative director Chemena Kamali has been expertly working to bring boho back (with great success, I must add). Paired with lace tops and camis, she gave the harem pant a polished look, complete with 70s-inspired accessories for a signature Chloé feel.

But Chloé isn't the only brand to credit with the supersized trouser's success. Zimmermann sent utility-inspired iterations down its SS25 catwalk, and just last month, Marie Claire cover star Jessica Biel stepped out in the fashion house's leather harem pants paired with a matching cape top.

Similarly, at Alaïa, harem pants made an appearance in a variety of fabrics and styles—many of which quickly became influencer favourites, and as a result are now harder to get your hands on than last-minute Oasis tickets. If three makes a trend, this one is most definitely a confirmed success.

While I know I said this trend felt largely unexpected, when you take a closer look at the harem pant, it’s a silhouette thats return to the fashion zeitgeist makes complete sense.

Last year saw horseshoe shapes take hold as one of the biggest denim trends, while our penchant for comfort-first fashion has continued to be ever-present since the dark Covid days. Combine that with the warm weather we've been enjoying in recent months, and you'll begin to understand why these loose-fitting trousers have been gaining traction with the style set.

So, if you’re wondering how to style harem pants for summer 2025, there's plenty of inspiration to be had off the catwalk, too. On the streets of Paris, street stylers have taken to pairing the cuffed trousers with shirts and ballet flats. Or, for an office-approved look, make like Carol Ribiero and add a tailored waistcoat and sleek accessories.

And, of course, a great pair of harem pants will always fit seamlessly into your holiday wardrobe — just add layers of jewellery and thong sandals for a chic sunshine-ready outfit.

I'm not sure I can say anything more to convince you, that this is a trouser trend worth investing in, and so, I'll let the harem pants themselves do the talking.

Keep scrolling for an edit of the best harem pants to shop right now. And, don't forget to check out our guide on how to style them for even more outfit inspiration...

Shop the Best Harem Pants