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Not jeans, not cargos – balloon trousers are officially taking over
Not jeans, not cargos – balloon trousers are officially taking over
Apr 30, 2026 2:46 PM

  You may have noticed that silhouettes are getting baggier every year. First, it was the barrel jean, then it was the horseshoe jean, now were returning to cargos, and even balloon trousers have been introduced to the mix of trending styles for 2026. With an emphasis on 90s and 00s themes in fashion, balloon trousers are paving the way.

  Balloon trousers are fantastic at adding a bit of bohemian flair to your wardrobe. They feature a fitted waist and a dramatic, billowing leg that usually tapers toward the ankle for a flattering fit. The style is laidback, comfortable and relaxed, perfect for upcoming summer months and spells of warm weather.

  1. MS Balloon Trousers

  

Not jeans, not cargos – balloon trousers are officially taking over1

  MSPrice: £30

  

Not jeans, not cargos – balloon trousers are officially taking over2

  View offer Ms balloon trousers launched with a bang, quickly becoming popular amongst shoppers. The pair come in wearable neural shades of putty, dark olive and black. Theyre a great introduction to the trend because theyre not too oversized, but still manage to capture the look.

  Theyre a piece that can be thrown on as streetwear, or even styled up for a night out with a pair of heels. Some translate well for daytime dressing and taking with you abroad as part of your holiday wardrobe, while others give off a more chic, sartorial edge for events.

  Either way, balloon trousers are having a major fashion moment right now and their dramatic silhouette mean theyll definitely be a standout pair. So, if you want to get the look, shop our picks of the best balloon trousers on the high street now.

  Obsessed with celeb outfits, lifestyle tips and the latest showbiz news? Click here to keep Closer Online at the top of your Google feed.

  SHOP: The best balloon trousers on the high street 2. Free People Moonflower Balloon Trousers

  

Not jeans, not cargos – balloon trousers are officially taking over3

  Free PeoplePrice: £88www.freepeople.com

  View offer Now, if youre wanting a seriously striking look, Free Peoples balloon trousers take on a truly boho feel. In an array of colours, this pair has thousands of favourites on the website and have even gained viral traction online. Definitely not to be missed.

  3. Next Friends Like These Rust Brown Satin Tie Balloon Trousers

  

Not jeans, not cargos – balloon trousers are officially taking over4

  NextPrice: £39www.next.co.uk

  View offer Adding a dressier feel, Nexts balloon trousers come in a rust brown satin finish, so theyre fantastic for pairing with a rust top and a pair of heels, as shown on the model. Theyd be a brilliant choice to take with you on a holiday abroad, and can transition from day to night effortlessly.

  4. Mango Mid-Rise Harem Pants

  

Not jeans, not cargos – balloon trousers are officially taking over5

  MangoPrice: £29.99shop.mango.com

  View offer With a mid-rise fit, Mangos harem pants give off a chic and tailored look. In a classic black, theyll pair well with a variety of existing pieces in your wardrobe. These trousers are wearable without being too over the top, making them great for daytime dressing.

  5. Very Michelle Keegan Balloon Trousers - Grey

  

Not jeans, not cargos – balloon trousers are officially taking over6

  VeryPrice: £16.75 (was £25)www.very.co.uk

  View offer We couldnt resist including this piece from the Michelle Keegan x Very collection. These luxurious balloon trousers would best be styled for a night out or as part of a dressier ensemble. They feature a sheer grey fabric with a short lining underneath.

  6. HM Textured Jersey Balloon Trousers

  

Not jeans, not cargos – balloon trousers are officially taking over7

  HMPrice: £22.99www2.hm.com

  View offer For that summer feeling, these balloon trousers feature a textured ivory fabric that works as part of a matching co-ord. Fantastic for lazy beach days, theyd be ideal if youre thinking of jetting off on a vacation this year.

  7. Hush Sephy Bubble Hem Jersey Trouser

  

Not jeans, not cargos – balloon trousers are officially taking over8

  HushPrice: £85www.hush-uk.com

  View offer With a laidback, loungewear vibe, these bubble hem trousers come with a drawstring waist that further reinforces the casual look. How comfy would these be for running errands, please? The jersey is breathable and lightweight, making them as comfortable as they are stylish.

  8. ASOS Tailored Soft Balloon Trouser In Black

  

Not jeans, not cargos – balloon trousers are officially taking over9

  ASOS Price: £40www.asos.com

  View offer Designed to feel modern without being over the top, these ASOS trousers are an easy choice for everyday wear. They blend classic tailoring with an edgy balloon silhouette, striking the perfect balance between structure and ease.

  9. HM Balloon Trousers

  

Not jeans, not cargos – balloon trousers are officially taking over10

  HMPrice: £27.99www2.hm.com

  View offer These dramatic balloon trousers come in a utility-style khaki hue, with a flowing tie belt for an added bit of interest and detail. The shape of them are made with precision, and they look way more expensive than they are.

  10. New Look Navy Denim Tapered Balloon Leg Trousers

  

Not jeans, not cargos – balloon trousers are officially taking over11

  New Look Price: £26.39 (was £32.99)www.newlook.com

  View offer Combine the look of denim with a trouser and youve got a versatile pair of trousers that are a much more lightweight alternative to jeans. They have a relaxed fit with a casual drawstring waist, but can effortlessly be dressed up or down.

  11. Anthropologie Modern Genie Linen Balloon Trousers

  

Not jeans, not cargos – balloon trousers are officially taking over12

  AnthropologiePrice: £118www.anthropologie.com

  View offer Stripes are also gaining popularity for summer, and they add a subtle pop of print to your wardrobe. These linen trousers would be just perfect for balmy temperatures. Unfortunately, the matching top has sold out, but you can still get really creative with how you style them.

  12. Reiss Neave Satin Balloon-Leg Trousers in Taupe Neutral

  

Not jeans, not cargos – balloon trousers are officially taking over13

  ReissPrice: £198www.reiss.com

  View offer Slinky and slightly sheer, these satin balloon trousers from Reiss are a real standout. Designed with a fitted waistband and button-detail cuffs, the shape is incredibly figure-flattering. The ultimate posh balloon trousers, youll be making plans just to wear them.

  Samantha Price is a Senior Commercial Content Writer for Closer. During her time at Bauer, she has worked on writing expertly crafted buying guides on beauty, fashion and lifestyle.

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