We’ve had exposed thongs,pants as pantsandboxer shorts as shorts. But now there is a new, arguably even more unexpected underwear as outerwear trend. Welcome to the spring of big, frilly bloomers.The Guardian’s journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link.Learn more.The 19th century undergarment has been thrust into the 21st century spotlight with a string of celebrities and influencers channelling their inner Folie Bergere dancer - including the actorLily James,Alexa ChungandCamille Charrière. Social media is peppered with gen Z and millennials styling Victorian bloomers, found on vintage sites or on the high street with band T-shirts, crop tops and cardigans.Free People’s £88 “forever young pants”, which come in six different colours and are bedecked in a dramatic lace trim, are proving particularly popular.But it is worth noting that not all the garments being touted as bloomers are in fact technically bloomers. The term has also become incorrectly interchangeable with pantaloons (18th century billowing shaped trousers typically fastened around the calf). In 2025, anything with a vaguely balloon-like shape, or featuring lace trimming at the hem, is being lumped together. Retailers such as ASOS and Urban Outfitters are selling pairs of “micro bloomer shorts”, while Alaïa has a pair ofbloomer adjacent trousers for £1,560.Chemena Kamali, the creative director of Chloé, could be hailed as the catalyst behind the revival. Her spring/summer ‘25 show last September featured several bloomers, in sheer lace and apricot silk-charmeuse tied around the ankle or tapered at the knee. Voguedescribed the lookas having “the potential to reshape how young women think about sexy dressing in 2025.”View image in fullscreenMonochrome comfort… Verona bloomers, £65, Flora Mae.Photograph: Courtesy of Flora Mae“They have an effortless charm and a playfulness to them, while being one of the most comfortable items in your wardrobe,” says Flora Sharp, director ofFlora Mae, a London-based brand that handcrafts garments based on historical references using repurposed fabrics. Over the past year her ‘Verona’ bloomers have become the most popular item on her site. Her customers span New York to London, are aged between 18-34 and have, as Sharp describes, a “strong interest in fashion history and sustainability.”That history charts the genesis of bloomers back to Amelia Bloomer, a New York born suffragist who, during the 1850s, inspired women to free themselves from tight-fitting corsets and crinolines and instead wear shortened dresses over Turkish-style pantaloons. In 1851, American suffragists drew international attention to the style when they wore bloomers to the World’s Peace Congress in London. It sparked wide backlash, with “Bloomerites”harassed and arrestedon the street. Bloomer later reflected that the fury surrounding them was symbolic, it hinted at the larger-scale “usurpation of the rights of man.”While other historical garments, including corsets and even chainmail, have re-emerged as modern trends, Sharp says bloomers are the first to have “an element of comfortability.” Her £65 versions are based on original Victorian designs but adapted for today. “Antique examples often have an impractical ‘split leg’ feature, are unrealistically small at the waist, and can be made of very fine cotton, making them see-through.” Using vintage cotton, Sharp adds an elasticated waist and an adjustable drawstring bow detail around the ankles in order to fit a wider range of bodies.Fans seem to enjoy their versatility. Sharp says that they appeal to people “increasingly drawn to experimental and subversive styling”. They have “the potential to be layered in different ways, peeking from underneath a skirt as they may have been worn in the 19thcentury, or as a statement piece on their own.” One thing to consider before donning the bloomer? Passerbys might still think it’s blooming mad.skip past newsletter promotionSign up toFashion StatementFree weekly newsletterStyle, with substance: what's really trending this week, a roundup of the best fashion journalism and your wardrobe dilemmas solvedEnter your email addressSign upPrivacy Notice:Newsletters may contain info about charities, online ads, and content funded by outside parties. For more information see ourPrivacy Policy. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and the GooglePrivacy PolicyandTerms of Serviceapply.after newsletter promotionTo read the complete version of this newsletter – complete with this week’s trending topics in The Measure and your wardrobe dilemmas solved –subscribe to receive Fashion Statementin your inbox every Thursday.
Move over boxers, it’s the season of the bloomer
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Bloomers Make a Comeback in Modern Fashion Trends"
The Guardian
7.5
TruthLens AI Summary
The fashion landscape is witnessing the resurgence of bloomers, a 19th-century undergarment that has recently been embraced as a statement piece by a host of celebrities and influencers. Notable figures such as Lily James, Alexa Chung, and Camille Charrière have been spotted donning these big, frilly bloomers, which are being styled with modern attire like band T-shirts, crop tops, and cardigans. Retailers are responding to this trend, with brands like Free People offering bloomers adorned with dramatic lace trim, while others, like ASOS and Urban Outfitters, are marketing 'micro bloomer shorts.' However, there is some confusion in the fashion community as the term 'bloomers' is often misapplied to garments that may not fit the historical definition, such as pantaloons or other loosely shaped trousers. The creative director of Chloé, Chemena Kamali, is credited with catalyzing this trend, having showcased several iterations of bloomers in her spring/summer 2025 collection, which Vogue praised for its potential to redefine sexy dressing for young women in the coming years.
The historical roots of bloomers trace back to Amelia Bloomer, an early suffragist who advocated for women’s rights in the 1850s by promoting a more comfortable alternative to restrictive corsets. This led to the adoption of shorter dresses over Turkish-style pantaloons, which were met with both intrigue and backlash at the time. Modern interpretations of bloomers, like those from Flora Mae, aim to blend comfort with style, catering to a younger demographic that values fashion history and sustainability. The popularity of these contemporary bloomers highlights a shift in fashion towards items that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also comfortable and versatile. With their potential for creative layering and bold statements, bloomers invite wearers to experiment with subversive styles, although they may still raise eyebrows among traditionalists. Overall, the revival of bloomers signifies an interesting interplay between historical fashion and contemporary trends, reflecting a broader cultural movement towards comfort and individuality in style.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article explores the resurgence of bloomers as a trendy fashion choice, highlighting their unexpected popularity among celebrities and influencers. This trend reflects broader themes in fashion, including a blend of nostalgia and modernity, as designers and retailers leverage historical garments to meet contemporary tastes. The mention of various celebrities and fashion labels positions bloomers as not just a fleeting fad, but rather a significant shift in how people perceive undergarments and their role in everyday wear.
Cultural Context and Social Influence
The article suggests that the revival of bloomers is part of a larger trend where traditional undergarments are redefined as outerwear. This can be seen as a cultural statement that challenges conventional norms regarding fashion and femininity. By featuring influencers like Lily James and Alexa Chung, the article aligns bloomers with a youthful, playful aesthetic that appeals to both Gen Z and millennials. The trend encourages self-expression and comfort, resonating with a generation that values individuality.
Potential Underlying Messages
There is an implication that the fashion industry is capitalizing on nostalgia while also promoting a sense of liberation through clothing. The article hints at a shift in societal attitudes toward sexy dressing, suggesting that the contemporary interpretation of bloomers could lead to a broader acceptance of diverse fashion choices. However, the blending of terms like "bloomers" and "pantaloons" may create confusion, reflecting a possible oversimplification of fashion history.
Manipulative Elements
While the article appears to celebrate a fashion trend, it may also be subtly manipulating readers by idealizing a specific aesthetic that aligns with consumerism. The focus on purchasing options from various retailers can be seen as an encouragement to buy into this trend. The language used is enthusiastic and promotional, which could lead readers to feel a pressure to conform to this new fashion standard.
Comparative Context
In the realm of fashion journalism, this article aligns with a broader trend of highlighting unique and unconventional styles. Similar articles often emphasize the importance of self-expression through clothing, reflecting current societal values. The publication's independent journalism stance also gives it credibility, positioning it as a source for trend analysis rather than mere consumer promotion.
Economic and Social Implications
The resurgence of bloomers could have economic implications, potentially driving sales for brands that embrace this trend. Retailers like Free People and ASOS may see a boost in sales, impacting their stock performance. This trend may also influence the broader fashion market, encouraging other brands to explore unconventional styles. While this article does not directly address political themes, shifts in fashion can indirectly reflect and influence social attitudes.
Target Audience
The article appeals primarily to fashion-forward individuals, particularly women who are interested in emerging trends. It likely resonates with those who appreciate vintage styles and seek to incorporate playful elements into their wardrobes. The focus on comfort and self-expression suggests an intention to connect with a demographic that values these attributes in their clothing choices.
Global Perspective
From a broader perspective, while the trend of bloomers may not have immediate geopolitical implications, it does reflect ongoing shifts in cultural attitudes toward femininity and body image. The article's emphasis on comfort and style may resonate in a world increasingly focused on wellness and self-care.
Technological Influence
There is a possibility that artificial intelligence played a role in generating the article's content, particularly in analyzing fashion trends and consumer preferences. AI models might have been used to identify popular terms and styles, influencing the way the narrative is constructed. This could lead to a more tailored approach in fashion journalism, aligning articles with current consumer interests. In summary, the article highlights a significant cultural shift in fashion, encouraging readers to embrace a playful and comfortable aesthetic through the revival of bloomers. While it promotes a positive message about self-expression, it also hints at the commercial motivations of the fashion industry, making it essential for readers to approach such trends critically.