Volume, but make it cute.
Quick answer: A bubble hem is a hem that is gathered and tucked back under itself, so the fabric puffs out into a soft, rounded balloon shape. Right now it is showing up on minis, midis, maxis, tops, shorts and even jackets. Wear it with something simple on top, a sleek shoe and very little else. Shop 24 of our favourites below, listed from designer to under $100.
Daily Mirror
The hem that refuses to behave
Fashion spent years making everything flat. Flat fronts. Flat shoes. Flat colour palettes.
The bubble hem did not get the memo.
It puffs. It bounces. It sits out from the body like it has somewhere better to be. And on the latest runways in London, New York, Milan and Paris, it was everywhere.
Moschino did it in sherbet yellow and pool green. Dries Van Noten made it lilac, leopard and navy leather. Jacquemus stretched it to the ankle in crisp white. Acne Studios went full sculpture. Michael Kors, HUI and Ermanno Scervino all joined the party.
Key takeaways
- The bubble hem is back, and it is more grown up than the version you remember.
- Minis and dresses lead the trend, with midi and maxi bubble skirts close behind.
- Designers are also using the bubble as a detail, on a waist, a top or the hem of a jacket.
- The trick is balance. Keep the top half simple and the shoe sleek.
- There is a great option at every price, from $29.99 to designer.
What is a bubble hem?
A skirt or dress where the hem is gathered and folded back under, so it balloons out and curves in again at the edge. Think of a soft, rounded pouf rather than a flare.
You will also hear it called a balloon hem, a puffball or a bubble skirt. Same idea. Same joy.
This time round, the shape comes in a lot of moods. A crisp cotton mini. A slouchy leather midi. A silky slip dress with just a hint of puff. A white maxi that looks like a cloud you can walk in.
Some skirts swish. The bubble hem bounces.
Who is wearing the bubble hem?
The red carpet signed off on it first.
Jonathan Anderson’s first womenswear collection for Dior was full of bubble hems, and the famous friends wore them almost straight off the runway. Natalie Portman chose a fringed shearling bubble mini at the Lumière Film Festival in Lyon, tucked with a buttoned-up satin shirt. Jennifer Lawrence wore a polka dot Dior skirt with two bubble tiers, one at the knee and one at the ankle, to the Rome Film Festival premiere of Die, My Love. Monica Barbaro took a white double bubble Dior gown to the Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles. Greta Lee wore a custom emerald Dior mini with a bubbled back in Venice.
Off duty, Tessa Thompson wore a black bubble mini with a simple black tank and leopard pointed flats in Saint-Tropez. It is the easiest version of the trend there is, and it looked fabulous.
Why is everyone wearing a bubble hem right now?
Because it is fun. Simple as that.
After a long run of quiet, polished, nothing-to-see-here dressing, the bubble hem brings back a little bounce. It is playful without being silly. It photographs beautifully. And it makes a plain tee look like a decision.
It is also far more wearable than its reputation. The new versions are softer and more controlled, with smaller puffs, longer lengths and better fabrics. You do not need to be 22 or going to a party to wear one.
HUI
Which bubble hem style should you choose?
The bubble mini
The headline act. Short, round and full of personality. Pair it with a polo, a fitted knit or a simple shirt and let the skirt do the talking.
The bubble midi
The grown-up version, and our pick for most wardrobes. It hits below the knee and curves back in, so it feels sculptural rather than sweet. Lovely in leather, silk and heavy cotton.
The bubble maxi
Long, light and very romantic. A white bubble maxi with a lace jacket or a cream knit is the chicest thing you can wear to a long lunch.
Ruohan
The bubble dress
One piece, zero thinking. A bubble hem mini dress is the easiest party outfit you will ever own. Add a pump and you are done.
How do you wear a bubble hem?
- Keep the top half simple. A polo, a fine knit, a white shirt or a fitted tee. The volume lives below the waist.
- Show some shape somewhere. If the skirt is full, go fitted on top. Tuck everything in.
- Choose a sleek shoe. Pointed flats, a slim pump or a kitten heel balance the round shape beautifully.
- Try it with socks. A bubble mini with knee socks and loafers is very fresh, very fashion.
- Pick your fabric for your mood. Cotton and poplin for day, satin and lace for night, leather for drama.
- Skip the extra frills. One statement at a time. Let the hem have its moment.
A bubble hem makes a plain tee look like a decision.
Shop the bubble hem edit
24 bubble hem pieces, listed from highest to lowest price. Tap any image or name to shop. All prices in AUD.
Designer
LOEWE, Draped Bubble Mini Dress, black, $4,362 AUD: the bubble at its most sculptural. Soft draping, a perfect round hem and pure Loewe cool.
Comme des Garçons, Mid Voluminous Bubble Skirt, black, $2,058 AUD: a big, beautiful black bubble from the house that made volume an art form. Wear it with a plain tee and flats.
AKNVAS, Jette Cocktail Dress with Lace and Bubble Skirt, black, $1,344.26 AUD: a lace bodice on top, a full bubble skirt below. The little black dress, reinvented.
Patou, Bubble Mini Skirt, black, $840 AUD: a neat, high-waisted bubble mini with Parisian polish. Made for a crisp shirt and a pointed flat.
Self-Portrait, Black Lace Bubble Hem Mini Dress, black, $676 AUD: black lace with a soft bubble hem. Romantic, a little bit gothic and very party-ready.
Cinq à Sept, Kaldi Ruched Bubble Skirt, blue, $637 AUD: ruched blue with a gentle puff at the hem. Pretty with a white tank and sandals.
High street
Weekend Max Mara, Ciurma Balloon-Hem Midi Skirt, black, $371 AUD: a black midi that curves in at the hem. Polished, grown up and made to go with everything you already own.
Michael Kors, Shirred Bubble-Hem Mini Skirt, black, $368 AUD: a shirred black bubble mini straight from the label that put the shape back on the runway. Add a crisp shirt.
Maje, Printed Balloon-Effect Skirt, white, $361 AUD: a printed skirt with a soft balloon shape and real Parisian charm. Lovely with a fine knit and ballet flats.
Claudie Pierlot, Halter-Neck Bubble-Hem Top, neutral, $324 AUD: a halter top with a bubbled hem. Tuck it into wide trousers or wear it loose over jeans.
TWINSET, Taffeta Balloon Skirt, black, $301 AUD: black taffeta with a full balloon shape. Instant evening, just add a heel.
Six Stories, Pearl Trim Bubble Hem Mini Dress, ivory, $269.99 AUD: ivory satin, a fitted bodice and a pearl-trimmed neckline above a full bubble skirt. Engagement party, sorted.
Citizens of Humanity, Gia Bubble Tee, soft white, $266.72 AUD: the trend in tee form. A soft white tee with a gathered bubble hem. Perfect with straight jeans.
Akep, Check-Print Bubble-Hem Midi Skirt, neutral, $242 AUD: a soft check midi with a gentle bubble at the hem. Easy with a white tee and loafers.
Lovers and Friends, Caden Bubble Short, black, $222.27 AUD: black bubble shorts that work like a mini skirt. Great with a blazer and loafers.
OneTeaspoon, Tencel Bubble Hem Mini Slip Dress, washed blue, $179 AUD: a slip dress with a little puff at the hem, in soft washed blue Tencel. Easy, cool and very wearable.
SNDYS, Maya Bubble Dress, black, $155.59 AUD: a simple black bubble dress from the Australian label. Day with sneakers, night with a heel.
Contemporary
Beginning Boutique, River Suedette Bubble Hem Bomber Jacket, brown, $139.99 AUD: a chocolate suedette bomber with a soft bubble hem. The trend on top, and it works with everything.
MORE TO COME, Nala Bubble Mini Dress, black, $130.19 AUD: a sweet black bubble mini dress. Add ballet flats and go.
H&M, Midi Balloon Skirt, black, $89.99 AUD: a black midi with a soft balloon hem. Wear it with a fine knit and pointed flats and nobody will guess the price.
Forever New, Naia Bubble Hem Top, chocolate, $79.99 AUD: a chocolate top with a bubbled hem. The easiest way into the trend, and gorgeous with cream trousers.
Showpo, Shaima Strapless Bubble Hem Mini Dress, white, $79.95 AUD: a crisp white strapless mini with a full bubble skirt. Summer parties, done.
Princess Polly, Amorah Bubble Mini Shorts, brown check, $55 AUD: brown check bubble shorts. Add a white shirt and loafers for an easy weekend look.
Glassons, Bubble Hem Short Sleeve Tee, black, $29.99 AUD: the most affordable way into the trend. A black tee with a soft bubble hem. Perfect with straight jeans.
The final word
The bubble hem is back, and it has learned some manners. Softer shapes. Better fabrics. Lengths for everyone.
Start small with a top or a pair of shorts. Go big with a black mini or a white maxi.
Either way, expect to feel a little lighter on your feet.
FAQs
What is a bubble hem?
A bubble hem is gathered and folded back under itself so the fabric puffs out into a rounded balloon shape. It is also called a balloon hem or puffball hem.
How do you style a bubble skirt?
Keep the top simple and fitted, like a polo, a fine knit or a tucked-in shirt, and finish with a sleek shoe such as a pointed flat, kitten heel or slim pump.
Are bubble hems flattering?
Yes, when you balance the volume. Choose a midi or a softer, smaller puff if you prefer less volume, and keep the top half close to the body.
What shoes go with a bubble skirt?
Pointed flats, ballet flats, kitten heels and slim pumps all work. Loafers with knee socks give it a fresh, fashion edge.
Which celebrities have worn the bubble hem?
Natalie Portman, Jennifer Lawrence, Monica Barbaro and Greta Lee have all worn bubble hems by Dior on the red carpet, and Tessa Thompson wore a black bubble mini off duty in Saint-Tropez.
Where can I buy a bubble hem skirt or dress in Australia?
Australian labels like OneTeaspoon, SNDYS, Beginning Boutique, Forever New, Showpo and Princess Polly sell locally in AUD, and so do H&M and Glassons. Farfetch, Revolve and THE ICONIC all ship to Australia. Every piece in this edit links straight to the product page.
Leave a Reply