If the spring 2026 runways were any indication, voluminous balloon shorts are still setting the tone — but a more niche subset is emerging. From the grounds of Coachella to the street-style scene and the Instagram feeds of trendsetters like Elsa Hosk, bloomer shorts or pants — also known as petticoat pants — are gaining traction. Marked by their immense volume, bloomer shorts are typically gathered at the hem, creating a peplum-like shape often trimmed with lace, eyelet, or tie details. The silhouette dates back to the 1800s, when it was an alternative to restrictive skirts during the Victorian era. Early versions were associated with feminist figures like Amelia Bloomer, who championed more practical, less constraining clothing for women at a time when corsets and heavy petticoats defined the female silhouette. Elsa Hosk’s bloomer shorts peek out from the bottom of her jacket in Japan. Instagram via @HoskElsa Today’s bloomers tap into that same sense of freedom, but with a more modern sensibility.…