The Bubble Hem is Back and It’s Bringing All the Volume

Fashion loves a comeback, and right now, one of the most unexpected silhouettes from decades past is bouncing its way back like never before. The bubble hem, the voluminous, rounded finish at the bottom of a skirt or dress, has returned, and it’s no longer just a quirky throwback to 80s prom dresses or Y2K party nights. 

In 2025, the bubble hem has been reborn, reimagined, and restyled to suit today’s bold, playful, and expressive fashion landscape.

If you’ve been scrolling through runway highlights, TikTok fashion videos, or even your favorite high street new arrivals, chances are you’ve spotted the trend already: skirts that curve out and then tuck back under, dresses that puff at the bottom with dramatic volume, and even bubble-hemmed gowns that bring an element of surprise to red carpet glamour. 

The revival isn’t accidental. Fashion in 2025 is leaning into joy, drama, and nostalgia, and the bubble hem trend checks all the boxes. It’s theatrical yet wearable, nostalgic yet modern, and above all, wearing the bubble-hemmed dress makes you feel like the main character the moment you put it on.

But how did a silhouette once ridiculed for being “too much” bounce back as one of the year’s hottest trends? To understand that, let’s take a stylish step back in time.

From Couture Classic to Pop Culture Staple

The bubble hemmed dress has deeper roots than most people realize. In fact, the trend began as a couture experiment in the mid-20th century. Christian Dior’s 1954 red satin bubble dress is considered a milestone moment, proving that volume could be just as elegant as sleek tailoring. 

Around the same time, Cristóbal Balenciaga was also playing with rounded, sculptural shapes that made women look like they were floating rather than simply walking. The idea was to add drama without weighing the body down, creating movement with fabric instead of accessories.

Fast forward to the 1980s, and the bubble hem dress became less about couture refinement and more about bold expression. The decade of excess welcomed big sleeves, bigger hair, and equally big skirts.

Princess Diana’s famous pale blue bubble hem gown at the Cannes Film Festival in 1987 is still one of the most iconic images of the style, and designers like Ungaro and Lacroix used the bubble hem to deliver playfulness in cocktail dresses. On the flip side, pop icons like Madonna embraced the bubble mini as a rebellious streetwear statement.

Then came the early 2000s. Y2K fashion adored anything flirty, cheeky, and a little experimental, so bubble hems made their way back in minis paired with spaghetti strap tops, low-rise belts, and platform sandals. For many millennials, that’s the version of the bubble hem they can remember; fun for a school dance, a date night, or even a girly pop star’s music video.

And now, nearly two decades later, the bubble hem is back again. But this time, it’s elevated.

Why the Bubble Hem is Back in 2025

Fashion is about cultural mood. And right now, we’re in a moment where people are craving fun and theatricality. Minimalist chic has dominated the last few years with clean tailoring, muted palettes, and “quiet luxury.” But the pendulum always swings, and the return of maximalism was inevitable. Enter the bubble hem trend: a silhouette that doesn’t whisper but instead announces itself with unapologetic confidence.

Designers from Chloé, JW Anderson, to Alaïa reintroduced the bubble hem in their Spring/Summer 2025 collections, each putting their own twist on it. Chloé showed off romantic, airy skirts that bubbled just enough to give dimension without heaviness. JW Anderson leaned into drama with puffed minis styled under toga-like dresses. Marc Jacobs went theatrical, reimagining the silhouette as if it had stepped straight out of the 80s and into the future.

It wasn’t long before the numbers confirmed what the runways predicted. Online retailers reported a 742% year-over-year increase in bubble skirt sales and a 176% rise in bubble dresses. Social media has amplified the effect, with fashion creators showing how to style bubble minis with chunky loafers, or how a satin bubble gown can work for weddings and evening parties. TikTok, in particular, has embraced the silhouette for its playful, twirl-worthy drama.

Why This Comeback Feels Different

It’s easy to dismiss fashion revivals as temporary, but the bubble-hemmed trend has more staying power. Unlike microtrends that blow up and fade within months, the bubble-hemmed trend connects to bigger cultural movements. It speaks to a desire for drama in everyday dressing, an appreciation of craftsmanship (the construction of a bubble hem takes skill), and the current obsession with nostalgic reimaginings.

It also feels inclusive. A bubble skirt or dress doesn’t demand a specific body type. It flatters by drawing attention to shape and movement rather than just size, and it can be styled in ways that suit different personalities. Someone with a minimalist wardrobe might try a subtle black bubble midi, while a maximalist dresser could go all out with a neon satin mini.

How to Style the Bubble Hem

The biggest myth about bubble hems is that they’re “too much.” But the new generation of designs proves otherwise. The trick lies in balance. A bubble skirt has volume at the bottom, so pair it with something sleek or structured on top: a fitted turtleneck, a cropped denim jacket, or a tailored blazer. This contrast keeps the look chic rather than costume-y.

If you’re opting for a bubble dress, think about footwear and accessories. A short bubble-hemmed dress works beautifully with ballet flats, kitten heels, or even chunky sneakers for an ironic twist. A midi bubble dress can be elevated with strappy sandals and delicate jewelry. The key is not to overload the outfit; let the hem be the star.

As for fabrics, the modern bubble hem dresses often come in crisp cotton, glossy satin, taffeta, or elegant poplin. These materials hold shape but still move gracefully. For daytime, a cotton bubble-hemmed mini with a tank top and sneakers feels effortless. For the evening, a satin bubble dress with metallic heels instantly becomes a red-carpet-worthy statement.

And don’t be afraid to experiment. Some fashion risk-takers are layering bubble skirts over jeans for a Y2K-inspired streetwear look, or pairing them with oversized waistcoats for a chic high-low mix.

Here are chic ways to style the bubble-hemmed trend:

Denim is everywhere in 2025, and the bubble-hemmed version plays surprisingly well with it. Pair a denim bubble mini skirt with a denim jacket. You can layer denim pants under the bubble skirt for a chic off-duty look.

The bubble hem already gives you shape. Lean into it by clashing or balancing with other silhouettes. Pair bubble cotton pants with a tank top and heels. Add tiny sunglasses for that cool-girl finish.

Mix the round, playful bubble with sharper pieces. Pair a structured bubble mini dress with a baseball hat and sneakers. Add a boxy structured tote to complete the outfit.

Bubble hems naturally lend themselves to ballet-inspired dressing. Pair a pink bubble dress with platform Mary Janes. Finish with a satin ribbon hair bow and add a structured clutch to elevate.

Experiment with animal prints for a bold twist. While fashion “rules” often say not to mix patterns, the right combination can create a surprisingly chic look. Try pairing a leopard-print bubble dress with zebra-print accessories for an edgy, fashion-forward vibe.

When you want the bubble hem to steal the spotlight, go for a jewel-toned bubble midi dress. Pair it with metallic stilettos and statement drop earrings for maximum impact. Keep the rest of your jewelry minimal so the bold silhouette does all the talking.

The bubble hem doesn’t have to feel dainty. Pair a bubble skirt with jersey and high-top sneakers. Add a pair of hoop earrings for flair.

If you love the bubble-hemmed trend but prefer a toned-down take, go for a crisp white bubble skirt with a fitted white tee, cream slingbacks, and a structured neutral bag. The result? Modern and chic.

Shopping the Bubble Hem

If you’re ready to add a bubble hem to your wardrobe, you won’t struggle to find options. Luxury houses like Alaïa and Chloé have runway versions, while contemporary brands like Reformation and Ganni offer more affordable but still chic takes.

On the high street, Zara, Mango, and ASOS are already pushing bubble minis and midis in every color from pastel pink to bold metallics. Vintage stores are also treasure troves for bubble skirts from the Y2K era if you want the real throwback vibe.

Alaia Bubble Skirt

En Saison Women’s Chloe Bubble Hem Mini Dress

Delia Linen Dress

Bubble Hem Bandeau Dress

Mango A-Line Dress

NIA Tamara Dress

The Future of the Bubble Hem

Is the bubble-hemmed trend here to stay? The answer is yes, at least for a few more seasons. The way designers and consumers alike are embracing the silhouette suggests it will evolve rather than disappear. Expect to see bubble hems incorporated into gowns, outerwear, and even bridal collections. 

Given the growing demand for playful yet sophisticated pieces, it’s clear the bubble hem has secured its spot in the fashion cycle; no longer just a quirky blast from the past, but a silhouette with timeless potential.

Photo: Instagram/kerryspence_