Denim trends move differently. Every other day, it feels like a new shape arrives or an old one re-emerges as a trend of the moment. But it's rare that a pair of jeans totally changes the way we think about the silhouette of denim trousers. In place of classic wide-leg jeans, this spring marks the era of the balloon jean.
Glamour's favourite balloon-leg jeans:
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From mom jeans and bootcuts to skinnies, flares and baggies – each of these staples comes with its own set of benefits and challenges. But the magic of barrel-leg jeans is that, for the first time in many seasons, there's a whole new vision of denim that doesn't feel referential.
What are balloon jeans?
To easily identify balloon jeans, it's important to consider all the key elements of the silhouette. Start with a tight, high-waist that cinches in with the waistband and widens at the hip, tapering in at the hem. Like a more extreme version of the barrel jeans, the balloon jeans have a more voluminous shape that feels more sculptural. They can come in ankle-length, but also extend lower and scrunch at the bottom. The more extreme the shape, the better the final outcome, as its circular shape fits a lot of different body types and balances out volume on top, making it perfect for transitional layering.
Continuing from the popularity of the barrel that emerged as a hit last spring, the styling of balloon jeans can sometimes feel tricky. But although it can seem daunting, they are a great alternative that will tie together your winter-to-spring look quite effortlessly.
Soft balloon jeans
For those who are new to the balloon silhouette and still have doubts about whether it's the right silhouette for them, choose a less extreme version of the jean that feels more like a hybrid between a straight leg jean, a baggy and a barrel.
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Dark wash balloon jeans
Probably the most elegant and easy to way to introduce the balloon jeans to your wardrobe is to choose a dark wash. They go perfectly with a simple white tee and a pair of trainers but can also be elevated for a smart look, with a blazer and heeled ballerinas.
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Statement balloon jeans
One of the key elements that can help enhance the balloon silhouette is the strategic placement of exposed seams, which can usually appear the inside of the knee or at the back of the hem. Thanks to these stiches the jeans feel elevated, like a piece of carefully thought-out engineering. It's fine details like this one that mark this spring's version of the balloon jeans different from before. Whether it's a cropped shape, a stitch, a fold, a dart or just a splash of rhinestones – the balloon jeans are ready to make a statement of their own.
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A version of this piece originally appeared in Glamour España.
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