If there’s one thing that you can rely on in the world of fashion, it’s that a trend will always come back around. In 2025, we’ve seen the resurgence of several trends, including cropped flare jeans making a comeback in the world of denim and the vintage polka-dot print that fashion enthusiasts can’t get enough of. However, I think it’s safe to say that none have caused quite the same divide as the bubble-hem dress.
Also referred to as balloon-hem or puffball, bubble-hem dresses feature skirt hems that have been folded back on themselves to create the ‘bubble’ effect at the hemline. Once a staple of the 1980s and later the early 2000s, the voluminous silhouette has long been synonymous with a more maximalist sense of style. However, for 2025, it’s very clear that this “dated” dress trend is back in a much more pared-back way. Instead of dramatic puffball styles that were once considered the norm, bubble-hem dresses now usually feature toned-down hems that feel both chic and wearable.
Both high-street and luxury brands have created their takes on this retro dress style to make them feel fresh for 2025. From H&M to Self-Portrait, keep scrolling to discover the best bubble-hem dresses to invest in for 2025.
Shop the Bsst Bubble-Hem Dresses
COS
Bubble-Hem Midi Dress
You can’t go wrong with this flattering option.
Free People
Struttin’ Bubble Mini Dress
H&M
Bubble-Hem Bandeau Dress
A great high-street find.
Tick off two comeback trends in one with this polka-dot style.
Simple, sleek and easy to style.
Reiss
Off-Shoulder Puffball Mini Dress
Perfect for formal events.
Self-Portrait
Crepe Halterneck Mini Dress
I’d take this on all of my warm-weather holidays.
ASOS DESIGN
Dropped Waist Puffball Maxi Dress
This chocolate brown hue is calling to me.
Anthropologie
Bardot Oria Bubble Mini Dress
Simkhai
Izzy Taffeta Midi Dress
This would perfect for an early autumn wedding.
SISTER JANE
Meadowlark Puffball Woven Mini Dress
You can never have too many LBDs, in my opinion.
COS
Bubble-Hem Mini Dress
The little white dress you’ll wear all summer long.
Reformation
Defina Knit Dress
Wear this with an oversize leather jacket for a cool evening look.
AJE
Violette Bubble Midi Dress
The prettiest shade of pink.
pull & bear
Short Denim Balloon Dress
How chic is this denim iteration?
Are Bubble-Hem Dresses Considered Timeless?
Bubble-hem dresses have long been considered ‘divisive’ because they are more often viewed as a trend piece rather than a timeless piece that you can keep in your wardrobe for years to come. However, for 2025, both affordable and high-end brands have managed to create bubble-hem iterations that fit in much more with the minimalist palette of fashion people than the more dramatic dresses we saw in the eighties. In fact, the classic, flattering silhouette of the bodice paired with the playful volume of the skirt means that puffball dresses perfectly balance classic with modern.
What to Wear With Bubble-Hem Dresses
The key to styling a bubble-hem dress in 2025 is to keep things simple and allow the dress to act as the main focal point of the outfit. Mini, midi or maxi, a balloon dress can be paired with minimalist ballet flats, trainers, or kitten heels. Then, stick to more classic iterations of accessories such as a leather shoulder bag or plain black sunglasses.
A pair of statement earrings or necklace can be used to take the dress from day to night, but avoid over-layering jewellery, which can make the outfit feel too busy.
Why Trust Us?
At Who What Wear UK, fashion is our speciality. Our editors have years of industry experience, from reporting on seasonal fashion trends seen at international fashion weeks to working with some of the most recognisable names in fashion. Every item we recommend is carefully selected based on current trends, quality and real-world wearability.
We regularly try pieces ourselves, everything from bestselling dresses to designer shoes, speak to external experts and fashion insiders and stay closely connected to what our readers are searching for. Our advice is grounded in expertise and has to pass our exceptional taste levels—so you can feel confident in every recommendation.
