In Our Closet: The Lace Bloomer Renaissance

The lace bloomer popped into the fashion zeitgeist recently, and while it’s not clear if they are here to stay, they are an easy investment piece. That teeny tiny short is not only a comfortable alternative to denim, but it’s flattering on a variety of body types and can be easily elevated, or can keep its position as a casual look. As trends do, the lace bloomer is evolving in both a stylish and functional way. 

The benefits of having a breathable lil short in your rotation are endless. You might be picturing those little ruffled shorts that appear every few rows on Pinterest when searching “main character summer 2026” or “cottagecore meets Coachella,” or even “what if Brigitte Bardot had a Target card.” They’re those shorts that scream Free People and at this point, they’ve made them in every color under the sun.

I find myself side-eyeing these every time I’m at the mall, contemplating if they’re worth buying. Recently, I realized that they would serve as a staple piece in my wardrobe, not as a standalone short. Leaning into layering, these shorts became the solution to a problem I have always had, but didn’t realize it could be solved.  

Maybe it was a product of my competitive cheerleading days, but throwing on a pair of spandex under a skirt or dress has always been a habit I couldn’t break. While I applaud the women who can settle with just underwear or even those who go commando, I find myself needing to freely lean down or hit a flight of stairs without the feeling that I am mooning the world. 

My very stylish cousin Jill is a Whatnot expert and secured me a pair of cream, vintage, sheer bloomers that hit mid-thigh. Their little lace details at the bottom have been my new obsession, as I layer my newfound love of teeny tiny shorts under skirts and dresses. The lace peeks out, my behind is covered, and I am both comfortable and feeling less like I’m wearing a million layers in 90-degree heat and more like I am elevating my look. 

Opting for a teeny tiny lacy short that can stand on its own is an even better investment. From throwing them on to sit at the park with friends, to adding a blouse and a kitten heel or a boot and hitting the town, these are not only versatile, but will become the piece you are turning to time and time again.

A little lace short is also a perfect travel piece, as it takes up little to no space and can be thrown on for merely any occasion. They can be a swimsuit cover-up, the morning coffee run staple, or layered under a dress for a day filled with exploring, and the last thing needed is some chafing. They can be worn time and time again and will scream, “I know what I’m doing when it comes to fashion” every. single. time. 

Recently, I complimented a girl on her long denim shorts, and we got to talking about how backwards it was that itty bitty denim shorts were ever the trend. We were in middle school, wearing shorts that felt as bad as they looked, because that’s what was in; somehow that still got us written up by the dress code police. Just one of many examples of how society sexualizes young girls, demands we conform to what’s “in,” and then punishes us for doing exactly that.

So the little short coming back in a comfortable way is a breath of fresh air. Maybe it’s a signal that we are evolving as a society from a fashion lens, but it’s also solving my problem that started with an attachment to a Nike Pro in my youth. 

If the bloomer is here to stay, it’s a transitional piece, especially as a full-length or midi pant. Without the restrictions of denim, a bloomer is a way to bring a look to the next level while maintaining a sense of comfort.

This trend is proof that often, a good outfit is all in the details. Comfort should be at the foundation of a look but it doesn’t have to hold you back. A sneak peek of lace under a skirt, or even a full lacy bloomer as bottoms, is sure to make you feel as good as you look.