Gen Z Says is a bimonthly column chronicling the most recent tendencies within the fashion-and-beauty house during the lens of Who What Wear’s personal Gen Z editors. Expect a obtain at the upcoming magnificence of tastemakers, rising designers, and buying groceries and magnificence alternatives directly from the era surroundings the tendencies.
Summer is coming in sizzling—actually and figuratively. Whether it is the looming presence of world warming or a collective embody of chaotic, maximalist genre, something’s needless to say: Gen Zers have formally grew to become their backs on barrel denims, parachute pants, or even the once-beloved flared leggings. In their position? A far shorter, bolder, and undeniably extra debatable choice many millennials would possibly scoff at.
Enter micro bottoms, the shorts pattern that is inching its method into the craze zeitgeist one cheeky hemline at a time. These teeny-weeny bottoms had been stoning up on pop girlies, stealing the highlight at track gala’s, and prancing expectantly down high-fashion runways from Paris to Milan (and Bushwick!).
There’s no scarcity of choices for the bold wardrobe. Retro-inspired sizzling pants, coquettish bloomers that channel a post-Victorian vibe, and slinky satin undies that double as shorts are all at the roster. In true Gen Z style, the glance is not only about aesthetics; it is about irony, play, and difficult the norm. This is a era that flourishes on remixing references, whether or not it is pairing bloomers with moto jackets or dressed in micro shorts with knee-high socks, luxurious watches, and child tees.
Don’t depend on Gen Zers to stay their style alternatives secure in 2025. After all, this is the similar demographic that introduced us freaky plushie bag charms (like Labubu), wore ultra-cropped capris in 40-degree climate, and made purposefully “ugly” sandals viral on TikTok. Even in that panorama of eccentricity, the micro-bottoms pattern manages to boost eyebrows. Is it daring? Definitely. Risky? Arguably. But questionable? That simply may well be the purpose. For Gen Z, pushing barriers is a way remark in and of itself, and not anything says “Don’t tell me what to wear” like stepping out in what is basically lovable undies.
Below, scroll via one of the perfect tactics Gen Z is dressed in barely-there bottoms, together with bloomers and satin undies, this spring and past.
Shop the Trend
Sparkly Hot Pants + Bangles
If sizzling pants are Olivia Rodrigo authorized, we are right here for it. The Gen Z pop superstar steadily wears the manner onstage, pairing her favourite glittery pair with chunky bangles and layered diamond necklaces to tie again to the glint and shine in her outfit.
Ruffled Bloomers + Satin Ballet Flats
Gen Z first took understand of ruffled bloomers on TikTok due to the upward thrust of the romantic coquette aesthetic classified by way of frilly lace detailing and pastel red and paying homage to Sofia Coppola’s 2006 movie Marie Antoinette. Bloomers have developed into sizzling pants and micro shorts because the fan-favorite barely-there bottoms, however ruffled bloomers indubitably kick-started this pattern.
Baby-Blue Bloomers + Office Siren Glasses
For the ones in search of a extra practical take at the bubble skirt, puffed bloomers are a very easy selection. While critics would possibly say the manner is very similar to a diaper, Gen Zers are blocking off out the noise and pairing this attention-grabbing genre with technical jackets, tights, and Bayonetta-style readers.
Ruffled Bloomers + Vintage Leather Jacket
In lieu of the straight-leg French-inspired denim cherished by way of millennials, Gen Zers are pairing their bomber jackets and white tees with ruffled bloomers as a substitute. If pop diva Addison Rae approves, then the remainder of the sub-27 genre crowd is certain to practice.
Ruffled Bloomers + Cropped Sweater
Ruffled sizzling pants and dainty bloomers had been all over at Coachella, with the trending mini genre being the go-to selection for Gen Z content material creators and pageant attendees.
Denim Micro Shorts + Matching Triangle Top
Leave it to Sabrina Carpenter to reinterpret the Canadian tuxedo in a surprisingly on-brand search for her: quick and candy. These denim micro shorts, paired with an identical halter or triangle most sensible, scream unending summer season.
Ruffled Bloomers + Baggy Button-Down
Ruffled bloomer shorts styled with a boxy, oversize button-down blouse are one of the best ways to put on TikTok’s two favourite aesthetics (the coquette and place of work siren appears) in a single easy ‘are compatible.