Loafers look best with trousers or chinos that end just above the ankle, so the shoe stays visible. In summer you wear them with invisible socks, in autumn with thin socks in the colour of your trousers. A loafer makes a polo instantly smarter and trousers less stiff: that is why the shoe works with both a business and a more relaxed outfit.
Why loafers work so well in summer
A loafer sits between a sneaker and a smart lace-up shoe. It has no laces, which makes it look calmer, and it is cut lower, so your ankle and a little bit of skin stay visible. That makes it look lighter than a lace-up and smarter than a sneaker. A suede loafer in particular, like the Laurence suede calf leather loafers in navy, has a soft look that goes well with light summer fabrics. Also see the rest of our loafers.
With or without socks?
Going sockless is the summer standard, but literally walking without socks is not a good idea for your feet or your shoes. A few practical rules:
- Summer: wear invisible socks that stay below the edge of the loafer. You keep the light look and your shoes stay fresh for longer.
- Autumn and winter: choose thin socks in cotton or wool. Match them to your trousers, not to your shoes. That way the line runs on from trousers to shoe.
- Formal: with a suit or a business meeting you always wear socks. Dark socks with dark trousers, never sports socks.
- Accent: a coloured or striped sock can work in a casual setting, but keep the rest of the outfit calm then.
The right trouser length
Trouser length makes a big difference here. A loafer has a low opening, and trousers that fall in folds on top of it make the whole look heavy and sloppy. You want trousers that just touch the top of the shoe or end just above it.
| Trouser length | Effect | When |
|---|---|---|
| No break (just clears the shoe) | Modern and sleek, ankle is visible | Summer, smart casual |
| Slight break (touches the shoe) | Classic and calm | Office, business |
| Full break (fabric folds on the shoe) | Heavy, shoe disappears | Better avoided with loafers |
A tapered leg, which gets narrower towards the bottom, helps here. The Harrison tapered trousers with pleats in white have exactly that shape: roomy at the hip thanks to the pleats and narrow at the ankle, so the loafer stays nicely visible. If your trousers are too long, having them taken up by a tailor is a small change with a big effect.
Four outfits with loafers
1. Summery smart casual. The Winston light high-waist trousers in cream with the Julian knitted polo with quarter zip in ivory cream and navy suede loafers. Light from head to toe, with the shoe as a dark anchor. Ideal for a terrace, a lunch or a summer party.
2. Office in July. A white or light blue shirt, the Harrison trousers in white or beige and loafers with invisible socks. Polished enough for a meeting, but lighter than a suit.
3. Evening in the city. The Alistair knitted piqué polo in navy with cream trousers and navy loafers. Navy on navy at the top and bottom brings calm, and the light trousers add summer freshness.
4. Weekend with jeans. Dark jeans in a slightly shorter length or rolled up once, a knitted polo and suede loafers. A calm upgrade on the standard jeans and sneakers.
Suede or smooth leather?
Suede is softer and more informal, which makes it perfect with polos, linen and light trousers. Smooth leather is a little more formal and works better with dark trousers and shirts. Suede does need some extra care: brush it regularly with a suede brush, use a protective spray before you wear it for the first time and let wet loafers dry slowly, away from the heating.
Combining colours
The easiest rule: choose a loafer that is darker than your trousers. Navy and dark brown suit almost any light trousers, from cream and white to khaki and light grey. Black loafers are stricter and belong with black or dark grey trousers. For more combinations, visit the trousers for men or our occasion City Life.
Loafers throughout the year
Although loafers stand out mostly in summer, you can wear them all year round. In spring and summer they go with light trousers, polos and shirts with rolled-up sleeves. In autumn you move on to darker trousers in flannel or herringbone, with thin wool socks in the same shade. In winter a smooth leather loafer, perhaps with a sturdier sole, is a good alternative to a lace-up shoe at the office. In the wet months you are better off wearing suede on dry days, or treating it well beforehand with a protective spray.
Five mistakes that are easy to avoid
- Trousers that are too long. Fabric that folds on the shoe hides the best part of the loafer.
- Visible sports socks. White ankle socks under a loafer ruin the whole look. Choose invisible socks or smart socks.
- A fit that is too loose. A loafer has no laces to adjust. Your heel should not slip out of the shoe when you walk.
- No rest between wears. Leather and suede need a day to breathe. Alternate pairs and use shoe trees.
- Too many accents. A loafer with tassels, striking socks and bold trousers all at once quickly becomes too much. Choose one eye-catcher.
Shop the look
Laurence: suede calf leather loafers, navy
Winston: light high-waist trousers, cream
Harrison: tapered trousers with pleats, white
Julian: knitted polo with quarter zip, ivory cream
Alistair: knitted piqué polo, navy
Frequently asked questions
Can you wear loafers with shorts?
Yes, as long as the shorts fit well and come to just above the knee. Combine them with a polo instead of a T-shirt to keep the whole look polished, and wear invisible socks.
Which colour of loafers is the most versatile?
Navy and dark brown. They go with light trousers, jeans and most summer colours.
Can you wear loafers to the office?
In most offices you can, especially with smart trousers and a shirt or knitted polo. Choose a dark colour then and wear socks if the dress code is more formal.
