Are Loafers in Style for 2025? A Fashion Writer Investigates

It’s a crucial part of my career to be right on the style pulse, meaning that I can cite the biggest seasonal shifts, designers to watch or new faces of fashion as swiftly and effortlessly as Carrie Bradshaw might run across the street in a pair of Manolo Blahniks.

So, when I was faced with the following question whilst out for dinner with a friend, I was stopped in my tracks. “Are loafers in style in 2025?” she asked, without knowing the Pandora’s Box she had just opened. Naturally, I was immediately taken aback. Loafers are a type of shoe that, to me and many others, fall into the “timeless” category.

Unlike other shoe styles, they don’t easily fall victim to the mercy of the trend cycle. Sure, different shapes rise and fall in popularity, like the chunky loafers that were prevalent in the early 2020s and have since waned in mainstream appeal, but for the most part, loafers have always remained a firm favourite, haven’t they?

Are Loafers in Style in 2025?

After taking it upon myself to answer this question once and for all, I decided to rake through data sets, celebrity off-duty looks, best-selling and new-in items and recent runway looks to determine if loafers are really in style in 2025. Thankfully, all this research backed up my instinct. Since January, searches for this footwear style have steadily increased. Specifically, interest in suede loafers has risen by 450%, proving not only that loafers have stayed in fashion as I maintained, but they are also one of the leading shoe trends of the year.

To give my friend credit, however, I do understand where she’s coming from. After the loafer mania in the first half of the decade—a craze spurred on by the likes of Hailey Bieber and her countless chic loafer outfits—it does almost feel that we’ve collectively gone quiet in favour of other flats like jelly sandals, ballet slippers and flip-flops. Of course, the weather is in part to blame, as interest in loafers will always drop during the hotter months when we want to showcase our summer pedicures in open-toed shoes.

So, with autumn on the horizon, I can assuredly say not only that loafers are in style in 2025, but they’re showing no signs of slowing down either. With that said, there are a few loafer trends that I feel I need to put on your radar. (I am a fashion writer, after all.) With designers favouring a more minimalist aesthetic, stockier styles are being swapped out for polished penny loafers. There’s also been a rise in slip-on styles, like the gorgeous Chanel slingback loafers pictured below, and the backless loafers inspired by one of the most iconic shoes ever, Gucci’s Princeton loafers.

If this isn’t enough to convince you that investing in a pair of elegant loafers is a wise fashion decision, don’t just rely on my insights. Below, I’ve curated the best loafers of 2025 to prove to you exactly why they’ll hold a well-earned spot in your wardrobe. From styling tips to more details on the specific styles that are especially sought after, keep scrolling.

The Best Loafers to Shop in 2025

Are Loafers Trendy?

Yes, loafers are currently a trendy shoe style. Interestingly, loafers are actually a Scandi design, originating in Norway all the way back in the early 20th Century. Fast forward a hundred years, and loafers are now seen over every major capital city. Originally, loafers were associated with preppy fashion thanks to their ubiquity in elite circles and Ivy League settings.

However, in the 1990s, this sort of collegiate style was adopted to be more synonymous with sleek, pared-back attire that could serve in both corporate and casual environments.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Perennial minimalist Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy was constantly spotted in loafers, and we’ve seen a resurgence of interest in her personal style, thanks to the filming of Ryan Murphy’s American Love Story. Indeed, on-set images of Sarah Pidgeon (the actress portraying the late Calvin Klein publicist) in costume are also helping fuel the attraction of loafers in 2025. Specifically, the heeled variant has been quickly adopted by a younger consumer, with Coach’s platform style a consistent best-seller.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Which Loafers Are Trending in 2025?

In terms of specific loafers that are trending in 2025, suede is the biggest trend of note. Brown suede loafers were one of the biggest trends to emerge at the tail end of 2024 and haven’t lessened in virality since. At a designer price point, Saint Laurent’s ruched moccasin-esque style proved the most popular, whilst at the expensive-looking high-street level, M&S struggled to keep its brown suede loafers in stock.

Horsebit loafers are also on the rise. Whilst it’s already been two years since Paul Mescal sensually starred in the 70th anniversary campaign for Gucci’s loafers, the gilded detail has slowly been gaining traction. Boat-shoe style loafers are also one of the more significant iterations, as are the enduring penny loafers.

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 on pieces ourselves—everything from best-selling jeans to designer shoes—and speak to external experts and fashion insiders, staying closely connected to what our readers are searching for. Our advice is grounded in expertise, and each and every buy we feature has to meet our exceptional taste standards—so you can feel confident in every recommendation.