For years, loafers have been one of those shoes we’ve (almost) automatically associated with formal wear, imagined paired with tailored suits and structured blazers—perhaps for office looks or preppy styles that, with their tartan patterns and knit vests, belong to the fall—or even winter—season. In contrast, today’s summer loafers have emerged as some of the most interesting alternatives to sneakers, ballet flats, and—in their new, ultra-comfortable versions, whether slip-ons or perforated—even sandals.
A transformation that perfectly captures how our approach to the wardrobe has evolved in recent years: fewer “special-occasion” pieces and more versatile items that can accompany us on vacation as well as in the city, without the need to switch out our wardrobe for the seasons. At the same time, the return of menswear classics is certainly nothing new: first came tailored pants with a relaxed fit, then oversized shirts, unstructured blazers, and even ties. It was almost inevitable that the loafer, too, would find a new identity, with lighter shapes and materials making it one of the most sought-after shoes of summer 2026.
