If you cast your eye over the street style set right now, you’ll notice that suede loafers have become the shoe du jour.
Whilst this polished footwear style has always held a place in fashion, from the chunky soles adored by Hailey Bieber to the sleek penny silhouettes worn by Zoë Kravitz, the preppy slip-on has undergone a makeover of late. Instead of the classic leather finish that previously dominated loafer styles, the reign of suede is having them coated in sumptuous mocha brown, delectable chocolate, brushed tan and timeless charcoal.
For the uninitiated, suede is an alternative to leather made when the flesh side of an animal hide is rubbed to create a velvety nap. (Of course, there are plenty of vegan options and sustainable methods from our favourite B-Corp fashion brands that use innovative fibres to evoke the same buttery-swept effect.)
So, why suede loafers? Come the cooler months, suede rises as one of the leading materials of the season, providing a point of difference to the slew of decadent cashmere coats and woollen jackets that keep us warm through wintery chills. This couldn’t be more apparent than in the command of suede accessories like DeMellier’s gorgeous Hudson bag or COS’s curved bowling bag. Where these bags add an unexpected contrast to otherwise muted ensembles, suede loafers firmly anchor you with an elevated air.
This is in part due to how invisible suede can seem outside of cold snaps. At a time when almost every material is exhausted to fatigue—how many of us here can vouch for the number of black leather boots we’ve bought over the years?—suede loafers have arrived as a shortcut to injecting your outfits with a fresh feel.
We can always rely on loafer outfits to make us appear put-together, even if we’re running around town in jeans, which is somewhat why suede loafers have increased in popularity. For this reason alone, suede loafers have proven to be a new classic and are now being entrusted to guide us through warmer periods, too. During hot days, they can be paired with any of the major shirt trends for 2025 to bring a textural element to otherwise easy looks.
Suede loafers aren’t too ornate, either. This trait would usually preclude them from being trotted out to the office or for after-work drinks, but they’re more elevated than a humble trainer, which makes your outfit look more intentional and curated, even if you’re just taking a jaunt to a bar or heading to brunch.
Their appeal is endless. The fabric, despite being slightly high maintenance by requiring a spritzing of suede protector to ensure its longevity, strikes a perfect balance between effortlessness and elegance. Cleaning, on the other hand, is simple. Merely use a suede brush to dust off debris before dabbing on a vinegar solution to spot clean any marks.
In designer spheres, luxury suede loafers like Saint Laurent’s coveted Le Loafer Penny Slippers in a dark-chocolate suede are highly coveted, whilst high-street versions are earning their own fanbase too, like Marks and Spencer’s sought-after loafers that have the ability to make every outfit you wear look more expensive.
Investing in a pair of suede loafers will ensure you start the new season off in the most stylish way possible. Scroll on to see my edit of the best pairs below.
16 Pairs of Suede Loafers to Take Your Outfits to the Next Level
After learning about Other Stories's sleek suede loafers, Who What Wear UK's Shopping Editor, Florrie Alexander, rushed to the store to pick up a pair herself. "I can confirm that they're just as comfortable as they are chic," she told us back in the office. Featuring a tobacco colour, rounded edge and ruching around the toe, this iteration will further any elegant denim outfit.
Our editors agree: Aeyde's Oscar Suede Loafers are so good. The fabric is sourced from a family-run mill in Italy, making them amongst the most expertly crafted suede loafers to shop. Note the thin red line stitched into the back as proof of the quality and attention to detail.
Reformation loafers are beloved for a reason. Now, the brand has updated them with its cloud-soft suede loafer. This style boasts a sharp almond point and microscopic heel for comfort and ease, and comes in sizes 3 9.
We've said it once and we'll say it again—high-street loafers are an incredibly affordable alternative to luxury styles. This inexpensive iteration from H&M recalls the essence of Tod's Gamino. They may lack the artistry and handmade finish, but the pebbled soles and moccasin accents certainly make them look far more expensive than they actually are.
If you are, however, looking to splurge, Saint Laurent's Le Loafer Penny Slippers are amongst the most adored opulent options. They are constructed by hand and feature a gold hardware accent—the French Maison's logo is dotted on the right shoe—along with the classic penny slip seam on the front.
Using 100% real leather, Zara's suede loafers come in this gorgeous camel colour, which pairs extremely well with sharp cobalt blues and cherry reds. The heel height is apparent yet minimal, meaning you can stay on your feet all day in these.
This buckled clog and suede loafer hybrid is at the top of a few of our editors' wish lists. The mossy sand colour is a great option if you're tired of blacks and browns, and the flat sole and buckled detail bring an edgy element.
Gucci changed the shoe game forever when it introduced the buckled horse-bit Jordaan Loafer under Alessandro Michele's tenure. Since then, the metallic accent has become an adopted signal of luxury. This Mango option might not have the credentials of the original, but the milky latte colour certainly adds to their appeal.
Still, if you're after the real thing, Gucci has developed a trendier version of its classic leather loafer with this dark-chocolate suede style. It's classic and timeless whilst still feeling new.
Prada's lug-sole loafers are still one of the most sold pairs on the market. But for something new, we can't pass up this rich brown suede rendition. The raised heel and triangle-logo are so elegant, but they still have that chunky architectural feel we know and love.
Olive green is arguably a neutral, which makes this split-sole leather and suede option from Massimo Dutti so chic. Whilst they look like a hybrid of a court shoe, heeled Mary Jane and suede loafer, this style feels like something Andy Sachs would wear amidst her "office siren" makeover in The Devil Wears Prada.
Opt for a slightly more grounded look with this lower-heel style from Dune. The tan colour and contrast stitching make them feel right out of the '70s—perfect for those who can't wait to break out their best boho looks this spring.
Still trying to get your hands on the viral M&S suede loafers? Don't worry, we'll update you as soon as they're back in stock! In the meantime, consider this softer shape. The relaxed fit looks more like a boat shoe, making it a slouchy alternative to the tie-up variants trending at the moment.
Or, you could lean into the nautical feel with these gathered suede loafers from Massimio Dutti. The soft taupe and loose laces are taking us back to the early 2000s—we can easily see Lauren Conrad from The Hills wearing these back then in L.A.
For a more London-inspired look, try this round-toe option. The sage green brings a nice juxtaposition to monochromatic outfits. We'd wear these with a long black coat, white T-shirt and wool trousers that could easily double as loungewear.
Of course, you can't beat classic brown suede. This pair from ATP Atelier is on the wish list of possibly every fashionable person across Europe.
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