How to Wear Loafers Without Looking Boring

The range of loafers has expanded in the last couple of decades—sharp lines, chunky soles, modern designs that complement everything from business to casual. For tailored pieces, men aim for streamlined pairs; with denim, it is important to balance the weight of shoes with jeans. The shape of the shoe toe and embellishments significantly alter the overall appearance—so choose between penny, horsebit, tassel, kilt, driving, etc styles with care depending on your look and occasion.

Back in the ‘80s and ‘90s, loafers seemed to belong to a different crowd—you know, those men in loafers who played golf, sipped cognac at 11 am, and considered the office their second home. But fashion has evolved, and so have loafers. Today’s iteration is sharper, cooler, and more versatile—truly a menswear essential. Hence, the question “Are loafers in style?” really shouldn’t even arise anymore.

You are allowed to wear them with anything nowadays, but remember that details matter, even with the best formal shoes. They may be more accessible than ever, but factors like proportion, cut, and finish are still crucial. Every fashionable guy is sporting them now—and here’s how to dress loafers properly for work, leisure, and everything in between.

Casual loafers with jeans

Can you wear loafers with jeans? A hundred percent yes. A wide, straight-leg, or relaxed taper pairs great with chunkier loafers, while slim denim looks great with sleeker options that feature a lower vamp. Opt for raw denim in midweight cotton, which complements brown and dark leather. Cuff your jeans once or twice to showcase the loafer's beautiful profile by exposing more of the vamp. Keep an eye on denim weight—anything above 13 ounces pairs better with a heavier sole; otherwise, you might start to feel a bit top-heavy. Ideally, your jeans should just graze the tongue of the loafer without overwhelming it.

The Tapered jeans from Les Deux pair well with sleeker slipper styles—no need to overwhelm the look. Put on a basic tee and throw the Logo-pattern bomber jacket from Moose Knuckles over the shoulders for a chic street-inspired combo.

Loafers with jacket

What are loafers if not the most adaptable shoes in your closet? They’ve outgrown the prep-school stereotype and are now pairing up with everything from smart trousers to rugged workwear jackets. Try yours with sharp pants and a utility jacket for a comfy driving loafers outfit. These shoes know how to play different sides—in a business meeting, in a cafe, or behind the wheel.

Select a neutral palette for this combo to keep it clean. For example, team the navy Patch-pocket wool jacket with the black Tapered drawstring pants from Les Deux and add a pair of driving loafers in black or brown. Bonus points if your loafers are made of suede—for a lovely textured accent.

Trousers with loafers

Loafers are the leaders of smart casual. They steer this style movement, all thanks to their loyal companions—tailored trousers have stood by loafers through every trend, alongside button-down shirts and smart blazers. This look stands between the preppy heritage of loafers and contemporary formalwear—having the features of both, it fits more occasions.

For this look, men’s smart loafers—pump, penny, hazel, tassel—would be the best. Create a foundation with the Mellange suit trousers and the Linen shirt by Les Deux, and finish the look with your smart shoe.

Loafers with suit

Can you wear loafers with a suit? It all comes down to getting the proportions right. Your loafers should sit comfortably underneath the trouser hem—no excess fabric pooling or exposed ankles. Aim for a natural break at the front. Go for almond-shaped styles like penny or horsebit loafers with a low-profile sole. That said, wider and longer trousers are trending now, so if you opt for a fuller cut or higher rise, you may let the break drop a bit lower, allowing a touch more fabric to rest on the shoe. Heavier loafers work well in this context, but steer clear of extreme lug soles or overly chunky designs; they can distort the drape and make your legs look shorter.

The Tiger of Sweden Suits for men were made to also pair well with loafers, in case you are tired of your dress shoes. Just check out this summer combo—the Linen blazer, the Linen casual trousers, and the Slip-on loafers from Hereu.

Loafers with polo

Some pairings make sense for a reason—like loafers and a polo. Both have roots in old-school leisurewear, but still feel totally relevant now. Their clean lines, relaxed confidence, and no-effort-needed polish keep this combo on rotation for many fashion enthusiasts. It’s preppy, yes—but not in a costumey way. Add tailored trousers or loose chinos, and enjoy this smart-casual mix with no extra effort.

Is there something easier than styling loafers with a polo! Pair the Fine-knit polo-shirt from FTC Cashmere with the Linen straight-fit trousers from Tiger of Sweden for that clever monochrome attire. Black-and-white is the perfect choice when you don’t want to overthink.

Loafers with cardigan

Aiming for a more relaxed Friday look compared to your Monday-through-Thursday suit? This outfit has all the right elements. Instead of a blazer, select a zip-through layered over a classic shirt, paired with suit trousers. Smart enough for the office with a touch of preppiness—and you can complete the look with a stylish pair of brown leather loafers.

Blend the Highneck zipped cardigan from FTC with the Wool suit trousers from Les Deux to create a noise-free base. Don’t forget to add your fave loafer—a kilt or tassel would suit ideally.

Loafers with chinos

Just like suit trousers, loafers and chinos are fantastic choices for a relaxed—and smart-casual—look. You may opt for loafers and chinos with a shirt, a zip pullover, a sports jacket, or a blazer—as long as the loafers complement your outfit's colors, you’ve got a winning combo. Chinos come in a range of hues—from blue and beige to red and brown—so pick loafers that enhance your color choice. Brown loafers pair nicely with blue and beige chinos, but if you are up for brown chinos, wear a contrasting shade of brown for your loafers to avoid a monotonous look.

Our chinos—the Casual chino-fit trousers from Tiger of Sweden—feature a neutral sage green shade, so it is easy to pair them with any loafer hue. As for the top, try the Half-zip sweatshirt with a simple white shirt underneath.

Loafers with shorts

Nothing captures the essence of warm weather and vacation vibes quite like a pair of loafers. These easy slip-on shoes, featuring broad, flat heels and no laces or fastenings, are made for sunny days when high tops and dress boots just won’t do. Pair them with low socks (or skip them), shorts that hit above the knee, and a fitted tee or a short-sleeved shirt for a perfect summer look. Taking a stroll along the boardwalk or enjoying after-work drinks—loafers lend your outfit The Mood.

The 120% Lino Shorts are ideal companions for men's summer loafers, like the Linen bermuda shorts, for instance. Pair them with the Short sleeve linen patch-pocket shirt and finish the look with Hereu’s Suede lace-up loafers—drawing inspiration from the classic Spanish nautical loafers, this pair is a must for your summer adventures.

Loafers with t-shirt

As simple and laid-back as it gets, the men’s loafer outfits with stonewashed jeans and a white T-shirt are as timeless as any pairing your closet could muster. While most people would reach for a pair of sneaks here, the leather loafers—ideally, brown boat or penny—add a much more creative edge.

Among all the jean brands, we suggest Citizens of Humanity Jeans for men for their precise cuts and premium materials. The Relaxed rise jeans, paired with the Text-printed t-shirt from Les Deux, are a great everyday staple to match with your fave loafer pair.