If you cast your eyes over the street style set, you’ll notice that suede loafers have become the shoe du jour. While this polished footwear style has always held a place in fashion, from the chunky soles adored by Hailey Bieber to the sleek penny silhouette worn by Zoë Kravitz, the preppy slip-on has undergone a makeover of late.
In lieu of the classic leather finish that previously dominated the trend cycle, the reign of suede has coated this style in sumptuous mocha brown, delectable chocolates, brushed tan and timeless charcoal.
For the uninitiated, suede is an alternative to leather that is 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 ridiculous 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 sensibility.
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 spin.
We can rely on loafer outfits to always 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, suede loafers can be paired with any of the major shirt trends for 2025 to bring a textural element to otherwise reliable looks.
Suede loafers aren’t too ornate, either. This trait would usually preclude them from being trotted out to the office or 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 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 are being peddled out like Saint Laurent’s coveted Le Loafer Penny Slippers in a dark chocolate suede. High street version are earning their own fanbase too, like M&S’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 suede loafers below.
16 Pairs of Suede Loafers to Take Your Outfit 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," is what she told us back in the office. Featuring a tobacco colouring, a rounded edge and ruching around the toe, this iteration will further any elegant denim outfit.
Our editors agree—Aeyde's Oscar suede shoes are one of the best loafers available right now. The fabric used is sourced from a family-run Italian mill, making them amongst the most expertly crafted suede loafers to shop. Make a note of the thin red line stitched into the back as proof of the quality and attention to detail.
Reformation loafers are beloved for a reason. But now, the brand has put a new rift on the classic house shoe shape with their cloud soft suede loafer. This style boasts a sharp almond point and microscopic heel for comfort and ease. Slip on the brown or blue version—a colour combination fashion people know always works—which come in a size 3 through to 9.
We've said it once and we'll say it again—high street loafers are an incredible affordable alternative to luxury styles. This inexpensive iteration from H&M recalls the essence of Tod's Gamino. They may lack the artistry and hand-made finish that the Italian luxuriate has, but the pebbled soles and moccasin accents certainly make them look far more costly then they actually are.
If you are, however, looking to splurge, Saint Laurent's Le Loafer Penny Slippers are amongst the most adored opulent options. These 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 or cherry reds. We love how the heel hight is apparent yet still minimal, meaning you can stay on your feet all day in these.
This buckled clog hybrid suede loafer is at the top of a few of our editor's wish lists for a few reasons. Firstly, the mossy sand colour is a great option if you're tired of blacks and browns. The sizing is also immaculate, giving you that fits like a glove feel. Plus, the flat sole and buckled detail bring an edgy element that's so unexpected from Massimo Dutti.
Gucci changed the shoe game forever when it introduced the buckled Horsebit loafer under Alessandro Michele's tenure at the house. Since then, the metallic accent has become an adopted sigil of luxury. This suede Mango option might not have the credentials of the original, but the milky latte colour certainly will add to the appeal.
Still, if you're after the real thing, Gucci has developed a trendier version of their classic leather loafer with this dark chocolate suede style. Classic elegant, while still feeling new.
Prada's lug sole loafers are still one of the most sold pairs around. But for something new, we can't pass up this rich suede brown rendition. The raised heel and triangle-logo are so elegant, but 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. While they look like a concoction of a court shoe, heeled Mary Jane and suede loafer, this style feels like something Andy Sachs would wear amid 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 contrasting stitching also makes these suede loafers feel right out of the '70s, perfect for those still worshipping Daisy-Edgar Jones's boho chic looks.
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, try your hand at this softer shape. The relaxed fit looks more like a boat shoe, making it a slouchy option 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. Ranging from size 2 to 9, the soft taupe and loose laces are taking us back to the early 2000s. We could easily see Lauren Conrad from The Hills wearing these through the streets of Los Angeles.
For a more London-based look, try this round-toe option. The sage green brings a nice juxtaposition to monochromatic outfits. We'd be wearing these with a long black coat, white t-shirt and wool pants that could easily double as loungewear.
Of course, you can't beat the classic brown suede. This pair from ATP Atelier is on the wish list of every fashionable person across Europe.
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