Women's loafers: leather, suede, and lace-up loafers

The loafer, a flat shoe that dresses up

The loafer is recognized by its U-shaped stitching on top of the foot, which encases the front like a shell. Usually laceless, it easily slips on and can be worn all day.

It's one of the most elegant flat shoes: it pairs well with tailored trousers, jeans or a skirt, and easily replaces a heel at the office.

The Classic Dan from Sebago

At Sebago, the leather loafer Classic Dan is a penny loafer: a leather strap crosses over the top of the foot, where a coin was once slipped in. It’s hand-stitched, and the brand offers it in smooth leather, metallic, or pigmented versions, and even in a studded style.

The Classic Will takes up the spirit in a similar line. These loafers age beautifully over time.

Loafers from Clarks

Clarks offers the Torhill, available as a loafer on a thick, rugged sole, and the Wallabee, built like a loafer on a soft sole. Their look is more casual, perfect for the weekend with jeans.

Birkenstock Utti, the lace-up loafer

The Utti from Birkenstock blends the loafer and the lace-up shoe, in suede or leather. It maintains the comfort of home and pairs well with wide trousers or rolled-up jeans.

Loafer or derby?

• Loafer: slip-on, quicker to wear, ideal for a slim or normal foot.
• Derby: laced, it better secures the foot for long walks.
• Lace-up loafer: a compromise, with the look of a loafer and the support of laces.

How to wear loafers?

With rolled-up straight jeans, a loafer shows off the ankle and gives a neat look. With tailored trousers, it creates a very trendy masculine-feminine style. With a midi skirt, fine socks or tights add a stylish touch.

In summer, wear them barefoot with shorts or a linen dress.

Smooth leather or suede?

The smooth leather loafer is the most dressed up: it can be polished and shines. The suede loafer, softer, has a more relaxed feel but doesn’t handle rain well.

For an all-purpose pair, black or brown leather remains the most versatile.

The right size

A laceless loafer should hold the heel snugly as soon as you try it on: leather stretches a bit when worn, but an oversized loafer can’t be fixed. If you are between sizes, the smaller one is usually the right fit in leather.

A slim foot will benefit from choosing a laced model, which adjusts better.

Loafers and socks

Barefoot, or with an invisible sock to avoid rubbing, the loafer retains a sleek line. A thin, colorful sock, visible under cropped trousers, adds a more original note.

Check out the women's socks for matching.

The loafer at the office

A smooth black or burgundy leather loafer complements an office outfit with elegance. It can be worn all day without fatigue, where a heel eventually weighs you down.

Loafers from Kleman and Bobbies

The section also includes some pairs from Kleman, a French brand known for its sturdy leather shoes, and Bobbies, a Parisian loafer brand. They add to the classics from Sebago and Clarks with more original lines.

Which colour to choose?

Black remains the easiest for the office and with dark trousers. Brown and cognac warm up jeans or beige outfits. A metallic leather or burgundy, like on some Classic Dan, is enough to elevate a simple outfit.

For a first pair, black or dark brown goes with almost everything.

The loafer when travelling

Light and laceless, the loafer slips off easily at security checks and packs away hassle-free in a suitcase. It follows you through a day of sightseeing or dining, provided it has been broken in before the trip.

Breaking in your loafers

New leather may feel tight at first. Wear your loafers for a few hours at home before a long day, with a thin sock, to gently soften them.

Maintaining leather loafers

Brush them, nourish the leather with cream, and polish them from time to time. A shoe tree helps maintain their shape between wears.

Maintaining suede

Brush suede dry and protect it with a water-repellent spray before the first outing. An eraser removes light stains.

Explore the whole collection

All styles can be found in women's shoes by type, and laced shoes are available in the women's derbies section.

Frequently asked questions

What is a penny loafer?

A loafer with a leather strap over the top of the foot, where a coin was once slipped in, like the Classic Dan from Sebago.

Do loafers fit large?

A leather loafer stretches when worn: choose a snug fit, and go for the smaller size if you're in doubt.

Can loafers be worn without socks?

Yes, with an invisible sock to avoid rubbing and dampness.

How can I stop my loafer from slipping at the heel?

Choose a snug size, or add a small adhesive heel grip inside.

What colour of loafer should I choose as a first?

Black or dark brown, which matches most outfits, from jeans to tailored trousers.

Loafer or ballet flat?

The loafer covers more of the foot and stays on better while walking; it’s also easier to wear in mid-season.