From Saint Laurent to Bottega—5 Designer Loafers Fashion People Always Come Back To
From Prada to Gucci and Saint Laurent to Miu Miu, we think these are the best designer loafers to invest in for years of wear and chic looks. See our edit below.
Loafers are one of those consistently praised fashion items that year after year are praised for their stylish and comfortable nature, but never before have they been quite so covetable as they are now.
This is due to the fact that designers are paying just as much attention to this shoe style as they do the rest of their footwear collections, with fashion people lapping up the results. With their classic design and elevated appeal, loafers hit the flat-shoe sweet spot that ballet flats and trainers simply miss. They’re timeless and versatile, so it’s little wonder that they’re fast becoming one of the soundest sartorial investments any of us can make.
Like so many others, I can track my obsession with designer loafers back to 2014, when Gucci’s now-iconic Jordaan and Brixton loafers amassed what can only be described as a dedicated cult following. From fashion week to work to even wedding days, style devotees wore Gucci loafers anywhere and everywhere, and they've remained high on the It-buy agenda for years. Now, as many of us have shifted our sartorial sensibilities towards comfort, other designers have been keen to cut themselves a slice of the loafer action.
We’ve seen loafers become increasingly prevalent on the runways, with everyone from Chanel to Prada and Saint Laurent to Miu Miu showcasing modern iterations of the classic shoe. From bold styles with gold metal hardware shaped into their respective logos to monogrammed leather, mock croc and patent finishes and tassel adornments; there's a designer loafer to suit every outfit and aesthetic. So, where do you start when contemplating such an important purchase? Well, right here.
Below, I, and my fellow Who What Wear editors, have bought together the best designer loafers, including the styles that are always trending amongst those in the know—we're looking at you, Saint Laurent Le Loafer and Miu Miu Bleached Leather Loafers. Scroll on to find your perfect pair, and prepare to wear them forever.
The Best Designer Loafers You Could Ever Invest In
1. Saint Laurent Le Loafer
Style Notes: Saint Laurent's Le Loafer is the definition of understated luxury, featuring a sleek, minimal silhouette with a subtle yet iconic Cassandre emblem. Crafted from supple leather or rich suede, the loafers come in classic shades like black, chocolate brown and pearl, making them endlessly versatile. Whether you're pairing yours with tailored pieces for a polished look or denim for that effortless vibe, these timeless loafers are a solid choice.
Shop the Saint Laurent Le Loafer:
A classic black loafer featuring a sleek design with the iconic Cassandre emblem, perfect for both formal and casual wear.
The warm cognac suede brings a touch of classic charm, ideal for autumn.
This rich burgundy shade will add subtle sophistication to any ensemble.
Crafted from creamy leather, this colourway offers a luxurious finish and a versatile hue for everyday elegance.
2. Bottega Veneta Astaire Loafers
Style Notes: Bottega Veneta’s Astaire loafers encompass everything I love about a sleek flat. Crafted from buttery-soft leather and finished with the house’s signature knot detail, they come in an array of elegant shades, as well as a backless iteration that feels particularly 2026.
The all-black is just so sleek.
This deep burgundy is perfect for this time of year.
Backless loafers have officially returned.
3. Miu Miu Bleached Loafers
Style Notes: Miu Miu's Bleached Loafers blend a vintage feel with a collegiate vibe, featuring both chunky and more slimline boat shoe-style designs and a deliberate bleached effect. Crafted from supple calfskins and suedes, these loafers are often adorned with a bow-accented apron and an embossed logo or coin feature on the tongue, offering a fresh twist on a classic silhouette.
Shop the Miu Miu Bleached Loafers:
The tan bleached-leather effect offers a modern twist on classic deck loafer.
Slip on these with your winter dress and a pair of chunky socks
A more traditional chunky loafer shape with the same recognisable bleached leather effect.
4. Gucci Jordaan Loafer
Style Notes: With its sleek shape, glossy leather and elevated horsebit clasp, Gucci’s Jordaan might have been the OG designer loafer, but don’t assume it’s over and done with—the style remains enduringly classic today.
Shop the Gucci Jordaan Loafer:
Embrace classic Italian craftsmanship with these sleek leather loafers, adorned with the iconic horsebit detail.
If logomania is your thing then these ones are for you.
I can think of so many ways to style these dark brown loafers.
This autumnal shade offers a fresh take on the classic.
5. Prada Logo-Plaque Loafer
Style Notes: A defining designer buy, Prada loafers continue to be the loafer of choice for so many industry experts, complete with iconic Prada plaque logo and instantly recognisable shine.
Shop Prada Logo Loafers:
These polished leather loafers feature a distinctive chunky silhouette, merging contemporary style with Prada's renowned quality.
This slimline style feels so sleek.
Chocolate suede will always get a yes from me.
These light suede ones are high-up on my personal wish-list.
Shop More Designer Loafers Our Editors Love:
Ayede has a more affordable designer pair.
I'm so drawn to the gold bow buckle on these.
A timeless three-tone loafer that will never age.
These feel very 'if you know, you know'.
So elegant.
I recently just added these to my collection and can very much recommend.
Effortlessly cool.
Another item to add to my wish list.
