With their signature braided jute soles, espadrilles are the epitome of summer footwear. This versatile style can be dressed up or down, making them ideal for most occasions.
Whether you’re headed to the beach or a summer party, here’s how to wear espadrilles with just about any casual to semi-formal outfit in your wardrobe:
Espadrilles + Chinos
Lightweight cotton chinos are the perfect pant to pair with espadrilles. The casual yet tailored silhouette of chinos will perfectly complement espadrilles’ relaxed feel.
Pair your chinos with a t-shirt, polo, or casual button-down shirt for a casual daytime look. We recommend that you cuff the hem of your pants to show off a little ankle and balance out the proportion of your outfit.
We recommend accessorizing with a pair of aviators or a straw sun hat to complete the look.
Espadrilles + Trousers
Chinos get their signature look thanks to their reliance on a twill fabric made from 100% cotton (source). However, one alternative to the chino that pairs well with espadrilles will be linen trousers.
Linen is a material that’s often associated with warm weather due to its light and airy feel. However, when paired with espadrilles, linen trousers can make for an elegant summer look perfect for everything from weddings to barbecues.
If you decide on wearing linen trousers with espadrilles, we recommend keeping the rest of your outfit relatively simple and sharp. A linen shirt or button-down will pair nicely with the pants and keep you cool and comfortable in the summer heat.
Consider a linen seersucker blazer as well for an elevated touch.
Espadrilles + Shorts
Name a better summer combination than shorts and espadrilles. We’ll wait.
Whether you prefer board shorts, denim cut-offs, or tailored chino shorts, this classic summer look can be easily achieved with a pair of espadrilles.
As with any other outfit, the key to wearing shorts with espadrilles is to strike the right balance between casual and formal.
Pair your espadrille and short combo with a simple t-shirt or polo for a casual daytime look, backyard barbeque, or not-so-serious gatherings.
Consider wearing shorts with a lightweight button-down for a slightly more formal scenario, such as a company picnic, family reunion, or summer wedding.
Of course, if you need any styling advice, we put together this epic guide on how men can wear shorts – complete with many different outfit ideas.
Espadrilles + Jeans
Are you trying to pair espadrilles with jeans? The key is to choose the right fit for your body type and wash.
We recommend tailored or slim-fit jeans in a dark wash to achieve a stylish and sophisticated look. In addition, the denim should be cuffed a few inches above the ankle to show off your shoes and balance out the proportions of your outfit. Lastly, selvedge denim should be strongly considered as it has a visual interest in detailing the inside seam of the pants when cuffed.
We recommend a casual button-down shirt or tee for the upper half of your body.
Espadrilles + Blazers
As we recently discussed all the different types of blazers every man should have in his wardrobe, it’s time to put them to good use and show you how to style them with espadrilles.
A blazer can be a great way to add a touch of sophistication to any summer outfit, and when paired with espadrilles, it can make for a look that’s both stylish and appropriate for any number of occasions.
One rule, though, is we recommend that the blazer and espadrilles be paired with pants, be it chinos, linen trousers, or denim jeans.
Given the casual appearance of the espadrilles, consider wearing a casual, unstructured blazer or one that is made from a light and breathable fabric such as linen or cotton.
When to Replace Espadrilles
Traditionally espadrilles have a jute sole with a canvas or cotton upper. While the upper can be cleaned, the jute sole has a limited lifespan. If you want to have your entire outfit look great, then it’s essential to know when you should replace your espadrilles.
- If you have a traditional espadrille with a jute sole, such as the handmade espadrilles we reviewed by Diegos, then you’ll likely need to replace them at the end of summer.
- If you have a modern espadrille with a rubber sole, a standard feature found in brands like TOMS, Soludos, and Viscata, then you may be able to wear the shoes for multiple seasons with proper care.
Socks
In general, we recommend that men wear a pair of no-show socks with their espadrilles. Wearing a pair of no-show socks will help absorb any sweat and keep your feet feeling comfortable throughout the day. Additionally, it can help to prevent blisters or dry skin.
However, if you aren’t a fan of wearing socks in the summer and plan to replace your espadrilles at the end of the season, you can wear them without socks. Should odor buildup occur, we recommend getting a shoe spray or powdering your feet before slipping on the shoes.
Seasons
Like most slip-ons, espadrilles are a summer-time shoe. They breathe well, are comfortable in hot weather, and have a casual look that’s perfect for a day by the water or a night out on the town.
We recommend wearing them from Memorial Day to Labor Day if you want to get the most use out of your espadrilles.
However, if you live in a warm climate or want to extend the life of your espadrilles, then you can wear them year-round. Just be sure to take care of the shoes and swap them out for another type of loafer or shoe when the weather gets cooler.
