Nonchalant Blog

Espadrilles: From Workwear Footwear to Summer Elegance

Espadrilles are among the most natural summer shoes a man can wear. They have history, lightness, an effortless Mediterranean character and, in a well-built wardrobe, they fill the space between sandals, sneakers and loafers.

Espadrilles work best when an outfit is meant to feel light, natural and unmistakably summery.

Where espadrilles come from

Espadrilles, often called alpargatas in Spanish and espardenyes in Catalan, are shoes with very old roots. Their defining feature is a sole made from natural fibre — historically esparto grass, today most often jute — combined with a simple textile upper. That simplicity is, in my view, one of the most interesting things about them. This is not a shoe trying to look luxurious by force. Its charm comes from function, material and natural ease.

Historically, espadrilles are closely associated with Spain, the Pyrenees, Catalonia, Aragon and the Basque region. Originally, they were practical footwear for people who needed something light, accessible and suitable for a warm climate. They were worn by farmers, labourers and soldiers. They were not a fashion pose, but an everyday object. And perhaps that is exactly why they have lasted so long. Fashion often returns to things that were originally ordinary, because ordinary things tend to be the least artificial.

During the 20th century, espadrilles gradually moved from rural and working environments into the summer city wardrobe. As attitudes towards leisure, travel and summer elegance changed, they began to be seen differently. Not as cheap emergency footwear, but as a symbol of effortless Mediterranean style. Spanish brands and traditional workshops, including Castañer and the Madrid institution Casa Hernanz, played an important role in shaping their modern image. Espadrilles moved from fields and workshops to promenades, seaside towns and eventually into the wardrobes of men who otherwise dress in a fairly classic way.

Why they belong in a man’s wardrobe

In a man’s wardrobe, espadrilles make sense mainly because they solve a very specific problem: what to wear in summer when you do not want to look too sporty, but also do not want to wear heavy leather shoes. Sneakers are practical, but they often pull the whole outfit too far into everyday casual territory. Sandals are comfortable, but not every man feels good in them and they do not always look particularly refined. Loafers are more elegant, but in serious heat they can sometimes feel too formal or too heavy.

Espadrilles sit exactly between these worlds. They are light, breathable, comfortable and visually softer than classic leather shoes. At the same time, they look more considered than flip-flops or sporty slip-ons. A well-chosen pair of espadrilles can give a summer outfit character without drawing too much attention to itself.

The strongest combinations with espadrilles are built around natural materials: linen, cotton, canvas and lightweight knitwear.

What to wear with espadrilles

Espadrilles are not universal shoes for every situation. That needs to be said clearly. Their strength is not that they replace loafers, derby shoes or sneakers. Their strength lies in summer combinations where the whole outfit is built around lightness. They work best with clothes that share the same relaxed character.

• Linen trousers: Probably the most natural combination. Light or beige linen trousers, a more relaxed cut, an open-collar shirt and espadrilles create a very simple but effective summer outfit.
• Chinos and cotton trousers: These work especially well in beige, olive, navy or cream. Espadrilles lighten the outfit and move it more towards the summer city or holiday wardrobe.
• Shorts: In my opinion, espadrilles work better with shorts than most leather shoes. The ideal pairing is with simple cotton or linen shorts, not technical sports shorts.
• Summer shirts: A linen shirt, an Oxford shirt with an open collar or a lightweight camp collar shirt will feel more natural with espadrilles than a formal shirt with a stiff collar.
• Lightweight tailoring: With a soft linen or cotton jacket, espadrilles can work very well. The important thing is that the outfit should not be formal. Think summer dinner, terrace, holiday, not a formal wedding ceremony.

In terms of colour, I would keep men’s espadrilles within a calmer palette. Beige, navy, brown, olive, cream or muted grey will last longer in a wardrobe than loud seasonal colours. If you are buying your first pair, I would personally start with beige or navy. Beige feels Mediterranean and pairs well with light trousers. Navy is slightly more practical in the city and easier to wear with denim or a navy jacket.

When not to wear espadrilles

With espadrilles, it is important to understand the limit. They are not shoes for rain, long walks through a wet city or formal occasions. The jute sole is naturally sensitive to moisture and, if it becomes too wet, it can lose shape, swell or deform. For that reason, I would treat espadrilles as shoes for dry, warm days.

Formally, espadrilles always sit low on the scale. That does not mean they look bad. It only means they do not belong where classic dress shoes are expected. I would not wear them with a dinner jacket, a dark formal suit, to a business meeting or to an evening event with a dress code. On the other hand, they are very good for holidays, summer in the city, weekends, an afternoon coffee, a seaside dinner or an informal garden gathering.

It is also important to consider the materials around them. If you are wearing a heavy wool suit, a polished belt and a formal shirt, espadrilles will look out of place. If you are wearing linen trousers, a soft shirt and a lightweight jacket, they will look natural. To me, this is exactly the kind of shoe that does not forgive the wrong context, but looks very good in the right one.

How to care for espadrilles

Caring for espadrilles is simple, but there is one essential rule: do not soak them. Jute and water are not a good combination. Espadrilles should never be washed in a machine, placed under running water or cleaned like canvas sneakers. That is the fastest way for the sole to lose its structure and for the shoe to start looking tired.

Light dirt on the jute part is best removed with a dry, soft brush. The textile upper can be carefully cleaned with a slightly damp cloth, possibly with a small amount of mild soap, but always locally and without soaking the shoe. For leather or suede details, follow the care required by the specific material — brush suede, and treat leather gently with a suitable product.

If you are still caught in the rain while wearing espadrilles, do not dry them on a radiator or in direct sunlight. Fill them with paper, place them horizontally and let them dry slowly at room temperature. Excessive heat can damage not only the jute, but also adhesives, textile and leather.

Store them in a dry place and do not leave them for long periods in a closed damp bag. Espadrilles are seasonal footwear and, with reasonable care, can last for several years. But it is not fair to expect the same durability from them as from leather shoes with a robust sole. They are light, natural and summery. That is both their charm and their limit.

For me, espadrilles are one of those details that can change the mood of an entire summer outfit. They are not showy, they are not overly elegant and they do not try to look important. When chosen well, they do exactly what a good summer piece should do: lighten the whole look, add character and let the wearer appear natural.