Do You Wear Socks With Loafers?

a person walking down steps wearing skinny jeans and loafers without socks

The Best Socks for Loafers & How to Style Them

In the world of fashion, loafers are having a major moment. From penny loafers to high heels, there are more ways to wear loafers now than ever before. But one question remains: socks or no socks? This choice can make or break your entire look.

FLAT SOCKS® help keep your loafers and socks game on point with the best no-show socks for men and women. Whether you're curious about the latest trends or want to master the art of wearing loafers without socks, we've got you covered with these stylish tips.

Can you wear socks with loafers?

Yes, you can wear socks with loafers. The more important question to ask is which type of socks?

More than just dress shoes, loafers are the chameleon of footwear and one of the best shoes for warm weather. Despite their wear-anywhere look, they aren’t always the most comfortable. They can be stiffer than other slip-ons, lacking in cushion, and they get sweaty fast.

Socks make wearing loafers more comfortable. Now, this doesn’t mean you need to don every pair of white ankle socks or cartoon-printed crews you own. Even though you should wear socks with loafers for comfort and hygiene, it shouldn’t always look like you’re wearing socks.

This is where the right kind of loafer sock, like a no-show sock or sock liner, is essential.

a close up of a woman placing a floral sock insert into a white leather loafer

Going commando? There is no rule book saying you can’t go sockless in loafers if you want to. For those who prefer wearing loafers without socks, this article has you covered, too.

What socks do you wear with loafers?

The best socks for loafers depend on your individual style and the occasion, but let's be honest, they still need to look good. Whether you like a polished finish, a hidden sock, or the sensation of no socks at all, here are three of the best socks to wear with loafers:

  1. Dress socks: These thin, over-the-calf socks fit well with snug dress shoes like loafers and oxfords for a sleek, professional look.
  2. No show socks: The OG trick to looking like you aren’t wearing socks, no-shows are low cut, but they often slip off your heels, bunch down, or peek out awkwardly.
  3. FLAT SOCKS: These sock inserts go in your shoes and not on your feet, adding cushion to your loafers while keeping your feet comfortable and dry.

Why are FLAT SOCKS the best no show socks for loafers?

Let your shoes shine and ditch the uncertainty of socks. When you need no show loafer socks that won’t ruin your vibe or turn your shoes into a swampy mess this summer, FLAT SOCKS are the ultimate choice. Just trim them, slip them into your loafers, and step into fresh comfort with features like:

  • Moisture Wicking fabric pulls sweat away from the feet
  • Odor Control tech protects against stink
  • Soft & Cushy supportive foam makes every step comfy
  • Non-Slip textured bottom stays in your shoe
  • Machine Washable for easy cleaning & always fresh style

a person carrying a pair of black leather loafers with rainbow sock inserts

P.S. Love wearing slipper loafers like UGGs? FLAT SOCKS doesn’t stop at being the best no-show socks for summer. Check out our faux fur inserts for comfy, warm, and sockless loafer style all year round.

When To Wear Socks with Loafers

Most people who go barefoot in loafers have some kind of protection for their feet whether it’s a no-show sock or a sock insert. FLAT SOCKS let you rock the sockless look in any shoe while keeping your feet comfy and dry. However, there are a few factors to consider when deciding if your socks should be seen or not.

a person placing a leopard print sock liner into a black leather loafer

Formal vs Casual

Loafers are casual dress shoes, meaning they aren’t always the most professional choice for formal events like weddings or board meetings. However, as relaxed fashion continues to trend and many employers opt for business casual dress codes, you might be able to swap those dress socks for no-shows.

For smart styling, choose no show socks in neutral hues like dark grey FLAT SOCKS or sand FLAT SOCKS that blend with the color of your loafers. Want to make your work shoes less boring? Add some personality to them with floral FLAT SOCKS or animal prints.

The Climate

Wearing loafers without socks is normal in warm weather, but exposing your ankles in the winter is cold, uncomfortable, and might not look appropriate. Therefore, a pair of wool dress socks or fleece tights might be the better option.

Most no-shows aren’t enough to keep your feet warm in winter, but micro-wool and curly pile FLAT SOCKS offer a boost of comfort and warmth in your shoes whether you’re going sockless or not.

Foot Health

Wearing loafers barefoot can make your feet sweat, increasing the chance of bacterial growth, odors, and fungal infections like athlete’s foot. Plus, walking around all day in stiff leather shoes can make your heels ache. Without a sock for a barrier, you can also get blisters from friction inside your shoes.

All in all, socks help protect the health of your feet. Most no shows are still too thin, so a non-slip sock insert will help reduce sweat, cushioned your feet in stiff shoes, and reducing the chance of blisters.

Shoe Materials

If you have extra sweaty feet, then the moisture that accumulates in your loafers can quickly lead to problems for you and your shoes. Sweat and friction can quickly ruin those leather soles, and odor that permeates the shoe materials can be hard to remove.

Adding moisture wicking, anti-odor inserts like FLAT SOCKS when going barefoot can help reduce moisture build up and odors, protecting leather and suede loafers and making them last longer.

How to Wear FLAT SOCKS with Loafers

With sockless shoes like HeyDudes™, Crocs™, and boat shoes dominating the casual scene, it's no surprise the sockless trend extends to loafers. If you want that breezy, bare ankle look but still want to protect your feet, here are a few ideas on how to style loafers with FLAT SOCKS.

pink taco print sock inserts inside brown leather boat shoes surrounded by tacos

Men’s Loafers

Men can effortlessly style loafers without socks for a relaxed yet refined look. Pair them with chinos or linen trousers for a smart casual vibe or dress them down with dark-wash jeans. Shorts can also work, but they should be well-tailored and preferably a lighter color.

The key is to keep the overall look neat and intentional – avoid overly casual or sloppy pairings. A crisp shirt or lightweight sweater completes the ensemble perfectly. Choose from a variety of FLAT SOCKS men’s loafer socks to give your sockless look a boost of care-free comfort.

Women’s Loafers

For a chic, sockless loafer look, women can pair them with everything from cropped pants and flowy skirts to dresses and even tailored shorts. The key is balance. If your loafers are bold, keep your outfit simpler. If your loafers are more understated, feel free to experiment with bolder patterns and accessories.

A touch of effortless style is always the goal and FLAT SOCKS loafer socks for women are the perfect seamless complement to any square, horse bit, heeled or chunky soled loafers.

cherry print sock liners inside a pair of women’s beige suede loafers

FLAT SOCKS: The Ultimate Loafer Socks for Men & Women

So, socks or no socks with loafers? It's all about personal style and the occasion. Whether you go for dress socks, no-shows, or the bare look, comfort is key. For the ultimate no-show solution that won't slip, stink or show, try FLAT SOCKS for loafers.

FLAT SOCKS is not affiliated with UGG®, HeyDudes™, Crocs™, or any other shoe manufacturer. Reference and trademarks used above are examples of shoe types that FLAT SOCKS are designed to work with.