What are Espadrilles? | Still In Style in 2025 or Old Fashioned?
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Time to read: 5 min
Espadrilles, known as "alpargatas" in Spanish, are casual shoes made from natural materials.
They usually have an upper of canvas or cotton and a flexible sole of rope, often esparto, jute or hemp. Espadrilles can be flat or high-heeled and are typically worn in the summer.
Their most distinctive feature is the rope sole, which makes them lightweight and breathable, perfect for warm weather. Originally used as peasant footwear, espadrilles are now worn by men and women all over the world.
To sum up:
- 🌿 Made from natural materials such as cotton, canvas and rope.
- 🌞 Popular summer footwear in Spain and other countries.
- 👡 Available in flat or high heel styles.
Are Espadrilles in Style 2025?
Yes, espadrilles are still in style in 2025! These timeless shoes have evolved with new designs featuring bold colours, unique patterns and different heel heights to match any outfit.
Whether flat, wedge or platform, espadrilles remain a spring and summer fashion staple, effortlessly combining comfort and elegance.
How to Wear Espadrilles?
When autumn arrives here in Spain, I still love wearing my espadrilles. I often pair them with my favourite jeans and a light jacket for a relaxed yet stylish look.
The closed-toe style keeps my feet comfortable on cooler days and choosing darker colours like navy or brown makes them perfect for the season.
These are my go-to shoes for an all-year-round chic vibe!
But hey, if you're still not sure how and what to wear with your new espadrilles, I've got some easy suggestions for you:
- Casual look: Pair flat espadrilles with shorts, jeans or a sundress for a relaxed everyday look.
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Beach outfit: Slip-on espadrilles are perfect for the beach. Wear them with a flowy dress or light cover-up.
- Dressy style: Choose wedge espadrilles for a more formal look. They look great with maxi dresses, skirts or even tailored trousers.
- With jeans: Rolled up jeans or cropped trousers look great with lace-up espadrilles, adding a chic touch to your outfit.
- For the office: Choose closed or wedge espadrilles for a more polished and comfortable office look. Wear them with a blouse and midi skirt.
How to Clean Your Espadrilles?
As someone who lives in Spain, I love wearing espadrilles. In the hot weather, they are the perfect blend of comfort and style. However, I quickly learnt that keeping them in good condition requires a bit of care.
When I first got my espadrilles, I made sure I had the right cleaning tools: a soft brush, mild soap and some cloths.
I start by spot-cleaning light stains with a little soap mixed with water. I always avoid soaking the whole shoe, especially the delicate jute sole.
For more stubborn stains, I carefully hand-wash only the upper, using a brush and gentle circular movements. After cleaning, I leave them to dry naturally, away from the direct Spanish sun. It takes time, but trust me, it's worth it!
Over time, I also learned to protect the jute soles by wiping off dirt with a dry cloth and applying a protective spray. Espadrilles are my go-to summer shoes, and with these tips they will continue to look and feel great season after season.
Let's summarise the whole process of cleaning and caring for your espadrilles:
Essential Cleaning & Maintenance Guide
1. Preparation
- Gather a soft-bristled brush, mild soap, water, a clean cloth and a small bowl.
- Identify the material of your espadrilles: canvas, suede, leather or natural jute soles.
2. Spot cleaning for light stains
- Mix a small amount of mild detergent with water in a bowl.
- Dip the soft brush into the mixture and gently scrub stains in a circular motion.
- Avoid soaking the entire shoe, especially the jute sole.
- Wipe off any soap residue with a clean, damp cloth.
3. Hand wash for stubborn stains
- Remove any shoelaces (if applicable).
- Fill a basin with lukewarm water and add a small amount of mild detergent.
- Submerge only the surface of the fabric and use the brush to clean gently.
- Avoid soaking the jute sole to prevent damage.
- Rinse the upper with clean water and wipe off any excess soap.
4. Drying your espadrilles
- Air dry in a well-ventilated area.
- Avoid direct sunlight or the use of heaters as these can damage the footwear.
- Patience is key; drying may take a few days.
5. Dealing with stubborn stains
- For stubborn stains, use a fabric-friendly stain remover.
- Always test on a small, hidden area first to avoid damaging the fabric.
6. Care of the Jute Sole
- Never immerse the jute sole in water as this can weaken it over time.
- Gently brush off dirt with a dry cloth or soft brush.
- Apply a protective spray specifically designed for jute to protect it from moisture.
7. Regular maintenance
- Make sure your feet are clean and dry before wearing your espadrilles.
- Store them in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.
- Avoid wearing them in muddy or rainy conditions to preserve their quality.
Following these steps will keep your espadrilles looking stylish and ready for any adventure!
Conclusion: Are Espadrilles For You in 2025?
Espadrilles have really stood the test of time! They've evolved from traditional peasant footwear to a versatile fashion staple in 2025. They're just perfect for warmer months, aren't they?
Thanks to their natural materials, lightweight comfort and variety of styles, you'll be as comfortable as can be! As someone who lives in Spain, I wear my espadrilles all year round, even in the autumn with jeans and a jacket! With a little TLC, they'll last you many seasons and keep looking great.
I totally get it if you're wondering whether espadrilles are for you.
I've done a lot of research on Google to find out what people often ask about espadrilles, so you can check my FAQ section for unanswered questions.
If not, please leave a comment and I'll do my best to help! Thanks for reading, I really hope you find the perfect pair for you.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Can you wash espadrilles?
No, you should not wash your espadrilles in the washing machine. Instead, clean them by hand with a soft brush, mild soap and water, taking care not to soak the jute sole. Always leave them to air dry naturally.
How do I tie espadrilles?
Wrap the laces around your ankle and tie a bow at the front or back.
How do I wear espadrilles?
Wear them with casual outfits like shorts, dresses or jeans for a relaxed look.
What to wear with espadrilles?
They go well with summer dresses, jeans, skirts, shorts and light tops.
Can you wear espadrilles in the fall?
Yes, wear them with jeans and a jacket on dry, cool days.
How do you pronounce espadrilles?
The English pronunciation is "es-puh-drills".
noun: espadrille /ˈɛspədrɪl,ˌɛspəˈdrɪl/
plural noun: espadrilles
How to wear espadrilles with jeans?
Roll up your jeans slightly and wear them with slip-on or lace-up espadrilles.
Are espadrilles comfortable?
Yes, they are light and breathable, perfect for warm weather.
How do you wear espadrilles with dresses?
Pair wedge espadrilles with a flowing dress for a chic summer look.
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About the Author
Tanya Obretenova
Mother, Blogger, Spain Lover, Teacher
Hola! I'm Tanya, a mother of two toddlers, a qualified German teacher and an outgoing globetrotter who loves to explore new destinations and meet incredible people in every corner. As a writer with a passion for sharing diverse stories, my goal is to provide my audience with the best Spanish experiences, blending culture, cuisine and compelling narratives.
