Growing up in Sydney afforded me a couple of luxuries, however none extra helpful than being aware of the ascent of the most important shoes traits of the previous few years: flip-flops. In Australia, proudly owning a couple of flip-flops—or as we name them, thongs—is sort of a ceremony of passage. You’d select up a couple of sweet colored Havaianas out of your native surf retailer as a kid prior to graduating right into a extra mature black hue that might serve you via unending seashore days in the summer in addition to extra established events like dinners and film dates.
Both settings had been equivalent of their call for for dressed in the most efficient flip-flops, with there hardly ever a explanation why to not slip them on prior to working out the door. So, after I first noticed increased flip-flops followed by way of the fame taste set again within the early 2020s, you’ll be able to consider that I wasn’t shocked to peer this trusty sandal recontextualised in a haute couture enviornment.
To me, those outings had been extra a case of Hollywood choosing up on what I had identified all alongside. By design, flip-flops are imbued with a laid-back magnificence. Synonymous with scorching climates and sandy coastlines, flip-flops have a languid essence that each relaxes and elevates a pill dresser all of sudden.
Consider them just like the shoes choice to the raffia tote or woven leather-based bag you are taking away on vacations—a sophisticated and easy design that immediately reminds you of heat nights, a way of easy and a time the place the one accent you wanted used to be a tumbler of rosé. Nowadays, flip-flops have taken on a brand new which means.
Thanks to endorsements from the prolific taste savants like Ashley Olsen, Zoë Kravitz and Jennifer Lawrence, the most efficient flip-flops have change into a streetwear staple that dictates one’s insider wisdom. To the ones conscious about the facility those humble apartments hang in making you glance each put in combination and relaxed, they know that the way to buy this summer time is not The Row’s two-toned platform Ginza flip-flops, however the rubber and ribbon Dune variation already noticed on Hailey Bieber after a pilates elegance in Beverly Hills. (They could be £670, however value apart, they’re evidence of the way in-demand flip-flops have change into.)
But how did the as soon as polarising shoe worn by way of everybody from gym-going dads to grandmothers on the spa cross directly to court docket essentially the most elite consumers and, in flip, achieve the favour of elegant girls throughout model’s capitals?
Are Flip-Flops in Style in 2025?
Given that flip-flops are so standard, I will be able to perceive why you could be questioning if flip-flops are if truth be told nonetheless in taste in 2025. For context, flip-flops first reemerged after the pandemic, when the likes of Coperni and Givenchy introduced out chunky platform kinds that performed into Y2K model fixation of the time. Quickly after, minimalist clothier manufacturers like A.Emery and Toteme quickly piqued hobby for extra muted dressers who sought after in at the development. These sleeker and slimline kinds suited being worn with outsized shirts and pleated trousers together with strappy slip attire, bringing a extra muted ‘90s fashion edge to the trend.
Of course, it’s now not sudden that those chicer shapes took off in recognition, for the reason that probably the most perfect flip-flops (and styling examples) are from the last decade. In 1997, Calvin Klein despatched his gauzy midi attire down the runway along a couple of leather-based flip-flops.
(Image credit score: Getty Images)
Elsewhere in Manhattan, the logo’s publicist, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, used to be dressed in flip-flops with low-rise indigo denim denims and three-quarter period black tops as a part of her off-duty uniform. In 1999, flip-flops hit the hundreds after Jennifer Aniston infamously wore a raised taste with hip-cutting pink shipment pants whilst out in Los Angeles with Brad Pitt.
(Image credit score: Getty Images)
In 2022, any notions that flip-flops had been reserved for grabbing smoothies or walking alongside the seashore had been disregarded when The Row paired flip-flops with adapted culottes and blazers as a part of the logo’s pre-fall 2024 assortment.
This shift from cruisy loungewear to polished office-appropriate apparel simply furthered their enchantment, proving that the most efficient flip-flops had been flexible sufficient to oscillate between each modes of get dressed. With the fitting pair of brogues, it is advisable to glance as chic as you probably did on an island within the Mediterranean as you probably did navigating the underground in your day by day go back and forth in London.
What Are The Best Flip-Flops?
There are numerous kinds of flip-flops to make a choice from, together with the splendid jelly sandals presented by way of Ancient Greek Sandals to vintage leather-based kinds. Ultimately, the most efficient flip-flops don’t require you to lay our a fortune on them.
Along the top boulevard, there are expensive-looking choices from the likes of Mango, Arket and H&M. Zara has simply collaborated with Havaianas on a restricted pill number of rubber flip-flops, rendering the undying taste in a extra recent square-toe end.
M&S are providing a velvety possibility that fulfils my want for a suede sandal this summer time, however I’ve additionally were given my eye on a snakeskin iteration from Ayede with skinny straps and a python print overlaying.
How To Style Flip-Flops
What makes flip-flops the sandal du jour is how flexible they’re. In heat climate, you’ll be able to taste with slinky sheer tops and structured shorts or cotton skirts and leather-based jackets. Come cooler days, layer a thick knit over impartial denims to deliver an sudden twist and a component of intrigue. I’ve noticed such a lot of other folks in and round Europe dressed in flip-flops within the lead as much as summer time.
In the Who What Wear workplace, we’ve already been discussing what pair would be the perfect for the season forward. Considering what can continue to exist 10,000 steps with out rubbing feet and can nonetheless glance sleek, I’ve been referred to as on because the resident flip-flop professional to search out which taste will reign preferrred. After scouring luxurious labels, unbiased designers and essentially the most luxe choices at the top boulevard, discover the most efficient flip-flops to buy, forward.
Shop the Best Flip Flops of 2025
The Row
Dune Grosgrain Thong Sandals
This divisive pair has garnered numerous observation for its top ticket. Regardless, this taste is the flip-flop to possess this summer time.
As an Australian, it is just honest that I select a sandal emblem grown on house soil as my favorite. I am keen on A.Emery because of this, however in addition they make probably the most maximum expertly-crafted sandals in the marketplace.
ANCIENT GREEK SANDALS
Saionara Jelly Pvc Flip Flops
If you are looking to check out the jelly sandal development, this Saionara taste is the piece to possess.
AEYDE
Renee Snake-Effect Leather Sandals
This will deliver this sort of top class twist to dresser fundamentals like black trousers and white t-shirts.
Toteme
Croco-Embossed Flip Flops Black
The pretend croc leather-based from this Toteme taste is so opulent.
ZARA
Havaianas ® X Zara Sandals
These are ideal for dressed in with pleated trousers and outsized blazers into the workplace.
ARKET
Sleepers Tapered Flip Flops
Embrace this season’s color development—light yellow—with this Arket pair.
Celebrities Wearing Flip Flops
(Image credit score: Getty Images)
Style Notes: Zoë Kravitz wears The Row’s Swan turn flops whilst out in New York in 2021.
(Image credit score: Getty Images)
Style Notes: Jennifer Lawrence wears turn flops whilst attending the premiere of Anatomy Of A Fall on the 2023 Cannes Film Festival.
(Image credit score: Getty Images)
Style Notes: Ashley Olsen wears The Row’s Constance turn flops whilst out in New York in 2021.
(Image credit score: Getty Images)
Style Notes: Hailey Bieber wears The Row’s Dune turn flops whilst out in Los Angeles in 2025.
(Image credit score: Getty Images)
Style Notes: Emily Ratajkowski wears Axel Arigato turn flops whilst out in New York in 2024.
(Image credit score: Getty Images)
Style Notes: Kendall Jenner wears The Row’s Dries Van Noten platform turn flops whilst out in Los Angeles in 2022.
Flip Flops at the Runway
(Image credit score: Launch Metrics)
Style Notes: PVC turn flops at the Chloé spring/summer time 2025 runway.
(Image credit score: Launch Metrics)
Style Notes: Fur turn flops at the Ferragamo spring/summer time 2025 runway.
(Image credit score: Launch Metrics)
Style Notes: T-bar turn flops at the Christopher Esber spring/summer time 2025 runway.
(Image credit score: Launch Metrics)
Style Notes: Mary Jane turn flops at the Miu Miu spring/summer time 2025 runway.
(Image credit score: Launch Metrics)
Style Notes: Leather turn flops at the Issey Miyake spring/summer time 2025 runway.
(Image credit score: Launch Metrics)
Style Notes: Classic turn flops on The Row pre-fall 2023 runway.