Chanclas: The Ultimate Summer Accessory

If you’re anything like me and my family, chanclas are a super important part of everyday life — especially during the hot summer months. And there are all manner of chanclas — those are sandals for those of you not in the know, but particularly flip flops — for all manner of people.

I love the idea of having a wide variety of chanclas, everything from gladiator sandals to shiny ones to delicate ones to heavy ones, but I invariably come back to the classic flip flop. They’re just so versatile and comfortable. It’s hard not to love them.

When I see grown men sporting chanclas — whether of the flip flop, Teva or sports sandal variety — my heart just swells because they look so cute, chanclas become more of a leisurely item rather than a fashionable one when worn by grown men for some reason.

What I love about chanclas is you can wear them with shorts, skirts, dresses or pants, and they can be anything from home wear to business casual. I usually buy one pair of black ones at a time, since black goes with everything, and then end up having to replace them every few years from wear. I’ve tried other colors, but it turns out I’m just not adventurous when it comes to chanclas.

As far as the non-flip flop variety of chanclas, I’ve had varied success. They usually just end up becoming work shoes, because at the last moment when I’m making the crucial decision of what I want to wear around all day in 90 or 100 degree weather, there’s really no competing with the good ol’ regular chancla.

Wouldn’t you agree?

Follow Sara Inés Calderón on Twitter @SaraChicaD