the story of havaianas

From Brazil to the world, havaianas has transformed a simple flip-flop into a global icon of joy, color, and laid-back confidence.

a brazilian icon

A history shaped by color, culture and summer spirit

Since 1962, havaianas has carried the essence of Brazil around the world. Instantly recognizable for its rubber sole and bold, sunlit designs, it transforms every step into a summer moment.

1962

born in Brazil

a brand is born

Born in Brazil in 1962, havaianas has been carrying the unmistakable Brazilian spirit across the globe ever since. Instantly recognizable for its signature rubber sole and vibrant, sun-soaked designs, the brand turns every step into summer.

havaianas patent from 1962
1964

the kombi era

joy on wheels

By 1964, havaianas had become a staple on nearly every Brazilian foot. Traveling salesmen hit the road in their iconic Volkswagen Kombi vans, bringing the brand directly into neighborhoods across the country. Wherever the colorful vans rolled in, excitement followed — and havaianas became a moment of joy on wheels.

havaianas Volkswagen Kombi van
1980

a national essential

from product to institution

By 1980, havaianas had stepped beyond fashion — they had become a Brazilian institution. So much so that the government officially recognized them as a core product, alongside staples such as rice and beans, as part of efforts to help control inflation. By then, millions of pairs were sold each year, proving that havaianas were already part of everyday Brazilian life.

Workers producing traditional havaianas
1990s

rainbow and prints

a flip-flop becomes a style statement

In the 1990s, surfers started flipping the white soles of their havaianas upside down to create sleek, single-color flip-flops. The look caught on fast, turning a laid-back beach hack into a style statement. havaianas leaned into the movement, launching monochrome versions — now known as the Top model — and later pushing innovation even further with printed styles.

Colorful havaianas flip-flops from the 1990s
1998

havaianas Brasil

a new icon is launched

For the 1998 World Cup, havaianas celebrated Brazil with the launch of havaianas Brasil, a new style featuring a small Brazilian flag on the strap. Instantly iconic, it captured the hearts of fans at home and abroad, and remains one of the brand’s best-selling styles worldwide.

havaianas Brasil with Brazilian flag on the strap
1999

Into a Runway Icon

from beachwear to fashion

In 1999, havaianas stepped into the world of fashion after making a runway debut in French designer Jean Paul Gaultier’s show. Soon after, the brand began collaborating with some of the biggest names in fashion and design, creating new opportunities to reinvent its icons through bold, creative partnerships.

Editorial image referencing havaianas entering the fashion world
2000s

Reinventing the Classics

innovation, year after year

havaianas never stops innovating. Throughout the 2000s, the brand continued to release new styles such as the Slim, the Sandals, and the Square. It also introduced special collections featuring details like crystals and embroidery, handcrafted by Brazilian artisans.

havaianas Square or Slim split sandal design
2010s

Customization Takes Off

personal expression at the core

In the 2010s, havaianas expanded into customization, giving consumers more ways to personalize their pairs. Through a broader range of color combinations, interchangeable design elements, and limited-edition collections of pins and charms, the brand enabled greater individual expression while staying true to its core product identity.

Customized havaianas flip-flops with pins and charms
2025

A New Chapter in Brand Storytelling

our first-ever brand ambassador: Gigi Hadid

In 2025, havaianas entered a new phase of global brand storytelling with the introduction of its first-ever brand ambassador, Gigi Hadid. The partnership marked a strategic step in strengthening the brand’s presence within contemporary fashion and lifestyle culture. The brand continues to expand its ambassador program, with Viní Jr joining in 2026, reflecting a broader commitment to celebrating the intersection of fashion, culture, and Brazil. Ready to discover who will be unveiled next?

Gigi Hadid for havaianas
Today

A Brazilian State of Mind

from flip-flop to global symbol

Today, havaianas sells over 250 million pairs a year in more than 100 countries. More than just a flip-flop, the brand has become a global symbol of laid-back confidence. Worn at the beach just as much as in the city, havaianas continues to top wish lists as sun-soaked soles evolve into a modern style obsession.

Contemporary havaianas campaign image by Rafael Moura

The Next Chapter

the story continues.

Rooted in Brazil and loved around the world, havaianas continues to reinvent its icons while keeping the same spirit that made the brand unforgettable from the very beginning.