Men’s Loafers: How to Wear

Loafers are a somewhat underrated shoe – especially for those who adhere to the holy trinity of Oxfords, Derbies and Brogues, though many designers of men’s shoes do manufacture them all, like Crockett & Jones, for example. However, there are a few different styles, and they are practical and stylish, offering something for everyone.

The Penny Loafer

The penny loafer has its origins in Norway. Nils Gregoriussen Tveranger learnt shoemaking in America, and when he returned home to Norway, he invented the Aurland Moccasin – a style of loafer inspired by the indigenous people of Norway. In 1934, a bootmaker in Maine, USA, adapted the design by adding a strip of leather across the front which turned out to be a handy place to store a dime or two. The penny loafer works with chinos and a t-shirt, or an Oxford shirt and tailored shorts, for a smart-casual look.

The Tasselled Loafer

The tasselled loafer is elegant, yet dressy and practical. It features, as its name suggests, a tassel on the front, and sometimes raised stitching at the back of the shoe too. The story goes that an American actor approached a show company asking for a design that was similar to a pair of shoes he’d picked up in Europe that had tassels on the end of the laces. This is what they came up with, and it became a hit. Wear with jeans and a sports jacket for a smart, yet relaxed look.

The Horsebit Loafer

The Horsebait Loafer is the style that started Gucci. After World War I, Guccio Gucci, the founder of the fashion house of the same name, worked in The Savoy Hotel in London, serving the most fashionable people of the day. When he returned to Italy, back to his family’s saddle making company, and he designed the first horsebit loafer in 1953. Equipped with a brass strap in the same shape as a horse’s snaffle, this loafer became an iconic shoe that would make the brand. Wear with a suit for the perfect fifties style.

Wearing the Loafer

If you wear your loafers with a suit, you need to make sure that the length of your trouser is right. It needs to be ever so slightly above the top of your loafer, so the lines are clean and smooth and you can still see the shoe. For a retro appeal, wear with slim fit or cropped trousers, a t-shirt and a leather jacket. In summer and spring, a suede loafer will give your look a more playful vibe, but when it comes to winter, you should stick to leather loafers.

Bailey Moss