The Ultimate Men’s Loafers Buying Guide

Loafers are undoubtedly one of the pinnacle shoes that a man can have in his wardrobe. They are easily slipped on and off the foot without any laces to worry about. Originally designed as an indoor shoe, the loafer has evolved to the point that it may be worn both inside and out for a wide range of occasions. It’s the ideal footwear for lounging about and relaxing.

However, loafers are nowadays available in a vast array of styles, materials, colours, and with or without embellishments. As such, it is very difficult to pin down the ideal pair as easily as brogues and derbies. To choose right, the following guidelines narrow down all the factors you need to consider when shopping.

Range of Designs

Add a stylish touch to any outfit regardless of the occasion with the classic and elegant silhouette of loafer shoes for men. In terms of design, many modern designs are simply hybrids of the tried and tested loafer styles, taking classic design elements and mashing them up into a “new” modern shoe.

The classic penny loafer style is still one of the most popular designs even today. These are casual men’s loafers, based on the original Bass Weejun design. They pair well with chinos, jeans, corduroys, and casual trousers. The trademark design details are the rounded moc toe, the “beef roll” bindings on the sides of the vamp, and the diamond-shaped slit, which has been known as a cunning spot to conceal actual pennies.

In 1966, Italian designer Gucci recognised the appeal of the penny loafer and modified it with a metal strap across the front in the shape of a horse’s snaffle bit. These Gucci loafers (now a generic word for shoes of this kind from any maker) travelled over the Atlantic and were worn by 1970s businesspeople, becoming nearly a Wall Street uniform by the 1980s.

Traditionally, the tassel loafer is a whole-cut shape with a rounded toe and a reverse seam. The leather “stings” that hold the tassels typically border the back heel of the shoe, a feature comparable to boat shoes such as Sperry or Sebago. These loafers, which are often constructed of firm oxblood leather (ideally shell cordovan), are well-known for their toughness, adaptability, and timeless appeal. If you can’t afford a pair of your ideal tassel you can easily find them in vintage and bargain stores.

If you’ll be near the water or expect rain, boat or deck shoes are your best buy. These are normally made of canvas or leather with non-marking rubber soles for use on boats. A sipping pattern is cut into the soles to provide grip on a wet deck; the leather construction, combined with the application of oil, is intended to repel water; and the stitching is extremely durable.

Espadrilles are simple casual summer shoes that have been created in Pyrenean Catalonia (Spain) since at least the 14th century, and there are still shops in Spain that make espadrilles after more than a century. The oldest, most primitive version of espadrilles dates back to 4000 years ago. Traditional espadrilles have a canvas top (although they were available in a variety of fabrics ranging from cotton to suede), with the toe and vamp cut in one piece and seamed to the jute rope sole on the sides.

Construction

The choice between suede and calf is frequently determined by the occasion, just as the practicality of a rubber sole vs. the formality of a classic leather sole. There are numerous options available, and new advancements are always on the horizon. Dark Brown Suede is without a doubt the shining light of all loafer shoes for men, as it is so very wearable, but in terms of rubber vs. leather, it’s a 50-50 split!

Another thing to think about in terms of construction is whether to go lined or unlined. The first factor here is breathability. In warmer climates, you will notice a significant difference between full leather-lined loafers for men and their unlined counterparts.

The second factor is the fit. By eliminating the lining, we remove part of the shoe’s structure, resulting in a more flexible shoe. If you have thin heels and loafers, drop at the heel, you should choose the unlined option. You’ll notice that it flexes more easily and is thus more likely to bend with your foot.

Styling Tips

Gucci loafers are often combined with all sorts of outfits. Black or oxblood tassel loafers are generally as dressy as a navy blazer and grey flannel pants. Wearing tassel loafers with business suits is unlikely to be deemed a fashion faux pas, but we recommend pairing them with casual suits or blazer/sport coat combinations, and an Oxford with more formal attire.

Penny loafers, on the other hand, look great with corduroy pants, chinos, flannel slacks, and, in the summer, linen or seersucker. They are slightly less formal than a tassel loafer and pair well with a blazer, Oxford shirts, and a tie or bow tie.