The Complete Guide To Men’s Loafers

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The Complete Guide To Mens Loafers
2
Material To Choose
02.
What Are Loafers?
History Of Loafers
Characteristics
01.
Introduction
Loafer vs Moccasins
04.
05.
03.
06.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Key Styles Of Loafers
07.
08.
09.
Loafer Color Choices
Final Words
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Introduction
Every man should have a minimum of one pair of
loafers. Unlike the three holy shoe styles i.e.
brogues, Derbies and Oxfords all classic, but
quite similar loafers are often referred to as
flamboyantly dandy and straddles the 2 worlds
of casual and formal styles, making it quite
unique shoe style.
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What Are Loafers?

• The loafer is a classic slip-on shoe style that
  doesn't feature any fastenings or laces. Being
  laceless, theyre practical and offer plenty of
  options from traditional penny loafers to
  luxuriously finished horse-bit loafers theres
  a shoe style for every gentleman out there.
  Loafers are typically made of suede or leather
  and shaped like moccasins with a flat heel.
  Although starting as casual shoes, loafers have
  grown to adapt to any sort of fashion be it
  casual, smart, outdoor, officewear, etc you
  name it, theres a loafer style for the occasion.

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HISTORY OF LOAFERS
Early 1930
Late 1930
1934
1950
While it's relatively difficult to track down the
definitive origin of the loafer compared to other
styles of shoes and boots, its evolution remains
quite interesting. The leather loafer has been an
essential menswear staple since its invention in
Norway in 1930. Its brief history goes something
like this

• Nils Gregoriusson Tveranger introduced a new
  design called the Aurland moccasin (later
  renamed to Aurland shoe) in Norway.

• The Spaulding family in New Hampshire started
  making shoes based on Tverangers design and
  called them loafers.

• G.H. Bass started making loafers under the name
  Weejuns (as in, Nor-wegians).

• Loafers become a significant part of the mens
  casual shoe collection.

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Material Matters Leather Or Suede?
Like other smart shoe styles, loafers are
generally made using one of two materials
leather or suede, which both have their own pros
and cons. With their sleek and gleaming finish,
leather loafers make the perfect ingredient for
smarter looks, whether thats a full suit or
casual tailored separates. Leather Loafers are
significantly sturdier than those crafted from
suede and they also wear well over the years,
developing a unique patina in the process. Suede
loafers, contrarily, should be exclusively
reserved for the spring-summer months. Suede
loafers should be protected from excessive
moisture at all costs because of their luxurious
but delicate finish.
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Characteristics of a Loafer

• Loafers now have a vast range of formality from
  casual to dapper. Each of the different loafer
  styles is discussed in detail in the next slides.
  Some of the defining characteristics of loafer
  shoes are
• A loafer has no laces in other words, its a
  slip-on shoe.
• The loafer is a low shoe, which means the ankle
  is exposed, and the shoe does not wrap closely
  around it.
• The sole of a loafer is separate from its upper.
• Loafers often feature heels with a comparatively
  low profile.
• The upper vamp has a moccasin-like construction.
• Loafers sometimes feature a piece of leather
  across the vamp, known as a saddle.

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Difference Between Loafers And Moccasins

• While to the majority loafers and moccasins look
  pretty much identical, they're quite different
  styles.
• Major differences between Moccasin and Loafers
  are
• All loafers have a separate sole which is not
  the case for the majority of moccasins.
• While loafers have a defined heel, moccasins do
  not.
• Unlike moccasins, loafers do not feature beading,
  embroidery or other ornamentation on the uppers.
• The last difference is that these shoes evolved
  into two different and distinct kinds of
  footwear.
• One important fact to note is that loafers and
  moccasins developed on separate continents.

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Key Styles Of Loafer

• The loafer has faced update after update,
  evolving continuously with the changing times.
  Mentioned below are some loafer styles you'll
  encounter in your search for the perfect loafer
• Penny Loafers
• Tassel Loafers
• Horse-Bit Loafers
• Belgian Loafers

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The Penny Loafer
One of the most traditional loafer styles, the
penny loafer is a stylish men's shoe staple.
Undoubtedly smart, the penny loafer is a classy
footwear that still takes pride of place on shoe
racks today, almost a century on from its
invention. The name "penny loafer" was first
coined in the 50s when it enjoyed huge
popularity with prep students. With a strap
called saddle across the top for decoration that
young American students used to keep a dime in,
its pretty clear where the term Penny loafer was
derived from. Penny loafer is quite versatile and
multifaceted, making it an excellent purchase.
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Styling Penny Loafer
The beauty of a penny loafer is its versatility
this shoe style can be dressed up or down easily
and works with most outfits, says Gilad Yogev,
former creative director of G.H. Bass Co. Penny
loafer works for smarter attire like summer
suiting, but they are best used to add polish to
casual looks. Think a varsity jacket, T-shirt and
chinos, or an Oxford shirt, jumper and tailored
shorts.
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The Tassel Loafer
Tassel loafers are referred to as the most casual
of loafers. Dating back to around the 1950's
tassel loafer is a close cousin to the Belgian
loafer in design and fall just below Belgian
loafer on the formality scale. Tassel loafers
feature dangling leather or suede tassels which
decorate the top vamp of the loafer. Clean,
sophisticated and simple with the playfulness of
a single tassel on each shoe, this one is ideal
for your wardrobe.
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Styling Tassel Loafer
Tasselled loafers are the perfect mens shoe
choice to pair with chinos and a blazer. Perfect
alongside a pair of slim chinos or paired with a
well-fitted cotton suit, tassel loafers work well
with shades of brown, beige, navy and
khaki. While the tassel loafer is usually made
of leather, suede is also an excellent choice.
Suede loafers will also allow you greater freedom
when it comes to adapting your tassel loafer to
different dress codes.
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The Horse-Bit Loafer
Equipped with brass or metal piece in the shape
of a horses snaffle, no surprise why it's known
as a horse-bit loafer. Invented and popularized
by Gucci in the 1960s, it's widely called a
Gucci loafer The defining piece on these
leather shoes is the gleaming snaffle or metal
bar that looks like a horse's bit, running
horizontally across the vamp.
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Styling Horse-Bit Loafer
The horse-bit loafer in black leather or suede
presents a fine option for suits, however, they
are not technically appropriate for black or
white-tie affairs. Combining elegance with ease
in a way that no other shoe really does, the
horse-bit doesnt look out of place with a formal
suit but completes it instead.
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The Belgian Loafer
Belgian loafers are soft-soled slip-on, elegant
loafers known for a small bow on the top of the
vamp. They were invented in the 1950s by Henri
Bendel, whose family store also brought Chanel,
Dior and Balenciaga shoes to the U.S. Originally
produced as a slipper for indoor use, these
soft-soled shoes for men are made using a
300-year-old meticulous turned method. The shoes
are sewn inside-out and flipped once they are
completed.
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Styling Belgian Loafer
Belgian loafer falls under the casual formality
similar to the Penny Loafer. Though really
comfortable, Belgian loafers are basically
slippers, and extended use can cause them to
break down too quickly.Belgian Loafer offers
many choices in color, pattern and material that
it is quite easy to find a pair for almost any
occasion whether you want to wear them at a
cocktail party, the office, at a restaurant, the
theatre or at home as long as it doesnt
involve an excessive amount of pavement
pounding.
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Loafer Color Choices
The wide variety of style options and range of
colors available can make the process of choosing
a pair of loafers slightly tricky. Unless you're
trying to make a fashion statement, stick with
conservative colors brown, navy, black and
grey. These color options are the most versatile
and will match most outfit combinations. The
traditional color for dress loafers is black in
Hi-shine finish. Brown and Tan loafers are,
however, more versatile than black.
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Final Words
If you are on your feet a lot during the day, a
combination of quality and comfort is essential
for your footwear. Shoes are no place to skimp on
quality.Loafers have practically taken the shoe
industry by storm in recent times because men all
over the world appreciate the convenience and
comfort they offer.If you dont own a pair of
Loafers already, its about time you make some
room for them in your wardrobe.