SHOE GUIDE
Loafers Guide: How to Rock This Classic Footwear Like A Dapper Man
Unlike most men’s shoes, loafers are a classic type of men’s shoes that can inject a well-needed dose of “Sprezzatura” into any outfit.
In this Ultimate Loafers Shoe Guide, you will learn all about the different styles of men’s loafer, how to wear and style them for a dapper look.
Gentlemen!
What Are Loafers?
Loafers are typically a classic style of low-heeled, lace-less slip-on shoes; often considered as menswear most beloved slip-on shoe. This classic loafer has been an essential piece of menswear since its invention in Aurland, Norway in 1930.
They began as casual shoes, but have increased in popularity over the years, to the point that today, loafers are worn with different looks and in many situations depending on the style, colour, and design.
Every man should have at least one pair of loafers in his wardrobe. With a variety of style to choose from, these classic shoes are right for you if you need a smart, comfortable, fashion-forward, and a versatile look.
It is the go-to shoe for all kinds of occasion, especially with traditional African/Native attires like your “Agbada” or “Dansiki” or other Smart Casual Classic Native attires – a necessity for every man’s traditional attire outfits.
And if you are on your feet a lot – a quality and comfortable footwear are very is essential for you. As you should already know, you should never skimp on quality when it comes to your shoes.
Loafers have already taken over the shoe industry today because men around the world love the convenience and comfort it offers.
Four (4) Characteristics of Loafers
Here are four (4) characteristics of a loafer and they all have these similarities.
- It can easily be slip on and off
- It comes in different styles and materials
- There are no buckles or laces (the boat loafers is an exception)
- And the best part? They can be worn with or without socks.
STYLES, MATERIALS & HOW TO WEAR THE CLASSIC MEN’S LOAFERS
A) Loafer Materials
Most types of loafers come in either leather or suede.
Leather loafers are suitable for smarter looks – either with a suit or a business casual outfit. They also go well with casual looks, so you should definitely get one for yourself.
Suede loafers are more casual and outdoorsy occasions plus some can be worn on native attires too, the real definition of killing two birds with one stone.
B) Styles and Types of Loafers
- The Penny Loafer
This a popular soft leather moccasin adapted from a Norwegian fishermen moccasin style shoe and later called “Wee Jun” which means a penny loafers.
It has a strip of leather across the saddle with a diamond cut-out, and a distinctive semi-pocket on the vamp. The diamond cut-out was made to store a penny in case of an emergency, hence the name penny loafer. They are versatile and they complement your outfit when combined with chinos, flannel pants, or corduroys and they can be worn with socks.
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The Belgian Loafer
This soft-soled slip-on with a small bow on the front has a more slipper heritage rather than a moccasin heritage. Although they were originally produced as an indoor slipper, they can be worn with casual clothes, cool right? They fall under the casual formality like the Penny Loafer.
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The Tassel Loafer
Tassel loafers is a very popular and versatile style of loafers. Remember those olden days’ shoes with dangling leather tassels our dad used to wear back then? Yes, that’s the one. They were the in thing back then, in fact, they still are today.
Dating back to around the 1950’s, they are classy, ageless and durable. Go for a Black or oxblood tassel loafers with a navy-blue blazer and gray trouser combination or chinos and a blazer. You can also pair them with jeans, chinos, and shorts.
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Espadrille
The Espadrille is another one of those old shoes we used to wear back in the days – it’s still being worn today though, they date back to the 14th century. This loafer is a simple slip-on summer shoe which one can be worn without socks.
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Kiltie Loafers
This is another old-school loafer, it shares a resemblance with a Tassel loafer so do not be confused. The difference is the fringed tongue in the shape of a fence that lies over the tongue.
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Boat Shoes
Boat shoes also known as deck shoes are typically canvas or leather with rubber soles designed for use on a boat. This is another common loafers mostly worn casually, I might add that I rocked this shoe back in the days. It was like an heirloom, passed from one sibling to another, lol! Boat shoes are traditionally worn without socks.
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The Horsebit (or the ‘Gucci’ loafer).
No introductions needed, the Gucci or horse bit loafer was designed by well-known Italian designer Gucci which features a metal bar that looks like a horse’s bit, in the center of the vamp hence the name horse bit loafer.
Although it has been refurbished by other brands, the Italian designer remains the originator of this design. This a formal style of loafers that can be worn with suits or jeans and not a black tie affair.
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Slipper Loafers
With a simple design, made from velvet, slipper loafers have a slightly higher vamp. Designed for warmer weathers, they should be worn without socks. Nothing more, nothing less!
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Pump Loafers
Commonly worn with a tuxedo, these black, shiny and very low shoes should only be worn for formal gatherings. They are not everyday shoes!
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Driving Shoes
Mostly made with suede or supple leather, it has a flat bottom with rubber grip as heels, unlike a regular loafer. As the name implies, they were traditionally made for driving and not walking but I know a lot of men who wear them to walk. Now that you know they are driving shoes, don’t wear them to walk! You’ve been warned!
And Last but not the least…We saved the best for last— yeah——–
11. DOUBLE MONK LOAFERS
It’s the laid back type of the double monk strap shoe family. With a simple slip-on style, buckle, and leather soles, it’s somewhat modern and it’s a classic style for sartorially inclined gentlemen.
The best thing about this footwear is that – you can match it with everything from suits, traditional native attires, jeans etc.
Final Thoughts
You should know that you don’t need to have every type of loafers to have a well-rounded wardrobe, but it does help to have a few loafers that you can wear in most situations.
Well, now that you know more about loafers and how to wear them, you should be bold enough to wear them with the appropriate outfits you have.
Don’t be shy, I’m sure there is a lot of styles you can pull from that creative mind of yours!
What loafers styles have you found to be staples of your wardrobe?
Let us know in the comments.
Until next time, continue to do well, live well and dress really well. Stay Dapper!
Yours in Style,
Kobi O. Mbagwu [Mr. Kobi]
Founder, KOBI KOACHMAN
Editor-In-Chief, MrKoachman.com
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