The classic loafer has been an essential piece of menswear since its invention in Norway in 1930.
Its brief history goes something like this:
- 1930: Nils Gregoriusson Tveranger introduces a new design called the ‘Aurland moccasin’ (later renamed the ‘Aurland shoe’) in Norway.
- Late 1930s: The Spaulding family in New Hampshire starts making shoes based on Tveranger’s design and calls them ‘loafers.’
- 1934: G.H. Bass begins making loafers under the name ‘Weejuns’ (as in, Nor-wegians).
- 1950s: Loafers become a significant part of the men’s casual shoe canon.
And now…loafers continuously cycle in and out of trendiness but always remain a menswear staple. Over the years, loafers have become increasingly diverse and inventive, with designers pushing the boundaries of casual shoes and marrying high-fashion fearlessness with classic, comfortable style.
Today we’re showing the loafer a little love, with our essential guide with regard to how to wear the best loafers for men. And rightly so, since they are so often menswear’s most beloved slip-on shoe.
As you can probably imagine, when you’ve been around for almost 80 years, you undergo some changes. The loafer has endured update after update, continuously evolving with the changing times. Here are a few styles you may encounter in your search for the perfect loafer:
In This Story…
The Penny Loafer
As classic as classic gets. The penny loafer has a leather strap across the top of the shoe, with a diamond-shaped slot just wide enough to hold a small coin. One theory states that the coin was a fashion statement devised by American prep school students in the 1950s. Another says the change was carried in case the wearer needed to make an emergency phone call. Either way, the style has become a fashion legend.
G H Bass Penny Loafers
Supremely wearable and casually elegant, the Larson Lug penny loafer has a chunky lug sole for added comfort and Height, and tons of character.
Free Shipping!
The Tassel Loafer
The actual origins of the tassel loafer are unclear, but one possible story involves a Hungarian-American actor who owned a pair of Oxfords with tassels at the ends of the laces. The Alden Shoe Company was tasked with making something similar, and came up with a slip-on pattern that used the tassel as a decoration. In 1950 they launched the shoe after experimenting with the design, and the tassel loafer was a hit from then on.
Scarosso Willian Loafer
‘William Tan Suede’ are part of the Capsule Collection with Matt Hranek, the mind behind the William Brown Project.
The Snaffle Loafer
You have Gucci to thank for this one. The snaffle loafer – aka the Gucci Loafer – was introduced in 1968. Its distinguishing feature was a golden brass strap in the shape of a horse’s snaffle bit laid across the front. Gucci also turned the traditionally brown loafer black, making it just formal enough to be worn with suits. A loafer revolution was born, and big names like Gianni Agnelli and John F. Kennedy went on to sport the shoes.
Alessandro Nero
Handmade in Italy by experienced craftsmen, the ‘Alessandro’ are our loafers with horsebit, a fine, equestrian-inspired detail.
The Apron Loafer
Apron loafers are identifiable by visible edges or stitches that finish off the toe (thereby forming a sort of ‘apron’ along the shoe’s front). Also known as moc toe, apron loafers feature a separate piece of leather that extends from the bottom of the top line around the shoe itself. The resulting stitching line gives the impression of a ‘crease’ between the top of the toe and the bottom.
G H Bass Apron Loafer
Dressy and elegant with the genuine comfort of a moc, the Larson is the perfect shoe to elevate your style game.
The Kiltie Loafers
The origin of kiltie loafers is not exactly clear, but most people attribute them to Scottish royalty, especially because Kilts also came from the Scots. Anyway, Kiltie loafers first became a hit with golfers in the 50s, but they are back in style with preppy fashion coming back around.
The Kiltie loafer is easy to pick out with its fringe panel, and it is almost always leather. This panel covers the instep, and its purpose was initially functional – to prevent mud from getting into the laces and to prevent the laces from getting tangled with something else. These days the panel is mostly decorative, and it looks great most time.
All Kiltie loafers are accompanied by decorative laces, a buckle, or a tassel. And these days, shoemakers have even put a modern spin on Kiltie loafers like slapping rubber lug soles on to give them more of a casual feel.
G H Bass Layton Kiltie Super Lug Weejuns Loafer
• Extralight¬Æ EVA lug outsole
• Double kiltie detail and repp stripe sock liner
• Handsewn in Latin America
Inspiration & How To Wear Loafers
Knowing the options available is only half the battle. Once you’ve got loafers in your wardrobe, the next step is learning how to rock them with style and swagger.
The loafer can replace just about any other shoe in an off-duty outfit, while adding an extra dash of dapper to the look. Casual loafers can be worn with denim and khakis, and sockless with shorts during warm seasons.
Go for jeans and a t-shirt if you want to keep things relaxed, and a shirt and chinos if you want something with a little more class.
Loafers With Jeans
Loafers with jeans as long been a favourite of mine as it allows you to still wear your favourite denim but in a more fashionable and dressier way. The rules book here really goes out the window, however our long advice is ensure the length of your denim is on the shorter side. Excessively long and baggy jeans will look horrific with loafers. Ripped, selvedge and washed jeans are all suitable too. If you can, choose contrasting colours and ensure the top half compliments the bottom half. Meaning no sportswear on top.
Skinny Lin Black Black
Jeans with a tight fit, made in our organic power stretch Black-Black denim.
Loafers With A Blazer
Another DMARGE favourite is the loafers and blazer combination. Here you’re playing in smart casual territory. Both single and double-breasted blazers will work as too will jeans, trousers and chinos. Once again, trouser length is important as is colour matching. We prefer wearing a fitted t-shirt with a blazer, this keeps it dressy but not too over the top.
Jetsetter Unconstructed Italian Wool Blazer
The definition of effortless sophistication. Minimal bulk, maximum attention to detail.
Loafers With Chinos
Summer nights and events are perfect for the chino and loafer combination. Blue, creme and khaki chinos are most often the favourite for men. Brighter coloured trousers are cool but they do limit what coloured loafers will work. Pair your chinos with a shirt or polo shirt, add a belt and ditch the socks. Enjoy, my friends.
Italian Stretch Chinos
Our most polished chino in refined Italian fabric. Easily pairs with a blazer or crisp dress shirt.
Loafers With A Suit
Loafers will always work with a suit. Just ensure your trouser length is at the ankle. The bigger question is to sock or not to sock? That is the question. The beauty of fashion is that all rules are meant to be broken, and at the end of the day it comes down to personal preference. Socks with loafers are like pocket squares – rock them if you like them, don’t if you don’t. The sockless look has been trendy lately, so consider it if the weather and occasion allows.
Black Herringbone Havana Suit
With its slim tailoring, peak lapel, and jetted pockets, this sleek black Havana suit is the perfect balance of classic style details and all-occasion versatility.
Loafers With Shorts
Lastly, this is my least favourite way to wear loafers. Why? It’s just a bit douchy / preppy. It’s mid-summer, you’re at the polo or a rooftop party and for some reason, you think it’s a good idea to wear loafers with shorts. Anyway, go for it. We recommend tailored shorts just above the knee (no shorter, please), a belt and a tailored shirt.
Stretch Washed Chino Short 2.0
Signature curved waistband | Contrast pocket liner | Logo faux-horn button closure | Buttons at back pockets | Wicking
Loafers With A Tuxedo
Velvet slippers have long been an acceptable form of black tie footwear. If you wish to push the rules a highly polished pair of black leather loafers will also work too. See above for a wide range of colours and style. Colour match where appropriate. If in doubt, wear black.
Navy Three-Piece Lazio Tuxedo
Tailored slim with a lightly padded shoulder, this navy Lazio dinner jacket features jetted pockets and it’s cut from S110’s wool by Italy’s Vitale Barberis Canonico mill.
1/15
2/15
3/15
4/15
5/15
6/15
7/15
8/15
9/15
10/15
11/15
12/15
13/15
14/15
15/15