Old Faithfuls: Why loafers are in it for the long haul
Old Faithfuls looks at the menswear staples you can always rely on; this month, it’s loafers
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There is surely no easier shoe than the loafer. A simple, slip-on style that can be thrown on with tailored trousers, jeans or shorts, loafers are both comfortable and effortlessly stylish. While they’ve been around for over a century, they’ve also recently blown up. Trainers were long the go-to choice for comfortable footwear, but many have discovered the laidback nature of loafers, which add a smarter look while remaining easy on the feet. And with summer in full effect, now is the perfect time to try them.
Descending from Native American moccasins, and Norwegian fishermen’s shoes, loafers are one of the staples of the modern wardrobe. Depending on which style you go for, they can work for a huge variety of settings and events. Loafers are a great option for the office, working well as part of a smart casual look; they’re also entirely appropriate for weddings, where they’ll add a touch of smartness – but not stuffiness – to a suit. And then there’s everything in between, from wearing with jeans to the pub or with drawstring trousers for weekend walks. They are like the summer equivalent of the derby boot; you don’t have to think about them, and can wear them with virtually anything.
If you’re thinking of trying loafers, there are a few styles to consider:
Penny loafers
Originally dreamt up by Maine shoemaker G.H. Bass, penny loafers are the greatest of loafer styles. Adapted from traditional Norwegian work shoes, penny loafers, or ‘Weejuns’, as Bass coined them, come with a low profile and a distinctive leather strap across the front of the shoe. In some cases there is excess leather either side which is stitched into a ‘beef roll’ finish. In smarter variations this is done away with for a flatter, cleaner look. Either way, the stitched section has room for a penny to be hidden inside, which people used in the 1950s to store their emergency change for pay phones.
Tassel loafers
Defined by the tassel on their upper, these are smarter than most loafers, best worn with tailoring on a warm summer day. Tassel loafers are typically made in either leather or suede, with the style originally favoured by the Ivy League set back in the ‘60s. As a result, they also work as part of a preppy uniform of chinos, Oxford shirts and knitwear.
Buckle loafers
Popularised by Gucci in the 1950s, buckle loafers come with a metal horsebit buckle across the vamp. An otherwise simple design, this bit of bling gives them a luxurious edge and an instant ‘if-you-know-you-know’ feel. While typically a more casual shoe, you can dress them up or down, with buckle loafers looking just as good with a worn pair of jeans as they do a suit and tie.
The best men’s loafers
Sebago Classic Dan
A perfect rendition of the classic penny loafer, this Sebago pair is perfectly proportioned and come with that distinctive ‘beef roll’ stitching up front. Made from smart black leather, with natural leather soles, they’re an excellent choice for black denim and dark tailoring alike.
Astorflex Sadelflex Loafer
Like all of Astorflex’s shoes, these are made in Italy, a country with a deep tradition of fine shoemaking. Coming in a ‘militaire’ olive green suede, with matching crepe soles, they offer a distinct mil-spec feel that would work perfectly with off white jeans and a navy polo.
Crockett & Jones Cavendish loafers
Handmade at its own Northampton factory, Crockett & Jones’ Cavendish loafer demonstrates the elegance of tassel loafers. Coming with the brand’s City rubber sole, they’re finished in a beautiful dark brown pebble grain leather, and would work perfectly with a soft, unstructured summer suit.
Church’s Hertford suede loafers
For a smarter take on the loafer, consider this Church’s pair. Made in Northampton, the heart of Britain’s shoemaking heritage, they’re finished in soft brown suede and come with an elegant, almond-shaped toe.
Morjas The Penny Loafer
Tapping into a slight teddy boy feel are these loafers by Morjas, which come with a suede and leather finish. The suede upper gives them a slightly off-kilter, alternative edge, making them perfect for a tonal look consisting of black jeans, T-shirt and a matching black leather belt.
