Types of Loafers

Practically everybody knows the penny loafer, and you’ve probably worn one at some point. But did you know that loafers come in dozens of styles? The right one depends on the activities you’ll do while wearing them, as well as the outfit you plan to wear. With this guide, you’ll understand the features that unify the loafer style, various designs that you can choose from, and how to select the perfect pair for you.

Introduction to Loafers

The historical origin of the loafer traces its roots back millennia. Thousands of years ago, Native Americans wrapped their feet with a single piece of leather that molded itself to their toes for a perfect fit. In Spain, people wore a two-piece upper with a durable sole, which we know today as the casual espadrille loafer. Centuries later, Norwegian fisherman created wholecut slip-ons that likely inspired the modern loafer.

These days, loafers are one of the most varied types of shoes. You can get them with a dizzying range of designs, meant for casual, business, or formal wear. The most common colors are still brown and black, but the styles move from classic to flashy to understated.

Types of Loafers Explained

Although all loafers have certain features, it is the little diferences that set them apart. When you think about a typical loafer, you may imagine a sturdy sole, leather uppers and a slip-on design. That’s why loafers can fit in on a casual Sunday or a formal party. But while these aspects may apply to the vast majority of loafer styles, they don’t quite explain the range. Here are several of the most common types of loafers:

• Penny: The best-known loafer type, these shoes offer a midfoot strap with a diamond cut-out large enough to hold a penny or two. Although one penny loafer can be quite simple, others have various fashion details, such as a reverse seam or beefroll bindings near the vamp (the part that covers the front of the foot).
• Tassel: A tassel loafer offers a bit of style and interest, with a solid construction. Tassel designs usually feature a wholecut construction, meaning that the entire upper is constructed from a single piece of leather. The leather itself is usually stiffer, with tassels that make the loafer resemble a boat shoe.
• Horsebit: The horsebit loafer adds fashion to the standard loafer, with a bright metal strap across the midfoot. These shoes usually come in brown or black to set off the distinctive gold of the strap.
• Moccasin: A moccasin can resemble a loafer, and they are often put together in shoe searches, but moccasins are somewhat distinct. A moccasin usually uses a single piece of leather to make up the entire shoe, sole and all. The material is typically a soft leather that will mold to the foot, creating a perfect fit.
• Heeled: Heeled loafers take the traditional flat design to the next level, literally. The addition of a sturdy heel makes for an ideal work shoe for women, that is both comfortable to wear for long periods and fashionable enough to coordinate with business dress.
• Monkstrap: Monkstrap loafers offer a wide strap and buckle across the midfoot. Double monkstrap designs have two buckles for one larger, webbed strap. These styles are highly fashionable but may not have the built-in elastic to make them a true slip-on.
• Loafer Sneaker: For a combination of comfort without lacing, the loafer sneaker makes a great hybrid. It features a deconstructed design with soft material and a non-slip sole. These shoes usually have side elastic components, to allow for a snug fit and easy slip-on.
• Espadrille: The espadrille is a classic design going back centuries, if not millennia. The one-piece upper may have some casual stylistic aspects, such as a woven rope midsole designed to be distinct from the upper. Some consumers use these as house slippers.
• Kilted: The kilted loafer adds a touch of class and whimsy to the shoe style. The addition of a kilted leather component on the midfoot, with tassels on top to keep the design in place, is a stark difference from other simple and understated loafer designs.
• Formal: A formal loafer is designed to match perfectly and provide a timeless design. The construction is usually shiny patent leather, with a low vamp across the toe that can reveal socks or hosiery.
• Boat Shoe: As a contrast to the formal styles, the boat shoe is meant to get attention. Often made from multiple pieces of colored canvas or leather, the design is casual yet functional. Laces and a specific pattern cut into the soles provide a snug fit and a non-slip grip on the boat deck.
• Slipper: A slipper does not necessarily mean a casual or comfortable design, and the slipper loafer takes it to high class. These shoes are typically made from material with a soft, velvety feel and a matte presentation. Invisible seams make the shoes blend into the background.
• Fashion: Fashion loafers may feature a combination of these designs depending on the occasion, such as a horsebit with elastic gussets or a penny loafer with a chunky heel.

Styling Loafers for Every Occasion

The newer trend of blending casual jeans with a suit jacket and semi-formal loafers may make it difficult to know how to match these shoes to clothing. Fortunately, several loafer styles can coordinate with almost any style of dress, with a few exceptions. Here are a few ideas to help you get started.

For Formal Events — For men, the loafers to wear at formal events are fairly simple in construction and often understated. The slipper or the formal pump typically makes the best choice, coordinating colors to match the suit. These options feature a wholecut design and invisible stitching. For women, a fashion loafer, or a heeled loafer with uppers made of patent leather or suede, can coordinate with nearly any formal dresswear.

For Business Wear — The most appropriate loafer for business wear depends on the general style requirements of the business. Since loafers are so versatile, men and women might choose formal or fashion types of loafers to go with suits, pantsuits, or dresses. For business casual, a little styling up or down can be acceptable. A penny loafer, horsebit, kiltie, or monkstrap will go with most business casual outfits. They also coordinate well with casual Friday jeans or even shorts.

For Casual Activities — You can wear almost any loafer style you like for casual activities, but you may need to take care with construction and function. Activities involving water, like a fishing trip or a day spent washing a classic car, may call for a boat shoe with canvas uppers and a wipe-clean construction. Comfortable times at home or shopping are ideal for an espadrille, moccasin, or a loafer sneaker.

Choosing the Right Loafers

Before you start shopping for the perfect loafer, you’ll need to consider a few factors. These include:

• Occasion: Formal activities usually require formal loafer styles, but most other occasions offer more flexibility.
• Design: You might choose a flashier design when you want to call attention to your shoes, or, select an understated design when you want the rest of your outfit to do the talking.
• Material: Loafers are usually leather but could be canvas or other fabrics. Materials like suede or velvet may be harder to clean.
• Durability: For activities that include a lot of walking, especially on rainy or icy surfaces, durable, non-slip soles are key to ensuring a safe, comfortable wear over time.
• Comfort: The shoe should provide a snug fit for the planned activity, whether you intend to wear it barefoot or with stockings.
• Toe Room: Formal styles are usually narrower with a pointier toe, while casual or semi-casual styles tend to be rounder and more comfortable for people with wider feet.

Loafers for Men vs. Loafers for Women

Although you may think of loafers as a shoe designed specifically for men, they are much more unisex and inclusive than you could expect. The classic loafer is easy to put on, comfortable to wear for many hours, and holds up with good care. Men and women can utilize most of the common loafer types, from espadrilles to horsebits or formal pumps. The integration of women’s style loafers comes as designs are in flux, with a combination of classic styles like a tassel loafer with a chunky heel. These options challenge the presumption that women’s formal or business shoes must feature stiletto heels, light pastel colors, or sharp points.

Shop for Stylish Loafers Today

Loafers have been a popular shoe for thousands of years, and for good reason. They are versatile, comfortable, and they offer a timeless look. You can customize the design to suit a range of activities, from a wedding to a casual walk with the dog. You can fit into the crowd or stand out simply by the loafer style you choose.

The future of loafer trends is bright, with a lot of potential to go along with the simple class. Loafers are great at adapting to change, adding stylistic elements to meet fashion trends or increasing sustainability through the use of ethical materials and manufacturing. With a comfortable fit and classy looks, loafers can change your style one step at a time.