Loafers’ mix of style and comfort makes them one of the most suitable shoes for formal, informal, and business casual occasions.
However, knowing how and when to wear loafers is an art that starts with the understanding that there are multiple types of loafers, and each loafer type suits specific outfits and occasions.
In this comprehensive shoe guide, we’ll introduce you to the real loafer types and styles, how to wear loafers, – with or without socks, according to your body type and seasonal colour palette, and by occasion, be that formal or informal.
What is a Loafer Shoe?
The loafer is a low-profile slip-on shoe made of leather or suede, with an open ankle, low heel, and separate slim sole. The shoe is adorned with various saddles from leather or hardware on the top of the vamp.
For a shoe to be considered a Loafer, it must have the following 4 key features:
- Made of leather or suede
- Low profile, exposing the ankle
- Without laces – easy to slip the shoe on and off
- Separate sole and flat heel (for men)
That’s why boat shoes (have laces), moccasins (don’t have separate soles), and espadrilles or driver shoes (do not have heels or are made of fabric) are not real loafers shoes despite what lots of “style experts” say.
1. Penny Loafers
The Penny loafer is the American take on this classic shoe design, recognisable for the diamond-shaped saddle (the leather strip sewn across the upper), perfect for slipping in a penny, hence the shoe’s name.
Penny loafers were popularised by the ‘Ivy League‘ students as a traditional yet comfortable shoe ideal for the blend of casual and formal attire depicting the collegiate look.
Formality: Formal, Semi-Formal, Casual
Everyday wear: Yes
Season: Spring, Summer, Autumn
Matching Styles: Ivy League, Southern Preppy, BCBG
2. Tassel Loafers
Considered a more formal version of the Penny loafer, the Tassel replaces the saddle – horizontal strap across the vamp – with decorative tassels dangling from the top, hence the shoe name.
The Tassel loafer was popularised by Prep school and Ivy League students as a Preppy style shoe ideal for elevating smart casual outfits and perfect for business casual settings.
Formality: Formal, Semi-Formal, Casual
Everyday wear: Yes
Season: Summer, Autumn
Matching Styles: Sloane Ranger, BCBG, American Preppy
3. Bit Loafers (Gucci Loafers)
A creation of Aldo Gucci, the Gucci loafer or the Bit loafer, named after the horse-bit snaffle, is recognised by the golden metal detail across the vamp.
Keeping with the company’s saddle-making heritage and Gucci’s love for the equestrian lifestyle, in 1968, he replaced the horizontal leather strap with gold hardware in the shape of two rings with a linked bar across.
The style was a hit with politicians like Richard Nixon and George Bush Sr., Hollywood stars like John Wayne, Jane Birkin, Brigitte Bardot, and Clarke Gable, and became the business shoe of Wall Street.
Formality: Semi-Formal, Casual
Everyday wear: Yes
Season: Spring, Summer
Matching Styles: American Preppy, Southern Preppy, BCBG
4. Belgian Loafers
The Belgian loafer was invented in the 1950s by Henri Bendel, whose family store brought Chanel, Dior, and Balenciaga shoes to the U.S.
Compared to the sturdy Penny loafer, the Belgian loafer style has a soft construction, a one-piece apron on top of the vamp, and a small, decorative bow.
A delightful nod to European craftsmanship, the Belgian loafer has recently experienced rising popularity.
Formality: Semi-Formal, Casual
Everyday wear: Yes
Season: Spring, Summer
Matching Styles: Ivy League, Southern Preppy, BCBG, Nautical Preppy
5. Kiltie Loafers
The Kiltie loafer has a decorative fringed tongue overlaying the instep, a design inspired by the kilt, a traditional Scottish dress, hence its name.
Popularised by country club golfers, Kiltie loafers have a flair reminiscent of Scottish golfing greens and are ideal footwear for creating Old Money looks.
Formality: Semi-Formal, Casual
Everyday wear: Yes
Season: Autumn
Matching Styles: Ivy League, BCBG, Sloane Ranger, Northern Preppy
6. Saddle Loafers
The Saddle loafer has a strip of leather that runs across the vamp and tongue of the shoe, Similar to a Penny loafer.
However, instead of stopping at the moccasin-like apron, this leather ‘saddle’ continues to the loafer’s waist and sole.
Formality: Formal, Semi-Formal, Casual
Everyday wear: Yes
Season: Summer, Autumn
Matching Styles: Ivy League, Southern Preppy, BCBG, Countryside Chic
7. Butterfly Loafer
The Butterfly loafer takes its name from the symmetrical shape created by the two overlapping leather pieces, resembling a butterfly’s wings.
The bold design makes the Butterfly loafer one of the most casual shoes in this style, regardless of the colour or leather choice.
Formality: Semi-Formal, Casual
Everyday wear: Yes
Season: Summer, Autumn
Matching Styles: Ivy League, Southern Preppy, BCBG
Styling Beyond Loafer Shoes
Knowing all types of loafers and how to pair them by seasons is just a small step towards dressing like a successful, confident gentleman.
To dress like a wealthy gentleman you must know your body shape/type and your seasonal colour palette, so you can match your fashion with your skin, eye, and hair colours.
True fashion mastery requires an understanding of what to shop and how to match relevant garments, footwear, and accessories to you, from classic, heritage fashion brands.
Last but not least you must know how to dress not only according to your body body shape and colour palette, but also according to the occasion, location, time of the day, and even your unique lifestyle!
And if you feel a bit overwhelmed, worry no more as we’re here to help you, step by step. First, take our free expert quiz to find your body shape.
1. Find Your Body Shape
Different garments flatter different physiques so discover your body shape now by taking our free body shape quiz for men.
Follow up with our next free quiz to find out your unique seasonal colour palette:
2. Find Your Seasonal Colors
Fashion comes in a wide range of colours, but not every hue will complement your natural colouring so find out your ideal colours with our free seasonal colour quiz for men.
Third, learn how to dress by occasion, location, season, and even time of the day.
Knowing how to choose and style garments from various heritage brands, and style them by occasion, season, location, and body shape is crucial.
From casual weekends to formal events, each occasion requires a unique approach to styling.
To save time, headaches, and even money, get in touch with The VOU’s expert stylists now.
3. Find Your Ideal Style
Take our comprehensive fashion style analysis for men, and let our expert stylists guide you in selecting and curating items of maximum impact in a wardrobe that communicates success and confidence.
Remember, owning luxury brands isn’t enough; to look stylish, confident, and successful you must know your body type, and colour palette and how to style according to the occasion, location, time of the day, and season.
With these tools and expert guidance, you’ll not just wear the brand—you’ll master it, creating a wardrobe that truly reflects a unique fashion taste and many achievements.