006. All About Loafers and How to Style Them
The different types of loafers. How to style them to not look too classic. Whether to style them with socks. And more.
On one hand, loafers are not the most flattering shoes. When asked what shoe I recommend to elongate the leg, I describe the opposite of what loafers embody. Loafers are cut high on the bridge of the foot, most often black with a flat sole, creating a harsh contrast that interrupts the silhouette. And heaven forbid if your pair has a square toe. On the other hand, they are the ideal functional wardrobe shoes. They perfectly complement everyday denim, easily slip on and off, and look very polished, providing the ideal balance of comfort and put togetherness. They are also one the most versatile shoes out there, as they can be styled to fit the widest range of aesthetics, from the most classic to the most maximalist. Lastly, although you may opt out of wearing them in the sweltering heat of the hottest summer days, loafers are pretty much a seasonless shoe. For all these reasons, although I don’t typically endorse wardrobe ‘must-haves’, if I did, loafers would definitely make the list.
1. The Different Types of Loafers.
Their origins are disputed and somewhat controversial. Some say it was inspired by working shoes worn by Norwegians farmers, some say by the Native American mocassins, while others attribute it to the British royal court and King George VI’s demands for a casual indoor shoe. Their widespread rise in the first half of the 20th century, began with the favour of the American elite and Ivy League and prep school students wearing the ‘penny’ loafer (pictured 5th below). Supposedly, they kept a penny (which was the cost of a phone call at the time) inserted into the leather straps, hence the nickname. Around the 1950s, London collegiates put their own spin on it with a tasseled version (6), whilst in Italy, the Gucci family added a horsebit detail (1 and 3).
Today, any laceless shoe made of a single piece of leather stitched together at the top, can be called a loafer. If you describe your style as ladylike, or you have a penchant for European men who wear brightly colored canvas trousers, you have likely come across driving loafers, those with the softer leather and rubber-pebbled sole (2). The trend over the past few years has been revolving around ‘chunky’ loafers (3), bulkier loafers with a platform sole. More on them later. These are just a few of many options, which also include the backless or mule take on the loafer (4) or the slipper version (7), a streamlined loafer with an almond or pointed shape (more flattering than square).