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HOW TO STYLE MEN’S LOAFERS
What’s slick, sharp and totally effortless to wear? Loafers, of course! A true menswear staple, they’ve been a firm favourite for close to a century now.
Earning their place by working in a range of styles and settings, they go from formal office outfits to relaxed weekend looks with ease.
The good news is, since they don’t have laces, they fit differently on the foot than your regular lace-up shoes. This means that some of the usual styling rules shift too, so you have plenty of room to experiment with your look.
…And what better place to start than here at Jacamo? Kick things off with this handy guide, which covers everything from fit to outfit options, then discover all you need to make your wardrobe loafer-ready.
WHAT ACTUALLY ARE LOAFERS?
In a nutshell, loafers are just laceless slip-on leather shoes. A few features set them apart from other footwear styles, such as their distinctive stitch detail and the way the vamp (the upper part of the shoe) sits lower on the foot, making them easy to slip on and off.
The design can be traced back to Norway, where farmers wore similar slip-ons, before being picked up and popularised in the US during the ‘30s. Regional variations soon followed, cue the British tassel loafer and the Italian horsebit loafer.
THE MAIN TYPES OF LOAFERS
Surprised to know that there’s more than one type? You’re not the only one. But since each style tends to suit different settings, it's worth getting clued up before you go looking for your next pair.
Penny Loafers
The classic loafer, they’re defined by the slit strap over the foot. The story goes that American uni students would keep a coin in that slit for emergency phone calls. Whether it’s true, who knows? What we do know is that they’re super versatile, working everywhere from offices to weddings.
Tassel Loafers
It’s all in the title here. Named for their small decorative tassel, these loafers are closely associated with British fashion, even though they originated in the US. Traditionally linked to formal professions like law, they still suit any office with a smarter dress code.
Horsebit Loafers
These shoes have a metal bar across the top that connects two small metal rings, similar to the hardware on horse bridles. Closely tied to Italian fashion, these loafers have a more formal feel that’s ideal for business settings and smart occasions.
Driving Loafers
One of the more laid-back loafer styles, they’re often made from suede, with a rubber sole for better grip on car pedals. Originally built with driving in mind, they’ve since moved from cars to casual wardrobes, becoming a favourite in everyday outfits.
HOW SHOULD LOAFERS FIT?
Since loafers have no laces, there's no way to adjust them once they’re on, so a good fit is essential. Aim for a snug fit - no slipping at the heel, but not so tight that it’s hard to pull them on.
Buy your normal size rather than sizing up or down, and expect them to feel slightly closer than your usual laced shoes at first. That's intentional, and they should feel more comfortable once they're broken in.
If you have wider feet, a wide-fit loafer is the better option. Don’t just size up, because a larger size in a standard width will still rub and slip at the heel - they won’t actually solve the width problem.
LOAFER STYLING TIPS
Before we break down our foolproof outfit formulas, there are a couple of styling tips to keep in mind when it comes to loafer styles.
Socks or No Socks?
…That’s the question. And there are three real options here; the first is to go sockless. A statement style that’s great for casual loafers in summer, it does have its downsides - sweat will be absorbed into the lining, which can cause odour and shorten the shoe’s lifespan.
The next option is to wear no-show socks. This gives a similar sockless look but protects the shoe lining. And lastly, you can just wear normal socks. This is best for offices and formal settings, but make sure you wear a pair in a thinner fabric so they don’t affect the shoe’s overall fit.
Where Should the Trouser Hem Sit?
Unlike with other footwear, you don't want your trousers resting on top of your loafers. Because they sit closer to the foot than standard lace-ups, a longer or baggier trouser can swallow the shoe entirely, so aim to have a bit of ankle on show without the trouser riding too far up either.
Consider the Shoe’s Detailing
Less is more here. For formal occasions, choose a smarter loafer - these tend to have less visible stitching, a subtler sole and minimal hardware. When you’re styling loafers casually, there's more room to play with a chunkier sole, contrasting stitching or a two-tone finish.
LOAFER OUTFITS FOR MEN: HOW TO STYLE YOUR SLIP-ONS
The loafers’ secret weapon? Their versatility. Stretching across different outfits and occasions, they go just about anywhere from formal meetings through to relaxed Saturday drinks. Here's how to build an outfit with each type of loafer:
PENNY LOAFER OUTFITS FOR MEN
Penny loafers sit in the middle ground between smart and casual, which is exactly what makes them such a reliable everyday choice. Black, brown and navy all work well, but for casual Fridays, lean more towards a softer, relaxed leather style than a highly polished pair.
Penny Loafers at the Office
For work, polished leather loafers in black or dark brown pair well with navy chinos and a lighter-coloured shirt. Skip the tie and add a thin jumper instead, especially if the office runs cold.
Penny Loafers for Date Night
Smart without going too formal, these are a solid choice for evenings out. Try black penny loafers with a long-sleeved polo and a dark pair of jeans - it’s a winning combo you can throw on without any extra thought.
TASSEL LOAFER OUTFITS FOR MEN
Tassel loafers are on the more formal side, so they're best kept for the office, board meetings and presentations. A smooth leather pair, kept nicely buffed, will always look the part. And while black is the standard choice, dark brown works too, if the rest of the outfit is right.
With black tassel loafers, add a charcoal, dark grey or navy suit. For brown tassel loafers, add a blue or light grey suit. The trouser cut matters more here than with penny loafers - get the sharpest line with a slim-fit, tailored leg and a crisp hem sitting just above the shoe.
To finish the outfit cleanly, reach for plain black, grey or navy socks, and make sure you match the belt colour to your shoes.
DRIVING AND SUEDE LOAFER OUTFITS FOR MEN
Driving loafers and suede loafers have a more relaxed feel while still looking put-together. Perfect for shopping, pub trips and meals out, they’re smart enough to make an impression and comfortable enough for all-day wear.
Chinos in white, cream or neutral tones are the natural pairing here, teamed with a thin roll-neck, a light navy bomber jacket, or a crisp short-sleeve shirt once the weather warms up.
For something more laid-back, team your loafers with smart jeans. Top it off with a crisp linen shirt or a short-sleeve polo, but avoid a plain t-shirt, which could make the outfit too casual.
STEP INTO YOUR NEW FAVOURITE LOAFERS
The most versatile shoes in your collection, loafers will have your back for a whole range of occasions and outfits, from bar to boardroom and casual drinks to date nights.
Because of their unique design, it’s worth putting a bit of thought into the styling, but with the right pair and our handy styling tips, you can’t go wrong!
So now that you’ve got the info, it’s time to find your new shoes - and they’re only a few clicks away. Shop our whole range here at Jacamo and grab the slick loafers that’ll take you through the season in style.