Men’s loafer shoes are slip-on leather or suede shoes with no laces, making them one of the most versatile options in a man’s wardrobe.
Loafers work with suits, chinos, and jeans alike. Two pairs in different colors can cover nearly every outfit in your rotation.
Key takeaways:
- Loafers are laceless slip-on shoes made from leather or suede, suitable for casual through semi-formal settings.
- The five main loafer styles are Penny, Tassel, Horsebit, Kiltie, and Driving.
- Penny and Tassel loafers are the most versatile for office and everyday wear.
- Suede loafers should be avoided in wet weather; leather loafers are more durable year-round.
- Men’s loafers typically cost $65 and up, with designer pairs reaching $900 or more.
What Are Men’s Loafer Shoes?
Loafers are slip-on shoes with no laces, typically made from leather or suede. They originated as moccasin-style footwear and are now a staple of business casual and smart-casual men’s wardrobes.
Loafers sit below the ankle, have a low heel, and feature a single piece of material across the vamp where laces would normally sit. Their relaxed fit makes them easy to slip on and off quickly.
Characteristics of Men’s Loafers
Men’s loafers share several defining features that set them apart from other dress shoes:
- Low profile -- loafers sit below the ankle and have a shallow heel.
- No laces -- a single vamp piece covers the top of the foot where laces would be.
- Slip-on construction -- the fit is looser than laced shoes for easy on-and-off wear.
- Separate upper and sole -- the upper is stitched or glued to a distinct sole unit.
History of Men’s Loafers
Loafers trace their roots to Native American moccasins, which were made by wrapping feet in deerskin. In the early 1900s, Scandinavian fishermen wore a similar practical shoe, and students brought the style to North America.
In England, men adopted tassel loafers, which Americans soon copied. Bass introduced the Weejun loafer in 1936, which evolved into the Penny Loafer by the 1950s and became synonymous with the Ivy League look. Gucci later elevated the style into a luxury icon with its Horsebit loafer, cementing loafers as both practical footwear and a status symbol.
How to Wear Loafers
Loafers pair well with suits for a business casual office look, with dark jeans and a button-down for smart-casual outings, and with chinos for everyday polish. They work with almost any outfit that falls between casual and semi-formal.
Loafers are not appropriate with athletic wear, sweatpants, or gym shorts. They are designed for everyday office, social, and weekend looks -- not active or sporty settings.
Types of Loafers
There are five main loafer styles, each suited to different occasions and dress codes. For office settings, Penny and Tassel loafers in neutral colors are the safest choices.
| Style | Formality | Best For | Common Materials |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penny Loafer | Casual to semi-formal | Office, everyday wear | Leather, cordovan |
| Tassel Loafer | Semi-formal | Office, events | Leather, suede |
| Horsebit Loafer | Semi-formal to formal | Events, smart-casual | Leather |
| Driving Loafer | Casual only | Weekends, errands | Leather, suede, rubber sole |
| Kiltie Loafer | Casual to business casual | Fall wear, office | Leather |
The Penny Loafer
Penny loafers are the most classic loafer style, featuring a leather strap across the vamp with a diamond-shaped cutout. They work for both casual and semi-formal settings.
Penny loafers are suitable for all seasons except winter and remain a staple for young professionals. They are most commonly available in:
- Espresso
- Burgundy
- Black
- Brown
- Navy Blue
Many additional color options are now available from most brands.
The Tassel Loafer
Tassel loafers replace the Penny loafer’s vamp strap with a decorative tassel, giving them a slightly dressier appearance. They are ideal for semi-formal events and everyday office wear.
Tassel loafers are typically made from suede or leather. Suede versions should be reserved for dry weather, as moisture can damage the material even with waterproofing treatment.
The Gucci Loafer (Horsebit)
Horsebit loafers feature a metal buckle shaped like a horse’s snaffle bit across the vamp. Gucci popularized this style, which is why Horsebit loafers are often called Gucci loafers.
Horsebit loafers have a classic, retro aesthetic and are most commonly found in dark leather. They are best suited for spring and summer casual or semi-formal wear. When wearing Horsebit loafers to a semi-formal event, choose a pair with a subtle buckle in a neutral color.
The Kiltie Loafer
Kiltie loafers feature a fringed, kilt-style leather flap across the vamp where the Penny strap would normally sit. They are well suited for fall wear and business casual office settings.
Kiltie loafers are typically available in darker colors, making them a strong match for autumn wardrobes but less versatile in other seasons.
The Driving Loafer
Driving loafers are casual, rubber-soled shoes originally designed for wearing behind the wheel. They feature a flexible rubber sole with nub treading that extends up the heel.
Driving loafers are appropriate for weekend errands, boating, and relaxed outings -- but not for the office or formal events. They come in a wide range of colors, making them popular for spring and summer.
Loafer Materials
Loafers are primarily made from two materials: suede and leather. Both are more expensive than synthetic alternatives but offer significantly longer lifespans.
Suede
Suede is a type of leather made from the underside of animal skin (often lambskin). Suede loafers are soft and flexible, making them very comfortable. They require waterproofing treatment before wear and should be avoided on wet or rainy days.
Leather
Leather is chemically treated animal hide used for durable, long-lasting shoes. Leather loafers withstand daily wear better than suede and are appropriate in all dry-weather seasons.
Many loafers combine both materials -- for example, a leather body with suede detailing, or vice versa.
What to Wear with Loafer Shoes
The right loafer style depends on the formality of the occasion. Here is a quick guide to matching loafer types with outfits.
Casual Wear
Driving loafers are the best choice for casual settings like running errands or weekend outings. Their rubber soles provide grip and comfort for quick trips in warm weather.
Semi-Formal Wear
Tassel loafers are ideal for standard office days and semi-formal events. They offer a polished look with optimal comfort for all-day wear.
Formal Wear
Horsebit loafers in classic black leather pair well with suits and ties for formal occasions. Choose a pair with a understated buckle to keep the focus on the overall outfit rather than the shoes.
Color Loafers
Suede loafers offer the widest range of color options, from muted earth tones to bold blues, greens, and reds. Leather loafers are most commonly available in black, brown, burgundy, and tan. Choose a color that complements the majority of your wardrobe for maximum versatility.
FAQs
Who Makes the Best Oxford Shoes for Men?
Oxford shoes are lace-up dress shoes distinct from loafers. Many brands produce high-quality Oxfords, and a top recommendation is Oxfords by Thursday Boot Co., which offer full-grain leather construction at a mid-range price point.
How Much Do Loafers Cost?
Men’s loafers cost approximately $65 on average, while women’s loafers average around $75. Designer loafers from brands like Gucci can cost $900 or more.
What Socks Should You Wear with Loafers?
Wear dress socks with loafers at formal or business events. For casual weekend wear, going sockless or using no-show socks is acceptable and common.
What Are Some Good Loafer Brands?
Top loafer brands include Oliver Cabell, Santoni, and Gucci. Before purchasing online, visit a shoe store to determine your exact size, as loafer sizing can vary between brands.
Looking for specific recommendations? Check out our picks for the best loafer shoes for men.
Conclusion
Loafers are one of the most versatile shoe types available, covering everything from casual weekend outings to semi-formal office settings. With five distinct styles, two primary materials, and a wide range of colors, there is a loafer to suit every wardrobe and occasion.
