Men’s Styling Guide: How to Style Loafers for Every Occasion

In The Simpsons, season 6, episode 18 (A Star is Burns), Rainier Wolfcastle is playing McBain in his latest action movie, and is chasing the bad guy down the street. The baddie stops McBain and distracts him by telling him that his shoes are untied. McBain bends to inspect his laces as the bad guy makes a quick escape, only to discover that he is wearing loafers. Why is that funny? Because loafers don’t have laces. It’s top quality stuff. Anyway, let’s get into the nitty gritty on loafers.

What are Loafers and Why Does Every Man Need a Pair?

Essentially, loafers are leather shoes that don’t have laces. Slip-ons are what they are. Slip-on leather shoes. They’re classy, they’re elegant, they suggest you are a cultured man of the world, and they’re easy to wear. Every man should own a pair of loafers so that he can sit outside of an Italian café/bar, sipping a glass of vino rosso, making vague philosophical statements, and look the part.

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Portland Martellato Brown Cognac Gum

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Dolphin Waxed Dark Brown

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Different Types of Loafers

Not all loafers are the same. In the same way that not all birds are the same—kestrels flipping eat sparrows, don’t they?—not all loafers are equal. Scroll down to learn about the distinct qualities of various species of loafer.

Black Loafers

Colour is important when choosing a pair of shoes, and loafers are no different. Perci makes two classic colourways. Of course, there’s the Sebago Classic Dan Loafer in Black. It goes with everything and is appropriate in just about any situation. Then there’s…

Penny Loafers

Penny loafers have a little leather strap across the top of your foot—they call it the ‘saddle’—and that leather strap has a small horizontal slit in it. Supposedly, back in the day, students used that slit to keep coins in so that they could pay for phone calls, hence ‘penny loafers’. Fun little etymology. Maybe pop your debit card in the slit to give you penny loafers a modern twist. Or don’t.

Shop Sebago Classic Dan Loafer

Tassel Loafers

We won’t patronise you, you’re not daft—Tassel Loafers are loafers with tassels on them. Bit of extra pizzazz on your trotters.

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Burgundy Loafers

Burgundy Loafers are a subtle but stylish alternative to the classic black. Just as smart but a little more fun.

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Loafer Outfit Ideas: How to Style for Every Occasion

Desperate for a pair of loafers but unsure what to wear with them? We get that. No point buying stirrups if you don’t have a horse. Let’s figure out what to wear with your loafers, ey?

Smart Casual Looks

Loafers are the CEO of smart casual. They run this operation, but they couldn’t do it without their faithful team. Tailored Trousers have been with loafers through thick and thin. Pair them with a Linen Shirt and a top notch Blazer, and you’re good to go.

Weekend Casual

As the ancient proverb goes: Only a fool builds his house upon on the sand, and only a f*cking idiot underestimates the versatility of a pair of loafers. Sure, they’ll look great with your tailored trousers, but have you ever rocked a pair of loafers with a quality pair of Jeans and a proper T-shirt?

Loafers for Workwear

If you do a job that requires steel toe cap boots, don’t wear loafers to work. If you’re a footballer, probably don’t wear loafers on the pitch. Otherwise, you can wear loafers to work and, what’s more, you’ll be the most stylish bloke there. We recommend the Sebago Classic Dans for workwear.

Loafers for Special Occasions

For formal events like weddings or awards nights or whatever formal occasion you might be hitting up, stick a flipping tassel on those loafers. These Solovairs are the way to go.

Can You Wear Socks with Loafers?

You can absolutely wear socks with loafers but you’d better bloody well make sure they’re a good pair of socks, because people are going to see them. We can help you out with that if you’re struggling—we’ve got Socks for days.

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Melange Cotton Fern Green

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Citrus Embroidered Socks
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Wave Embroidered Socks
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How to Care for Your Loafers

If you’re going to nab yourself a lovely pair of loafers, you might as well look after them properly.

Cleaning and Maintenance Tips

Honestly, Perci’s loafers are made of high-quality leather, so keeping them clean with a soft brush and a damp cloth will do the trick. No need to overdo it.

Storing Your Loafers Properly

Keep them dry, keep them somewhere well-ventilated, keep them somewhere out of the way of direct sunlight. That goes for most clothes and shoes, to be honest. Might get it tattooed on our ribs.