10 Types of Loafers for Men and How to Wear Them | Man of Many

Published: 22 Oct 2024

Loafers are perfect for smart casual, semi-formal, cocktail and formal attire, so understanding which type of loafer works for which occasion is must-know information for any stylish man. Generally, the sharper the toe, the more formal the occasions, but that isn’t always the case. For example, Belgian-style loafers (which have a short pointed toe) also work casually, so it’s clear the lines can be blurred. To clarify, we’re looking at the different types of men’s loafers and how to wear each style. We’ll also address the next most important question regarding loafers: socks or no socks? So, if you’re wondering how to wear loafers, what types there are, or when exactly to go sock-less, read on to wonder no more.

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Occasion: CasualStyle: Unstructured, soft material, flat bottom, rubber midsole and outsoleEveryday wear: YesSeason: Summer, Autumn, Winter, Spring

When FEAR OF GOD released its suede loafer (pictured) as part of ‘The Seventh Collection,’ it ushered in a new loafer style that would quickly become one of the most popular choices for men. Called ‘sneaker loafers’, these shoes have gained status because they’re perfect for casual wear, with an unstructured upper (typically made of suede or mesh) and a rubber outsole that’s more comfortable to wear daily.

More recently, sneaker brands like New Balance have jumped on the trend with a take on a more traditional penny loafer in the 1906L. However, few other brands have managed to emulate this success. Bottega Veneta brought out the Astaire loafer with a semi-formal look, but at AUD$950, it struggled to move the needle for the mainstream. Even adidas couldn’t get people to look twice at its Samba with collapsible heels, designed as a loafer/ sneaker hybrid.

Wearing sneaker loafers couldn’t be easier. These shoes will go with any pair of trousers. We prefer to wear baggy, wide-leg pants like the jeans in the image above. You could also wear pleated chinos with a straighter leg, which would suit a tall, slender man. If you’re going baggy, match this with a boxy t-shirt and jacket in the cooler months.

Occasion: Casual, semi-formalStyle: Unstructured, leather material, small heel, leather or rubber outsoleEveryday wear: YesSeason: Summer, Autumn, Winter, Spring

Probably our favourite loafer style on the planet right now, these unstructured, Belgian-style loafers are the perfect do-everything option that can be worn casually and in semi-formal situations.

They were first brought to the world through New York-based retailer Henri Bendel. He offered his take on a shoe made by monks with a silhouette called the “Mr Casual”. It featured a tiny bow that now adorns the teardrop vamp of his family’s ‘Belgian Shoes’ brand. It still exists today and leads the Belgian loafer category regarding quality, use of materials, and comfort. Of course, many have adopted this style, but none have been as successful at doing so as Rubinacci, who swaps the bow for tassells and adds a slight heel to its Tasselled Leather Loafers (pictured).

When they were released in 1960, Mr Bendel’s loafers cost just $25, but because of their premium all-calf construction, they cost much more today. They’re an investment for any stylish man, and you should expect to pay more than $600 for a pair from the aforementioned brands.

Wear these with vintage Levis, pleated trousers, wide-leg chinos, and more. Just make sure the hem sits slightly above the shoe to show them off and so they’re not hiding amongst your trouser leg.

Occasion: CasualStyle: Pebbled rubber outsole, laceless, forefoot strapEveryday wear: YesSeason: Spring, Summer

The driving loafer adds a functional grip with its defining pebbled outsole. Race car driver or not, this loafer is a welcome addition to every man’s wardrobe with its casual comfort and summer style that works best with a pair of business trousers or chinos. We recommend these if you’re looking for a pair of loafers to leave by the front door for when you need to duck out to the shops. Ultimately, they’re designed to provide the extra grip you need while carving up the countryside in your Ferrari.

Occasion: CasualStyle: One-piece upper, distinctive woven rope midsole with rubber outsole, small heelEveryday wear: NoSeason: Spring, Summer

Sitting at the bottom of the styling barrel is the espadrille. This loafer for men is a rope-soled flat that is best for casual wear and is only truly suitable for warmer days when you’re wearing linen on a boat.

If you want to try and pull these off, you’re best picking up a pair from a menswear brand such as P. Johnson (pictured), which has spent countless hours perfecting the shape for the modern man. It’s double-row stitched for extra strength, while there’s a reinforced jute and rubber sole that add some much-needed thickness to the silhouette. Most importantly, the brand’s espadrille features odour and retardant internal foam cushioning, so you should never wear these shoes with socks.

Occasion: Casual, semi-formal, formal (depending on the shape of the toe)Style: Strap across the forefoot, leather or rubber outsole, medium heelEveryday wear: YesSeason: Summer, Autumn, Winter, Spring

Comfortable, traditional and classic, the penny loafer delivers straightforward elegance for the modern man. This stylish slip-on originated in the ’30s but didn’t take off until the ’50s, and today, it’s one of the most popular shoes for men. Some folks say that children used to insert pennies into the slot, hence the name. However, other folks say that’s just urban legend.

The penny loafer is frequently offered in dark colours like espresso, burgundy, black, and brown, and it remains a versatile, adaptive, and downright handsome shoe. However, you should only choose black when wearing these formally, preferably a style with a sharper toe.

Brands such as Blackstock and Weber have revolutionised the Penny loafer through the eyes of a sneaker lover, and their Ellis Penny Loafer is a perfect modern example. This shoe features a chunkier style but still retains all the hallmark features of a quality loafer, including a Goodyear Welted double leather sole, full grain leather upper sourced from Tanneries Du Puy, and Handmade in Portugal construction.

If you’re after a more traditional look, brands such as G.H. BASS & CO., Sebago, and Septieme Largeur (pictured) have you covered. Simply choose your colour and outsole material.

Occasion: Casual, semi-formalStyle: Buckle across the top of the loafer.Everyday wear: YesSeason: Summer, Autumn, Winter, Spring

The Horsebit loafer distinguishes itself through a golden metal strap shaped like a horse’s snaffle across the top. This style was popularised by Gucci, which changed the colour from brown to black and tinkered with the lining, resulting in an explosion in popularity. The Gucci men’s loafers became a mainstay among American power players. Nowadays, the Horsebit loafer gives off a somewhat retro but sophisticated vibe.

Occasion: Casual, semi-formal, formalStyle: Tassel affixed to the top of the loafer.Everyday wear: YesSeason: Autumn, Winter

Rumours abound about the origins of the tassel loafer. Most people believe the shoe was created when an actor named Paul Lukas brought a pair of Oxfords with tassels to a New York shoemaker, asking them to craft something similar. Let down by the result, Lukas then brought his request to the Alden Shoe Company, who combined the tassel with a slip-on loafer. Voila! The tassel loafer was born.

Background accuracy aside, the shoe was a huge success and remains one to this day. Available in materials like suede or leather, this stylish staple exudes a European sensibility and delivers classic sartorial flair.

Occasion: Casual, semi-formalStyle: Kilt-style finishing on top of the loafer.Everyday wear: YesSeason: Autumn, Winter

What was once an old man’s shoe has now returned as a sartorial requirement for every stylish man’s wardrobe. Often thought of as the odd one out amongst casual fans, the kiltie or kilt loafer is the one to have for the loafer connoisseur. Just because your grandfather wore them doesn’t mean they’re anything but the full embodiment of what a loafer should be. The tassels offer a practical addition, protecting the instep and keeping the laces from snagging. Pair the kilties with fitted trousers or suit pants and a nice coat for the fall.

Occasion: FormalStyle: One-piece material with no visible stitch, patent leather, medium heel, leather outsoleEveryday wear: NoSeason: Summer, Autumn, Winter, Spring

Christian Louboutin practically owns the patent leather loafer category with its pump-like Dandelion Grosgrain-Trimmed Patent-Leather Loafers. Still, at AUD$1,425 these red bottoms are some of the most expensive loafers money can buy, and plenty of brands have put their own spin on this loafer style – HUGO BOSS, Brioni, and Paul Smith to name just a few.

With their pointed toe, patent leather upper, and medium heel, these loafers are strictly for wearing at black tie events and some cocktail evenings, depending on the occasion.

Occasion: FormalStyle: One-piece material with no visible stitch, usually velvet material, medium-heelEveryday wear: NoSeason: Autumn, Winter

The slipper is the do-it-all loafer that best resembles the true origins of this footwear species. This loafer forgets all the jazz and gets down to business with a smooth upper devoid of stitching and kilted flamboyance. Depending on the choice of material, you can pair these with a suit or pair of shorts. Avoid leather and a lighter-coloured suede material when opting for a more casual style. If you plan to pull these out with a suit, only wear black and choose either leather or patent material for extra style.

Now that we’ve looked at the different types of loafers for men, we’ll explain how to wear them. Loafers are made of smooth materials such as suede and leather, and they’re typically available in darker colours that blend with common outfits and styles. Indeed, the guy to your left might be rocking penny loafers with shorts and a t-shirt, while the guy on your right might be wearing tassel loafers with a linen suit. That said, here are some guidelines on how to wear loafers:

Now, let’s answer the age-old question of whether or not you should wear socks with loafers.

The debate over loafers and socks or loafers and no socks is theoretically still ongoing, but there’s never been a better time to choose for yourself. In other words, loafers with no socks are very popular right now, and loafers with socks have never really gone out of style. What’s important is that you retain a tight, tailored fit and remember that loafers retain a slightly formal edge. If you choose to go with socks, make sure the sock patterns or colours match your outfit. Loafer socks for men have become a sock genre on their own, so be sure to look into that if socks are your thing.

The main takeaway is that loafers might be versatile enough for casual apparel, but they still signify heightened sartorial awareness. Socks or no socks, you want to treat your loafers as part of an overall get-up that starts at the head and ends at the footwear. It’s not really about how you wear loafers but your overall outfit.

No, loafers cannot have laces. That means that a boat shoe is not a loafer.

No, monkstraps are not loafers. The lack of laces indicate that monkstraps are their own style and should not be grouped into the loafer category.

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