The 15 Best Men's Loafers That Are Perfect for Every Occasion
From the classic penny silhouette to pairs with modern details, there's an option for every taste and style.
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When it comes to men's wardrobes, there is no other item like the elegant loafer because of its many uses. "Loafers are inherently versatile as they can be paired with both formal- and casual-wear," Bailey Moon, a New York-based celebrity and personal stylist who counts The Gilded Age's Morgan Spector as his client, tells Town & Country. "It's the perfect transitional shoe from day to night, and also when sneakers feel too casual and dress shoes feel too stuffy."
As a publication that has documented and studied the style choices made by sophisticated members of society since 1846, loafers have made their way into our pages (both digital and print) since, well, the very beginning. Be it loafers for a wedding in London, a vacation in Mallorca, or to wear work in New York City, we know a thing or two about what makes a loafer "perfect."
"I love what J.Crew has been doing with their menswear offerings," says Moon. "These loafers are a riff off the 1930s penny loafer that was popular with college students. The small slit at the front of the shoe allowed enough space for a penny in each shoe. The rubber sole adds extra comfort for extended work day-wear."
One reviewer says: "I have a review back in Summer for a brown pair of these loafers. Well, I loved that pair so much that I picked up another pair in black. My original Camden loafers are great and I still find that pair incredibly comfortable and versatile. So I got the black pair and am equally as pleased with those. They are sleek looking and can dress up any outfit."
Size Range: 7-13
Material: Leather
Colors: 3
"Tassels on loafers were introduced in the 1950s as purely a decorative touch to the shoe," says Moon. "Their timeless design has maintained and become a great option for those who want a bit more playfulness with their loafer."
One reviewer says: "The fit and style of the Grayson make it an excellent choice. Whether you wear them with shorts and no socks, khakis or a suit, you can’t go wrong."
Size Range: 6-16
Material: Calfskin leather
Colors: 5
When in doubt, Moon says you can't go wrong with a classic Prada loafer: "It's a refined and chic option."
T&C's Fashion and Accessories Director Dania Lucero Ortiz agrees. "The notched effect of the welt gives off the appearance of a hand-crafted touch, while the distinct triangular logo gives a subtle nod to the luxury of the piece," she says, adding that shoe "will long reign as my tried and true."
Size Range: 5-13
Material: Leather
Name a more classic loafer than the Gucci horsebit. Moon says the "signature horsebit detail is a nice elevated touch for a luxury shoe without logos."
Size Range: 6-13.5
Material: Leather
Colors: 2
Heading somewhere formal this season? "Velvet loafers have become a popular evening loafer and are perfectly paired with a tuxedo or dinner jacket," says Moon. The stylist is a fan of this navy pair from Manolo Blahnik and calls it "a good investment if you attend black tie events."
Size Range: 5-13
Material: Velvet
Colors: 3
"For the more fashion conscious shopper, Duke + Dexter's two-toned loafers are a nod to the classics with a bit of an edge," says Moon.
One reviewer writes: "Absolutely in love, fit like a charm and with the amount of complements I’ve gotten has been great. Great work team!"
Size Range: 8-14
Material: Italian leather
Colors: 2
If it's classic you want, it's classic you get with G.H. Bass, the brand behind the first-ever penny loafers.
One reviewer raves: "Hands down one of the best loafers you can find! Extremely soft, feeling like a glove on your feet, very easy to manage, and travel with. Became my go to shoe this fall!"
Size Range: 7-13
Material: Leather
Colors: 3
"For a more contemporary approach to this very classic shoe, Dr Martens's loafer with a thick rubber platform gives some extra height," says Moon.
One reviewer says: "I absolutely love this pair!! It gives me such a boost in height in a conspicuous manner :) The leather is so smooth and durable! It is simply incredible!"
Size Range: 6-14
Material: Leather
Bottega's signature Intrecciato weaving combined with a hint of height? What could be chicer?
Size Range: 40-45
Material: Leather
A polished pair that can go from boardroom to a black-tie event with ease.
Size Range: 5-16
Material: Leather
For a casual daytime pair, Moon recommends opting for suede. And who better to turn to for that than Ferragamo?
Size Range: 5-11
Material: Suede
Colors: 7
For a comfortable loafer that doesn't scrimp on style, might we suggest the humble driving shoe? Tod's iconic Gommino features pebble outsoles for extra grip and a supple suede upper that exudes elegance.
Size Range: 4UK-12UK
Material: Suede
Colors: 3
Thom Browne updates that classic penny loafer with textured grained leather, and we wouldn't expect anything less from the designer. It's subtle but certainly won't go unnoticed.
Size Range: 7-12
Material: Grained leather
Simple black penny loafers with discreet lug soles will surely be the pair he turns to again and again for years to come.
Size Range: 8UK-12UK
Material: Leather
Cole Haan's take on the timeless penny loafer is a workhorse: wear to the office, wear to dinner, or dress it up with jeans and t-shirt.
One reviewer writes: "Classic style! Comfortable from the first wear. Looks great with suits, khakis or jeans."
Size Range: 7-13
Material: Leather
Colors: 3
What type of loafers are there?
The main types of loafers are penny loafers, horse bit loafers, Belgian, and tassel loafers. Penny loafers is a slip-on shoe made with a leather strap with a cut-out (before, people would store coins in there for payphones, hence the name). There's the horse-bit loafer, which is designed with a metal strap instead of a leather one. There's the resort-favorite Belgian loafer which is a hand-stitched loafer. Finally, there's the tassel loafer, which is adorned with tassels and is great for formal events.
Can I wear loafers to both formal and casual occasions?
The answer is yes and no. You can't necessarily wear the same loafer to both, but there are different styles fitting for both occasions. For example, you wouldn't wear a patent leather loafer (almost an opera pump) to a casual lunch in the middle of the day, just as you wouldn't wear a slip-on loafer with a tuxedo. However, there are styles, like the penny loafer, that are extremely versatile and can probably be worn for both.
Do I need to wear socks with loafers?
Loafers were originally designed to be worn without socks as they were considered a more casual option. But, we've seen some style-savvy guys pull off penny loafers with white socks.
Why trust Town & Country?
For more than 170 years, Town & Country has been the trusted source for influence, taste, elegant living, and the finest things in life. We cover everything from the latest and greatest in beauty to luxury travel to the buzziest fashion trends of the season. All of our stories are thoroughly researched, tested, and vetted by T&C editors and industry experts.
Sophie Dweck is the associate shopping editor for Town & Country, where she covers beauty, fashion, home and décor, and more.
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