How To Style Men’s Loafers For (Almost) Any Occasion

Slip into something more comfortable...

With the ease of access of a slipper and the (potential) class of a derby shoe, loafers have been a strong footwear contender since their inception in the 1930s. The multitude of loafer varieties available contributes to their versatility, cementing them as a staple in the contemporary man’s wardrobe. Here at Albert Review, we’re big fans of the loafer. So, to pay homage to this classic menswear shoe style, we’ve put together an expert guide on everything you need to know about this slip-on shoe. Read on to find out exactly what loafers are, the history of the loafer, the types of loafer styles available, and how to wear loafers for – almost – any occasion.

What are loafers?

Loafers are a slip-on style shoe, that do not utilise a lacing or fastening system and have little to no heel. Typically crafted from leather or suede, loafers can vary in formality; ranging from casual to dress shoes.

History of the loafer

The loafers we know and love today are actually derived from the footwear of Norwegian fishermen in the 1930s. Nils Gregoriusson Tveranger of Norway, who had studied shoemaking in the United States, developed a shoe style he termed the ‘Aurland moccasin’, inspired by Native American footwear and the footwear styles traditionally sported by the local fisherman, farmers, and hunters of his home town Aurland. The Aurland moccasin became popular throughout Europe, with Maine-based shoemaker GH Bass coopting the style in 1934 by adding a strip of leather across the top and creating what we now know as penny loafers. GH Bass named these shoes ‘Weejuns’ in homage to their country of origin (i.e. Nor-wegian).

Types of loafers

A rundown on some of the most popular loafer styles.

1. Penny loafers

Classic and comfortable, the penny loafer style features a leather strap across the top, with a diamond-shaped slot big enough to hold a penny; allegedly where the name came from. Popular with the American collegiate crowd, the penny loafer is often seen gracing the feet of prep school and college students. However, the simple, streamlined silhouette of the penny loafer allows for them to be worn for a variety of occasions, from weddings to streetwear and everything in between. Leather is best for formal or professional occasions, whilst suede strikes a more casual tone. Typically offered in a darker colour palette, it’s common to see this style in shades of burgundy, oxblood, black, and dark brown.

Key characteristics: strap with diamond-shaped slot across the vamp
Occasion: smart casual, semi-formal

2. Tassel loafers

The exact origin of the men’s tassel loafer is a little unclear, but rumour has it they were created when Hungarian actor Paul Lukas tasked the Alden Show Company with recreating a pair of oxfords with tassels he owned. The American shoe company ended up combining the tassel with a slip-on loafer, (allegedly) resulting in the tassel loafers of today. Distinguishable by their decorative tassels on the top, tassel loafers are available in leather or suede, with the latter variety radiating European summer vacation vibes.

Key characteristics: tassle detailing across vamp
Occasion: smart casual, semi-formal

3. Horsebit (snaffle) loafers

Created by luxury Italian fashion house Gucci in 1953, the horsebit loafer is identified by its golden brass strap in the shape of a horse’s snaffle bit across the top. Gucci also altered the colour of the traditional loafer from brown to black, resulting in a chic loafer formal enough to be worn with suiting as in addition to separates.

Key characteristics: snaffle bit hardware across vamp
Occasion: casual, smart casual, semi-formal

4. Kiltie loafers

Formerly solely worn by frequenters of golf clubs and proponents of early bird specials, the kiltie loafer has returned from the dead—or at least, from the geriatric—to become an unlikely menswear hero. The exact origin of kiltie loafers remains uncertain (most credit the design attribute to the Scottish), however they emerged in the 1950s and rose to popularity during a time when both penny loafers and kiltie golf shoes were popular. The kiltie loafer features a slashed leather flap that emerges from beneath a horizontal leather strap and extends over the upper part of the vamp. In shoes with laces, the kiltie performs a functional purpose of protecting the tongue of the shoe from excess friction caused by laces. In loafers, it’s simple a fun design touch.

Key characteristics: leather flap across the vamp, can be combined with penny or tassel loafers
Occasion: smart casual, semi-formal

5. Venetian or slipper loafers

Picture a loafer stripped of any extraneous details—tassels, straps, panels, kilties, and fringing—and you have the Venetian loafer. A sleek style, Venetian or slipper loafers often feature an elongated vamp which gives them a more elevated feeling than their detail-laden counterparts. The style was originally made without a toe stitch and styled with tuxedos or smoking jackets. While patent leather or velvet are common with traditional slipper styles, contemporary iterations often feature embroidery and are crafted from casual fabrics like suede or basket weave and are suitable for casual wear.

Venetian loafers without toe stitch detailing read more formal than those with it, while a longer vamp also contributes to increased formality. Some takes on Venetian or slipper loafers may feature embroidered details on the vamp, a design detail often employed on velvet loafers.

Key characteristics: elongated vamp , with or without toe stitching, no straps or tassels, sleek and seamless aesthetic
Occasion: formal, smart casual

How to wear men’s loafers

Here’s exactly how to wear men’s loafers for any occasion.

Casual

Horsebit, tassel, or backless slip-on loafers pair well with casual outfits. When teaming loafers with casual chinos, trousers or jeans, it’s best to keep your pant hem on the shorter side and opt for slim-fitting styles over long, baggy varieties. For the top half, plain or graphic t-shirts, hoodies, chore coats, denim jackets, and coats are all fair game.

Summer casual

Loafers add a certain rakish insouciance to casual outfits that’s oh-so European, making them perfect for laidback summer outfits. Suede tassel, slipper style, and horsebit loafers in colours like espresso, green, or navy work well with lightweight, textured fabrics like linen, cotton, and chambray. For a foolproof summer look, you can’t go wrong with dark brown suede loafers teamed with tan trousers and a white linen shirt.

Smart casual

For office-appropriate attire, team leather penny loafers with suiting separates. Opt for blazers in shades of emerald or hunter green, yale blue, or even mustard yellow if you’re feeling adventurous, or stick to a more neutral colour palette of beiges, browns, charcoal, and navy to play it safe. Alternatively, use your shoes to inject a pop of colour into an otherwise neutral outfit, by opting for footwear in red, oxblood, emerald green, or royal blue.

Semi-formal

For semi-formal looks, choose brown or black loafers in leather or patent leather. Sleek silhouettes like slipper or penny loafers work best; pair with suits or suiting separates in neutral colours like black, charcoal, navy, beige, brown, or grey.

Can you wear socks with loafers?

For the better half of the past decade, wearing socks with loafers was considered old-fashioned and outdated. For it to be a #look, there has to be ankle bone on display. Case in point: of the 17 reference images we’ve selected for our guide to styling loafers for men above, just one gentleman is prioritising a blister-free existence and sporting socks. However, it’s 2025 and the tides have started to turn. Attribute it to the rise of grandpa core or the ongoing pervasiveness of old money style if you will, but socks with loafers are back in style. Frankly, we wish they’d never left. When wearing socks with loafers, you can opt to go tonal and match the colour scheme of your loafers and outfit, however we also like to use socks to add a pop of colour into an otherwise neutral fit (red, mustard, or bottle green socks work well with most colours).

The best loafers for men in 2025

From penny and horsebit to tassel and slippers, these are the best loafers to, well, loaf in.

1. G.H. Bass Larson Weejuns

Classic never dies. The world’s oldest loafer maker remains one of its best, with the Bass Weejuns an undeniable icon. Crafted from leather and featuring moc toe stitching, this iteration adds interest to the classic penny loafer style with a tow-tone colour palette with a white vamp. Style them with cropped black trousers or jeans, or lean into the preppy vibe with pleated white trousers.

Price: approx. $273AUD ($175USD)
Type of loafer: penny loafers
Material: leather

2. Velasca Cadregatt

One for the dandies and Pitti peacocks, the Velasca Cadregatt comes in brushed suede or smooth leather; the former is well-suited to smart casual outfits while the latter can be paired with semi-formal fare. Team a black pair with a slim-cut pinstripe suit or channel an old world Italian gentleman by pairing brown suede with cream linen trousers.

Price: approx. $660AUD ($420USD)
Type of loafer: tassel
Material: smooth leather

3. Gucci Horsebit 1953 Loafer

Having recently celebrated its 70th anniversary, the Gucci Horsebit 1953 Loafer pays homage to an icon. Since its inception, the horsebit loafer has remained a staple in the luxury Italian fashion house’s range; this commemorative style is executed in brown leather with palladium hardware and features archival logo detailing on the inside.

Price: $1650AUD
Type of loafer: horsebit loafer
Material: leather

4. Duke + Dexter Wilde Thank You, Good Night Penny Loafer

Duke + Dexter proposes the ideal way to put your best foot forward when entering and leaving a room. These black leather penny loafers are embossed with the words ‘thank you’ and ‘good night’ in gold on the tongue of the shoe, just above the penny strap detailing.

Price: $550AUD
Type of loafer: penny loafer
Material: leather

5. Aurélien Yacht Loafers

An inherently casual style, the Aurélien Yacht Loafers are executed in supple suede and feature exposed hand-stitched detailing on the vamp. A tapered almond toe lends them a sleek, elevated feel.

Price: $555AUD
Type of loafer: Venetian loafer with boat shoe-style lacing on the back quarter
Material: suede

6. Oliver Cabell Penny Loafer

The Oliver Cabell Penny Loafer is an easy solution for those looking for a one-and-done pair of loafers (though despite being labelled a penny loafer, it’s actually a horsebit loafer). The use of pebbled leather softens the inherently formal nature of horsebit loafers and allows them to be worn with casual gear like straight leg denim.

Price: $199.99AUD
Type of loafer: horsebit loafer
Material: pebbled leather

7. Etymology Ito Penny Loafers

Australian brand Etymology’s concise lineup takes an essentialist approach to dress shoes, specialising in the eminently versatile loafer. Crafted in Almansa, Spain and featuring Goodyear welt construction, the brand has both tassle and penny loafers in its lineup. We’re partial to the Ito Penny Loafers; its sleek almond toe box and wide profile leather strip across the vamp contribute to its clean lines which are inspired by the ‘form follows function’ ethos that underpins modernist architecture.

Price: $495AUD
Type of loafer: penny loafer
Material: suede (leather options available)

8. Dr. Martens Adrian Tassel

A distinctly Dr. Martens take on the loafer, complete with a signature dose of heft by way of a chunky stacked Bex sole. Complete with tassels, kiltie detailing, and the brand’s signature exposed yellow stitching.

Price: $349.99AUD
Type of loafer: tassel loafer
Material: smooth leather

9. Christian Louboutin Dandelion Spikes

So…remember how we said Venetian loafers were those stripped of extraneous details? Well, not when they’re by Christian Louboutin. The maker of everyone’s favourite red bottoms has put a decidedly maximalist touch on the minimalist silhouette, using the uninterrupted veau velours suede upper and vamp as a canvas for all-over studded spikes.

Price: $2245AUD
Type of loafer: Venetian/slipper loafer
Material: suede

10. Kleman Dalior 2 V Sum

Conceived with warm weather comfort in mind, the Kleman Dalior 2 V Sum are crafted from unlined suede and designed to be worn unlined (so, no socks here!). The perforated upper gives them a decidedly casual look, with these loafers looking at home paired with linen trousers and a chambray shirt (ideally, on a boat).

Price: approx $248AUD (€150)
Type of loafer: penny loafer
Material: suede

11. J.M. Weston 180 Loafer

J.M. Weston is perhaps best known for its boots, but the heritage French shoemaker also knows how to nail loafers. The brand’s 180 Loafer was designed in 1948, with the timeless style remaining relevant to this day. This iteration sees brown box calf leather construction paired with a red suede vamp, resulting in a shoe that makes a statement while being easy to style. Red and burgundy tones are almost an honourary neutral and can be styled in a similar fashion to brown shoes; these ones can be worn well with in semi-formal and cocktail dress codes.

Price: approx $1290AUD (€780)
Type of loafer: penny loafer
Material: leather and suede

FAQ

Should you wear socks with loafers?

Wearing loafers without socks makes for a clean, streamlined, minimalist look ideal for casual and smart casual outfits. If going sockless, ensure you keep your pant hem shorter and steer away from baggy trousers. For formal attire (like suiting), wear socks in a colour that matches your trousers or opt for a contrasting colour or interesting pattern.

What are men’s penny loafers?

The men’s penny loafer style features a leather strap across the top, with a diamond-shaped slot big enough to hold a penny.

Enjoyed this guide to loafers for men? Check out our other men’s style guides here.


Words by Theo Rosen