The brogue. An iconic footwear staple steeped in heritage. Identifiable by their distinctive punching and serrated trims, the brogue has transcended history from humble rural beginnings to the floors of formal dinners and working offices. 

This suave style is incredibly versatile, adding detailed sophistication to sharp suits or a dash of off-beat cool to your weekend repertoire. But what makes a brogue a brogue exactly? 

Knowledge is power. In this masterclass, we delve into the history of this handsome hallmark, quash some long-held misconceptions (what are wingtips anyway?), and answer the all-important sartorial question: how to wear brogues? 

Ready to know your brogues inside and out? Let’s get started… 

What are Brogues: A Brief History…

Born from humble beginnings, the brogue originated as a working man’s shoe made for Scottish and Irish farmers in the 19th Century. 

The name derives from the Gaelic word ‘brog’ translating to ‘rough’ or ‘stout’. Rudimentary in design, the original brogue was made purely for function. Crafted with untanned animal hides and a series of punching to allow effective drainage in the wet, boggy conditions of the land. 

From the grit of the marshes to the glitz of Tinseltown, over the next century, the brogue became a familiar style through the jazz era and went on to dress the greats of Hollywood such as Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly.

In recent years the brogue has revolutionised the dress codes of working gents in the city. Once considered a country shoe for the working class, the brogue is now a familiar sartorial staple, diminishing the once ‘cardinal sin’ of brogues in the business districts.

Oxfords vs Brogues: What’s the Difference?

What’s the difference between an Oxford and a brogue? The answer: it’s a trick question. 

 An Oxford shoe is a type of men’s shoe with roots dating back a hundred years or so. Often worn for formal occasions, the Oxford is characterised by its construction which involves sewing the tongue and lace flaps under the vamp. 

In contrast, Derby shoes (close cousins of the Oxford) are constructed with the lace flaps sewn on top of the vamp, creating a ‘gap’ between the flaps and the tongue which runs underneath. Derby shoes are often mistaken for simply being brogues – but the existence of plain Derby shoes demonstrates that this is a misconception.

Instead, broguing refers specifically to the punctured detail and pinked trims that give ‘brogues’ their sophisticated charm. The puncturing itself has little to do with the construction of the shoe, which could be an Oxford or a Derby, or even a monk shoe or brogue boot.

In other words, you can have an Oxford brogue or a Derby brogue, but you cannot have an Oxford Derby shoe.

Get to Know: 3 Key Styles

How to Style Brogues

Suit YoURSELF

Well-crafted brogues are the natural companion to a tailored suit, completing the look with well-considered, detailed charm. As always, opt for leather construction, inside and out, in whichever silhouette, Oxford or Derby, you prefer. 

A quirky statement sock will never go amiss when styled with brogues and a suit. Don’t forget to add a matching belt to nail this classic combination. 

 As for which colour shoe to match the colour of your suit? We’ve got a masterclass on that too.