In our SS ’22 collection men’s loafers reign supreme. Once a casual shoe made for loitering on ivy league college campuses, penny loafers have seen many a reinvention since their early college days. Now acceptable in most settings, from the boardroom to the dancefloor, slip-on loafers have become firm favourites in the smart and casual (and smart-casual) game: striking the balance between the two with decisive ease.
Easy to slip on with anything from casual denims at the weekend to smart chinos during the week, loafers can be worn around the clock. In this guide we’ve selected some of our stand-out styles to demonstrate that there really is a loafer to suit any occasion.
But first, we answer the most important sartorial question to hand…
Do you Wear Socks with Loafers?
Like many sartorial related questions, the answer is: it depends… on what you choose to style your loafers with, on your choice of socks, and on personal preference. The difficulty loafers pose stems from their clean cut, low profile – especially when compared to other smart silhouettes such as Oxford or Derby shoes.
In some contexts - such as the office or when you’re wearing a sharp tailored suit - loafers and socks just make sense. Keep it classic with a pair of quality, cotton rich socks in black or navy and you can’t go wrong. Feeling adventurous? Statement socks can add new dimension to your loafers look and demonstrate a keen attention to detail. Black chunky loafers can be given a sophisticated twist by teaming them with geometric or strong block colour socks.
For more casual affairs and fair weather, bare ankles set the tone. Can’t stand the idea of bare feet inside your loafers, but want to maintain the low, clean-cut lines of their silhouette? Opt for invisible socks to nail the happy medium. Sorted.
Morning Meetings to After-Work Drinks
In today’s busy world, our time is considerably squeezed. Having a pair of smart shoes that can take you from nine to five to nine again can help you cut out the nonsense and get down to what really matters.
A little less formal than traditional snaffle loafers, a pair of streamlined men’s tassel loafers, in smooth or grained leathers, toe the line between formal and comfortable – making them an ideal choice for busy weekdays.
Understated in style, our Cannon Street loafers are a well-crafted staple piece for any sophisticated wardrobe, presenting a sleek slip-on profile with a traditional apron seam and tassel details. Situated on hardy Blake stitched soles, Cannon Street will see you stride confidently into that all-important board meeting and into that all-important evening dinner date.
Update your smart-casual uniform with a pair of chunky loafers for a contemporary take on the classic silhouette. Our Cassiano penny loafers take the chunky trend to dramatic new proportions. Don’t be fooled by Cassiano’s weighty appearance however, their lug soles are deceptively lightweight for comfortable all-day wear that won’t weigh you down.
How to Wear Loafers to Work
I wear Cassiano loafers in black suede around the office. They’re handmade in Portugal and you can tell they’re top quality just by how good they look and feel. A bit different to classic penny loafer, which has a lower profile sole, these chunky loafers have a lightweight lug sole that makes a real statement – I wear these with chinos and a smart or casual shirt and jumper.
---- George Paver, Buyer for Jones Bootmaker.
Laidback Weekends
Harking back to the days when loafers were intended for idling, loafers make a great alternative to your usual trainers and are just as (if not more) comfortable. Choose a tan, brown, or other burnished hue for a laidback appeal and team with off-duty denims and chinos in slimmer cuts.
An ode to their ivy league heritage, our Riverside woven leather loafers offer classic style with a twist. Constructed with intricate woven leather uppers, the leather insoles are contoured to fit the foot for luxury comfort. We picture Riverside exactly as the name suggests: wandering beside the river on a sunny afternoon.
Holiday Abroad
Make space for suede loafers in your holiday suitcase this year. Softer in feel and in appearance, suede loafers are more subtle than their highly polished or burnished counterparts. Although softly spoken, suede loafers make strong foundations for any off-duty look.
Cut from supple suede, our Quin tassel loafers come in a range of hues, from sand to tan, with contrasting soles for a casual finish, and are lined with leather for a luxury feel inside and out. When it comes to Quin, match like for like; sand with neutrals and linens; tan with rich tones and fabrics; navy with blue-wash denims.
Wedding Guest Attire
This season is set to be busy with much anticipated (and belated) wedding ceremonies. If you’re looking to upgrade your dancing shoes, a pair of well-crafted tassel loafers make for a considered choice.
Tassel loafers can easily take over the mantle of silhouettes traditionally paired with suits, such as Oxford or Derby shoes. Loafers are especially desirable for destination weddings where proper Oxfords and socks just can’t keep up with a warmer climate.
Starting life in Portugal, our Cyprus tassel loafers are no strangers to fair weather. Expertly constructed in fine leathers on durable Blake stitched leather soles, Cyprus bear all the hallmarks of a timeless accessory that will keep up with all the demands your diary poses season after season.
