The loafer is one of the most versatile shoes a man can own. It sits somewhere between a smart Oxford and a casual trainer, and it has kept its place on the feet of mods, soul boys, Ivy League students and Italian tailors for nearly a century. At Mazeys, we stock a range of loafers across several styles, and we are asked weekly which one is the right one to buy. This guide walks through the three main types, when to wear each, and how to style them for 2026.
Where Loafers Came From
The loafer as we know it was born in 1930s Norway, of all places. A shoemaker named Nils Gregoriusson Tveranger combined local moccasin design with a slip-on silhouette, and the style quickly spread across Europe and into the United States. By the 1950s, American brand GH Bass had popularised the penny loafer, and Gucci had added the iconic horsebit in Italy. British mods picked them up in the sixties, soul boys danced in them through the seventies, and they have barely left menswear since.
The Three Main Types of Loafer
Most loafers fall into one of three families. Each has its own feel and ideal outfit.
-
The penny loafer. A simple slip-on with a horizontal strap across the vamp and a small slot, originally used to hold a coin. The most versatile of the three.
-
The tassel loafer. Similar to the penny but with two decorative tassels hanging over the vamp. A touch more formal and Ivy League.
-
The horsebit loafer. Identified by a metal bar across the top, designed by Gucci in 1953. The dressiest of the three and a favourite of mods and soul boys.
-
The Belgian loafer. A lower-profile slipper-like shoe with a small bow at the front. A quieter, more continental option.
-
The driving loafer. A softer, unlined shoe with small rubber studs on the sole. Strictly casual.
Loafers for Every Occasion
The golden rule with loafers is matching the formality of the shoe to the formality of the outfit. Here is a quick reference table to help you do exactly that.
|
Occasion |
Loafer type |
Material |
Sock choice |
|
Office or smart casual |
Penny loafer |
Polished leather |
Plain dark sock |
|
Weekend lunch |
Penny loafer |
Suede |
No sock or invisible |
|
Wedding or evening |
Horsebit loafer |
Black leather |
Fine dress sock |
|
Summer gig |
Driving loafer |
Unlined leather |
No sock |
|
Ivy League casual |
Tassel loafer |
Burgundy leather |
Tartan dress sock |
How Loafers Should Fit
A loafer should sit snug on the foot without squeezing it. Unlike a lace-up shoe, there is no way to adjust the fit once it is on, so getting the size right is everything. A few things to look out for:
-
Your heel should lift slightly when you walk, but not slip out completely
-
Your toes should have a small amount of wiggle room at the front
-
The vamp should sit flat across the top of your foot, not gape open
-
Suede will stretch and mould to your foot over the first few wears
-
Leather should feel firm at first, softening as it breaks in
Styling Loafers Today
Loafers have quietly become one of the most flexible shoes in a man's wardrobe. They work with chinos, they work with denim, and they work with tailored trousers. Here are five outfits that our customers pull together regularly:
Penny loafers with dark chinos and a tipped polo shirt. Tassel loafers with cuffed jeans and an Oxford button-down. Horsebit loafers with black trousers and a knitted cardigan. Suede loafers with pale chinos and a plain tee. And finally, loafers with Sta-press and a Gabicci V-neck for a proper suedehead look.
Caring for a Pair of Loafers
A proper pair of loafers should last you ten years. Rotate them with other shoes so the leather can rest between wears. Use cedar shoe trees to keep the shape, polish leather pairs every few weeks, and brush suede with a horsehair brush. If the sole starts to wear through, any decent cobbler can resole them. Treat them well and they become some of the most valuable shoes in your rotation.
Shop the Loafer Range
At Mazeys, our loafer collection includes pennies, tassels and horsebits across leather and suede uppers, alongside our much-loved Ikon Original range made in Northampton. Whether you are new to loafers or replacing a worn-in favourite, you will find the right pair in our collection.
To Sock or Not to Sock
One of the biggest debates in loafer styling is whether to wear socks. The honest answer is that it depends on the look. For smart outfits, wear a plain dress sock in a colour close to your trousers. For casual summer looks, go sockless or use invisible no-show socks to keep the shoe clean and your feet comfortable. For Ivy League looks, tall ribbed socks in a bold colour are a proper move. Avoid white sports socks at all costs unless you are specifically going for a 1970s disco look.
Loafers FAQ
The questions we get about loafers on a daily basis.
-
Are loafers formal or casual? Both. It comes down to the material, the sole and the shape. Polished black leather for formal, suede or coloured leather for casual.
-
Can I wear loafers with a suit? Yes, in less formal settings. A penny or horsebit loafer with a well-cut suit looks sharp and modern.
-
How long should a pair of loafers last? A well-made leather pair should last ten years with regular care and resoling.
-
Do loafers stretch? Leather stretches slightly. Suede stretches more. If between sizes, size down half a size for leather, go true for suede.
-
Are Ikon loafers worth it? Yes. They are made in Northampton, the home of British shoemaking, and they are built to last decades.