First up gentlemen loafers are casual as well as semi-formal or business casual shoes. It is easy to slip on loafers but not as easy is to rock them. A wide array of designs and detailing make loafers a subject to study for fashion experts. These shoes have taken over the world for their capacity to combine with casual trousers, formal pants, denims.
Loafers are easy to manage, fabulous in style and demand not much care.
Loafer Classification
Semi Formal Loafers
Penny and Wholecut- penny loafers come with a little piece of leather over vamp and Wholecut loafers have zero detailing, therefore these two designs are best for any semi-formal or business casual situation.
Casual Loafers
Kilties or kilted loafers, Tassel loafers and Belgian loafers are casual type. They are just as cool as you wish your shoes were.
Horsebit loafer on the other hand has a metal piece across the top of vamp. Their design however makes them more appropriate for business casual setting.
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Loafers with Suit
Loafers are in essence more casual and least formal shoes. One should know how loafers range between formal and casual. Loafers are not made for the business professional wear. Oxfords and derby’s do that part well.
If you match loafers with black or navy suit with a tie then why not match oxfords or brogues. That means keep a clear cut look. Don’t make a confused blend of formal and casual.
Loafers with Smart Casual
For casual backdrop men are free to style loafers independently but how far they can take loafers into formal context. Clear answer is, don’t go beyond smart casual. A blazer/sports coat, shirts (plain, mini checks & stripes) or solid polo, semi-formal trousers, chinos or denims (solid not textured).
Loafers too come in leather and suede. Suede further allows loafers to accept other extreme colours like blue, red, green. In this case loafers are made of velvet, artificial leather. That means one might go mad if not having any idea of the occasion and dress type.
Formality Scale
No doubts, more the decoration more casual a shoe is. Pointed toe shoe is more formal than a round toe. Kilties loafers have a layer of fringes over the vamp and sometimes laces for embellishment only. Tassel Loafers have two set of tassels tied together on the vamp. Belgian loafers carry a bow on the upper and finally horsebit shoes with a metal object across the upper. Having set the rules throw kilties, horsebit, tassel and Belgian onto casual rack. Penny and Wholecuts will rest on the smart casual or business casual rack.
Should I wear Socks with Loafers
Straightforwardly loafers are no-socks shoes, conversely one can seldom wear socks with Wholecuts and penny loafers. In some countries including most men pair socks with these two loafers. First reason why loafers tempt men more in hot climate is the discomfort due to heat and sweating. Another point seems logical is the facility to slip-out of the shoes easily when you need. Here socks become mandatory against style. Third farther reason is the habit of wearing socks and not knowing about shoe style.
Low-cut or no-show socks to get you rid of sweat else the leather will not absorb sweat and be spoiled by the harmful bacteria and chemicals of sweat. Sweating within a packed space generates stench and harmful germs too.
Trouser Break
Some men might choose a sloppy or full break trousers with loafers but that looks inappropriate since loafer design flatters a more straight crease and fitting pants.
Trousers with cuffed hem and no break look amazingly fancy with tassel, kilted, horsebit or Belgian loafers.
Pants with half break or full break should be paired with penny or wholecut loafer.
Loafers and Trousers Types
Dress Pants
Since dress pants require dress shoes, a substitute should be near perfect. Pair penny loafers, Wholecuts with dress pants. Choose a pointed toe-cap to achieve formality in your attire. Leather loafers are recommended with dress pants. Select black and dark brown colour to add formal character to the outfit.
Chinos & Corduroy
Both trousers will do you a good favour. Pair them with any types of loafers since they can play semi-formal or casual. Cuffed trousers with no break are to be matched with casual loafers.
Tip: Turn the hem inwards to get a cleaner look and straight crease of the pants. Do this with casual shoe types, tassel or kilties. Let the pants fall fully over semi-formal designs penny & Wholecut.
Loafers with Flannel Trousers
Flannel trousers are suitable for dressier events. A dark grey flannel is a popular choice among men. You can pair a grey flannel & white shirt with a sports coat, to finish the look add loafers. Better if you pick penny or horsebit loafers in dark grey leather or suede.
Loafers with Jeans
For more casual look loafers can be teamed with denim, in fact denim being most casual; loafers too have a casual character. Their slip-on construction functions well with denim occasions.
Always pick casual loafers with denims. Avoid wholecut loafers with denim except if you have no other loafers.
Here again remember no-socks policy since you are preparing a more casual attire.
Loafers with Shorts
Now see the real casual feature of loafers, go extreme casual in loafers with shorts. Wear kilties or tassels under chino shorts. There is no sin in slipping into penny or horsebit loafers but better yet if you get most casual designs. You can wear penny and horsebit with denim shorts. Wear low cut socks if you need.
Loafers & Sports Coat or Blazer
Loafers appear sleek and imposing while you have a sports jacket on. A blazer or sports jacket matches with loafers more since hey both belong to casual fashion.
