Italian Penny Loafers & Dress Shoe Tassel Loafers

For many people, loafers are associated with the sunnier months of the year and a more relaxed look. So are they casual rather than formal dress shoes?

What exactly are loafers and when can they be worn? And why the term ‘Italian Loafers’? Are they originally from Italy?

Although loafers can at first appear less dressier than other styles of mens dress shoes such as oxfords, they can look good when dressed up as part of a more formal outfit.

Styles and looks vary. Some loafers have conventional, rounder toes. Others are more chiselled and sharp. Sean Connery as James Bond wore a tan pair of loafers in Goldfinger. With a light blue/grey suit, the look was masculine, relaxed and elegant.

Loafers in fact have their origins in Scandanavia in the early 1900s. Originally inspired by the moccasins worn by native americans, loafers were first made in Norway. They then recrossed the Atlantic in the 1930s becoming popular in the USA.

Loafers and moccasins?

What is the difference between loafers and moccasins? With moccasins, the sole wraps up around the foot and is attached to a top piece. There are usually laces and original moccasins had no heel. Driving shoes are a modern extension of moccasins with a rubber sole and heel that wraps round a little to add support and grip when driving.

In the way they are made, loafers are actually more similar to other formal or dress shoes such as Oxfords and derbys. The main difference is that they have no laces, instead having elasticated side gussets so allow them to be easily slipped on and off. This is a feature they share with chelsea boots.

Main loafer styles

Generally speaking, there are three main styles of loafer. The most common around the world is called the penny loafer. This became popular in the 1930s among US Ivy League students and therefore became associated with a preppy look. They had a small cut-out into which some people placed a penny or dime. Opinions vary on the reasons why - an expression of style or individuality, or a handy place to store a dime in case you needed to call for a cab in the early hours.

The penny loafer is smart, comfortable and versatile. It can be worn with a semi-casual outfit or dressed up with a jacket or suit.

Then you have the tassel loafer, similar to the penny but with two leather tassels adding a stylish touch. Introduced in the 1950s, it offered a touch more character and flair, and became a staple for men who wanted an elegant yet easy to wear shoe.

The trim loafer

Lastly, we have the Italian loafer. The first well-known Italian version appeared in the 1960s and featured a sleek metal trim across the saddle - a subtle touch of luxury that instantly elevated the loafer from casual to iconic. This elegant design set a new benchmark for craftsmanship and refinement, helping establish the loafer as an internationally recognised style.

Today, Italian loafers include both penny and tassel designs, as well as trim loafers with distinctive metal detailing in gold or silver tones. Available in a wide range of colours and leathers, they embody that unmistakable Italian sensibility - refined, confident and effortlessly stylish.

Socks or no socks?

Both are fine. Many people wear loafers either without socks or with invisible, hidden socks. This casual look works well, especially in the hot summer months when being cool is important. Black penny loafers with a suit would look best with dark socks.

Thomas Bird Italian loafers

Thomas Bird currently offers fourteen step-in styles, crafted for men who appreciate both comfort and sophistication. Twelve of these are hand stained from natural crust leather, producing rich depth of tone and a unique character to every pair, no two are ever quite the same. The remaining two styles are made from premium full grain suede, a popular choice for those seeking a more relaxed, casual look without compromising refinement. Each loafer is Blake stitched for flexibility and longevity, and finished on a high-quality leather sole with either a sleek black base or a contrasting blue outsole for a distinctive Thomas Bird signature touch.

More about Thomas Bird Italian Loafers

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