A Guide to Different Types of Loafer
Welcome to the wonderful world of loafers, where comfort meets refined dressing. Since their popularity grew in the 1920s and 30s, loafers have been a fashion shoe staple for men and women for over a century.
But not all loafers are the same; they are one of the most diverse dress shoes you can get with various styles and versions, keeping their appeal fresh and interesting for the next generation. From different vamp decorations to varying stitching methods to specific requirements, a loafer type is distinguished by its distinctive aesthetic or purpose.
Discover all the different loafer types in this comprehensive guide, from the traditional penny and tassel loafers to the more modern chunky and heeled loafers. Whatever your style or occasion, find a loafer that suits your discerning tastes.
Different Types of Loafers:
- Penny Loafers
- Tassel Loafers
- Bit Loafers/ Horesbit Loafers
- Driving Loafers/ Driving Moccasins
- Apron Loafers
- Twisted Saddle Apron Loafers
- Monk Strap Loafers
- Mule Loafers
- Chunky Loafers
- Heeled Loafers
- Chain Trim Loafers
Penny Loafers
Let’s start with the most popular and recognisable loafer: the Penny Loafer. Arguably the most iconic and classic loafer style, penny loafers feature a distinctive strip or leather, called a saddle, across the vamp, featuring a diamond-shaped cut-out. The name originates from the tradition of students in the 1930s slipping a penny into the diamond slot for good luck or an emergency telephone call.
Penny loafers also sometimes feature a moccasin-style front seam. The penny loafer is widely popular for men and women and is often associated with a preppy or business casual look.
Tassel Loafers
Next is the fabulously fringed tassel loafer. Distinguished by the decorative leather tassels on the vamp. You can get single or double tassels; they often have a refined and sophisticated taste. Some tassel loafers sometimes have a fringe on the vamp and tassels, usually called Kiltie loafers.
Tassel loafers have traditionally been a strong staple in men’s fashion. However, they are now more popular as a unisex style, adding a dapper touch to men’s and women’s shoe wardrobes.
Bit Loafers/ Horesbit Loafers
Moving away from the traditional and into the designer sphere, horsebit loafers are characterised by a prominent metallic hardware detail across the vamp, iconically shaped like a horse’s snaffle bit. Gucci popularised this style in 1953, now synonymous with luxury and high-end fashion.
The horsebit loafer is strongly associated with designer brands and is worn by both men and women for a luxurious, elegant look.
Driving Loafers/ Driving Moccasins
From high fashion to comfort wear, Driving loafers or moccasins are characterised by their comfortable design and flexible soles; driving loafers were designed specifically for driving. Typically made from soft leather or suede, they feature a flexible, often lightweight rubber-studded sole that extends up the back of the heel for a sturdy grip and to protect the shoe’s heel while driving.
Driving shoes are popular in men’s and women’s fashion, especially for casual wear, travel and leisure. They are also typically worn with no socks or invisible socks for a casual, laid-back look.
Apron Loafers
Another classic style is the apron loafer, defined by the piece of leather (the apron) stitched over the top of the toe box, forming a distinctive U-shape. They can feature a separate piece of leather or a raised seam that gives them the apron effect. Although similar, they often have a cleaner, more structured appearance than a simpler moccasin construction.
The apron loafer is a classic and versatile style popular for men and women. But it’s mostly seen in more formal or business casual settings.
Twisted Saddle Apron Loafers
The twisted saddle apron loafer is a variation of the apron loafer, where a “saddle” (a strap across the vamp, similar to penny loafers) has a distinctive twisted or braided detail, adding texture and a unique visual element to the classic apron design.
A stylish twist on the traditional loafer aesthetic.
Monk Strap Loafers
The monk strap loafer is technically a hybrid shoe, combining the ease of a loafer with the distinctive monk strap fastening. Monk strap loafers are categorised as loafers due to their slip-on design, featuring one or two buckles and straps across the vamp like a monk shoe.
Monk strap loafers are traditionally preferred for men’s formal and business wear but are becoming increasingly popular for a bold, tailored look in women’s fashion.
Mule Loafers
Mule or backless loafers are designed as slip-ons with an open back, offering an easy, relaxed style. They feature a loafer’s upper design but with an even quicker foot entry and exit.
Mule loafers seem predominately a loafer style for women, especially during warmer weather. However, they have also filtered into men’s fashion.
Women’s loafers
There are a few loafer styles that tend to be women-only designs. However, loafers are primarily unisex. Here are a few examples of different types of women’s loafers.
Chunky Loafers
Chunky loafers are a trendy women’s fashion style featuring a thinker, often platformed or lug sole. They give them a more contemporary and edgy aesthetic and provide height and a bold style statement. They come with various embellishments like chains or buckles.
Heeled Loafers
The heeled loafer is a popular style found in women’s fashion collections, offering a blend of classic loafer style and comfort with the elegance of a heel. This loafer style incorporates a heel, often a block, low or mid-heel, into the traditional loafer design, elevating the shoe for a more sophisticated or dressy look.
Chain Trim Loafers
A chain loafer is particularly popular in women’s fashion for a modern, fashion-forward look; however, it is also seen sometimes in men’s designer collections. This style is adorned with a decorative metal chain across the vamp.
The design can feature a delicate chain or a chunky statement-making design, adding an edgy or luxurious touch.
Discover different types of loafers at Cheaney Shoes
And there you have it! Now you know all the different types of loafers you can choose the ones that best suit your style and wardrobe.
Choose a pair for work for a smart casual look, or elevate your everyday style with any loafers. Whether you choose a classic style or a more modern take, any loafer is a fantastic wardrobe choice.
Men and women can wear most loafer styles, but shop for specific men’s and women’s loafer sizes in our men’s and women’s loafer collections here at Cheaney Shoes.
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