9 Unique Types of Men’s Loafers (and How to Wear Them)

Loafers are a versatile and unique style of footwear designed for men.

I Love wearing Loafers. 

Whenever I choose a formal outfit, I often opt for loafers to complete the look. The Royalness and uniqueness of Loafers make you look and feel luxurious on a budget. 

If you’re seeking to opt for loafers, you should know all types of loafers and how to style them.

There are over nine various loafer styles available, each with unique abilities to enhance your overall appearance.

In this blog post, I’ll delve into;

• 9 Types of Loafers for Men
• Best Ways to Wear Them
• Tips to Style a Men’s Loafers

And more. Excited! Alright, without any ado, let’s dive right in.

What are Men’s Loafers?

Men’s loafers are a type of men’s slip-on typically characterized by a moccasin-styled construction. 

The specialty of these types of men’s loafers is that they’re easy to slip on and off without the need for a shoelace or any other fastenings.

It is a shoe with a low cut, a flat heel, and a thin leather sole.

These types of men’s shoes are comfortable and have a vast range of style variations and designs, making them suitable for any occasion.

Whether you’re going for formal office space, professional business meetings, or a casual outing, you can opt for this type of shoe. 

Even if you go for a black tie event or red carpet, opting for specifically styled loafers will turn heads.

There are many types of loafers, like penny loafers, horsebit loafers, tassel loafers, tuxedo loafers, kiltie loafers, chunky loafers, monk strap loafers, boat shoes, and espadrilles.

Some loafers are specially crafted for formal settings, some are made for casual wear, and some are made to be worn daily.

Loafers have become one of the best and must-have wardrobe staples for men.

9 Types of Men’s Loafers

Loafers are uniquely designed footwear for men. Moreover, its versatility makes it a better footwear choice for various occasions.

• Penny Loafers: Best for Formals and Semi-Formal
• Horse Bit Loafers: Better Option for Business Casuals
• Tassel Loafers: Best for Smart Casual Outfits
• Tuxedo Loafers: Best for Black Tie Events and Red Carpets
• Kiltie Loafers: Best for Casuals and Semi-Formals
• Chunky Loafers: Best for Casuals and Street Style
• Monk Strap Loafers: Best for Formal Occasions and Business Meetings
• Boat Shoes: Best for Slipper Surface and Laid Back Look
• Espadrilles: Best for Traveling, Beach Outings, and Daily Casual Wear

Penny Loafers

Wherever you search on the internet for “Types of loafers for men,” you’ll see Penny Loafers on top of the results. 

The first and personal favorite type of loafer style is the Penny Loafers.

Penny loafers are a classic and versatile footwear style for men that are known for being both comfortable and stylish.

It is characterized by a subtle design, made from quality leather, and pointed toe. 

Originating in the 30’s, these classic shoes have evolved and become one of the essential wardrobe staples for men.

Crafted from high-quality leather, penny loafers exclude a charm, and minimalist style footwear makes it perfect for both casual and formal occasions.

• Slip-on Convenience: Penny Loafers typically featured “No Lace” or any other fastenings. You can simply slip your feet into it and wear them effortlessly.
• Classic Design: One of the standout design features of penny loafers is that you can see a strap across the vamp in this style type loafers.
• Versatile Loafers: Whether you’re pairing it with chinos, jeans, dress pants, or trousers, penny loafers effortlessly finish off your outfit’s appearance in style.
• Comfortable: Penny loafers have a slip-on design and cushioned insole that provide comfort and style all day long.

You can opt for penny loafers for business casual outfits, and jeans, and trousers for formal outfits, making them the perfect choice for semi-formal and formal outfits.

When it comes to color options, you have a wide range of options like red, maroon, black, green, suede, navy blue, and many more. 

Based on your preference and the colors you like, you can consider choosing the loafers. 

But Remember, the color you choose must be a versatile option and should match most of your wardrobe outfits.

If you’re planning to invest in building a high-quality footwear wardrobe, you can consider penny loafers. They are one of the wisest and most worthy investments, making them a must-have essential for your wardrobe.

Horsebit Loafers

The Horsebit loafer is popular and originated from the iconic Italian Gucci house of the 1950s.

As you can see the difference between penny loafers and horse-bit loafers by yourself, is that penny loafers have straps across the vamp, and horse-bit loafers have golden or metal straps across the vamp.

• Distinctive Design: As I said earlier, you can see that every Horsebit loafer design typically features a small golden or metal strap buckle on the vamp.
• Luxury Materials: Horsebit loafers are made of high-quality luxury materials like suede, and supple leather, that give you a premium look and feel.
• Versatile: You don’t have to worry about pairing them with casual pants. Whether it’s a casual occasion or a formal setting, horse-bit loafers make an epic transition.
• Hand-Made Construction: They are often hand-made, with attention to detail, and comfy insoles that provide a stylish appearance without negotiating comfy. 

You can opt for horse-bit loafers and pair them with jeans, trousers, pants, and a dress shirt, making them the perfect choice for any occasion.

With a color option, Gucci offers a vast range of color options like dark brown, black, Black crocodile loafers, Red, Blue, Green, Royal Black, Light Brown, and so on.

Other alternative affordable brands offer the horse bit loafers at a low price range. 

If you dig deep on the internet, you will find the best quality horse bit loafers at just 100 $ price range.

This type of loafers has become the symbol of luxury and style, making them an addition to a gentleman’s wardrobe.

Tassel Loafers

Tassel Loafers, especially known for the decorative tassel dangling on the top of the vamp.

The Alden Shoe Company is a major producer of tassel loafers.

This style of loafers is an alternative to penny loafers and features a pair of leather tassels on the top of the vamp.

• Unique Design: You can easily find the tassel loafers in the crowded place of loafers. It typically featured decorative tassels on the vamp.
• Variety Materials: Tassel Loafers are made of different types of high-quality materials, including Leather and suede, allowing for a vast range of style variations.
• Adaptable Footwear: This style of loafers typically makes the transition between casual, formal, and semi-formal. You can either pair it with chinos for semi-formal occasions or dress pants for formal settings.
• Go-to Appeal: Tassel loafers are popular and symbolize the classic and refined taste of modern men’s style, making them a go-to choice for men.

If you love men’s loafers and want to add a touch of style, you can opt for these tassel loafers. 

You can opt for these tassel loafers and pair them with chinos, khakis, trousers, and a casual shirt, making them perfect for a smart casual outfit.

When it comes to color options, you have a vast range of options, including Black, Suede, Dark Brown, Light Brown, Blue, Chameleon Red, Rosewood, Seaweed Green, Ash Grey, and many more.

Tuxedo Loafers

Elegant footwear that is specially crafted to match the classic tuxedo, black tie events, and red carpet events. You can see a lot of actors and celebrities wearing these unique-styled loafers on the red carpet. 

These loafers feature a unique and elegant design with a low profile and exceptional attention to detail.

• Sleek Design: These loafers have a sleek and minimalist luxury design, often crafted from high-quality patent leather or velvet.
• Lack of Lace: Unlike other traditional dress shoes, tuxedo loafers typically have no lace or any fastenings. It has a convenient slip-on design, which makes it easy to wear and remove.
• Not Versatile: If you think of wearing this loafer style for any occasion, it might not be a better idea. As I said, it is specially crafted for tuxedos, black-tie events, and red-carpet events. Unlike other loafers, tuxedo loafers are not versatile.

Tuxedo Loafers are elegant and refined footwear, combining minimalist yet luxurious design and comfort, making them the best option for black tie events.

When it comes to color options, you might have many colors, even patterns as well, but nothing beats the classic shinning black tuxedo loafers.

Kiltie Loafers

This style of loafer typically featured the presence of a decorative leather flap, known as the kiltie.

You can barely see the design which is on the vamp, some kiltie loafers also have tassel decorative designs on top of the kiltie.

This unique style feature sets them apart from other types of loafers.

• Kiltie Detailed Design: You can easily find the Kiltie Loafers with the presence of decorative leather flaps of the fringed tongue placed on the vamp.
• Classic Silhouette: Even though kiltie loafers have a unique detail, they typically have a classic silhouette, which makes them versatile for a range of occasions.
• Casual to Semi Formal: Kiltie loafers make an effortless transition between casuals and semi-formals, making them a versatile footwear option. You can either pair them with jeans for a relaxed appearance or tailored trousers for a more polished appearance.

Kiltie loafers have a classic touch of style and craftsmanship. 

Whether you’re looking for uncommon footwear for casual wear or looking to make a statement in formal settings, this type of loafer is the perfect option.

When it comes to color options, you have polished maroon, of course black, navy, dark brown, blue, suede brown, and many more pattern-designed color options.

Chunky Loafers

The chunky loafers are a bold and trendy footwear choice, combining the classic loafers and robust design.

This loafer style has become one of the trends among urban fashion enthusiasts, contributing to a modern edge and rugged appearance.

• Thick Sole Design: The chunky loafers are characterized by platform-like soles, which add a modern and rugged appearance.
• Functionality: Chunky loafers not only look stylish but also offer functionality. With stacked high heels, short guys can add some height by wearing chunky loafers.
• Robust Construction: Chunky loafers are crafted with durability in mind, made of thick leather and synthetic materials.
• Not a Versatile Choice: This style of loafers are specially made for casual wear, chunky loafers don’t work well for formal occasion. Although, you can opt for chunky loafers for semi-formal occasions,.

You can wear chunky loafers for a casual or semi-formal look, pairing them with relaxed-fit trousers, jeans, and polos.

When it comes to color options, you have several choices, including classic black, polished brown, maroon, suede brown, and dark brown. 

Even though you have many color options, when it comes to versatility, black chunky loafers are the best choice, as they can be paired with almost any outfit.

With their eye-catching features and classic, bold design, you can make a statement wherever you go.

Monk Strap Loafers

Monk strap loafers seamlessly combine classic elegance and traditional loafers with a refined touch. One of my favorite designs typically features a single or double buckle crossed strap on the vamp.

If you have a unique taste of style, you may love wearing the monk strap loafers.

• Buckle: You can easily find the monk strap loafers with their distinctive single or double buckle on the vamp. There are two style variations; one type of variation has a single strap and the others have a double strap on the vamp.
• Versatility: Monk strap loafers are versatile, you can either pair them with tailored suits or casual wear as well. This style of loafers effortlessly bridges the gap between formal and casual wear.
• Detailing: Some loafers have refined detailing craftsmanship, such as brogues or cap toes, enhancing their overall appearance without sacrificing versatility and comfort.

You can opt for monk strap loafers and pair them with tailored suits, formal wear, as well as casual wear, making them a versatile footwear option.

Comes to color options, you can opt for various options like black, red, maroon, dark brown, suede brown, navy blue, olive green, and textured monk strap loafers.

Boat Shoes

The Complete casual wear works perfectly for casual occasions.

If you’re near a wet floor, a slippery area, or expecting rain anytime in your city, you can opt for these boat shoes (also known as deck shoes).

Specially made for functionality, their unique designs add additional grip on the wet area.

• Siped Sloes: You can easily recognize boat shoes with their siped rubber sole, and tread pattern with thin grooves. 
• Functionality: Boat shoes provide additional traction on wet surfaces, making them ideal for boating, beach parties, yacht parties, and other outdoor activities. This type of men’s loafers will ensure you will never slip on a wet surface.
• Casual Elegance: With their laid-back design and appearance, boat shoes effortlessly pair with shorts, joggers, and denim jeans as well.
• Essential Summer Wardrobe Staple: When it comes to the warmer season, boat shoes are synonyms with summer style, and offer breathable and comfortable options for vacation activities.

You can opt for boat shoes and pair them with jeans, shorts, joggers, t-shirts, and casual shirts, for a more laid-back appearance.

It comes with color options, and you have a wide range of options like black, brown, double color combinations, grey, triple color combinations, and suede brown.

Espadrilles

Finally, Espadrilles for men are a stylish yet most comfortable loafer, originating from the Mediterranean.

Crafted from canvas or cotton fabrics, they are the perfect choice for the warmer season.

Espadrilles are available in various designs, such as the classic slip-on, laced-up, or embroidered.

• Jute Sole: Espadrilles are characterized by a jute sole, providing a lightweight and breathable foundation. This natural material not only offers comfort but also flexibility.
• Slip-on Style: Known for its easy-going design, you can easily wear and remove like you were wearing sandals, eliminating the need to lace.
• Travel Friendly: Espadrilles’ lightweight feature and packaging nature make them the perfect companion for traveling, easily fitting into the luggage for vacations.

Whether you’re going to the beach or watching the sunrise or sunset with friends or family, you can effortlessly wear espadrilles and pair them with shorts and a t-shirt for a laid-back style.

You can opt for espadrilles and pair them with joggers, shorts, t-shirts, chinos, and trousers, adding a touch of laid-back appearance.

Tips to Style Loafers for Men

Here are the essential tips to styling the loafers. 

Even though loafers are versatile, you should know these things to make your loafer style stand out from the crowd.

Start with the Basics

When you decide to opt for any loafer, you have a lot of style variations, colors, and patterns.

But if you want to style every each type of loafers effortlessly, start with the basics. Stick with leather or suede, and colors like black and brown. 

Opt for a basic black or brown penny loafer and pair them with simple trousers and a semi-formal shirt. Make sure you properly maintain the loafers. 

After mastering the basics, slightly move on to style the loafers in unique ways, and opt for new colors, patterns, and textured loafers.

No Socks vs Socks

There are two ways you can wear loafers; One with socks and the other one wearing loafers without socks. This is where the “No Show Shocks” were made, the greatest invention. 

Which is also called The Loafer Socks, ’ll ensure comfort as well as no peaking of the socks.

Loafer socks are perfect for warmer climates and a refined look, and they help preserve the shoe’s inner lining. Going with the Trend, No Socks? The classic style option.

But your feet might get sweaty which will lead to an uncomfortable situation. 

Anyway, if you choose this style, consider opting for feet powder for sweaty feet. They will keep your feet fresh and odor-free.

Material Matters

If you want to showcase your loafers’ uniqueness, you need to consider choosing quality over quantity. 

Consider opting for high-quality loafers that are made of high-quality materials like suede, pure leather, canvas, patent leather, and exotic materials like animal skin. 

The material you choose must provide comfort, should be highly durable, good-looking, and should perfectly fit in your feet.

Break Between

The break is the folded bottom of your trousers that meets your shoes, it’ll play a crucial role in styling your overall appearance.

No break style is the classic option for modern loafers. Trousers should slightly touch or above the shoes without touching them.

The Ideal thing to set your loafers in the spotlight is to opt for slim-fit or ankle-fit trousers. 

If you love wearing half-break style trousers, you can opt for other formal shoes instead of loafers. Avoid wearing the full break-styled trousers, which will hide the unique style of your loafers.

The Dress Code

Even though loafers are versatile, opt for the loafers for the right dress code.

Some loafers match the formal outfit, some loafers work well for casual wear, and some loafers are specially crafted for suits, tuxedos, black tie events, and red carpets.

Picture yourself wearing a tailored suit and finishing off the outfit with penny loafers or tassel loafers for a professional meeting, for sure you will make a lasting impression.

For beach outings or weekend vibes, opt for laid-back shorts or joggers and pair them with t-shirts or casual relaxed-fit shirts, and finish off the outfit with boat shoes or espadrilles. 

Which will provide more comfort and make you feel joy all day.

So, opt for the right loafer for the right dress code.

The Botton Line

Loafers are one of the trending footwear styles. 

Although, its versatility makes it the perfect choice for any occasion. 

From formal office space or professional business meet to beach outing, you have various types of loafers to match the occasion and the dress code.

I hope now you know the types of loafers and how to style them with these essential tips and loafers’ styling guide.

Now let’s hear it from you. Which of these loafer type is your favorite? Let me know in the comments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)