Loafers And Moccasins
Loafers are typically low, lace-less shoes. Loafers has a moccasin construction. Wildsmith shoes in London was the first brand to design these type of shoes called Wildsmith Loafers. They first became popular as casual shoes, but slowly they started becoming popular amongst the Americans who began to wear these with city lounge suits.
They were born in Europe, but became they became more popular in the American continent, especially in North. They are worn by both men and women.
Loafer may have a short history but they had a great influence on the fashion trends.
Origin
The modern era of loafers began when Norwegian shoemaker Nils Gregoriusson Tveranger started his business around 1908. In 1930, Tveranger introduced a new design called the Aurland moccasin, named after his birthplace. He later renamed the slip-on Aurland Shoe. The Norwegians began exporting them to Europe.
Soon, the American magazine Esquire ran a feature on loafers, including some photographs of Norwegian farmers in a cattle loafing area. That is said to be the inspiration behind the name loafers. The Spaulding family in New Hampshire began to market these shoes naming them loafers. In 1934 the bootmaker G.H. Bass started making loafers under the name Weejuns. These had leather strip across the saddle. Numerous designs were launched , and behemoths like Gucci entered the field. Now loafers are among the most favorite casual footwear.
There are many kinds of loafers. The Penny loafer is one the most classic and popular of them. It has a leather strap across the top of the shoe, with a diamond-shaped slot. Then 1950s saw the origin of tassel Loafer . In 1968, Snaffle loafer was born, introduced by Gucci. The brass strap was designed in the shape of a horse’s snaffle bit laid across the top of the shoe.
In Trend
Loafers or moccasins often break it as something different. Both of these easy to wear footwear options for men are nothing but a timeless and skillful blend of comfort and panache. These faceless beauties are designed to function both on formal and casual occasions with just a little bit of formality measure you need to keep in mind while choosing between the two.
Difference Between Loafers And Moccasins
Moccasins and Loafers may look alike but have several distinctive features,
- The first one being laced or not. Loafers traditionally never have any types of laces, while moccasins can be seen adorned with tassels or laces for purely a decorative element rather than tying.
- Second distinctive feature – heels. The moccasins are predominantly heel-less, however, the loafer may or may not have a heel.
- Moccasins have a soft and flexible sole, and the upper part is lined with embroidery, Unlike loafers.
- Loafers can be worn as casual or informal wear in America and certain European countries. Moccasins are worn in very formal situations.
Suede and Leather are the two widely lauded make materials for both of these slip-on shoes. Loafers come on the casual side and can be worn for a casual attire with jeans, chinos, pants and sweaters etc.. Pairing color of your casual shoe with your accessories like belts' and bags' color is one rule you must stick to, to make your outfit look all pulled in together.
These slip-on shoes often set us all wondering on whether or not to wear them with socks. To clear the air, ideally the construction of these shoes promote the ability and ease to wear them without socks, so they can be worn without socks. A great alternative, however, to going sockless is using or switching to invisible socks. Invisible socks are smaller than ankle length socks and contain only to the feet with a narrow lining to prevent from being seen while worn with loafers or moccasins. These socks can also be worn with other shoes, without a problem.
For formal events, leather and Italian slip ons have become a famous choice catering to the void of faceless professional shoes. Leather gives an edge over style and complements to look formal as for the overall attire.
Types Of Loafers
Tassel Loafers
Starting at the casual end. These are the least formal dress loafers. Tassel loafers are designed with leather tassels on the top vamp, and have a rounded toe outlined by a reverse seam. They are often made of cordovan leather. Originally designed as whole cut shoes in the 1950s, tasseled loafers are versatile, hardwearing and timeless.
Belgian Loafers
Belgian loafers are the slightly more formal relatives of tassel loafers. You can recognize them by the small bow on the front. These elegant loafers were originally designed as indoor slippers and still have a soft sole. The stitching on Belgian loafers looks flawless. This is because they’re made by the exacting ‘turned’ method—sewn inside-out and then turned right side out when finished.
Penny Loafers
The most versatile type, penny loafers are about as formal as Belgian loafers, but more closely related to moccasins than to slippers. They feature a strip of leather across the saddle with a diamond cut-out.
Horse Bit Or Gucci Loafers
Gucci loafers are the most formal. The snaffle, or metal bar, in the center of the vamp is what makes a Gucci loafer. It was actually designed to look like a horse’s bit by the great Italian designer Aldo Gucci in 1963.The American trend for formal loafers with suits didn’t catch on in the rest of the world until Gucci loafers arrived. These days, many other brands make bit loafers, but you’re still likely to hear all of them called ‘Gucci’.
Venetian-style loafers are mid-heel slippers with a top part that is slightly open to the kick of the foot and the ankle bone. The venetian-style loafers and its lack of ornamentation contrasts with the loafer which may have slotted straps, vamps and even tassels.
How To Style Them?
- Tassel loafers go perfectly with chinos and a blazer. In black or oxblood, they’re on the same level of formality as a navy blazer with gray trousers
- Belgian loafers go well with chinos, flannel pants, and corduroys.
- The best loafers to wear with a suit are black leather horsebit loafers. They go perfectly with a smart business suit, but are not formal enough for black or white tie.
- Leather loafers are smarter. You can wear them with a suit or a tailored blazer. They’re also sturdier and more hardwearing.
- Suede loafers are more casual, and best worn only in spring and summer. Never let your suede loafers get wet.
- Penny loafers with jeans in a medium to dark wash and a button-down shirt.
Loafers come in so many colors it can be hard to choose. LimeRoad recommends sticking to the most classic colors—black, brown, oxblood, navy and gray. These are versatile enough to complement most outfits. The traditional color for dress loafers is black, but the most versatile is brown and oxblood.
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