A Guide to Loafers for Men

There is no doubt that the most versatile shoe for all occasions in a man’s wardrobe is loafers for men. Originating as an export from Norway, Loafers have evolved into different styles and designs thanks to big fashion houses like Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Kenneth Cole, and Michael Kor. There is no doubt that the loafer will continue on for years to come.

There is no other type of men’s shoe that has garnered world wide use as the penny loafers for men, also known as slip-ons. The casual and functional design of penny loafers for men has come out as a classy and elegant everyday shoe for men that match perfectly with lounge suits. The penny loafers for men first started gaining popularity as Norwegian leisure slippers with moccasin construction; they were exported to the rest Europe in the 1930s and in quickly caught on with the American tourists and having great exposure on magazines such as Esquire. The penny loafers for men itself is characterized by a low profile and features a soft leather or rubber sole. In the case of the driving loafer, rubber nubs protrude through a leather sole giving one zero traction while walking. A less casual, earlier type of loafers is made with side gussets called a dress loafer. Made in the same shape as lace-up Oxfords, only lacking the laces, elasticized inserts on the side permit the shoe to be removed easily, but remain comfy when worn.

The penny loafers for men are the most versatile shoes in a man’s wardrobe. They can also be worn with sports coat and tie if it is well constructed and polished even though they are better known as dress shoes. Likewise, loafers for men may be dressed down with a pair of jeans for a fashionable weekend or evening look. Fashion designers have had their share in the evolution of the penny loafers for men, from the classy and elegant style by Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger, to the more modern styles of Kenneth Cole and Michael Kor and the innovative addition of Gucci’s miniature horsebit.  There will always be a loafer for every occasion you can think of.

Loafers for men enjoy general use as a casual and informal shoe worn for work and leisure in the United States of America and the less formal European countries like Britain and Paris, the laced up style is much more preferred for formal occasions though. Besides the classic brown or black leather, suede and cordovan loafers are also quite popular in the market. The loafer has started as shoe for men but has recently gained popularity among women as well as leading designers began manufacturing loafers for women and usually worn with socks and stockings but are more popularly worn with skirts and bare legs. The loafer is a very comfortable sock free shoe in casual circumstances.

Loafers shoes for men are very popular in any age bracket, from the professionals who were them with dress suits to work, to the college students who pair them up with jeans, pants, and shorts. They are so versatile and are available in a myriad of colors, materials, designer brands and styles. Even with celebrities, Loafers for men are quite in a rage; Michael Jackson for example, has made loafers as a part of his signature style is essential in doing his trademark moonwalk move.

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