The 7 Best Men’s Loafers, From Formal To Casual | Cool Material (2024)

In my humble opinion, a loafer really is the best shoe. A real platonic ideal of footwear. They’re easy to style, easy to slip on, and, with a variety of options, there’s always a new way to wear them or refresh your wardrobe.

Yet loafers have fallen in popularity over the years when it comes to menswear. With the rise of the hype economy around sneakers, a good pair of loafers have taken a backseat. Which is unfortunate, because a loafer versus a sneaker–or boot, sandal, or even clog–offers more versatility and style options.

Whether you’re looking to throw on a pair for a walk on the beach or slip on a pair for more formal occasions like a wedding, these are some of the best loafers on the market today.

What To Look For In Men's Loafers
  • Material:

    Leather is a more durable material, while suede is more breathable and stylish.

  • Color:

    Black and brown are classic loafer colors that can be dressed up or down. If you want something more unique, you could try a lighter color like tan or navy, or a patterned loafer.

  • Style:

    There are three main styles of loafers: penny loafers, tassel loafers, and horsebit loafers. Penny loafers have a small leather tab across the vamp, while tassel loafers have a decorative tassel. Horsebit loafers have a metal bit across the vamp.

  • Construction:

    Loafers are typically made using either Blake stitching or Goodyear welting. Blake stitching is a simpler and less expensive construction method, while Goodyear welting is more durable.

  • Fit:

    Loafers should fit snugly but not too tightly--you should be able to wiggle your toes comfortably.

The 7 Best Men’s Loafers, From Formal To Casual | Cool Material (1)

Fort Worth Brown Sabah

For a decade now, Sabah has been producing some of the best loafers on the market. Handmade in Turkey, these loafers are built to last, while getting a much-loved patina after a few wears. Sabah uses an incredibly supple leather that molds to the foot and can easily be worn all year ‘round, making it a loafer that’s just begging to be your perennial travel companion from destination weddings to weekend beach getaways.

Buy: $210

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Amberjack Loafer

For a business-casual option, Amberjack’s loafer bridges the gap between style and comfort. The design pairs well with chinos and dresses up your outfit without looking too formal. But the real one-two punch of this shoe is the dual-function athletic outsole and heat-activated insole, making for all-day comfort without any fatigue after a few hours of wear.

Buy: $179

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Stubbs & Wootton Cheetah Loafer

Stubbs & Wootton’s star continues to rise and part of their success is their ability to seamlessly partner with just about anyone. From wallpaper brands like Scalamandre to the Monopoly man himself, Stubbs & Wootton’s classic loafer design is the best backdrop for subtle, often cheeky, motifs. Their loafers are extremely popular for weddings and it’s easy to see why – they’re clever without being ostentatious and classy without being formal. A winning combination in anyone’s book.

Buy: $650

The 7 Best Men’s Loafers, From Formal To Casual | Cool Material (4)

GH Bass 1936 Logan Flat Strap

WeejunBilled as the original penny loafer, GH Bass’ Weejuns have remained the most popular line from the brand. Worn by the likes of Grace Kelly and Paul Newman alike, the simple loafer’s provenance has elevated Bass to a cult status. While that’s one aspect of the shoe that’s interesting and all, they’re also just a well-constructed loafer that has a minimal silhouette, making them ideal for everyday wear without much fuss.

Buy: $175

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Blackstock & Weber Mason Horsebit Loafer

If you’re looking for a loafer with a lot of style, Blackstock & Weber might be your top pick. Many of the brand’s offerings have a thick sole, giving them a slightly fashion-forward look, while their classic construction makes them a great choice for anyone, no matter your personal style. The horsebit detailing on their Mason loafer is great for those who like a little bit of eyecandy without veering into flamboyant territory.

Buy: $395

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Belgian Shoes Mr. Casual All Calf Loafer

The ultimate shoe for those in the IYKYK crowd, the Belgian has a lot of cachet for Palm Beach goers and Upper East Side residents alike. With their old world charm and classic European look, these loafers are a bit formal but still extremely versatile for the right gentleman. The Mr. Casual is a personal favorite with the calf leather option being ideal for longterm, all-season wear.

Buy: $675

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Artemis Design Co. Loafers

Even if you don’t know the brand, you’ve undoubtedly come across a photo or two of Artemis Design Co.’s loafers on your Instagram feed. Utilizing old kilim and carpets, these handmade loafers come in a variety of colors, patterns, and even textures, making for a great conversation starter and an even better shoe.

Buy: $268

  • Shoes
The 7 Best Men’s Loafers, From Formal To Casual | Cool Material (2024)

FAQs

Which loafers brand is best? ›

  • G.H. Bass. ...
  • Gucci. From the coveted handbags to those logo-tastic belts, there are so many reasons to love Gucci. ...
  • Tod's. Here's a brand who's history goes back to the early 1920s. ...
  • Church's. There aren't many brands that can say that their origin story begins in the 1600s, except for Church's. ...
  • Grenson. ...
  • Hereu. ...
  • Aeyde. ...
  • Loro Piana.
Feb 7, 2024

Which loafer is most formal? ›

Horsebit Loafers: These loafers feature a metal adornment that resembles a horse's bit. This unique element adds a classic touch to the shoes, making them perfect loafers for formal wear. 4. Driving Loafers: Driving loafers feature a rubber sole to give you a better grip while you drive.

Are loafers casual or formal? ›

You can wear loafers for formal and casual wear, as they come in many different materials; when made out of leather, loafers serve as a good pair of dress shoes, and those made of fabric can be for smart casual wear. Loafers are versatile, comfortable, and easy to take on and off.

Are loafers still in style for men? ›

Loafers are never out of style. Loafers are classic versatile and cool, and there are plenty of little tweaks that brands can make to them so that they feel especially fresh like adding some thick sole or with a flat penny. The flat penny loafers and the like are great, too, and they'll never go out of style.

What is the best material for loafers? ›

Material. Most loafers are made of leather or synthetic faux leather (which is often a form of plastic). The finish can vary from suede to matte to patent leather and is largely a matter of style and personal preference.

Should you size up or down when buying loafers? ›

Penny loafers should fit closer to the feet than Oxfords and other lace-up shoes. The absence of laces means wearers will often sizing down to ensure a close fit.

What type of person wears loafers? ›

If you're someone who loves sophistication and elegance, then loafers may be just the thing you need! Despite its simple style, the loafer is a classy item, perfect for dressing up an outfit. Moreover, loafers can be worn for both casual and formal occasions, which makes them extremely versatile .

Which color loafers go with everything? ›

As we know black is a classic and neutral color that can complement a variety of outfits. That is why black penny loafers are suitable for both formal and casual occasions. The sleek and sophisticated design of penny loafers adds a touch of elegance to your overall look.

Should men wear socks with loafers? ›

In most business and professional environments, it isn't appropriate to show your bare ankle. In these instances, you'll always want to pair your loafers with dress socks. Loafers are designed to fit snuggly, so dress socks will be thin enough to comfortably fit while also tying together your look.

Are loafers still cool? ›

Loafers, in all their forms, are a timeless wardrobe essential. This season, however, chunky lug-sole styles are the undeniable standout, pairing well with everything from modern workwear to warming winter dresses.

Do you wear socks with loafers? ›

Yes, you can wear socks with loafers. In fact, wearing loafers with socks is the preferred approach. This is one of the key distinctions between loafers vs slippers. With that said, some men and women will forego socks on occasion.

Are penny loafers cool? ›

In my humble opinion, no shoe style is more deserving of a place in your spring wardrobe than a pair of penny loafers. With the sole of a boot and the shape of a ballet flat, these iconic leather slippers offer the functionality and styling versatility that a springtime shoe calls for.

What brand of loafers does the queen wear? ›

With her black patent Anello & Davide loafers, distinctive black Launer handbag and black or white gloves, Elizabeth II knew what worked and used that knowledge. The queen was once described as “power dressing in extremis” for using vibrant shades to make herself stand out from the crowd.

What loafers does Meghan Markle wear? ›

Sarah Flint, a shoe designer based in the UK, is a long-time favorite of Meghan Markle — and the brand just released a new shoe style for 2020. The Ilene loafer from Sarah Flint is a sleek flat, available in leather and suede, that perfectly encapsulates the polished style the brand is known for.

What loafers does the queen wear? ›

For more than five decades, Elizabeth has been wearing custom-made loafers by West London shoemaker Anello & Davide. Since they cost £1,000 a pair (that's more than $1,400 in Yankee money), it's no wonder the queen wears the low-heeled loafers with nearly all her outfits, both casual and formal.

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