In our humble opinion, the loafer is the king of the formal shoe world.
It’s a silhouette that does it all. Whether you wear them with jeans, a smart-casual trouser or a suit, they’re a sartorial staple that finishes of any look with a sense of ease and elegance. Better yet, you can easily swap them with your favourite kicks to dress up your look without compromising on comfort.
When sifting through the many styles on offer, there are a couple categories to look out for. First up, there’s penny loafers. Aptly named as, back in the 30s when they were invented, their trademark leather strap with a small slit was used to carry a coin for emergency payphone calls.
Next, there’s bit loafers. These boast metal hardware front and centre and were popularised by Gucci in the 60s. Then, in 2015, Alessandro Michele, creative director at the Italian house, looked to the brand’s archives to show an updated version for his autumn/winter show - gaining them hype once more.
Whichever you prefer, the options are endless. We’d always recommend having at least one brown and one black so all of the possible colour palettes are taken care of, and then a summer-ready two-tone style is a necessity for the true loafer afficionados.
For a timeless classic, heritage brands G.H.Bass and Sebago are a great place to start. Offering the signature penny loafer in a range of hues, their designs look as though they could have been plucked from an Ivy League university from a bygone era - argyle socks not included.
If you’re looking for something chunky, it’s Prada and Grenson that should be on your wishlist. The former, a fashion insider favourite, will garner many an admiring glance from other stylish men-about-town, whilst the latter guarantees first-rate quality and contemporary silhouettes.
So, without further ado, it’s time to find your new footwear companion in our edit below.
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G.H.Bass Easy Weejun Penny Loafers Wine
G.H.Bass is a master of the penny loafer. Coming in a rich wine high-shine leather with a handsewn construction and leather outsole, these would look best worn with indigo or cream denim - and you could amp-up the preppy vibe with an argyle sock.
If the burgundy isn’t to your taste, they have endless colourways available too so you can find the shade to suit.
Buy now £130.00, Office
Grenson Peter
With its signature chunky yet lightweight soles, Grenson is the brand to have on your radar for comfortable dress shoes. The British heritage label boasts over 150 years experience in the footwear field, so you can be sure it knows its way around a pair of loafers.
Crafted using a polished brown colorado leather with a tonal sole, it’s a contemporary take on the classic that will elevate your workwear wardrobe to new heights.
Buy now £295.00, Grenson
Prada brushed leather loafers
The holy grail of all loafers, Prada’s iconic design is sought after by fashion editors and street stylers alike. Adorned with the Italian fashion house’s signature triangle logo plaque and featuring a chunky sole, this shoe exudes luxury and will add a touch of class to any outfit.
Buy now £920.00, Prada
Camper Twins Multicolored leather loafers for men
Every man needs at least one statement loafer in their arsenal - and we think Camper’s neutral colourway makes a convincing case to add to your collection.
Offering both form and function, they boast the brand’s patented cushioning technology, a calfskin upper and a rubber outsole. You’ll never want to take them off.
Buy now £165.00, Camper
Clarks Badell Slip Black Leather
Footwear high street hero Clarks always comes through with a selection of reliable, quality shoes at a great price.
Designed using the label’s patented technology, they’re ultra-lightweight, even through the cleated soles have a stylish, chunky aesthetic. Ticking all of the boxes for £90, it’s a no brainer.
Buy now £90.00, Clarks
Sebago Dan Leather Loafer - Black
Boasting an archive of penny loafers that dates back to 1946, Sebago’s classic loafer has been inspired by over 75 years of history.
Crafted using an ultra-smooth leather with expert craftsmanship, it’s a comfortable and durable design that will live in your footwear collection for years to come.
Buy now £133.99, Tradeinn
Duke + Dexter Birch X White Pebble Grain Penny Loafer
If you’re in the market for a two-tone penny loafer, look no furter than Duke + Dexter. The London-based brand not only offers them in various colourways, but also with illustrations that range from a collaboration with Playboy to traditional Mediterranean-inspired prints of fruit.
One of the most versatile options (and our favourite) is this brown and white combo made using a pebble grain leather, which, like the entire range, has been handmade in England.
Buy now £220.00, Duke + Dexter
Dunhill Rivet Loafer
These vintage-inspired Dunhill loafers wouldn’t look out of place wandering the grounds of an Ivy League university in the early 1900s.
Discreetly embellished with two monogrammed brass rivets, it’s an understated design that oozes luxury. Even better, it has a padded insole and calfskin lining for optimum comfort.
Buy now £695.00, Dunhill
Grenson Jefferson
Although Grenson’s Jefferson looks like a hefty number, the bulky Commando sole is lighter than air, creating a featherweight shoe which still packs a preppy punch. Pair them with wide leg work pants or straight leg jeans for a sophisticated yet cool date night look.
Buy now £305.00, Grenson
