Everything you need to know about loafers

With these warm temperatures, we tend to dress a bit lighter and more summery. Unfortunately, shorts and flip-flops are generally not accepted in the workplace. But don't despair! There is a type of footwear with which you can appear stylishly at the office and effortlessly get through the day. GENTS is of course talking about the loafer. Discover everything you need to know about loafers here!

The cliché goes that women have a separate pair of shoes in the closet for every season and type of weather. Generally speaking, men have fewer options for what they can wear. Fortunately, there is indeed an option available for very summery, warm weather like we've had this past week: loafers. These stylish shoes are available in various styles. Moreover, loafers are extremely suitable for both formal and casual outfits. Are you curious why loafers are such a good investment for this summer? GENTS will explain it to you!

Elegant slip-ons

The loafer is a shoe with a relatively low entry. This makes it easy to slip on, which is why this shoe is also called a "slip-on." In addition to the convenience of putting on the shoe, this footwear is also known for its distinctive style. The slip-on is informal compared to a lace-up or patent leather shoe. At the same time, this type of shoe is formal in relation to a sneaker or slipper. Combined with the fact that these shoes are not as warm as lace-ups makes slip-ons extremely suitable to wear to the office when temperatures rise above 25 degrees. When you wear a pair of elegant slip-ons, you won't hear any comments!

Loafer specifications

Slip-ons are generally classic shoes. The first slip-ons were worn in 1847. Nowadays, however, there are all kinds of modern variants available. Don't know how to recognize a real loafer? GENTS is happy to help. We've listed the specifications of slip-ons for you:

1. A slip-on is always a low shoe. This means the ankle is exposed and the shoe doesn't fit too tightly around your foot.
2. An authentic loafer has no laces. After all, it is a slip-on shoe.
3. Slip-ons typically have a heel, albeit with a low profile. Only moccasins are an exception to this.
4. The sole of the shoe is always separate from the upper.

Different types of slip-ons

Of course, there are a number of slip-ons for sale that have a distinctive appearance. In other words, there are different types of loafers on the market. Terms like penny, kilt and tassel are thrown around. But what do they all stand for? They indicate which characteristic features the loafers have. To guide you a bit through the world of loafers, GENTS covers the 5 most well-known types of slip-ons.

1. The classic loafer; the penny

When we talk about the classic slip-on, we mean the penny slip-on. You recognize this type of footwear by the iconic leather band that runs across the instep. The slip-on owes its name to this band. An opening has been made in this band where you can place a small penny (a coin). This slip-on dates from the 1950s and is therefore often called "the classic slip-on." You wear these slip-ons best as a complement to a formal outfit, because they are fairly formal shoes.

2. The kilt loafer

Another well-known slip-on is the kilt. These shoes are essentially a tribute to traditional Scottish dress. You recognize these slip-ons by the elegant tassels on the instep. This makes this variant very similar to the tassel loafer. However, the difference lies in the striking embellishment that is also found on the instep of the kilt slip-on. There you see a pattern that resembles the Scottish kilt, hence the name. These slip-ons are typically worn at various events.

3. The tassel loafer

As mentioned earlier, this type of slip-on is very similar to the kilt variant. With these slip-ons you see a decorative tassel on the instep. Logically, this type of slip-on owes its name to this. You typically find these slip-ons made only from suede. Although nowadays shoes with this recognizable design are also made from leather. These slip-ons are somewhat less formal than the penny variant, which is why you can wear them excellently at events with a casual or semi-formal dress code.

4. The Gucci loafer; the snaffle slip-on

When the major fashion houses noticed that slip-ons were becoming increasingly popular, they decided to bring their own variant to the market. Each fashion house came up with a design. Ultimately, one really broke through: the snaffle loafer. However, this term is used less frequently. We rather speak of Gucci slip-ons, because the Italian designer created this design. The Gucci slip-on is recognizable by the gold metal band that runs across the instep. When you see the band, it reminds you of a kind of clasp. You wear these slip-ons with stylish jeans or with a suit with a fairly casual appearance.

5. The driving loafer

Finally, GENTS would like to mention the driving loafers. This variant of the slip-on has a special origin story: the shoe was designed to make driving expensive cars easier. Thanks to these stylish loafers, the driver doesn't have to commit a faux-pas (wearing shoes that don't match the rest of the outfit). On the sole of this loafer you'll find a remarkable tread pattern designed to create more grip on the pedals while driving. In addition to the iconic sole, you also recognize driving loafers by the bow that runs horizontally. On the instep, this bow takes the form of a leather band. If you're looking for a practical slip-on for the summer or in general, then this loafer is really a recommendation! Thanks to the design, these loafers are very accessible and you can wear them easily throughout the day.

A stylish, airy outfit for the office

So with these tropical temperatures, don't you feel like sweating at the office? Then be smart and wear light clothing that is also stylish. GENTS advises you to combine loafers with chinos and a polo shirt. Don't have this at home? Then put on your nicest jeans and top it with a shirt made from breathable material. Besides, short-sleeved shirts are also accepted when it's as warm as today. Whatever you wear to the office or workplace, with a pair of neat loafers you can be sure that your feet won't get too warm.