Do You Have To Put A Penny In Penny Loafers

They may accept been around for the all-time function of a century, merely penny loafers are more relevant today than they've ever been. If you're later on a classic, versatile shoe that's merely-smart-enough, then look no farther.

Penny loafers are an easy-to-habiliment style that tin can be worn for a wide range of social occasions and dress codes, and are well worth a spot in your shoe rotation. Just what exactly are they and how should you habiliment them?

What are penny loafers?

A slip-on fashion shoe, penny loafers are defined by a modest particular located on the vamp. Across it, on the tiptop of the shoe you lot'll find an additional stylised piece of leather with a small cut-out, which gives the shoe its name. In the '40s and '50s American higher students took to the style, putting pennies in the cut-out, partly as a way to stand out, but mostly and then they had modify to pay for telephone calls home. Penny loafers were born.

A elementary style, they're often slim in profile and as a result don't look out of place worn with tailoring. A laceless design ensures pennies don't stray besides far into formal territory though, meaning they combine well with denim and workwear.

History of penny loafers

One thousand.H. Bass is heavily linked to the penny loafer - the US make popularised the style when it brought information technology to America dorsum in 1936. The design was inspired past traditional Norwegian fisherman'south shoes and, as a nod to this, Yard.H. Bass called its version the 'Weejun' to pay homage to its origins. Initially the American market favoured their Weejuns every bit house slippers, simply information technology didn't accept long for them to exist worn out and about.

Information technology was those penny-wearing Ivy League college students who helped brand the style a coincidental menswear staple, adopting it every bit their de facto uniform and giving birth to its preppy reputation. American higher students continued to rock penny loafers on campus throughout the '50s and '60s, and were further bolstered by prep-king John F. Kennedy, who besides enjoyed them throughout his (most stylish) presidency.

Penny loafers were also enjoyed by everyone from James Dean and Paul Newman to sub-cultures like the mods and rude boys to Michael Jackson, who wore his Weejuns while moonwalking. Today, penny loafers maintain an air of preppiness but can be incorporated into a range of looks. Versatile and effortless, they'll end off tailoring or a layered weekend expect with ease.

What to wear with penny loafers

Laid back

Slim dark denim never fails to look cool when worn with penny loafers. Become for raw denim or black jeans and pair them with a similarly nighttime T-shirt for a classic off-duty look.

Mid-century cool

Hark dorsum to the penny loafer'due south mid-century Ivy League heyday and opt for a pair of high-waisted trousers. Make sure to have the hems tailored or but roll them up to allow some of your socks to show underneath, and complete the look with a long-sleeve polo shirt.

Office ready

Penny loafers are more than advisable for a smart office look. A 1000.H. Bass oxblood pair adds a point of difference and will jazz up an otherwise minimally-styled outfit consisting of slim trousers and a plain white shirt. A classic mac glaze completes the look, harking back to the mods of the 1960s.

Best penny loafers for men in 2022

Baudoin & Lange Sagan G Penny

Baudoin & Lange's Northampton-made loafers are made to stand the test of fourth dimension, handcrafted from a special selection of French calf and expertly polished past hand. A refined last and adaptive footbed ensure ultimate all-mean solar day comfort, while a hand-stained sole epitomises the elegance that Baudoin & Lange is renowned for.

Duke & Dexter Blackness Cognac Penny Loafer

These made-in-England Duke & Dexter men's penny loafers are equally luxurious as they come up. The elegant blackness leather upper with matching black crepe rubberised sole and contrasting stitching make them the perfect finishing touch for your everyday ensembles, as well as ideal for pairing with the more formal tailoring pieces in your wardrobe.

Myrqvist Stenhammer Black Suede Loafers

These made-to-order penny loafers from Swedish footwear label Myrqvist exude elegance. They're guaranteed to stand the examination of fourth dimension, cheers to their sturdy Goodyear-welted construction, leather board heel caps and cork filling and premium water repellant suede.

Velasca Daziee Penny Loafers

Despite their advent, these sophisticated loafers from Velasca are surprisingly not truthful penny loafers. They are designed to resemble the tapered shape and construction of the tassel loafer, sans tassel. With a construction method that is like shooting fish in a barrel to repair, these sleek sideslip ons volition last you lot years and years.

Oliver Cabell Driver Loafers

These Oliver Cabell Commuter Loafers will have you going from 0 to 60 in a matter of seconds, with full control. The comfy moccasin style design will keep you calm, absurd and collected behind the wheel. Meanwhile the safety grip construction on the sole means your pes will never sideslip off the pedal, which yous can put straight to the metal.

Looking for more shoe inspiration? Check out our ultimate guide to men's summer shoes.