Why are loafers a must-have in the men's wardrobe?

Summary

Introduction: The history of loafers

Originally, loafers were worn by Indigenous peoples of North America. The word "loafers" derives from the Native American term makasin, which simply means "shoe". Handcrafted from soft leather, they were designed to be lightweight, silent, flexible, and durable: perfect for walking on all terrains. It was in the early 20th century that loafers began to appeal to Europeans, initially as indoor or leisure footwear for men. Styles evolved and became increasingly sophisticated, with more structured models adapted to urban life.

Since the 1960s, loafers have established themselves as a symbol of relaxed masculine elegance.

Men wearing linen loafers

Why are these city shoes a must-have for men?

Essential pieces in the men's wardrobe, men's loafers appeal for both everyday wear and professional looks. These stylish shoes are making a comeback because they perfectly meet current expectations: comfort, elegance, and versatility.

In a context where men seek easy-to-wear yet polished pieces, loafers tick all the boxes. Unlike more formal styles, they offer a refined look without appearing overly dressy.

Result: a sleek silhouette with a touch of controlled nonchalance.

They can be worn year-round and adapt to various styles: from jeans to suits, including chinos. True "chameleon" shoes, loafers suit almost any occasion.

Often designed without laces and featuring flexible soles, they provide great freedom of movement for your feet. Their lightness makes them comfortable for daily wear, both indoors and outdoors.

Choosing loafers means opting for a mature, timeless, and confident piece: a classic in men's dressing that reflects a strong appreciation for quality essentials.

The guide to choosing your loafers according to your style

Start by defining the occasion: when and in what context will you wear your loafers?

Whether for daily use, a business meeting, an evening out, or even a wedding, it’s important to select a pair suited to the setting.

Versatile and timeless, our loafers are designed to accompany you through every moment of your life.

  • A smooth leather loafer will be perfectly suited for office wear or formal events.
  • A suede model will add a softer, more relaxed touch, ideal for weekends or casual chic looks.

  • A grain leather model offers a beautiful balance between structure and flexibility, perfect for subtle everyday elegance.
Materials Benefits
Smooth or patent leather Elegant, formal, easy to maintain
Suede Soft, relaxed, but sensitive to moisture
Grain leather More textured, for a confident style or vintage spirit

The shape and style of the loafer are key in choosing your shoes.

The Penny Loafer: understated elegance for everyday wear

Among the classics, penny loafers are a staple of men's wardrobe. Recognizable by their leather strap across the vamp, these moccasins combine discretion and refinement.

Made from leather, they provide a sleek, structured look, ideal for both office days and formal events.

Designed for lasting comfort, our penny loafers feature an internal sole and meticulous finishing. They slip on easily and offer optimal support without sacrificing lightness.

Timeless, elegant, and versatile, penny loafers are the perfect choice for men seeking stylish footwear without excess. A reliable piece to keep in your wardrobe.

Tassel Loafers: the refined detail that makes a difference

Blending classic elegance with a bold style, tassel loafers, or slip-ons with decorative tassels, feature finely crafted leather tassels on the vamp, adding character and sophistication to the masculine silhouette.

Made from smooth leather, suede, or grain leather, these moccasins are suitable for both formal and more relaxed chic looks.

Designed for daily comfort, our tassel loafers combine flexibility and support thanks to carefully finished details. The sole and lined interior ensure a comfortable fit from morning to evening.

Subtle, elegant, and slightly daring, tassel loafers are an ideal alternative for those who want to remain classic while standing out with style.

Boat Shoes: relaxed style with refined elegance

Inspired by nautical themes, boat shoes have become a summer essential in men's wardrobe. Recognizable by their leather laces and rubber sole, they combine laid-back style with practicality.

Made from leather, they are designed to offer immediate comfort without compromising elegance. Their meticulous finishes and lightweight construction make them perfect for sunny days, whether by the sea, in the city, or on holiday.

Versatile, comfortable, and timeless, boat shoes are the finishing touch to a carefully curated yet relaxed style.

The elegance of derbies, from the office to special occasions

Recognizable by their open lacing, derbies Combine a polished yet modern allure.

Made from leather with the utmost care, they adapt to all occasions: a workday, an important appointment, or a ceremony.

They are not loafers, but they add a touch of elegance while maintaining lightness to your silhouette.

Colors for Every Style

Color plays a significant role in the style of your shoes. For our loafers, we’ve chosen a diverse palette that balances sobriety and originality. Natural tones like sand, cognac, tobacco, or camel offer a classic, easy-to-wear look. For those who like to venture off the beaten path, shades like burgundy or khaki add a subtle touch without overdoing it. Classic black and grained black remain reliable choices for a more formal look. Lastly, more unusual shades such as grey-green or linen bring a modern, distinctive note without sacrificing elegance.

Boat loafers placed side by side

Comfort First for Your Feet

Everything begins with a pair of shoes that feel good. That’s why we prioritize materials and details designed for durability, without compromising comfort.

Soles play a crucial role: natural crepe for flexibility, leather for a classic look, or rubber for better grip and resistance. Each choice has been made to fit your everyday needs.

A small tip: try on your shoes at the end of the day when your feet are slightly swollen; this will help you find the perfect size more easily.

Every detail matters: precise stitching, clean finishes, high-quality lining… everything is designed to ensure comfort and longevity.

The slightly raised heel provides good support and encourages a more natural posture, while adding a touch of elegance.

Man sitting on the back of a chair wearing beige loafers

Our Style Tips for Every Occasion

How to Elevate Your Looks with Loafers Today?

Loafers, timeless and versatile, have become a staple in men’s wardrobes. To update your outfits with loafers today, simply blend classic elegance with contemporary touches.

1. Play with Contrasts

Pair smooth leather loafers with jeans for a casual-chic look, or dare to wear suede loafers with tailored trousers for a relaxed yet elegant vibe. The contrast of textures adds depth to your outfit.

Man sitting on a chair wearing black loafers

2. Experiment with Colors

Don't hesitate to step away from classic black or brown shoes. Opt for camel,burgundy, or even tabac moccasins to add a touch of originality and personalize your style while remaining elegant.

Man standing wearing camel moccasins

3. Accessorize thoughtfully

A belt matching your moccasins, a watch, a colorful pocket square, or a pair of socks that will elevate your outfit and create a perfect visual harmony.

Pairs of socks

4. Choose the right pair for the occasion

Penny loafers for the office, tassel loafers for a chic dinner, or boat shoes for a relaxed day by the water: adapt your choice to subtly elevate your looks.

In short, mixing classic and daring elements, materials and colors with moccasins today means crafting an elegant, modern, and characterful silhouette.

Man standing against a wall wearing beige moccasins

Our favorite moccasin-inspired looks

Discover our style ideas with trendy moccasins, perfect for every season. Elegant or relaxed outfits to adopt throughout the year, according to your mood.

Close-up of looks with moccasinsClose-up of looks with moccasinsClose-up of looks with moccasinsClose-up of looks with moccasins

References:

Look Mathias: BALIBARIS - Shirt, LAFAURIE - Suit, HAST - Tie, PIED DE BICHE -Mathias

Look Octave: LAFAURIE - Sweater, BALIBARIS - Jeans, PIED DE BICHE - Octave

Look Hugo: HAST - Polo, HAST - Chino, PIED DE BICHE - Hugo

Look Olivier: HAST - Shirt, LAFAURIE - Chino, PIED DE BICHE - Olivier

4 mistakes to avoid when wearing moccasins

Choosing the wrong trousers

The choice of trousers is crucial: it shapes your silhouette and highlights your shoes.
When wearing moccasins, favor a fitted, slightly shortened pair of trousers that subtly exposes the ankle or allows for a carefully chosen thin sock to be visible. This discreet but essential detail gives your outfit a more modern and balanced look.

A precisely measured length, just above the ankle bone, avoids unnecessary creases and allows the loafer to sit perfectly within the overall silhouette.

In terms of materials, a lightweight chino or linen trousers pair beautifully with summer suede models, while in winter, flannel or corduroy trousers add a touch of sophisticated texture. Neutral tones—beige, gray, navy—remain safe choices, but don’t hesitate to explore deeper shades depending on the season.

As for socks, they should never be an afterthought. Invisible socks create a relaxed look, extending elegance down to the smallest details.

Wearing loafers at the wrong time

Loafers are not suited for everything, all the time. Reserve them for casual chic outfits: well-fitted jeans, tailored chinos, lightweight shirts, knit polos, or relaxed suits worn without a tie.

They fit seamlessly into a refined weekend wardrobe, for a dinner with friends, a casual day at the office, or a summer event.

However, avoid pairing them with overly formal attire (three-piece suits, tuxedos) or, conversely, too casual looks (beach shorts, joggers). Loafers require a certain coherence: neither too strict nor too relaxed.

For a bolder look, combine them with linen trousers, an overshirt, or a fine-knit turtleneck. When chosen carefully, loafers can become the centerpiece of a look that is both refined and personal.

These suggestions are not rules, just tips to add a touch more character to your outfits.

Neglecting maintenance

A loafer, whether in suede or smooth leather, reveals its full elegance through diligent care. Too often, one makes the mistake of wearing it in the rain, neglecting regular brushing or conditioning.

To preserve the beauty and longevity of your shoes, adopt essential routines: apply a water-repellent spray, use a shoehorn to maintain their shape, brush them frequently to remove dust and dirt, and hydrate the leather with specific products.

This way, your loafers will remain impeccable and continue to enhance your outfits with refinement, season after season.

The importance of socks

It’s common to overlook socks, thinking they matter little in the overall look. Yet, even when discreet, they play an essential role in balance and stylistic coherence. A poor choice can quickly undermine the elegance of an outfit, especially when wearing loafers.

A frequent mistake is opting for thick, white athletic socks, which are too visible. They break the line of the trousers, draw unnecessary attention, and diminish the finesse of the shoe.

Conversely, choosing the right socks can add a touch of refinement—sometimes subtle, but always impactful. For a summer look, opt for invisible socks that leave the ankle exposed and enhance the silhouette's lightness. 

It’s these subtle details that elevate an ordinary outfit into a carefully curated, personal and harmonious ensemble.