The loafer is back — never really went away: a slip-on that slides as smoothly under a suit as it does under cropped chinos. No laces, no fuss — and yet anything but casual, provided you choose the right model and the right leather. In this style guide for men's loafers we discuss the main types, the brands that stand out for their craftsmanship, the materials and construction, sizing advice and how to style and care for your loafers. That way you choose a pair with confidence that will last for years. Feel free to browse the full range of men's loafers and moccasins.
The main types of loafers
Not every loafer is the same, and the difference lies in the detail above the vamp. Four variants form the basis:
- Penny loafer — the classic, recognisable by the leather strap with the narrow slit across the vamp. Versatile and timeless, equally at home with denim as with trousers.
- Tassel loafer — finished with two tassels. Slightly more formal and dressy; a nice choice under a suit without looking stiff.
- Bit loafer (or Gucci-bit) — with a metal bar in bar setting form across the toe. Refined and with a touch of allure; the version that stands out most.
- Moccasin — the softest, most relaxed variant, often with a flexible sole and hand-stitched seam. Casual and comfortable, ideal for warmer days.
Which one you choose depends on the occasion: the smoother the leather and the tighter the line, the more formal the pair looks.
Brands with craftsmanship: Santoni, Hogan and Nubikk
With a loafer, everything revolves around construction, and brands make the difference. For handmade Italian loafers, look to Santoni: the family business from the Marche is known for the deep, hand-built patina and full-grain leather that only gets better with age. The Santoni shoes in our collection show how far craftsmanship can go — from the polished finish to the supple sole.
Looking for something sportier, Hogan offers a lighter, contemporary interpretation with distinctive rubber soles and comfortable fit; check out the Hogan models for men. Nubikk, finally, translates the classic loafer into a more accessible, contemporary silhouette with fresh colours and a relaxed feel — a nice entry into the genre without compromising on leather quality.
Materials and construction
The quality of a loafer is evident from the leather and construction. Full-grain calf leather is the most popular: it breathes, wears beautifully and develops its own patina over time. Suede gives a softer, casual look that works perfectly in summer, while polished leather suits the smarter models. Look for Blake or hand-stitched construction: this makes the shoe flexible and lightweight, exactly what you want in a slip-on. A good loafer feels supple from day one, without the stiffness of a heavily broken-in sole. In our men's shoes you'll find models in a variety of leather types and finishes.
Sizing advice and fit
Loafers are worn without socks or with invisible socks, and that requires a precise fit: too loose and you'll slip out, too tight and the leather pinches. Generally loafers fit true to size, but Italian brands like Santoni and Hogan often run a bit narrower than you might be used to from a sporty sneaker. If you're unsure between sizes and have wider feet, choose the larger size. Keep in mind that supple leather will give a little after a few wears and will mould to your foot. Try them on preferably at the end of the day, when your feet are at their largest, and make sure your heel doesn't slip when walking.
Styling: from suit to casual
The strength of the loafer is its range. Under a suit, a tassel or bit loafer effortlessly replaces the classic lace-up shoe and gives your outfit a bit more character — combine with cropped trousers so the ankle remains visible. For a smart-casual look, wear a penny loafer with chinos or neat jeans with rolled cuffs. In summer, the moccasin is at its best: airy, to be worn barefoot and perfect with linen trousers. The rule of thumb: the more formal the occasion, the smoother the leather and the darker the colour. For a sporty day, feel free to switch to a sneaker; read about that in our Hogan sneakers guide or the broader comparison of designer sneakers.
Care: keeping your loafers beautiful
Good leather deserves attention. Brush your loafers clean after wearing and regularly apply a colourless or matching shoe cream to nourish the leather and maintain the shine. Keep suede in condition with a special brush and waterproofing spray. Use cedarwood shoe trees: they absorb moisture and preserve the shape. Always let a wet pair dry slowly at room temperature, never on a radiator. And alternate your loafers with another pair so the leather can recover between wears — that way they'll last season after season.
Buying loafers at Eleganza
Eleganza is an official retailer of brands such as Santoni, Hogan and Nubikk. You order with free shipping, fast delivery and easy returns, and with decades of experience in premium fashion we're happy to advise you on model, leather and size. Dive into our collection of loafers and moccasins for men, discover the handmade Santoni loafers or explore the full range of men's shoes.
Frequently asked questions
Do you wear loafers with or without socks?
Both work; invisible socks keep it neat and fresh.
Are loafers suitable for summer?
Excellent — they are airy and smart at the same time.
Check out the Santoni loafers for men or discover more in our men's shoes. Eleganza is an official retailer — free shipping and easy returns.
