Some shoes work for one setting and not much else, but loafers are different. They’re professional enough for the office but still feel right at home with jeans, chinos, and other casual staples. That versatility makes loafers the perfect shoe to pull an outfit together without looking overdressed. And with a variety of materials and details to choose from, there’s a loafer out there for nearly every wardrobe.
Let’s explore the most popular types of loafers and where each one looks best, from business casual dress codes to weekend dinners and fall outings.
The Main Types of Loafers
Even though most loafers are appropriate for the workplace, some are better for times you’re off the clock. Once you know the main types of loafers and what sets each shoe apart, it’s easier to find the right pair for your everyday rotation.
Penny Loafers
Penny loafers are a classic shoe style and probably the first one that comes to mind when you hear the word “loafer.” They have a smooth, streamlined shape and distinctive leather strap along the vamp — the front part that covers your toes and the top of your foot. Originally, that strap featured a small slot designed to hold a penny for an emergency phone call, which is where this shoe gets its name.
You can wear penny loafers with business casual attire just as easily as dark denim or your favorite chinos, as the simple design lets you dress them up or down depending on the occasion. Style them with socks for the office or go sockless for an easygoing, off-duty look.
Styling tip: Reach for cognac or dark brown leather penny loafers, since these shades have the most versatility and look good with almost everything in your closet.
Bit Loafers
Bit loafers (or horsebit loafers) originated in Florence, drawing inspiration from equestrian gear and the city’s tradition of fine leather craftsmanship. They were first introduced as Gucci loafers in 1953, combining the ease of a slip-on with a more sophisticated finish. Even now, bit loafers stand out for their sleek design and signature metal horsebit detail on the vamp.
This shoe is a great way to elevate a business casual outfit without entering formal territory. The metal hardware gives bit loafers a dressier appearance that helps a basic look, like navy chinos and a white dress shirt, feel more refined.
Styling tip: Let the hardware details do the talking by keeping the rest of your outfit relatively understated, like tailored trousers paired with a crisp button-down.
Tassel Loafers
Tassel loafers feature a rounded toe, low heel, and decorative leather tassels across the front. Their design dates back to the 1940s, when Hungarian-born actor Pál Lukács (Paul Lukas) brought a European lace-up shoe to New York and asked local shoemakers to recreate it. In 1948, the Alden Shoe Company adapted the idea into a slip-on version still worn today.
Tassel loafers became popular among Ivy League students, Hollywood stars, and business professionals who wanted a relaxed shoe with a slightly preppy feel. They pair well with richer fall fabrics like wool and tweed, which complement the loafer’s academic appeal.
Styling tip: Try dark brown or black tassel loafers with a gray or navy suit when temperatures drop. Casual loafers are a small switch that gives this combination more character.
Moc Toe/Driving Loafers
A moc toe (mocassin toe) refers to the U-shaped piece of leather stitched across a shoe’s toe box, creating a distinct raised seam. Meanwhile, a driving loafer is a specific type of slip-on with a soft, flexible sole covered in small rubber nubs that give the shoes extra traction. The two often go together, but you’ll also see moc toe construction on boat shoes, work boots, and even some dressier penny loafers.
Moc toe driving loafers can be worn anywhere you want to keep things comfortable, whether that’s weekend plans or casual Fridays at the office. This is the most laid-back style of the group, but it looks sleeker than an average sneaker or canvas shoe.
Styling tip: Wear your driving loafers with chinos or slim-fit denim, then add a casual shirt or lightweight sweater and you have a go-to outfit for any day of the week.
Are Loafers Business Casual?
Loafers are a business casual staple because they fall right in the sweet spot between formal and everyday footwear. They’re less rigid than laced Oxfords but more elevated than sneakers. Plus, they pair effortlessly with business casual essentials like blazers and tailored trousers.
For non-traditional offices and creative workplaces, you can’t go wrong with penny, bit, or tassel loafers in leather or suede — but stick with shades like black and dark brown for the most flexibility. Style your loafers with fitted dress pants, button-down shirt, and blazer for a thoughtful look that doesn’t lean too stiff.
Keep in mind that loafer outfits don’t work for every situation. For example, they’re not right for business formal environments or black-tie events, since these settings call for proper dress shoes.
Matching Loafers to the Dress Code
Loafers can take you from work to a weekend dinner, as long as the rest of your outfit matches the tone you’re dressing for.
- Business casual: Pair a penny or bit loafer with dress pants for an office-ready look.
- Smart casual: Try a tassel or penny loafer and slim-fit trousers for a more relaxed feel.
- Casual: Wear a driving loafer and fitted denim for both comfort and style.
How To Wear Loafers for Men in the Fall
While loafers with shorts are a trendy summer look, fall gives you even more ways to wear this classic footwear. To style loafers in cooler months, let your socks become a noticeable part of your outfit. Try tonal dress socks, like a ribbed merino pair in charcoal or navy, with tailored trousers and dark brown or black penny loafers. If you prefer suede loafers, add textured socks in a chunky knit or choose a pattern like a small check or argyle for a bolder statement.
Then, pull in some fall-friendly fabrics. Penny loafers are easy to wear with flannel, corduroy, and wool trousers, but if you want a dressier combination, pair tassel loafers with tweed pants and a knit top. When you’re keeping it casual, chinos and dark denim also work nicely with tassel or moc toe loafers.
Best Loafer Colors for Fall
You can still wear the usual black and brown shades in the fall, but this time of year offers more room to experiment with color. Cognac pairs naturally with the season’s warmer tones, whereas burgundy and oxblood add a richer touch to an otherwise neutral outfit.
Along with that, consider going with suede loafers in the fall instead of smooth leather. Soft suede is the perfect material to wear with wool and tweed because it adds contrast to those heavier fabrics.
Fall Loafer Outfits To Try
Whether you’re heading to work, meeting friends over the weekend, or dressing up for a fall event, you can build a look around your loafers that’s suited to the occasion.
The Business Casual Look
For a typical workday, opt for dark brown bit or penny loafers. Pair them with wool trousers and a knit sweater, or swap in a button-down and blazer to level up the look. These structured pieces give the shoes more polish without feeling too formal for the workplace.
The Weekend Look
For a weekend ensemble, wear suede penny loafers with chinos or dark-wash denim, flannel shirt, and a lightweight jacket. Put on patterned socks for a little more flair, and finish with a leather belt. The suede and flannel combo give your outfit texture and a lived-in feel, but they won’t read as overly styled.
The Dressed-Up Fall Look
For times you want to step up your look, go with a tassel loafer and a suit or sport coat in an autumn-inspired tone like rust or olive. Choose darker socks that work with the rest of the outfit, and accessorize with a similarly dark belt and simple metal watch. The tassel detail on the loafer looks dressy enough but less formal than a traditional lace-up dress shoe.
Men’s Wearhouse Helps You Step Into Fall
Fall is a great time to see just how versatile loafers can be. Penny and bit loafers can refine your workwear, while tassel and moc toe styles work especially well with cooler-weather outfits. Choosing the right pair really comes down to what’s already in your fall lineup and how dressy you want to go.
A little guidance on sizing can go a long way in finding shoes that feel as good as they look. At Men’s Wearhouse, you can browse loafers that match your style and get expert sizing advice to make sure you’re ready for every activity the season brings.
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