Can You Wear Loafers With A Suit? | Definitive Guide 2024
Loafers Are Versatile, Multi-Functional Shoes
Loafers are some of the most classic, versatile and simultaneously modern styles of shoes a man can (and should own).
Just like every piece of footwear though, loafers have their purpose and a lot depends on the setting, the weather, the dress code and in some cases: Culture & Location.
By following this Definitive Guide, you will be able to:
- Know the Do's & Don'ts of wearing Loafers with a Suit
- Identify the different types of loafers
- Pick the correct color and type of leather
- Learn about sock etiquette
I encourage you to read the entire article, but if you want a summary the answer is a resounding YES! You CAN wear loafers with a suit.
Let me show you how.
There Are 6 Main Types Of Loafers
Wait a minute, there are 6 Main Types of Loafers?
If you want to be technical, there are many more subcategories but for the sake of simplicity these are the ones you need to know.
1. Penny Loafers
Penny Loafers are some of the most iconic shoes in the world.
Simple yet elegant, this loafer design has a distinctive slit on the vamp.
Possibly the most versatile type of loafer since you can wear just as easy with a formal suit or linen shorts.
Penny Loafers are also some of the few types of shoes that offer an opportunity to make tasteful combinations with different leathers or shoes.
You should reserve those for special occasions though.
Icons: John Lobb Lopez
2. Tassel Loafers
Tassel Loafers are another iconic type of loafers.
They have a pair of tassels on the top of the vamp instead of a slit.
While very stylish, they definitely sit below the Penny Loafers in terms of formality.
You can wear them with a suit, but I would reserve them for a less formal, leisure type.
Icons: Crockett & Jones Cavendish
3. Horsebit Loafers
Horsebit loafers are more of a modern, fashion statement.
This type of loafers has a metal horsebit across the vamp.
It is often synonymous with Luxury Brands since Gucci popularized it many decades ago.
Reserve these for more casual suits and outfits.
Icons: Gucci Horsebit 1955
4. Belgian Loafers
The original Belgian Loafers have small tassels on the vamp and a distinctive apron in the front.
They are very stylish but definitely one of the least formal loafers in the list.
Icons: Henri Bendel (1950's)
5. Slippers
This is an interesting one, because all loafers are slip-on shoes.
Slippers are usually very simplistic looking shoes without many details or stitching.
They truly resemble slippers that you would have at home.
With the exception of wholecut loafers, I would consider them a style of loafers for a casual occasion.
Icons: Paolo Scafora Art. 727
6. Kiltie Loafers
Kiltie Loafers could be a blend of different styles with a piece of fringed leather on the top. A reminder of the classic Scottish Kilt if you may.
It's a very casual and particular style, not suitable for formal suits.
7. Others
As aforementioned, there are many more types of loafers.
String Loafers, Butterfly Loafers, Split-Toe Loafers, Buckle Loafers and more.
There are more often than not not worth your attentions when it comes to formal suiting.
Tip #1: Less Is More
Just like with most dress shoes, when it comes to formality less is always more.
Details like broguing, kilties, excessive strings and buckles will lower the formality of the shoes.
While you can get away with some subtle details, the main takeaway is that Penny Loafers and Tassel Loafers are your best (and easiest) choice if you intend to wear them with a more formal suit.
Tip #2: Three Colors
If your aim is to wear Loafers with a formal suit there are only 3 colors to consider.
Black, Dark Brown and Oxblood.
The most formal of them all will always be black and is the safe choice.
Whether you wear a a navy or charcoal suit, it will always match and look appropriate.
If you need to be formal (but not black formal), you can wear the next best things.
Dark Brown for a navy suit and Oxblood for either Charcoal or Navy.
If in doubt, always go for the black one.
Any other color is fine for less formal outfits.
Tip #3: Only Choose Smooth Calfskin
This is an easy one.
You have the style, you have the color and the (lack of) details.
Don't mess it up on the choice of leather.
The only type of leather that is appropriate for formal suits will be full grain smooth calfskin.
It is very important to avoid the high-shine glossy leathers, since they are corrected grain and lower quality leathers.
Suede is excellent but not correct for formal wear. Reserve it for for casual or leisure suits.
Tip #4: Choose A Leather Sole
Rubber soles have their place in footwear and various brands developed some great low-profile city soles.
But just like with oxfords or any other more formal footwear, the recommendation will always be a single leather sole.
Of course, the less formal the occasion or the suit means you can experiment with less formal soles.
Oh, and don't worry about rain and leather soles. A good leather sole will be able to take the rain like a champ.
Tip #5: Choose OTC Socks
If you plan to wear loafers with a more formal suit, you should only use OTC (over the calf) socks or similar.
Not wearing socks, or wearing no-show socks is a big no-no in a business environment.
In particular, not wearing socks will just chafe your foot, stain the leather and your sweat will eventually just soak into the leather.
Instead, opt for some nice socks that will stay up all day.
For colors, I recommend something that compliments your suit and shoes. Dark Navy or Dark Charcoal will always work well.
Tip: Check out an article about Socks!
What About Less Formal Suits?
Suits come in all shapes and forms.
A plain dark navy suit is formal, while a Solaro suit in cotton is inherently casual and for leisure.
The possibilities open up greatly here and the culture and weather certainly plays a role.
If you are in Italy for example, you can get away with much more since loafers are part of the culture.
Brown Loafers are an excellent way to change things up and show that taste and thought has gone into your outfit.
It's also an opportunity for you to experiment with more interesting socks!
How To Choose Quality Loafers
There are multiple guidelines that will help you quality shoes and loafers.
- Prefer Goodyear Welted Construction: A Type of Construction that allows for easy resoling of your shoes. Glued, Cemented shoes on the other hand will be thrown away after a short period of time. If on a budget, look for at least Blake Stitched Construction.
- $300 - $500 USD is a great sweet spot: While being a lot of money, the quality entry level footwear starts around $300. Up to $500 USD you can get fantastic shoes before encountering diminishing returns. Experiment in this price category first if you are new and then move on to higher price tiers.
- Choose Reputable Heritage Brands: Do your research online and avoid most reviews that include affiliate links or anything pointing to Amazon. Quality Brands from Europe and the USA often have decades or hundreds of years of experience and history. Always look at the product reviews by customers.
- Toe Spring & Shoe Balance: Look at a pair of shoes closely. If you touch the vamp do they wiggle around too much? That means the balance is not great. Is the toe spring too high? Then that means generic design and bad lasts. You want good proportions, good balance and an aesthetically pleasing shape.
Loafer Recommendations For Different Occasions by The Noble Shoe
Here are some recommendations from The Noble Shoe based on a few different scenarios we talked about:
- Formal Suit (Navy or Charcoal): Black Smooth Calf Penny Loafers
- Leisure Suit (Solaro, Cotton, Linen): Brown Suede Loafers or Tassel Loafers
- Shorts: Navy Grain Belgian Loafers
Of course, this is just a short guidebook and you are free to break the rules.
Just keep them in mind and break them willingly!