Men's Loafers

Everything a man can slip on, in one place: penny, tassel, boat and dress shapes, in faux leather, suede and leather. Close to two hundred pairs, so the fastest way through is to decide what the shoe is for before you decide what it looks like.

See also: Black Loafers, Brown Loafers, Navy Blue Loafers, Men's Orthopedic Loafers, Suede Loafers, Leather Loafers

Four shapes, four jobs

A loafer is a loafer, but the front of the shoe tells you where it belongs.

1. The penny
   A plain strap across the toe. The most neutral shoe here, at home with chinos and with a suit that is not too formal.
   See also: Men's Leather Loafers

2. The tassel
   A step dressier than the penny without going glossy. In suede it reads relaxed, in leather it reads like an office.
   See also: Men's Tassel Loafers

3. The boat shape
   A lace threaded around the topline and a sole cut for grip. The summer end of the rack, made to be worn without socks.
   See also: Men's Boat Loafers

4. The glossy dress pair
   High shine, made for weddings, evenings and black tie. One pair covers a decade of invitations.
   See also: Men's Patent Loafers, Men's Wedding Loafers

What this rack is made of

About four pairs in ten are faux leather, a bit over two in ten are suede, and close to two in ten are real leather. The rest carries a glossy finish or an embossed grain.

Faux leather is the sensible daily choice and takes weather without complaint. Suede is the one that makes an outfit look considered, and the one to keep out of the rain. Leather is worth the upkeep if the shoe is going to be worn twice a week for years.

4 mistakes to avoid when buying men's loafers

1. Buying the size you wear in sneakers
   Sizes here run 6 to 15. A loafer has no laces to pull the foot back, so it should hold at the heel with your toes free. Between two sizes in leather, take the smaller one, because leather gives.

2. One pair for everything
   A shoe worn every day never dries out inside. Two pairs alternated last longer than two pairs worn one after the other, and they both look better.

3. Suede for the daily commute
   Suede is the best-looking material we carry and the worst at handling salt and rain. Own an easy pair first.
   See also: Men's Suede Loafers

4. Socks that show
   A loafer either goes with a no-show sock or with one that matches the pants. A white sock under a brown loafer undoes the whole outfit.
   See also: Brown Loafers