Tassel Loafers

Tassels are the oldest way to dress up a loafer without putting a shine on it. Mostly men's here, with a quarter cut for women. Half the rack is faux leather, a quarter is suede, and the rest is leather, glossy or embossed.

See also: Men's Tassel Loafers, Women's Tassel Loafers, Men's Loafers, Brown Loafers, Burgundy Loafers, Suede Loafers

Reading a tassel loafer

Three things change how formal the pair comes across, and none of them is the tassel itself.

1. The finish
   Matte suede reads relaxed. Smooth leather reads like a workday. A high shine reads like an evening. Same shoe, three different invitations.
   See also: Men's Suede Loafers, Patent Loafers

2. The sole
   A thin leather-look sole keeps the shoe formal. A chunky rubber one pulls it toward the weekend, and handles rain better.

3. How the tassels are fixed
   Stitched into the seam stays put. Glued on top does not, and it goes on the side that meets curbs.

Wearing it

One detail per foot. Tassels plus a buckle plus a print is one thing too many, and the tassel is the one people notice anyway.

With a suit, a tassel loafer is a real alternative to a lace-up and a far more comfortable one. With jeans, take the suede version and nothing else has to change.