From Norway With Love: A Brief History of Loafers and How to Wear Them

From Norway With Love: A Brief History of Loafers and How to Wear Them

Loafers are the quintessential shoe for care-free Saturdays and lazy Sundays. But there’s more to these slip-ons—often confused with moccasins and oxfords—than their sleek and laceless appearance.  Like many iconic shoes that have left their mark on fashion, loafers have a story to tell.

Here’s a brief look into how the understated shoe with an unmistakable shape came to be.

Farm Life

Our story begins in Norway, where leather shoes were the footwear of choice for farmers because they were comfortable. It wasn’t long before they caught the eye of Maine-based G.H. Bass & Co., which in the ‘30s redesigned the loafer and christened them Weejuns.

But how did this shoe make it’s way from the feet of Scandinavian farmers and into your closet? Loafers became a favorite among college students and a comfy alternative to workwear for men and women. Legend has it school children put pennies in the open flap across the top in case they needed to use the pay phone—hence the name penny loafers.

Still Loafing Around

Over the decades designers have reinvented the traditional loafer, adding tassels, buckles and heels along the way. Whether you’re a loafer aficionado or a novice, it’s always good to start with the basics.

For guys, black loafers with tassels, a vest and simple white tee is perfect for a preppy weekend look. For ladies, try black loafers with your favorite sun dress and a bomber jacket. When it’s cold, free your legs up from those suffocating boots and stay warm with black loafers and thick tights.

Now that you know your loafer history, slip into a black pair so you can be the master of laid-back comfort and start your weekend right.

Find inspiration with one of these modern takes on the classic loafer.

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