Penny loafers are slip-on shoes that have been around for a long time. They’re one of several types of loafers that are versatile and classy.
Penny loafer history
During the early 1900s, Nils Tveranger moved to Aurland, Norway after learning how to make shoes in America. Nils developed the Aurlandskoen, also known as the Aurland Shoe.
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This was the original penny loafer, which was inspired by the Native American mocassins hence the slip-on feature.
During the 1930s, Norwegians visited America wearing the Aurland shoes and they caught the attention of G.H. Bass, a footwear company founded in 1876 by George Henry Bass.
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G.H. Bass saw it as an opportunity and created its own version called, the Bass Weejun, which is short for Norweigan.
This made them the first to market in America and became popular and the shoe of choice in the 1950s.
Instead of being a plain loafer, G.H. Bass attached a strap across the top and created a slot for a small item, such as a penny.
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This was perfect because there weren’t cell phones. Coins for a payphone could be hidden in a penny loafer in case of emergencies.
How to wear penny loafers
Penny loafers are versatile shoes that can be worn formally with a navy suit or casually with a t-shirt.
The following are examples of what you can wear with penny loafers:
Blue jeans, white t-shirt, and brown suede penny loafers
The items in the outfit are as follows:
- Jeans: Mavi Jake Slim Fit Jeans (opens in a new tab).
- Loafers: No longer available.
- Belt: To Boot New York Brown Suede Belt (opens in a new tab).
- T-shirt: Robert Barakett Georgia Crewneck T-Shirt (opens in a new tab).
Khaki shorts, blue polo, and brown suede penny loafers
The items in the outfit are as follows:
- Shorts: AG Wanderer Modern Slim Fit Shorts (opens in a new tab).
- Loafers: No longer available.
- Sunglasses: Ray-Ban Aviator Sunglasses (opens in a new tab).
- Polo: Nordstrom Ultrasoft Short Sleeve Polo (opens in a new tab).
The items in the outfit are as follows:
- Turtleneck sweater: Express Solid Merino Wool Turtleneck Sweater
- Loafers: Trask Reed Penny Loafer (opens in a new tab).
- Chinos: Vineyard Vines On-The-Go Slim Fit Performance Pants
- Jacket: Schott NYC Leather Moto Jacket (opens in a new tab).
The items in the outfit are as follows:
- Trousers: Banana Republic Slim-Fit Grey Glenn Trouser (opens in a new tab).
- Loafers: Santoni Gavin Penny Loafer (opens in a new tab).
- Dress shirt: Eton White Signature Twill Shirt (opens in a new tab).
- Belt: Magnanni Carbon Leather Belt (opens in a new tab).
- Sport coat: Suitsupply Lazio Wool Sport Coat (opens in a new tab).
Blue suit with brown penny loafers
The items in the outfit are as follows:
- Suit: Hugo Boss Suit (opens in a new tab).
- Loafer: Magnanni Rodgers Diversa Penny Loafer (opens in a new tab).
- Tie: The Tie Bar Mini Dots Slate Blue Tie (opens in a new tab).
- Dress shirt: Eton White Lightweight Details Shirt (opens in a new tab).
Cleaning and care
Keeping your loafers in good condition will ensure they last longer and that you look good wearing them.
Whether you have suede or leather loafers, use a shoe tree to hold its shape and a shoe bag to avoid dust.
How to clean leather
Take the following steps to clean leather penny loafers:
- Remove dirt and debris using a soft shoe brush. Make sure you brush along the shoelaces and sole, as well.
- Add a small amount of soap into a bowl of water to create a cleaning mixture.
- Wet a clean cloth and wring out the liquid.
- Gently rub the surface of the loafer.
- With another clean cloth, wet it and wipe the surface to remove excess soap.
- Allow the loafer to completely dry in a cool area.
- Use baking soda or talcum powder to remove oil stains.
- Apply shoe polish to make it look new.
How to clean suede
Take the following steps to clean suede penny loafers:
- Use a suede brush to gently clean the surface of your loafer.
- Remove scuffs and marks with an eraser.
- Use white vinegar or rubbing alcohol on a cloth to clean tough stains.
- Protect your suede loafers with a suede protector spray.
Frequently asked questions
Are penny loafers comfortable?
Yes, penny loafers are comfortable slip-on shoes that can be worn with or without socks.
Are they formal?
They aren’t formal enough to be worn with a tuxedo. However, penny loafers work for anything in between going out on the weekend and a job interview.
Can I wear penny loafers in the winter?
Although they’re designed for warm weather, it’s possible to wear penny loafers in the winter. If you do, avoid wearing big and bulky coats because it’ll cause the loafers to look out of place.
Conclusion
Penny loafers are must-have footwear items because they can be worn with many outfits and will keep you cool during warm weather. They’re timeless and fashionable shoes that’ll take any outfit to the next level.
Featured photo by David Em/Next Level Gents.
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David Em is the founder of Next Level Gents, the ultimate destination for tips and advice about style, grooming, fitness, and success.