How to Style Penny Loafers in 2023

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.

Related: 6 best shoes for men

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.

Related: 10 best driving shoes for men

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.

Related: 9 best unstructured blazers

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).

Blue chinos, navy turtleneck, brown leather jacket, and penny loafers

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).

Grey trousers, navy sport coat, and black leather penny loafers

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:

1. Remove dirt and debris using a soft shoe brush. Make sure you brush along the shoelaces and sole, as well.
2. Add a small amount of soap into a bowl of water to create a cleaning mixture.
3. Wet a clean cloth and wring out the liquid.
4. Gently rub the surface of the loafer.
5. With another clean cloth, wet it and wipe the surface to remove excess soap.
6. Allow the loafer to completely dry in a cool area.
7. Use baking soda or talcum powder to remove oil stains.
8. Apply shoe polish to make it look new.

How to clean suede

Take the following steps to clean suede penny loafers:

1. Use a suede brush to gently clean the surface of your loafer.
2. Remove scuffs and marks with an eraser.
3. Use white vinegar or rubbing alcohol on a cloth to clean tough stains.
4. Protect your suede loafers with a suede protector spray.

Frequently asked questions

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.