A classic silhouette has found its place in a modern time
It is without a doubt that footwear is just as essential as every other article of clothing in one’s outfit. Whether one is opting for comfort, style, or a bit of both, even the simple selection of footwear can make or break that process.
These days, sneakers are still definitely still a go-to in terms of footwear choices. Most silhouettes that would fall under this category do achieve a mix of comfort and style, on top of more practical aspects, such as price, availability, and relative compatibility with any outfit you can come up with.
But even this can have its own new normal. No more are the times when sneakers are king for most outfits. Gone are the days when formal footwear has to be mixed and matched with formal outfits alone.
A timeless all-rounder
It is relatively easy to see why loafers have boomed in the current times. Excluding hype, the same reasons why sneakers are go-to’s could just be attributed to them. This, of course, plus forward-thinking minds in terms of trends and difficulty to secure the best sneaker releases due to increasing hassles, namely the resell culture.
Going back, there is the accessibility factor. High demand means a call for a high supply, and with that being the case, accessibility might just be at a high point. Regardless if it’s an affordable but reputed brand or a high-end one, it is more than likely that it will not be difficult when securing a pair.
Then comes the comfort. The biggest point regarding this is that it’s laceless and effectively a slip-on shoe. Putting it on is as simple as wearing the slippers or slides you wear on the days at home, which saves time and effort. But unlike slides or slippers, of course, loafers are more appropriate footwear outside the house.
Lastly, comes style. While not as varied as its more casual-friendly counterpart, there is no denying the appeal that loafers bring when paired with an outfit.
It’s not as overly formal as other dress shoes such as the Oxford, and also not as casual as a sneaker—a middle ground that makes it applicable and complementary to all types of outfits and occasions.
However, despite these, there could still be external reasons behind the trend. As stated earlier, there is the hype, forward-thinking mindsets, and of course, the hassle to secure something more than a basic sneaker silhouette.
Getting in
It’s one thing to know about the emergence of loafers, but to get your own pair, or pairs,is another one. One option is G.H. Bass & Co.’s Weejun Loafers.
Already a household name, the Weejuns come in multiple loafer silhouettes. From the basic penny to the tassel, up until the lug variants are more or less offered by them. This, plus ones with base materials such as suede, knit, and flannel, are also available.
For more affordable options, one may consider brands such as Doc Martens, Kenneth Cole, or Clarks. Similar to G.H. Bass & Co., these brands also offer multiple variants of the shoe, albeit at a lower price point. While fairly lacking in variety, Rockport is another option. What it trades off for variety is well compensated for by its durability.
Designer brands also offer their own takes. Should they be a preference, brands such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Prada, and Saint Laurent, to name a few, also have their respective loafer offerings. While they have their unique patterns, they also offer basic black or brown pairs—the only difference being their respective brand identities on the shoes.
Especially for those who can afford it, wiggle room is afforded. There is the choice to either get a completely quirky designer pair or a basic one with minimal brand identity present.
However, these are not the only brands that you can get a pair of loafers. With high demand aside from its established place in fashion, a lot more brands are out there, waiting to offer you your first or next pair of loafers.
Featured Image from G.H. BASS & CO. (via Instagram)
