In the 1930s, the light, slip-on shoes worn by Norwegian farmers served as inspiration for the creation of the penny loafer. But do you know what are penny loafers exactly?
In the past, when using payphones was the norm, many young men and women would keep money in their shoes in case they needed to make an emergency call. The strap had a small slit that was the perfect size to hold a coin.
Years later, preppy Americans modified their loafers and adorned their footwear with silver coinage to make a statement. The penny loafer thus came into existence.
Keep reading, here is everything you need to know about penny loafers.
What Are Penny Loafers?
Penny loafers are loafers, which is to say that they are a slip-on shoe, rather than a laced shoe such as a brogue or an Whether you’re looking at the moccasins of Native Americans or the slip-on dress shoes of European aristocracy, this style of shoe has been around for ages.
The ability of penny loafers to be worn both formally and casually by both men and women is one of their distinctive appeals.
Penny loafers have been a style that defies subculture and has actually stood the test of time, being worn by everyone from high-flying lawyers and accountants to sharply dressed Yale students.
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The Circular History of the Penny Loafer
According to legend, Americans visiting Europe in the 1930s became aware of and began to appreciate these brand-new moccasin-like shoes being produced in Norway. In Europe, they had achieved great success.
Nils Tveranger, a Norwegian shoemaker, had created them. Local farmers and fishermen were seen wearing them in magazines of the time, such as Esquire.
When Nils learned to make shoes in the US, the Native American Indians’ moccasins served as his inspiration. Thus, the concept had completed a circle.
The news returned and started to spread in the US. The Spaulding family in New Hampshire soon invented and introduced a brand-new shoe they called “The Loafer.”
A number of other companies began to produce these innovative shoes, and in 1934 the Maine boot manufacturer GH Bass unveiled its ‘Weejuns’ loafer style.
(Yes, that does resemble Norwegian a little bit.) In their design they had added the distinctive leather cross strap with the crescent cut out, and the penny loafer look was born.
How to Wear Penny Loafers?
Penny loafers are an incredibly versatile shoe that can be worn all year round when paired with the right outfit.
Follow our top tips to make sure you don’t slip up when wearing these stylish slip-ons:
- Penny loafers look fantastic when worn with skinny-fit jeans or chinos; just remember to roll up the hem of your pants to show off your shoes and put together a great casual outfit.
- Try wearing penny loafers without socks to create a clean, minimalist silhouette from head to toe
- Suede penny loafers offer a versatile option that can be dressed up and dressed down for any situation
- Penny loafers can be worn with suits; pair a light-colored suit with a similar tone of loafer for a great summer look and a dark suit with a patent loafer for a more formal look
Read More: How To Style Loafers?
Final Words: What Are Penny Loafers
The penny loafer is a classic. Every boy’s first dress shoe (without laces), it looks great worn in and worn out during college, and it later becomes formal enough for the workplace.
Generally speaking, it’s the most versatile shoe you’ll ever put on and a wardrobe staple for life.
FAQs about Penny Loafers
Why Are They Called Penny Loafers?
Everything came down to design. The shoe’s strap featured a tiny split that was just the right size to accommodate a coin.
What Started Penny Loafers?
In the 1930s, the light, slip-on shoes worn by Norwegian farmers served as inspiration for the creation of the penny loafer.
Are Penny Loafers Meant to Be Worn Without Socks?
It’s not something we generally advise doing to wear leather loafers without socks.
