It is said that you can tell a lot about a man simply by looking at their shoes. In many cases this is true, but of course there are always exceptions which prove the rule.
A great example of this in the modern world is the loafer. It’s a versatile shoe which can be worn to almost any type of event: simply choose the right style and color and you’ll feel incredibly comfortable. Naturally, it will also be obvious that you have a great taste, an often-desired quality in a man.
Our Tangerine shoes are loafers, epitomizing style and elegance. Every man should have at least one pair in his collection.
The Origins Of Loafers
Today, loafers are an incredibly popular shoe choice, but they aren’t new shoes: their presence can be traced to over 300 years ago.
In the first instance, monks wore Belgian-crafted shoes in their spare time: these shoes were designed as slip-ons, making them the perfect choice for a pious monk. They were known as Belgian loafers.
All the shoes were made by hand and sewn inside out. This meant that when they were inverted and became a shoe, there wouldn’t be any stitching on the inside. In short, they wouldn’t irritate the feet. The fact that the shoe was soft, incredibly comfortable and looked good was simply a bonus.
Bringing The Loafer To The Masses
At least 300 years after the monks made moccasins, or early loafers, a New York retailer named Henri Bendel decided to sell his own version of the Belgian loafer.
He arranged for women in Belgium to hand-stitch loafers: these were finished in a factory and then dispatched from Belgium to Bendel’s shop in New York.
His shoe was specifically aimed at the upper class. This was a distinct difference to the penny loafer which arrived on the scene in the 1930s: it was called a penny loafer as it included a small pocket capable of housing a penny, the precise amount of money that was enough to make an emergency phone call at the time.
This new style of loafer, often referred to as the Tangerine, became a fashion statement. During the 50s and 60s, the loafer soared in popularity, although interest dropped during the 80s and 90s.
Loafers’ Resurgence
During the 1980s the Belgian loafer became associated with eccentricity and rebellion against the norms of society. This ultimately led to it becoming less popular in the 1990s.
However, in the early 2010s, they became popular with a new generation of fashion-conscious men: specifically, men who no longer cared about complying with the expected styles. Loafers were suddenly a popular addition to any outfit, regardless of whether you were dressed like James Bond or hitting the beach in your scruffiest Levi’s.
Although the relaunch was supposed to make the loafer more unique, instead it made them even more desirable. Today, they are often worn without socks.
The Modern Loafer
Today you can find loafers in a huge array of styles and colors. There really is something for every occasion, and some can suit several occasions.
That’s the beauty of the current fashion trends: individual interpretations of classic designs are welcomed and appreciated. Thanks to this, the Belgian loafer has been successfully reinvented and can accompany you anywhere.
No need to take anyone at their word: just take a look at some of the stunning Belgian loafers being offered here at Superglamourous.
For example, our Tangerine 7 Brushed Black Belgian Loafer is a beautiful blue and white, and a throwback to the elegant court shoes of kings and queens. It’s perfect for formal and informal occasions.
Looking to keep it simple? Then the Tangerine 9 Toledo Black Belgian Loafer is for you. It’s hand-coloured, soft, and is perfect for the office or a formal occasion.
If you really want to mix it up, try the Tangerine 7 Rafia White Belgian Loafer. It’s a double-monk raffia loafer and like nothing you have ever seen before.
The array of loafers on offer today is impressive. Not only is there something for every occasion, but also this is one fashion trend that isn’t likely to end soon.
