The Penny Loafer
September 27th, 2012
Penny loafers are my favorite style of shoe that I have ever owned today, I must admit they take a while for them to grow on you but once they do there really is no looking back. What I love about the penny loafer is that with a simple slip of the foot they add a touch of maturity and refinement to your look. I’m a fan of bucks, brogues, and derby’s don’t get me wrong. But there is just something about the penny loafer style that is unmatched.
An other reason why I favor the penny loafer is because of its versatility, 95% a penny loafer can go with anything that I may have on at the time. Whether they are chinos, jeans, shorts, you name it. They really are an all around shoe, so much so that I own more then one pair. Got one that I prefer to dress down and that has a bit more of a beat up look to it. Then another I keep for more formal dress if you will.
Brief History
The iconic loafer was born in Wilton, Maine in 1934. Originally made to be worn indoors, they were designed with a distinctive strip of leather across the saddle with a diamond cutout for comfort and durability. First called Weejuns (sounding like Norwegians), they were made by legendary boot maker, G.H.Bass. But when prep school students in the 1950s decided to insert a penny into the diamond shaped slit, the name “penny loafers” stuck and the hand-sewn slip on with the ivy league heritage became ubiquitous for collegiate cool.
I cannot agree more about the penny loafers. They go with nearly everything, and when worn sockless, they make you feel like your out and about with your slippers on. After Michael Jackson passed away (that dreaded day), I ran out and bought myself a pair of classic black Bass Weejuns And wore them every day…. Even with dresses. It was a nice alternative to wearing a black morning dress for the year which followed aften his death. The only sad thing about the classic Weejuns, is that they no longer make the sole out of leather. Booohoooo…. Not easy to moonwalk with rubber soles.