Where can I get a pair of handmade classic loafers?
You mean penny loafers?
We’re about to put an end to this mass confusion once and for all…
Terminology in fashion can cause many problems when trying to find what you’re looking for. Two of the biggest mistakes in menswear terminology are blazers and classic loafers. Despite the fact that the word blazer gets bastardized much more frequently; we’ll have a look at the loafer, and what people mean when they ask for a classic one.
What the hell is a handmade classic loafer?
We’ve heard of handmade tassel loafers, but classic loafers? There is no such thing. As a matter of fact, loafers had only come to America in the ‘30s. They were originally inspired by Nordic moccasins which drew inspiration from Aboriginal ones.
In the 1930’s, these types of shoes were originally worn with business suits. During that time, the first loafers to be manufactured were called penny loafers. They have a strap and a slit on the front near the opening where the lace-up closure should be:
Classic Leather Penny Loafer ($530 USD) from Church’s – available here
Since that was the first mainstream type of loafer that came to America, it’s usually the one people refer to as ‘the classic’.
Now the next time you’re looking for a handmade classic loafer, you’ll know what to ask the store attendant/what to search online…the penny loafer.
Buy Handmade Classic/Penny Loafers on 
