Why loafers and suits are such a no-no?

[koolhistorian]

Might be an inane question, but why suits should be worn always with lace-ups? Some loafers, non-tasseled, can go very well with a non-conservative suit (Glen-plaid, Donnegal, etc). I know the rules, but I was just wondering!

 

[jays978]

To the best of my knowledge it's just an issue of tradition and formality..so it all depends on how much you value the two

 

[Big T]

Originally Posted by koolhistorian

Might be an inane question, but why suits should be worn always with lace-ups? Some loafers, non-tasseled, can go very well with a non-conservative suit (Glen-plaid, Donnegal, etc). I know the rules, but I was just wondering!

Just doesn't feel right! Loafers with sport coat, yes. Suit, nah - suit demands a more formal appearance. But then again, why take my opinion as I do most of my shopping at either tractor Supply or Farm & Fleet!

 

[The Gooch]

Most of the models on the Polo website are wearing loafers with suits. Same for the runway. Who told you they were a no-no?

 

[lasbar]

I used to a decade ago ,not anymore..

Suits look better with oxfords.

 

[acecow]

I think it could have originated from loafers being, in general, more open, not as high as oxfords. I hope that makes sense. English is not my first language, so I sometimes have problems explaining an idea.

If you tailor the trousers to perfectly break when wearing oxfords, they will be too short if you put loafers on. Of course, this depends on the model of the shoe, but in general, I think this will be true.

 

[KObalto]

There's a reason they are called loafers. That said, few in the USA know the rule, let alone follow it.

 

[RSS]

When you are in a suit ... you should be at your best ... not some loafer.

 

[cptjeff]

Originally Posted by lasbar

Suits look better with oxfords.
Meh, depends on the shoe and suit. And the personal taste of the person wearing them. OP: The only thing barring you from wearing them is the tradition aspect. There's really nothing inherently more formal about oxfords. Fortunately for you, you live in an age where not many actually care about such detailed delineations of formality. In some tradition, brown wingtips would be as gauche with a suit as we think sneakers are. Yet that doesn't stop them from being the go-to shoe for half of MC.

Originally Posted by RSS

When you are in a suit ... you should be at your best ... not some loafer.
So formal pumps (whoops, those are a loafer variant) at night and dress boots during the day?

 

[Made in California]

Originally Posted by jays978

To the best of my knowledge it's just an issue of tradition and formality..so it all depends on how much you value the two
Which is not at all. Down with oxfords. But seriously, I think they look great with a suit and help to make it more casual since a lot of people have issues with looking too formal in a suit (on the premise that it's not a formal occasion). Loafers are a lovely compromise between oxfords and ... sneakers.

 

[Made in California]

Originally Posted by RSS

When you are in a suit ... you should be at your best ... not some loafer.
There are a million exceptions to this. You're not always in a job interview. And you don't always want to look like you're in a job interview. Or at least, I don't. There's a time and a place for everything, at least that's what my mom says.

 

[nolan50410]

It seems like one of those rules that is broken so frequently that the vast majority of the population thinks there is nothing wrong with it at all. A visible crewneck undershirt would be another such example.

I wear loafers with suits all the time, but I'd never do it for a job interview, a big meeting, or any formal occasion.

 

[RSS]

Originally Posted by cptjeff

So formal pumps (whoops, those are a loafer variant) at night and dress boots during the day?
When I'm in my formal pumps ... I'm definitely loafing. I can assure you ... I'm doing nothing but enjoying myself.

 

[RSS]

Originally Posted by Made in California

There are a million exceptions to this. You're not always in a job interview. And you don't always want to look like you're in a job interview. Or at least, I don't. There's a time and a place for everything, at least that's what my mom says.
It was a joke.

But ... do you always associate lace-up shoes with job interviews? I can lounge around in lace-up shoes ... and be quite comfortable and laid-back.

That said ... Growing up ... my parents required a coat & tie at dinner.

 

[in stitches]

Meh, depends on the shoe and suit. And the personal taste of the person wearing them. QUOTE]

i agree, many suits have a more casual look and i think look better with loafers, especially if you are going sans tie