Opinion on penny loafers

Rider, in Richmond for the week and just picked these up on sale. Love 'em.




IMG_0638 by hansw1814, on Flickr


IMG_0637 by hansw1814, on Flickr

so penny loafers and jeans are a go?

I have a pair of cordovan Rider penny loafers that I like to wear with slim mushroom colored trousers and various odd jackets. Not my most versatile shoe, but perfect for certain casual situations.

Originally Posted by blazingazn

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so penny loafers and jeans are a go?
i'm sure others will disagree, but i think this generally looks douchey/old man-ish. a driving moc is a much better option.

Originally Posted by aphextwin07

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i'm sure others will disagree, but i think this generally looks douchey/old man-ish. a driving moc is a much better option.
I think it depends on the shoes and jeans in question.

Originally Posted by viator

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I think it depends on the shoes and jeans in question.

+1. Also depends on the top half.

What I see time and time again on SF is people think that there are style rules that are set in stone- there aren't.

As for the quandary with the penny loafer. You can have quite a bit of fun with it, if used properly.

No, they are not a good idea with a dark (almost black) and formal suits. However, they frequently look excellent on summer weight, light colored and cotton/linen suits. For many summer functions, they very easily work well with these suits. On the other hand, they rarely- if ever- are appropriate for the business setting.

Furthermore, it seems like the trends is to downplay the formality of dress (knit ties being popular, as well as the button-down collars even in the business world). Maybe loafers are along those same lines. Sometimes you have to trust your own judgement on the matter.

Lastly, the penny loafer is certainly not a fashion forward shoe. Many on this thread have even deemed it an "old man shoe". I tend to disagree, it's just a shoe that has stood the test of time- along with the cap-toe and wing-tip oxford. The fashion forward man might opt for a driver, which I agreed look better on a younger man. However, drivers are significantly more casual. They seem a bit more difficult to put together in a suit outfit. But again, the rules tend to bend with summer functions.

Originally Posted by blazingazn

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so penny loafers and jeans are a go?

With well fitting jeans yes.

Originally Posted by aphextwin07

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i'm sure others will disagree, but i think this generally looks douchey/old man-ish. a driving moc is a much better option.

Driving mocs are for driving and not for walking long distances. They do not have the support or durability needed for long walks.

Originally Posted by Patek

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Driving mocs are for driving and not for walking long distances. They do not have the support or durability needed for long walks.

Definitely. Tods in particular will wear out with a quickness on pavement.

And on that note, I just Mac'd up my Alden #8 shell loafers, and I give them a massive thumbs up.

Originally Posted by acridsheep

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+1. Also depends on the top half.

Family man, eh?

I have many pairs of suede tassel loafers but I can't get myself to wear penny loafers,they just didn't look right to me. I like the BB or Alden shell loafers but don't like them on my feet

I have a pair of penny loafers in my regular rotation. I wear them almost exclusively with jeans, and pair them with just about anything on the top. I think penny loafers can be a fashion forward look - assuming they're of a more modern, "European" styling than, say, Weejuns. I'm 26.

So what are some good penny loafers? I thought about getting the Peal and Co. brown penny loafers during the 25% off sale but decided against it. I have also been thinking about Alden penny loafers.

Today I paired Alden for BB unlined leisure hand sewn penny loafers with corduroy pants. I'm 30.

Originally Posted by hansw18

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Rider, in Richmond for the week and just picked these up on sale. Love 'em.




IMG_0638 by hansw1814, on Flickr


IMG_0637 by hansw1814, on Flickr

What is the fit like for you on these? I ordered the same/similar pair on Amazon recently, in a 9.5. (I normally wear 9.5-10 in US sizes). They are too big, but I can't decide if it's worth trying a half size down.