A Sartorial Classic: The History of the Loafer

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A Satorical Classic: The History of the Loafer 

Loafers are a firm favourite for us, and with good reason. Never one to go out of style, and with different heights, buckles, tassels, and finishes, there is one for every wardrobe.  

But what is it about the loafer that makes it such a timeless character? We thought we would share a little about its heritage and the craftsmanship along the way… 

The Origins of the Loafer 

The loafer has a blended origin in many eyes, between Armenia, North America and Norway. The moccasin plays a notable role in the inspiration behind the loafer as we know it, as its origins go back over 5,500 years, the first being found in Armenia. With the seams in such similar places and moulding to the feet to give such comfort when movement was so important to the wearer, it’s a natural inspiration. 

In the 19th Century in Norway, English men became increasingly taken by the abundance of salmon for fishing, and the local ‘tesers’, slip-on leather shoes that were far more practical than the traditional laced boots they had been accustomed to.   

The 1930s were when popularity grew. Norwegian shoemaker Nils Gregoriusson Tveranger honed his skills during a seven-year stint in North America, learning the craft and blending the Norwegian essentials with a notable inspiration from moccasins, worn by Indigenous people in North America. 

The Loafer, Defined 

It was in the 1930s that the term "loafer" began to be used. The definition? A casual, slip-on shoe for men and women. It was a simple shoe - no laces or buckles, with a low, flat heel. The upper part of the shoe was usually made from a soft suede or leather, and the sole was either made from leather or rubber. 

This simple design became an increasingly desired wardrobe staple, becoming something of a globally renowned style statement in the 1950s.  

The Rise of the Loafer 

“Originally made and worn by Norwegian peasants, and now worn as sports shoes by some of the best dressed men in America.” Advert from the New York Herald, 1936 

The 1950s and 1960s saw loafers become an Ivy league essential, worn by students looking for a more laid-back everyday shoe to pair with jeans and sportswear. Meanwhile, in London the tassel loafer was gaining momentum, worn by graduates, socialites and academics alike, firmly positioning it as a style of substance.  

Around this time the ‘Penny Loafer’ (An inevitable favourite of ours) was coined thanks to the small slit on the instep of the shoe – the perfect size for holding a student’s coin, legend has it this was in case they needed to make an emergency call. As the loafer’s popularity grew, so did the placing of a penny in the shoe's slot, leading to the phrase being recognised far beyond campuses, with the style remaining as beloved as ever.   

The Italians added their unique touch in the late ‘50s. The brown loafers worn by Brits and Yanks were considered too casual so they decided to focus on a chic black leather, along with an added golden horse bit and other extravagant finishes, elevating the design into European elegance, and a new era of style.  

The Only Loafer is a Penelope Chilvers Loafer 

Today’s designer loafers have come a long way since their humble beginnings. Nowadays, they embody a sense of timeless style and effortless elegance, with a versatility that never compromises on style – quite the achievement. 

We believe in sustainable living, creating products of timeless quality with every step of the creation being carefully considered, so it’s no surprise how much we love a good loafer. Our women’s loafers are lovingly made by Spanish artisans who care passionately about their craft and whose knowledge has been passed down from generation to generation. As a brand, we believe in preserving these rare manufacturing techniques and incorporate them into our collections.  

We have designed loafers for women since the beginning of the brand, the perfect pairings for effortless character and timeless style, and they remain a key player in our collections today. We take pride in using only the finest materials and craftsmanship to create our loafers, ensuring they are not only stylish and comfortable, but also durable and long-lasting. 

Be it the sartorial polish of Stirling, Irvine and Monti, the buttery soft smoothness of Lorenzo or the quiet elegance of Valentina, Bonnie and Ayr, with a range of different heel heights and chucky or slim soles, crafted in the softest suedes, the finest polished leathers and trimmed with impeccable finishing touches, you can find a partner in crime for a lifetime with a Penelope Chilvers loafer.​  

Character from every angle.​ 

Explore our range of designer women’s loafers below. 

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