Slip-on shoes are fantastic pieces that we feel any man should incorporate in his wardrobe. They are very versatile, practical and can be dressed up and down according to the setting in which you want to wear them.
Loafers have their origins in Scandinavia, where fishermen would wear two pieces of leather fastened with a strip across the bridge when they were working. These shoes were comfortable and strong and lately became what we today know to be slip-on shoes. Moccasins, on the other hand, were shoes worn by Native American hunters and tradesmen. In fact, the word “moccasin” comes from the Algonquian language Powhatan words “makasin” and from the Proto-Algonquian word “maxkeseni” which mean “shoe.”
Today, slip-ons are made from many fabrics, including canvas, suede and leather, even though initially there were some rules when it came to them.
Coming up, we will give you some tips on how to wear loafers and moccasins and some visual inspiration as well:
The difference between loafers and moccasins
While to most people loafer and moccasins look pretty much the same, they are quite different pieces. To tell them apart right from the start, you can look at whether they have laces or not. Loafers don’t have any laces, while moccasins are the ones that do. The laces you will find on moccasins are generally purely decorative and don’t have a tying function.
Another big difference between the two is that loafers are always supposed to be made from leather while moccasins can be made out of suede or other materials as well; but they are generally made from just one piece of material, while loafers can be made from more. Of course, with the wide variety of shoes today, we are sure you will find suede shoes with no laces. These “rules” are just guidelines that will help you get around more easily.
A third difference between the two is that loafers are basically slip-ons and are flat shoes, while moccasins have a more prominent sole, just like you would see on any leather shoe. Loafers can have a heel, while moccasins never do.
How to wear loafers
Loafers are the more casual style of the pair. They can be worn in any casual setting and go very well with both shirts and t-shirts, jeans, cargo pants and even shorts. In fact, wearing shorts with loafers will make the shorts look dressier. Make sure that even though you are wearing casual shoes, they still need to match your belt, which is a rule which we believe you should follow. The reason for this is that your accessories, such as your shoes, your belt, etc. are used to frame your outfit, so if they are from the same “world”, you will look more put together than if they were not.
How to wear moccasins
Moccasins are the more formal brothers of loafers. This however, does not mean that they are to be worn at black tie events or other highly formal settings.
Depending on the fabric and color, moccasins (as well as loafers) can look more or less formal. Don’t forget the rule: the more shiny a shoe, the more formal it is. If you are planning on wearing moccasins when going to the beach, make sure you can’t see your reflection in them.
Don’t forget that the color of your shoes does not have to match the color of your pants: you can wear brown shoes with black pants for example.
Driving shoes
You might have heard the term “driving shoes” as well in relation to loafers and moccasins. Driving shoes are a version of moccasins, and differ by having a rubber tabs on the soles. These rubber soles make the shoes more versatile and more durable. Even though the sole is different, the comfort and flexibility of the shoes is not impacted. These shoes are popular for, as the name suggests, driving, but they are also practical for walking or other very casual settings.
There are two types of driving shoes: the first type is the rubber dotted type, which feature small, round rubber pads that cover the sole uniformly.
The second type are those that have separated pads, which have flat, rubber pads, separated by small areas.
Additional tips:
Slip-on shoes can be worn without socks. Their design is quite special and sometimes you will look better if you are wearing loafers or moccasins without socks, but that is, of course, your personal choice. An alternative to going sockless are of course invisible socks. These are socks that are so low that when you wear them, it appears as if you would not be wearing any socks.
Fraquoh and Franchomme
Further reading:
The different types of men’s dress shoes
6 ways to maintain your shoes in the winter
P.S. Do you like to wear slip-on shoes? Which style do you prefer, loafers or moccasins? How do you like to dress them up/down? Share your feedback, questions or thoughts in the comments below! For more articles on style, fashion tips and cultural insights, don’t forget to subscribe to Attire Club via e-mail or follow us on Facebook or Twitter!
12 replies on “What Are the Differences between Loafers and Moccasins and How to Wear Them? (B)”
These are all amazing, I’m not so sure about the driving shoe though!
Hy Henry,
Thanks for the comment! There are several styles out there, so it’s OK to choose what you like and what you don’t!
Those burgundy shoes are amazing!
We really like them too, they are a fabulous pair!
Wow, all these shoes…
Agreed – they would make a good addition to a modern’s man’s wardrobe!
Hola! Those burgundy shoes are perfect! I’d wear them to a party or just to college!
We like them too, they would go great on those occasions!
Great content on loafers shoes. You have very clearly differentiated the loafers and moccasins here. Keep writing.
I luv loafers wid invisible/ very low/ankle socks wid denim or shorts …shirt when less casual setting or otherwise tee …it wont matter much i guess
Where can I find those blue moccasins or a similar pair?
Dear Jason,
You can fin them at Zara: http://www.zara.com/share/hombre/zapatos/mocas%C3%ADn-borlas-c358057p1669043.html