We’ve said it before, we’ll say it again: the single most valuable thing in menswear is versatility. Which is enough reason for us to justify why you need a pair of the best loafers for men in your wardrobe this season.

These instantly recognisable shoes are as versatile as footwear comes; slip-ons that slip into a wide range of dress codes with ease. They work with suits, cropped trousers, pinrolled jeans and even shorts if they’re the right kind (slim-cut, finishing just above the knee, thank you very much). Going for a preppy Americana look? You’ll need some loafers. Mediterranean louche? Loafers. Tailoring? Even then, loafers can finish off a Savile Row look with a cool, modern edge.

“A good penny loafer or, if you are feeling fancy, tassel loafer, looks just as good with a casual unlined suit or sharp pair of trousers and Oxford shirt,” says Mr Porter shoe buyer David Morris. “But during the warmer months, don’t be scared to wear them with shorts and a short-sleeved camp collar shirt. Loafers are usually made from either suede or leather, so most pairs will need a little wearing in. “Width can also play a huge part in the overall fit,” says Morris, “and those with a high instep may need to go a size up.”

The Different Styles Of Men’s Loafers

Loafers have a long and storied heritage in menswear, and all the main styles have their own history.

Classic Loafer

First, there’s the classic penny loafer. Despite being a symbol of Ivy League fashion, it actually originated in Norway before later being reinvented by American firm G.H. Bass & Co. The style gets its name from the sit on the front of each shoe, which doubles up as a place to store a penny.

Tassel Loafer

Then there’s the tassel loafer. The story goes that this silhouette was born in the 1950s, when Oscar-winning actor Paul Lukas asked American shoemakers Alden to recreate a pair of Oxfords he found in Europe that had little tassels at the ends of the laces. The result was an instant classic, and many competitors went on to release their own versions of this much-loved style soon after.