A country house shoe for the landed gentry, or a Norwegian farmer’s favoured style of footwear? Whatever you consider to be the true origins of the contemporary loafer, what’s indisputable is this timeless silhouette’s skilful blend of comfort and flair.

Unlike the holy footwear trinity of brogues, Derbies and Oxfords – all elegant, but a bit samey – loafers are often written off as flamboyantly ‘dandy’ or too difficult to pull off with a wide range of outfits.

In truth, these slip-on styles are anything but. Being laceless, they’re practical, and with plenty of options on offer – from traditional penny versions to luxuriously finished horsebit loafers – there’s a style for every foot. Here’s what you need to know.

Material Matters: Leather Or Suede?

Before delving into the types of shoe up for consideration, it’s worth heeding a few memos on the importance of material. Like other smart shoes, loafers are generally made using one of two fabrics: leather or suede, which both have their own strengths and weaknesses.

With their sleek and gleaming finish, leather loafers make the perfect punctuation mark for smarter looks, whether that’s a full suit or smart-casual tailored separates. Although you’ll want to be sure to keep them in good nick (taking care to clean and polish regularly), loafers made from leather are markedly sturdier than those crafted from suede and will also wear well over the years, developing a unique patina in the process.

Suede, on the other hand, should – if you have any respect at all for footwear – be exclusively reserved for the spring-summer months. Their luxurious but delicate finish means suede loafers should be protected from excessive moisture at all costs.

Suede designs also have a slightly more casual feel (though that’s not to say they can’t wear be worn with tailoring), making them a shoe-in for a warm-weather wardrobe that’s bound to be more relaxed compared than its autumn/winter equivalent.