The summer loafers you need in your wardrobe | Gentleman's Journal | Gentleman's Journal (2024)

During the hotter months, when all we really want to do is strip down to our swim shorts and lounge in the sun, dressing for formal occasions can be a drag. You’ll wince as you put on layer after layer, begrudgingly throw a tie around your neck and curse your ever-creased linen suit. But when it comes to shoes, it’s a different matter entirely.

The loafer is the perfect formal summer shoe. Originally developed over 150 years ago for the royal family and landed gentry, these slip-on shoes are cast in leather, occasionally decorated and a key part of the mid-century “Ivy Look”. And you should own at least one pair.

If you’re looking to find the perfect pair, allow us to walk you through a few of our favourites.

Tod’s Burgundy Loafers

Tasselled loafers make an excellent partner to more relaxed tailoring or smart-casual attire, like chinos and a sports jacket. We love this pair from Tod’s, a brand well known for combining a modernist aesthetic with high-quality construction, and creating staple pieces that slot into a modern wardrobe.

These burgundy shoes are crafted in classic leather and feature a penny bar, stamped Tod’s monogram and rubber outsole with embossed rubber pebbles.

Duke + Dexter Pyramid Black Loafer

A black loafer is a perfectly acceptable alternative to an Oxford, or formal brogue. If you’re heading to a super smart event, a patent black option is the way to go, but a plain black leather will also do the job. They’ll keep you looking cool with a suit and, without any pesky laces to fiddle with, you can slip them off as soon as your feet get too hot.

For the purpose, look no further than British footwear label and king of the loafer, Duke & Dexter and its sleek Pyramid design.

G.H. Bass & Co. Lexington Tassel

When your friends, co-workers and family fire up the festivities, you’ll inevitably have to deal with some tricky dress codes.

Perhaps the most difficult of these is ‘co*cktail’, for which one must imbue their signature flair into a lounge suit. Our recommendation for the best way to achieve this? The tassel loafer. Itself a little flamboyant, G.H. Bass have a stellar selection, in rich colours from burnished cognac to deep black.

Cheany Dover D Perforated Suede Penny Loafers

WithCheaney’s‘Dover D’ penny loafers there’s no arduous breaking-in period – the perforated suede uppers feel supple and flexible from the first wear. Crafted at the brand’s Northamptonshire factory, they have leather piping, neatly pinked edges and are set on panelled rubber soles.

Team this pair with a light, seersucker shirt, casual linen jacket, and relaxed-fit chinos.

Church’s Willenhall Bookbinder Fumè Loafer Tabac

Few brands capture the true spirit of the quintessential gentleman better than Church’s. Founded in 1873 by Mr Thomas Church, with his family’s shoemaking roots dating as far back as 1675, the brand was the first to produce differently shaped left and right shoes (now the industry standard).

And, whilst its pairs don’t come cheap, they promise to last you a very long time. Our favourite in the loafer department? This Bookbinder Fumè design. A modern loafer and an update of Church’s popular Pembrey, the Willenhall delivers a classic look with a chunky sole. Crafted on the 126 last, it has a lower instep and a balanced toe spring to maintain a confident grip on your foot.

Now that your footwear is sorted, take a look at the best sunglasses to buy this summer…