The Complete Guide to Loafers for Men: Types and Styling

Loafers are slip-on shoes with no laces, and they come in styles from soft knit to polished formal. For most men the easiest first pair is a knit or textured loafer in black or brown, since it works at the office, at family meals and on weekends. This guide covers the main types, how to style them and what to pair them with. The Great Comfort Sale starts on 8 October with up to 65% off, and the loafers sale page lists the options.

What is a loafer?

A loafer is a laceless shoe you slip on, usually with a low heel and a closed upper. That is the whole definition, and the range inside it is wide. The material, the finish and the sole decide whether a loafer reads casual or formal.

Knit loafers

Knit loafers are the softest option. The ReLive Knit Loafers use a recycled plastic bottle knit with a slip-on fit, in several shades. They need no break-in period and suit office meetings, family functions and travel. See the ReLive Knit Loafers for the colours.

Textured and dapper loafers

The Dapper Loafers have a textured, premium finish that looks as good with jeans as with tailored trousers. They have a moisture-wicking Lycra lining, a microfiber heel grip and foam cushioning with arch support. They are fully laceless.

Dress and formal loafers

The Dress Loafers are the most formal slip-ons in the range, for client meetings and events. Other styles include the All-Purpose Loafers, Color Block Loafers and Luxe Loafers. The formal loafers and oxfords page has the dressier options.

Formal or casual?

It depends on the finish. A knit loafer reads casual, a textured loafer reads smart-casual and a glossy dress loafer reads formal. If you want one pair for everything, a black or brown textured loafer sits in the middle and works for most occasions.

Socks with loafers

Both are common. Many people wear loafers with no-show socks, which keeps the look clean and helps with sweat. With a suit or formal outfit, wear thin dress socks in a matching colour. Choose what is comfortable for you.

What to pair loafers with

Chinos and a shirt for the office. Jeans and a polo for the weekend. A kurta-pajama or bandhgala for festive evenings, where textured loafers sit well. With a strict formal suit, black oxfords are the safer pick.

Do loafers need a break-in?

Knit loafers like the ReLive range adapt to the foot almost immediately. Faux-leather styles like the Dapper, Dress and Luxe Loafers may take two to three short wears to soften around the heel and instep.

Using the sale

The discount goes up to 65% and varies by style, so check each product page. Delivery is free across India. Loafer styles are designed for men, in UK sizes 6 and above. Use the size guide on the product page. If the fit is off, there is a 7-day exchange for a different size or colour, with free pickup and shipping for eligible exchanges. It currently offers exchanges only, not refunds. See the slip-ons for men for more laceless styles.

Why Neeman's loafers

• Soft recycled-knit uppers that need no break-in in the ReLive Knit Loafers.
• Cushioned insoles with medium arch support in many styles.
• Laceless slip-on designs with elastic gussets and reinforced heel counters.
• Durable TPR outsoles for everyday grip.
• Designed and made in India, with free delivery across India.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of loafers are there?

Knit, textured, dress and everyday loafers, among others, from soft and casual to polished and formal.

Are loafers formal or casual?

Both, depending on the finish. Knit reads casual, textured reads smart-casual and glossy dress loafers read formal.

Should I wear socks with loafers?

Both are common. No-show socks keep the look clean, and thin dress socks suit formal outfits.

What do I pair loafers with?

Chinos, jeans, kurta-pajama and bandhgala, depending on the finish. For strict formal suits, choose oxfords.

Can I exchange loafers bought in the sale?

Yes. Neeman's offers a 7-day exchange for a different size or colour, and pickup and shipping for eligible exchanges are free. It currently offers exchanges only, not refunds.