If you ask any fashionista if he knows what loafers and moccasins are, you will probably be correctly answered that these are shoes and quite comfortable ones at that. But few people know how they differ. Read on to find out what these differences are.
What kind of shoes are loafers?
They were originally the everyday shoes of British sailors in the early 20th century.. Coming ashore between voyages, the sailors rested and had fun. Hence the name loafers (from the English loafer - loafer) - “shoes of loafers”. In the beginning, these were shoes only for men, and later women also included them in their wardrobe.
Loafers have a hard sole and a small wide heel. They are generally unadorned except for tassels, a metal bridle (a signature element of Gucci loafers) and leather patches.
Loafers are a great combination of business style and comfort. The material from which they are made determines their relevance in a particular style.. Leather loafers are perfect for a classic suit. Loafers in light colors, made of suede, are more appropriate for everyday wear. They should be worn with chinos or even below-the-knee shorts. Loafers with tassels are worn with corduroy or wool trousers with a blazer - this is an excellent option for a business casual style.
Here’s what women’s loafer models are worn with:
- on a wedge, suitable for any clothes;
- on a tractor sole, fashionable to wear with a chiffon dress;
- with thick soles, suitable for light clothing without unnecessary details;
- with heels, with trousers or jeans, also perfect for the office dress code;
- on a thin sole, universal.
Important! The more polished the shoes are, the better they suit the formal style.
Description of moccasins
Moccasins (from the Proto-Algonquian maxkeseni - shoe) were originally considered men's shoes, they were worn by North American Indians. The traditional method of their manufacture is interesting: first the material is stretched onto the block, then fastened with a seam at the top of the product. In the middle of the 20th century, these shoes were no longer made by hand and were given an aesthetic appearance. Industrial production began only in the 1980s.
Moccasins have a soft flat sole and are casual shoes. The heel is missing. There is a characteristic external seam along the top of the product. Traditionally, moccasins can be decorated with chains and various accessories.
Interesting! There are a number of stereotypes about what it is appropriate to wear them with. So, it is believed that jeans or loose-fitting canvas trousers go well with these shoes; it can also be cropped, ankle-revealing jeans or corduroy trousers.
What is the difference between moccasins and loafers?
- Laces: Loafers are characterized by the absence of laces; only tassels or fringes can be used. Moccasins have laces;
- Production technology: Moccasins are traditionally made from a single piece of leather, while loafer production technology allows them to be made from several pieces;
- Sole: Moccasins have a flat sole. Loafers have a stable wide heel;
- Style: loafers - from casual to business, moccasins - casual.
Both loafers and moccasins are popular among both men and women. It's easy to explain. The shoes are comfortable because... it was originally created specifically for people who spend a lot of time on their feet: Indians and sailors. Therefore, the shoes are comfortable for daily use. And modern design and automation of production have made it possible to achieve an aesthetic appearance of products. If you don't already have a pair of loafers or moccasins in your wardrobe, and you decide to fix that, then perhaps these shoes will become your favorite.