Tassel loafers, a trendy alternative to penny loafers, feature knotted or frayed laces that hang from the vamp. These are useful at times and serve as part of the lacing mechanism. They’re decorative by nature though, most of the time. You’ll find out the best ones in this guide as well as learn about the style, its history, and how to wear them.
What Are Tassel Loafers called?
By definition, tassel loafers are just laceless shoes hanging from the vamp, with decorative leather laces. Often they have a lacing device of 360 degrees but not always. Tassel loafers are widely available at different price points and fabrics, with kiltie flaps, broguing, and other forms of ornamentation.
They are interestingly a source of a bit of controversy. American men do not seem to be saddened to wear these suits, whereas European men have traditionally looked down on the tradition. Some younger guys are able to wear them to great effect, while others are either whippersnappers or man-children searching the wardrobe of Dad.
Apparently, mocking political rivals was common at the time, by insinuating that they or their supporters wore tassel loafers. The message was one of elitism and productivity preppy. Usually, lawyers were on the receiving end of those barbs.
What about the history of Tassel Loafers?
The tassel loafer is an American innovation that was introduced into the footwear industry after World War II. Alden, the renowned shoemaker based in Massachusetts, claims to have made the original. They were also two-toned in the early 1950s, with the vamps being white and the majority of the upper one being a different color.
And a few years later Brooks Brothers launched the trend into their storefronts, this cemented the reputation of the tassel loafer as a preppy, country clubby shoe. They have indeed been popular with the preppy set since then, but they have also been popular with American businessmen. Lawyers, bankers, and stockbrokers all have a reputation for tassel-wearing.
How To Wear these Tassel Loafers?
Vamp Height, Material, & Styling
The secret is in how hard your foot reaches the vamp. Slip-ons with low vamps appear to be aimed at older men while those with higher vamps appear to have a younger vibe. This also refers to loafers with tassels.
Formality
The formality of Tassel loafers is one of the most heatedly discussed aspects of their life. A safe bet is that business suits in more sartorially conservative sectors such as law, government, and finance are too informal. A trendy tassel loafer with a suit worn more for fun than a board meeting may look pretty dapper though.
Seasonality
Spring – Light brown, tan, or blue suede or leather in moccasin or loafer versions
Summer – White, cream, or bone suede moccasins
Autumn – Chocolate brown suede, leather, or cordovan loafer
Winter – Burgundy, black, or dark brown leather.
Buyer's Guide on Loafers
Buy Best Tassel Loafers for Men
1. Cole Haan Men’s Pinch Tassel Loafer
Hand-antique, brush-off leather uppers with tassel detailing offer a polished look to this shoe that looks very nice with anything from casual to formal wear. The padded sock lining in full leather adds softness and makes these loafers comfortable enough to wear without socks. This comfortable slip-on shoe comes with a sleek, trendy full leather sole with a leather heel stacked in a mix.
Features:
- 100% Leather.
- Leather and Rubber sole.
- The shaft measures approximately low-top from arch.
- Heel measures approximately 1″.
- Moccasin-toe dress loafer with a stacked heel and decorative tassels.
2. Nunn Bush Men’s Keaton Kiltie Tassel Loafer
First worn in Scotland, the word kiltie comes from the custom of wearing kilts with those shoes. Originally an extended tongue, a kiltie with a tassel has become a truly chic slip-on design to cover the laces. And the Nunn Bush Keaton Moc Toe Tassel Slip On feels and looks fantastic with or without a kilt, with the Comfort Gel footbed and flexible rubber sole.
Features:
- Heel measures approximately 1″
- The platform measures approximately 0.25″
- Made with premium brush-off leather uppers with classic moccasin toe kiltie tassel detailing give the Keaton a polished look that looks great either dressed up with suits and dresses pants or dressed down with jeans and chinos.
- Fully padded sock lining with Comfort Gel provides outstanding comfort right of the box. Can also be worn sockless.
- Available in medium width and wide width for the perfect fit.
- Nunn Bush is highly regarded as a premier footwear brand by providing the best value and style in fine men’s footwear since 1912.
3. Stacy Adams Men’s Santana Tassel Loafer
Stacy Adams and men who know style have been a perfect fit for over 100 years. Founded in 1875 in Brockton, Massachusetts by William H. Stacy and Henry L. Adams, the Stacy Adams Shoe Company has long been a part of American culture. From the roaring ’20s and the post-war boom to Prohibition and the jazz era, Stacy Adams has been there. Stacy Adams is more than shoes–from head to toe, they cover your style from hip-hop to silky soul.
Features:
- 100% Leather.
- Synthetic sole.
- Breathable and padded, the leather insole adds another layer of breathability and all-day comfort.
- High-quality leather linings give the shoe enhanced breathability and moisture-wicking abilities to keep your foot cool and dry throughout the day.
4. G.H. Bass & Co. Men’s Layton Kiltie Tassel Loafer
Slip into Bass’s ultra-sophisticated Layton Kiltie loafer. The handsome shoe boasts a polished look from the leather upper to its slotted collar and traditional styling. It also has a padded footbed for comfort.
Features:
- 100% Leather.
- Leather sock lining.
- Genuine leather upper.
- Heel measures approximately 1″
5. Men’s Vintage Velvet Embroidery Noble Tassel Loafer
Jitai was established in 1998. It has specialized in manufacturing male and female shoes with a creative and fashionable design style. All shoes are hand-made with focusing on the quality and details.
Features:
- Mens Two-Tone Gold and Black Slip-on with Gold Chain Detail.
- Turn heads in these GOLD CHAIN Dress Shoes.
- Slip your feet into a pair of Comfortable AND Fashion Forward Footwear.
- High-Quality Metallic Upper and Blocked Heel.
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6. Liberty Men’s Leather Handmade Tassel Loafer
Liberty Footwear, a company with the design-savvy, technological prowess, and state-of-the-art infrastructural back up to constantly push back the frontiers of success. Moreover, it is reflected in the way it has impacted markets in Europe, the US, Middle East, and Southeast Asia. The color and the formation of the shoes are such that it will go with a different style or texture of the clothing. Step out with the utmost comfortable Liberty shoes. Put on these shoes to get a modish and impressive look.
Features:
- LEATHER, Made up of handmade leather having long-lasting durability.
- LEATHER lining provides the foot with more breathability therefore adding more comfort.
- Give your wardrobe an EXOTIC touch with these tassel loafers shoes.
- Can be used in Parties, Regular, and in Outdoor events as well.
7. Luciano Natazzi Mens Leather Tassel Loafer
Luciano Natazzi Shoe Corporation manufactures premium men’s footwear, accessories, and cedar products using the philosophy of quality, service, and integrity. The sleek silhouette and versatile styling of this premium quality leather modern driving moccasin loafer from Luciano Natuzzi offer high style and sophistication; perfect for your work, day, or evening look. This loafer’s streamlined upper design creates a classically handsome silhouette, while a full leather lining, lightly-padded full leather footbed, and rubber sole deliver a custom-like fit for superb comfort. Imported Italian Leather Upper Driving style rubber outsole, sewn by hand and machine to the upper for super flexibility. Made in India.
Features:
- Ultra Soft Italian Leather Upper – Cow Floater Grain Leather.
- Full Leather Lining With Rubber Sole.
- Heel measures approximately 0.5″.
- Tassel Driving Slip-On Loafer, Contrast stitching.
- The combination of fashion and comfort, Imported
8. Men’s Vintage Velvet Embroidery Tassel Loafer
Jitai was established in 1998. It has specialized in manufacturing male and female shoes with a creative and fashionable design style. All shoes are hand-made with focusing on the quality and details.
Features:
- Rubber red soles.
- Mens Two-Tone Gold and Black Slip-on with Gold Chain Detail.
- Turn heads in these GOLD CHAIN Dress Shoes.
- High-Quality Metallic Upper and Blocked Heel.
9. Florsheim Men’s Brinson Kiltie Tassel Loafer
In 1892, Milton Florsheim began producing shoes in a small factory located in Chicago, Illinois. The first pairs of Florsheim shoes made by Milton and his father, Sigmund, were a remarkable combination of style, comfort, and high-quality workmanship. This tradition continues today with the Florsheim family’s commitment to producing trend-right, high-quality footwear. Florsheim shoes are always available in a wide range of sizes and widths.
Features:
- The shaft measures approximately low-top from arch.
- Heel measures approximately 1″
- Beef-roll penny loafer, crafted with genuine handsewn moccasin construction.
- The shoe is unlined, and the insole is fully cushioned and non-removable.
10. Johnston & Murphy Men’s Aragon II Kiltie Tassel
Shop Johnston & murphy men’s section for a wide selection of dress shirts, casual shirts, sweaters, blazers, chinos, and more. Shop the best-selling casuals, unmatched styled footwear that is engineered for maximum comfort, performance waterproof construction, and richly textured leather.
Features:
- Leather and Rubber sole.
- Heel measures approximately 1″
- Leather lining, leather-covered cushioned insole.
- Leather sole with rubber inlay and rubber heel.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking to purchase a pair of tassel loafers easily, you can use the section below to head straight to retailers. If not, scroll down instead to learn more about the shoes and the past of the style. Which one did you like? Comment below and share your opinion.
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