2026 Trending · loafers · Styling Tips ·Jan 23, 2026

Different Types of Loafers And Styling Tips For Men & Women

Loafers are that one pair you keep reaching for without thinking. The best part? They’re slip-ons, so you make zero effort with maximum payoff. One minute you’re in basic jeans, the next you look like you actually planned your outfit.

When you start experimenting with different types of loafers for women and men, you realize just how versatile they are. That’s exactly why these slip-on shoes have quietly become staples in everyday Indian wardrobes.

What Really Are Loafers?

Loafers are laceless shoes designed for effortless style - no laces, no fasteners, just slip them on and go. They trace their roots back to Norwegian “Aurland shoes” and later took off in American college culture, where easy, polished footwear became a thing. Over the years, designs expanded into casual, formal, chunky, sleek, suede, and moccasin-inspired styles, so there’s now a loafer for almost every kind of outfit.

Some people even call them by another name for loafers - "slip-ons." But loafers have their own identity because of their construction. They feature a low-profile design with a separate sole, an exposed ankle, and distinctive stitching that signals both quality and durability.

And if you believe there’s only one kind of loafer, you’re mistaken. There are plenty of variations of loafers to play with.

Loafer Types & When to Rock 'Em

Loafer Type	Where They Fit Best	Why They’re Loved (In a Fun Way)
Penny Loafers	Office, brunch, “I need to look sorted today” moments	They’re the overachievers of the shoe world. They are tidy, reliable, and never in a bad mood.
Tassel Loafers	Meetings, dates, semi-formal chaos	A little fancy, a little playful… like they’re saying, “Yes, I have my life together.”
Driving Loafers	Road trips, airport looks, easy weekends	The soft, comfy friend who always says, “Relax yaar, I’ve got you.”
Moccasins	Everyday hustle, casual outings	Basically the “soft toy” version of footwear. They are gentle, and impossible to hate.
Horsebit Loafers	Weddings, formal parties, boss mode	They look like they come with their own trust fund. They are instantly classy.
Kiltie Loafers	Artsy looks, vintage vibes	A little extra (in a good way). The fringe does all the talking so you don’t have to.
Chunky Loafers	Street style, fashion-forward outfits	Bold and slightly dramatic. This footwear is equivalent to a confident runway walk.

7 Different Types Of Loafers for Men and Women

Below are the seven most comfortable and popular loafers. Each of them comes with its own features:

1. Penny Loafers - The Icon Everyone Needs

Penny loafers? Let me give you some examples so you’ll know how popular they are:

“Ryan Gosling revived penny loafers in ‘La La Land.”

“Deepika Padukone has been spotted pairing tan penny loafers with oversized shirts.”

“David Beckham swears by classic brown penny loafers.”

Key Features

The slot on the strap - originally for pennies.
Super versatile and minimal.
Casual to formal fits.
Full-grain leather, suede, or faux material used.
Comfy insoles for all-day wear.

How to Wear Penny Loafers

Men: Chinos or tailored trousers with a blazer - makes them the best loafers for office wear. Penny loafers with jeans? Totally. Dark denim + crisp shirt = smart casual magic. Check out this amazing loafer here that hits all the right chords!
Women: Style Penny Loafers with skirts, short dresses, ankle pants. Styling loafers with dresses? Parisian chic on point. Want to bet on this?

2. Tassel Loafers - Dressy With Personality

Tassel loafers? Perfect for adding personality to dressy fits. They nail that formal-yet-fun balance.

Ranveer Singh paired black ones with an all-white suit once. Bold. Polished. Total vibe. Shows how they mix comfort with chic ease.

Key Features

Signature tassels up top.
A bit more formal loafer type than pennies.
Sleek lines, killer stitching.
Leather or suede. It is totally your pick.

How to Wear Tassel Loafers

Men: Business casual gold. Tailored trousers, shirt, blazer. These formal loafers for men are perfect for presentations or dinners. These Tan Tassle Loafers are sure to win our heart once you check them out!
Women: Culottes, tapered pants, shirt-dresses. Structured but soft, like this grey one from Yoho. Total win.

3. Driving Loafers - Relaxed, Soft & Stylish

Driving loafers? Soft, chill vibes for casual days. No fuss, all style. Flexible soles. Minimal design. Perfect for errands or weekend dinners.

Jennifer Aniston often styles driving loafers with simple tees and wide-leg pants for a polished, comfortable look.

Key Features

Rubber pebble outsole for grip
Lightweight and very flexible
Often made from suede or soft leather
Designed for maximum Comfort

How to Wear Driving Loafers

Men: How to wear loafers with jeans? Just get a light-wash denim or chinos for that easy vibe. Add shorts for summer. This casual loafer style is great for brunches and holiday outfits.
Women: For women, loafers pair beautifully with summer dresses, flowy trousers, or easy denim, and you can throw on a tote and sunglasses for a breezy, relaxed look.

4. Moccasins – Soft, Traditional & Ultra-Comfy

Moccasins are soft as can be with a touch of old-school charm, making them feel instantly comforting. It’s almost like your feet are wrapped in a gentle hug every time you slip them on.

You’ll be surprised to know but even Jason Momoa has worn moccasins to multiple casual appearances. Rugged suede fits his chill, giving a totally island style. Effortless cool.

Key Features

Hand-stitched upper.
Soft leather-nubuck or suede.
Lightweight, barefoot feel.
Built for everyday comfort.
No break-in needed. Slips on easy.

How to Wear Moccasins

Men: Relaxed shirts, linen pants, daily casuals. Skip the formal stuff. Opt for these.
Women: Shorts, pastel tops, chill dresses. Earthy vibes all day with these chocolate moccasins that will accentuate any look.

5. Horsebit Loafers - Luxury Meets Authority

Horsebit loafers? Pure luxury with understated authority. Sleek lines. Pair with tailored pants or jeans for an instant upgrade.

Harry Styles brought 'em back bold. Layered under oversized suits or wild prints. Total edge.

Key Features

Metal horsebit detail up top.
Premium leather build.
Crazy durable. Formal-ready.
High-end fashion fave.
Timeless polish.
Sharp stitching details.

How to Wear Horsebit Loafers

Men: Boardrooms, meetings, weddings, big events. Tailored suits + fitted shirts. Boss level.
Women: Mono dresses, pleated skirts, structured blazers. Power moves.

6. Kiltie Loafers - Vintage With a Modern Twist

It feels like having a little kilt brushing your feet - retro yet fresh. Not exactly an everyday pair, but they add personality fast whenever you slip them on.

Let me tell you that Hailey Bieber elevated kiltie tassel loafers at a concert. She paired shiny black The Row loafers with vintage Levi’s jeans for a cool, polished twist.

Key Features

Fringed flap adds instant flair, often paired with tassels for extra texture.
Bold pick for trendsetters.
Comes in polished leather or soft suede to suit your vibe.

How to Wear Kiltie Loafers

Men: Pair with muted trousers and a solid shirt - the fringe pops perfectly against neutrals.
Women: Elevate a midi skirt or block-coloured dress for that effortless, vintage-chic upgrade.

7. Chunky Loafers - Bold & Trend-setter

Chunky loafers pack a punch. Thick soles. Heavy build. Super modern edge. They're bold statements. Perfect for trendsetters. Kartik Aaryan wore chunky loafers in a recent editorial spread. He owned the chunky vibe head-to-toe.

Key Features

Thick soles - platform or block.
Major visual punch.
Pure fashion statement shoes.
Leather, synthetic, or vegan picks.

How to Wear Chunky Loafers

Men: Cropped trousers, oversized shirts, streetwear vibes. And blue chunky loafers for men have their own style appeal.
Women: Skirts, short dresses, big blazers, straight jeans. They allow effortless no socks styling. Check out this Black and White Statement Chunky Loafer (we bet you won't be able to take your eyes off it!

5 Tips To Choose the Right Loafers

A quick fact - Loafers are pretty comfortable. However, choosing the wrong pair can lead to a very unpleasant experience. This makes it highly significant tot choose the right pair. Believe us, a little thought upfront saves you from blisters and “why did I buy this?” moments. Read on to make a smart, no-regret choice.

First, nail your purpose. Penny loafers for the office? Weekend chill slip-ons? Everyday comfy ones? Pick right or regret it.
Material’s a biggie too! Go leather if you want stuff that holds up forever (trust me, it does), or suede for that softer, trendy edge that feels more fun.
Don’t sleep on the insole. Get good cushioning if you’re on your feet a ton, or your arches will hate you by lunch..
Think about your closet. Stick to safe bets like brown, black, tan, or navy. They mix with everything without drama.
Finally, test the fit. They should hug your foot just right, not pinch or slide, with enough flex to move naturally. Walk around in the store if you can!

Yoho’s Loafers range redefine comfort with superior cushioning with their Footpharma footbed and Heel padding designed to eliminate shoe bites. For those seeking effortless movement, our men’s range features lined loafers that provide exceptional flexibility without compromising on structure.

Caring and Maintaining your Loafers

We know that loafers are one of the best types of shoes. But without proper care, they lose shape and finish much faster than you expect. Hence, if you want your loafers to age gracefully instead of wearing out early, it is important that you care for them. A few simple habits can extend their life and ensure they always look polished (even for a long, long time):

Insert shoe trees to protect their shape.
Use a suede brush to remove dirt from suede loafers.
Polish leather occasionally to maintain shine.
Avoid water exposure - it will damage the shoes.
Rotate pairs to prevent early wear.
Wipe insoles dry and clean after every wear.
Toss 'em in dust bags when storing.
Don't wear wet loafers. Let them air dry naturally.

Final Thoughts

Loafers? Rare gems blending comfort and versatility. Penny to tassel. Soft mocs to chunky bold. One for every fit.

In light of the loafer trends 2026, the spotlight is on chunkier builds and quirky hybrid silhouettes this year. But loafers being “in”? Honestly, they’ve been a trending style forever - still the easiest pick when you want something that works for both casual days and formal plans.

Slip ’em on. Strut with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the most popular types of loafers today?

Penny loafers and tassel styles rule the scene right now. Chunky ones are blowing up too for that bold vibe.

2. Which loafers are best for office wear?

Horsebit or classic penny loafers in leather. They scream polished without trying too hard.

3. Can loafers be worn with ethnic outfits?

Totally! Pair them with kurtas or sarees. Bollywood celebrities Deepika and Kareena make it look effortless.

4. Are loafers good for daily use?

Yes, especially driving or moccasin styles. Super comfy for all-day errands. Cannot go without exploring Yoho's wide range of super-comfortable and stylish loafers collection!

5. What’s the difference between moccasins and loafers?

Moccasins are softer, stitched like slippers. Loafers have structured heels and straps or bits. Nevertheless, both are great and offer versatility of use.