Carl Magazine

The majority of us have some form of relationship or understanding about loafers. Not infrequently, loafers have an undeserved reputation as a slightly "old-fashioned" shoe, especially among people who may not have a pronounced interest in clothing. In short, there are basically as many different loafers as there are different models of oxfords, brogues and other shoe types, and among the world's most well-dressed men, the loafer is often a big favourite.

Loafers and different details

There are many stylish men’s loafers with a low tongue, but it can be very valuable to carry this insight with you if you are curious to start using loafers. The further up on the foot the upper leather ends, and the longer the tongue is, the more masculine the shoe's silhouette becomes. Again, this reasoning is very roughly generalised, and like so much else strongly linked to personal liking and taste.

Casual and more formal loafers

Loafers are actually a good shoe for those who are used to wearing sneakers, if you learn to choose the correct model. If you look at loafers historically, they have been considered as relatively casual shoes in everyday style contexts. Loafers in a brown tone, perhaps in a durable outsole, made from suede, becomes a very relaxed shoe that looks casual and you do not have to tie laces. The feeling of wearing loafers of this type, with a soft sole, is actually very reminiscent of wearing sneakers. Black loafers with a more durable outsole adds a certain essence of stylish attitude to your outfit.

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If you wear loafers with a somewhat thinner and neater sole, made from polished dark tones of leather, then the shoe becomes more formal. These go well with trousers made from lighter, thinner fabrics and are perfect addition to a tailored suit.

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Loafers, size and fit

It is important to always use a shoe horn when you are putting on your loafers. If you wedge a finger between the shoe's heel tab and your heel, you will quickly and effectively stretch the heel tab and change the shoe's fit. Loafers are a shoe model that place slightly higher demands than usual on you using the correct size and fit. A loafer that is just a little too big, will quickly result in you losing the shoe when you wear it, or at least that it slips awkwardly over the heel.

For example, if you are a UK 9.5 in shoe size in certain brands, it is common for loafers from the same brand to probably fit you best in a size UK 9. Well-sewn leather shoes also tend to soften and stretch slightly after a period of use, which affects the shoe's fit and the feel of the shoe on the foot.

Different types of loafers

Tassel loafers, loafers with small tassels on the upper, are shoes with a very high degree of style. They can be perceived as both formal and casual depending on previously given reasons such as colour, variation and material. Penny loafers have a small band over the upper, where students from Ivy League Universities in the fifties were happy to keep a penny coin for phone calls. Horsebit loafers are loafers that have a metal buckle in the shape of a horse bit over the upper.

Stylishly combine loafers

As mentioned, loafers can be worn both formally and casually. Think similarly when you combine other types of shoes with your attire to experiment between a formal and casual feel. Casual loafers according to the definitions given above, worn with jeans or chinos, are a really stylish combination that gives your casual trousers a slightly more well-dressed impression. If you instead wear slightly looser loafers with a casual suit of, for example, cotton fabric, linen, corduroy or flannel, the shoes reinforce the casual impression of the suit. Likewise, a formal shoe can elevate the formal feel to a more casual style. Although the loafer is a common sight in the summer, it is a shoe you can definitely wear all year round. Again, this depends a lot on the model's sole, thickness and material.

In general, it is good to think that coarser loafers fit well with trousers made from heavier and coarser fabric qualities. Neater loafer models harmonise well with trousers made from thinner and lighter fabric qualities. It is also good to think about the balance between the width of your trouser hem and the loafers you wear. The wider the trousers you wear, the more they will cover your loafers. Wider trousers combine well with slightly coarser loafers. In general, loafers go very well with trousers that have a leg width which allows the shoe's appearance to come into its own. Try your hand at finding the type of loafers that best suit your style identity. They very easily become a favourite in the shoe wardrobe.

5 Things to Remember: 

• Make sure to store your bag in a dark, dry place away from moisture and heat. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight as this can cause fading in both leather and fabric.
  
• It’s a good idea to pad the bag with crepe paper or similar when not in use, as this will allow it to keep its shape and prevent creases from forming. Use a fabric dust cover to keep your bag free from dirt and dust.
• Empty, clean, and air out your bag regularly, ideally after each use. This significantly reduces the risk of mould and odours.
• If your bag gets wet, dry it off as soon as possible with a soft and absorbent cloth, and then allow it to dry fully at room temperature. Heat sources such as airing cupboards, hairdryers, and tumble-dryers should be avoided.
• Take care not to overfill your bag, as this places significant strain on its handles and straps and can even cause the bag to break. Pack only what you need and remember that it’s better to use a bigger bag than to put too much in a smaller one.

How to Clean Your Leather Bag:

Brand new leather goods are usually pre-treated, meaning you can begin using them immediately. Empty, clean, and air out as needed. A soft cloth can be used to remove any dirt or stains. For particularly stubborn stains, use a slightly damp cloth, but remember that applying too much moisture to leather goods should be avoided.

Viktigt att tänka på innan du börjar

As all leathers are unique, it is often difficult to predict the efficacy of the cleaning process and, with older leather in particular, cleaning should be done gently and carefully. Remember that the appearance and feel of the leather may change from using cleaning products – it may, for example, take on a slightly darker shade than before. Deciding how much water to use is another potential difficulty – too much water can destroy the leather.

If you feel unsure as to how to clean your leather bag, it may be a better idea to take it to a leather specialist, or at least consult one before cleaning it. Also remember to test any cleaning product or cream on a less visible area before using it on the whole bag.

1. Make sure your hands are clean and free from fats and oils.
2. Begin carefully wiping down the bag with a soft, dry cloth to remove any dust or dirt.
3. If the leather is old or stained, it may be best to do a deep-clean using a dedicated leather soap. Allow the soap to foam by applying a very small amount of lukewarm water to a soft cloth or sponge. Cleaning products containing alcohol should never be used on leather as it can cause it to become dry and discoloured.
4. Make sure to clean the entire bag without applying too much pressure or focusing on specific areas, as this make led to an uneven feel or appearance. Apply the cleaning product using a circular movement and wipe it off with a slightly damp cloth to avoid clogging the pores of the material. 
5. After cleaning, allow the bag to dry fully at room temperature. Avoid heat sources such as airing cupboards, radiators, hairdryers, etc. It can also be a good idea to apply a neutral (unpigmented) leather cream to the bag while it is still slightly damp.

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Using Leather Cream:

Using leather cream at regular intervals is important for ensuring that the leather does not dry out and begin to crack, and also prevents it from losing its natural protection against dirt and moisture. We generally recommend using leather cream 2-4 times a year, depending on how often you use it. Apply a thin layer of leather cream to a soft cloth and carefully rub it in to the whole bag. Use a cloth to remove any excess cream and allow the bag to dry for around 24 hours.