Loafers are a fundamental part of any man’s wardrobe. However, the style is inherently casual and difficult to wear with more formal attire. Yet, the simple addition of tassels as well as the use of premium materials and construction can elevate this classic shoe to a new level.
There exist a plethora of options when it comes to buying a new pair of tassel loafers. At times, the seemingly endless selection can feel overwhelming. Towards this end, we’ve put together the following list containing some of the best tassel options available on Zappos:
- Church’s Tiverton
- Johnston & Murphy Ashford Collection
- MARC JOSEPH Luxury Tassel
- Lacoste Piloter
- Cole Haan Pinch Tassel
A popular and highly-regarded online shoe store, Zappos has a fluid inventory containing all types of shoes, many of which are often discounted from their regular MSRP. Aside from the shoe deals to be had, of which there are many, Zappos also offers free shipping and a one-year return policy.
The First Tassel Loafers
So much of shoemaking heritage hails from Europe that it’d be easy to think that tassel loafers were invented in the old continent. With this in mind, you may be surprised to learn that tassel loafers were invented in America!
Alden, a revered American shoe brand, claims to have made the first tassel loafer shoe in Massachusetts in the 1950s. Yet, it is the retailer Brooklyn Brothers who is reported to have brought them to fame. Additionally, the largely “preppy” nature of BB’s offerings also cemented the tassel loafer as a preppy style.
However, in the present day, tassel loafers have evolved from their American roots and spread into many different categories. No longer just a preppy shoe, the tassel loafer is a staple of dapper gentlemen everywhere.
Are Tassel Loafers Formal?
As with many other shoe styles, the material and construction used in crafting a pair of tassel loafers will weigh the most when determining the formality of the shoe.
For instance, suede tassel loafers in brown or tan are quite casual. Alternatively, tassel loafers made of premium leather (such as polished Chromexcel or Cordovan) with a Goodyear welt construction can easily be worn with a suit in business casual and even in some less strict business professional settings. Depending on the pair that you choose, the formality is likely to land somewhere in the middle.
The versatility of tassel loafers is definitely one of the strengths of this shoe design. It gives the individual donning the shoe a lot of latitude when it comes to dressing up or down. Yet, whichever the setting, a nice pair of tassel loafers will undoubtedly impart a noticeable dash of sophistication that you simply can’t get from a traditional penny loafer or slipper style.
Tassel Loafers: Color And Seasonality
As mentioned above, tassel loafers are quite versatile and therefore can be worn throughout the year. That being said, there are some colors that are more befitting of one season over another.
Generally, a pair of tassel loafers that is of more natural tones, such as white or cream, is going to be more appropriate for the summer. During the Spring, light browns and tans are going to rule and even more so if the leather used is suede or nubuck. During Winter, you’ll be safe if you stick with darker tones such as black, dark brown, or burgundy. Lastly, in Autumn, colors such as chocolate brown are most appropriate, as is suede or smooth calfskin.
The Top Tassel Loafers On Zappos
- Colors: Brown, Burgundy
- Material: Bookbinder leather
- Pricing:
$925$554.99 [Buy On Zappos]
The Church’s Tiverton is the Tassel Loafer that we’d all go for if budget is not a concern, though this caliber of shoe is also one to consider an investment that, if it’s taken care of, will last for many years. Nevertheless, it’s refreshing to see that Zappos is able to offer it at a significant discount from the original retail price.
Crafted from what Church’s refers to as Bookbinder leather, the upper also boasts a fumé finish. Moreover, Bookbinder leather speaks to the high-gloss finish that is quite evident and which gives these tassel loafers an incredibly formal appeal.
Further elevating the pedigree of the Tiverton are a Dainite rubber sole, hand-stitched details, a delicately-gimped vamp, and Goodyear construction that allows for resoling. This last characteristic is perhaps most important, seeing as it ensures that the patina that the upper develops will not be lost once the soles wear down.
- Color: Brown
- Material: Snuff Suede
- Pricing: $295 [Buy On Zappos]
Johnston & Murphy’s Ashford Tassel is a shining example of the elegance that a pair of tassel loafers can achieve if the materials used in its construction are of the highest quality.
In this case, those materials include walnut-toned Italian suede and blue leather tassels and laces. The brown-on-blue theme is further extended by the rubber sole and hybrid leather/rubber stacked heel. Inside, a breathable leather lining and leather insole, also dyed blue, ensure silky smooth wear of this svelte pair of shoes.
- Color: Grey, Navy, Brown
- Material: Nubuck Leather
- Pricing: $245 [Buy On Zappos]
Marc Joseph NY’s take on the tassel loafer offers a much more slim profile than the other brands we’ve included on this list. Naturally, this slim design and high vamp produce a more formal look.
Yet, the nubuck construction provides texture and visual complexity that ensures the Gold Collection Loafer isn’t too serious of a shoe. Ultimately, this juxtaposition of formality provides a significant advantage as it allows one to dress them up or down depending on the occasion.
Not just about looks, these loafers also possess a rubber sole and gel heel insert, keeping you comfortable even through all-day wear.
- Colors: Brown/Gum
- Material: Leather
- Pricing:
$144.95$130.05 [Buy On Zappos]
While the Lacoste Piloter’s design lands somewhere between a boat shoe, tassel loafer, and driving shoe, it offers a more playful and creative aesthetic not found elsewhere on this list.
Nevertheless, the Piloter still employs a flexible leather upper, leather/synthetic lining, and rubber outsole that make not only for stylish but also comfortable wear. Fulfilling the requirements of this page, it also possesses matching-tone tassels and, as will most Lacoste products, a small logo at the back of the heel. The Piloter Tassel is also available in Blue and Natural colors, though we find this Red-Brown variation the most fun option out there.
- Colors: Black, Burgundy
- Material: Hand-Burnished Leather
- Pricing: $
110$99.99 [Buy On Zappos]
An affordable tassel loafer option, Cole Haan is reputed for producing footwear that’s both comfortable and elegant.
On the Pinch Tassel, we’re quite fond of the casual moccasin toe and refined stitching details on the saddle. Moreover, the leather upper is hand-burnished to a beautiful shine which pairs instinctively with the painted leather outsole. Finally, the leather lining and rubber heel guarantee comfort, especially after the leather components have had a chance to mold to your foot’s individual shape.
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