The bit loafer is a classic shoe that has graced the feet of WASP, bankers, and many other professionals for quite some time. The most well known brand that sells these shoes is probably Gucci; however, many other brands have their interpretation. The shoe above is an Alden model in cognac, just like the pair I own. I wear mine with my custom made blue blazer, or with one of my many Brooks Brothers sport coats and selected trouser of the day. Can one wear bit loafers with a suit? Well, for many it is a debated issue. I don't suggest wearing bit loafers everyday with suits, but I think it is okay now and then. For example, I wore my bit loafers last summer with my cream colored linen suit, light blue Brooks Brothers tab collar dress shirt, and a navy club tie with a cream stripe and hints of pink and yellow on the motif. I finished the look with a silk pink pocket square.
If I could only have three pairs of shoes (I have about 25), I would select a pair of bit loafers for my rotation. My suggestion, buy a pair, you will love them. Just be certain that you match them with well tailored clothes. Don't fall prey to the the disease that many well to do business men fall into. Many think they look good because they paid a $1,000 for a suit while simultaneously ignoring the fit. Something about the cost blinds their perception. It does not matter how stylish one's shoes or accessories are because if your clothes do not fit properly, the entire outfit is ruined. You would have been just as well to have went to the mall and bought a polyester blend suit and rubber sole shoes.
3 comments:
It's very common in NYC to see men wearing bit loafers with their suit. Especially so in the financial district, though you'll spot them uptown as well. Black with the gold seems the preferred style. Maybe it's just a New York thing...
I brutally reject the horsebit loafer with its Italianate dingle-dangle. New Hampshire man, you understand. Not the thing up there. Pelrhaps you could wear these in Boston, if you didn't leave the North End.
Gentlemen prefer to be classic. Therefore the Bit loafer is a staple in today's Man's wardrobe. I have 8 pair. Contrary to what some believe, the Bit loafer looks fabulous with a suit. The beauty of a Bit loafer is that you can dress it up or you can dress it down.
However, at the end of the day, it's a personal decision on whether or not a man chooses to be a classic Gentleman from head to toe, or simply choose to not wear something out of fear of his buddies not liking it.
Bit loafers are classic and there is no room for debate on that. Period!
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