Brown Suede Tassel Loafers for Men

These tassel loafers pair soft brown suede with leather tassels threaded through the throat, so you get a slip on that looks dressier than a penny loafer and feels comfortable from the first wear. They are Goodyear welted on a leather sole and made to order in US sizes 5 to 16.5, in standard or custom width.

Why a tassel loafer reads dressier

The tassel loafer was made for a Hollywood actor who wanted a slip on with more finish, and it became the shoe of American lawyers and bankers through the 1950s. The tassels add movement and a sense of detail that a plain vamp does not have. On our pair the tassel lace threads through the throat of the shoe rather than being glued to the surface, so the tassels move naturally and stay put.

• Dressier than a penny loafer, easier than a lace up.
• Tassel lace threaded through the throat, not glued on.
• Works with a blazer as well as with denim.

Brown suede, and when to wear it

Suede is leather with the inner surface buffed to a soft nap. It is more relaxed than polished calf and more comfortable from day one, because it is supple and flexes easily. Brown suede is the most versatile suede color. It pairs with navy, gray, olive and tan, and with any shade of denim, and it looks right in spring, summer and fall.

• Best with: navy blazers, gray flannel, chinos, dark denim.
• Seasons: spring through fall.
• Skip with: very formal suits and black tie.

Specifications

How this compares

Brown suede tassel loafers are made by Spanish and English heritage makers at a higher price, and by fashion brands with glued soles at a lower one.

Fit and sizing

Order suede snug, because the napped surface gives a little with wear. Loafers also run larger than lace ups, so most men take less than their lace up size. The shoe should grip across the instep and heel with only slight lift as you walk. Check the men's shoe size guide before you order and send us your measurements if you are between sizes.

• Between sizes: take the smaller length.
• Narrow or wide fitting through our made to order service.

Care

• Spray with a suede protector before the first wear.
• Brush with a suede brush after each wear, one direction only.
• No cream and no wax on suede.
• Use a shoe horn rather than kicking the loafers off.

Who these are for

These suit the man who wants one loafer that works from a business casual office to a weekend lunch. They are dressier than a penny loafer, softer than a calf tassel and easy to pair with a navy blazer, gray flannel, chinos or dark denim. If you travel often, a suede tassel loafer packs flat and slips on quickly at airport security.

Frequently asked questions

Are tassel loafers more formal than penny loafers?

Yes, slightly. The tassels add detail and movement that a plain penny strap does not, so tassel loafers have long been worn with suits in American business dress. In brown suede the formality drops a step, because suede is softer and more relaxed than polished calf. That makes these a strong smart casual shoe: right with a blazer and flannel pants, and just as comfortable with chinos or dark denim at the weekend. They are one of the most useful shoes for a business casual week.

Can you wear suede tassel loafers with a suit?

With the right suit, yes. Brown suede tassel loafers look excellent with cotton, linen and flannel suits in navy, gray, tan or olive, especially for daytime events and business casual offices. With a sharp worsted business suit or for black tie, choose a polished calf lace up instead. Keep your belt in a brown suede or matte brown leather so it sits close to the shoes in both color and texture. A suede loafer adds texture that a plain worsted suit can use.

Are suede loafers good in rain?

Suede handles light showers better than people expect once it has been treated with a protective spray, but it should not be worn in heavy rain or standing water. If the shoes get wet, stuff them with paper, let them dry naturally away from heat, then brush the nap back up once dry. A suede eraser lifts most water marks. For regular wet weather, a smooth calf or grain leather loafer is the more practical choice. Brown suede also hides light water marks better than pale suede.

How do I clean brown suede loafers?

Brush them with a suede brush after each wear, working in one direction to lift dirt and keep the nap even. For marks, use a suede eraser, then brush again. Never use cream or wax, which flattens and darkens suede. Treat them with a suede protector spray before the first wear and every few months after. Store them with cedar shoe trees so the shape holds and moisture is absorbed. Rotating pairs gives the suede time to recover between wears.

Why do the tassels matter on a loafer?

The tassels are the defining detail of the style, and how they are attached tells you a lot about the shoe. On our pair the tassel lace threads through the throat, so it moves naturally and is held securely. On cheaper loafers the tassels are often glued to the surface and can loosen or fall off. If a tassel ever needs replacing, a threaded lace can be swapped by a cobbler without affecting the rest of the shoe. It is a small detail that separates a welted loafer from a fashion one.

What socks do you wear with tassel loafers?

With pants and a blazer, choose socks that match your pants, such as navy with navy or gray with gray, so the leg line stays unbroken. With chinos and a relaxed outfit, a muted pattern or a warm color like burgundy can work well against brown suede. In summer, no show socks give a clean sockless look while protecting the lining. Avoid white athletic socks, which clash with a dress loafer. Thin cotton or merino dress socks keep the fit neat and help the heel grip.

Explore more suede and calf slip ons in our men's leather loafers collection.