Penny, Tassel, Driving or Bit? A Man's Guide to Loafer Styles (2026)
The four loafer styles every man should know, what each one is for, and the pair that does the job best.
Last updated: June 2026
Most men's loafers come in four styles: penny, tassel, driving and bit. A penny loafer is the classic all-rounder, a tassel loafer is dressier and more decorative, a driving loafer is soft and casual with a flexible sole, and a bit loafer carries a metal strap across the top for a sharper look. Pick the style that matches how dressed-up you need to be and the rest follows. Here is what separates each one, and the Adam & Westcott pick for each.
In this article
- The four loafer styles at a glance
- Penny loafers
- Tassel loafers
- Driving loafers
- Bit and strap loafers
- Which style to own first
- FAQ
The four loafer styles at a glance
| Style | The look | Best for | A&W pick |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penny | Clean, classic slot strap | The versatile all-rounder | Belmont Classic Leather, $59.98 |
| Tassel | Decorative tassels, dressier | Smart and formal looks | British Style Tassel, $69.99 |
| Driving | Soft suede, flexible sole | Casual and warm-weather wear | Driftway Suede Slip-On, $54.99 |
| Bit and strap | Metal hardware across the top | A sharp, statement finish | Buckle Strap Casual, $39.99 |
Penny loafers
The penny loafer is the original and the most versatile. A clean leather upper with a simple slotted strap across the top, it dresses up with tailored trousers and down with chinos or jeans. If you own one pair of loafers, this is the style to start with. In smooth dark leather it covers the office, dinner and the weekend without a second thought.
A clean smooth-leather upper that dresses up or down. The versatile classic to own first.
Tassel loafers
The tassel loafer adds a pair of decorative tassels over the laces, and the effect is dressier and a touch more characterful than a plain penny. It is the style for the man who wants his loafers noticed, and it works beautifully with tailored trousers and smart-casual outfits. Keep the rest of the look simple and let the detail speak.
Leather with classic tassel detailing. Dressier and more decorative for smart-casual looks.
Driving loafers
The driving loafer is the most casual of the four: soft, lightweight, often in suede, with a flexible sole built for comfort. Named for the rubber-studded soles made to grip a pedal, it is the easy summer and weekend shoe. Wear it sockless with chinos or shorts. It is not a dress shoe, and that is exactly its appeal.
Soft suede with a flexible, lightweight sole. The easy casual shoe for summer and the weekend.
Bit and strap loafers
The bit loafer carries a piece of metal hardware across the top, traditionally a small snaffle bit, and the modern strap version does the same job with a buckle. The metal lifts a plain upper into something sharper and more deliberate. It reads smart and a little bold, ideal when you want the loafer to be the finishing statement of an outfit.
A leather loafer with a metal buckle strap across the top. A sharp, statement finish.
Which style to own first
Start with a penny loafer in smooth dark leather. It is the most versatile of the four, dressing up for the office and down for the weekend, and it suits almost any outfit. Add a suede driving loafer next for casual summer wear, then a tassel or bit style when you want something dressier or with more character. Build the rotation in that order and you are covered for every setting.
Frequently asked questions
What are the main types of men's loafers?
The four main styles are penny, tassel, driving and bit. Penny loafers are the versatile classic, tassel loafers are dressier, driving loafers are soft and casual, and bit loafers carry metal hardware for a sharper look.
What is the most versatile loafer style?
The penny loafer in smooth dark leather. It dresses up with tailored trousers and down with chinos or jeans, making it the best single pair to own.
Are driving loafers good for dressing up?
Not really. Driving loafers are soft, casual shoes built for comfort, usually in suede. For smart or formal outfits, choose a leather penny, tassel or bit loafer instead.
What is a bit loafer?
A bit loafer has a piece of metal hardware across the top of the shoe, traditionally a horse-snaffle bit. It gives a plain loafer a sharper, more formal and slightly bolder look.
How many pairs of loafers does a man need?
Two cover most needs: a leather penny loafer for smart and everyday wear, and a suede driving loafer for casual summer days. Add a tassel or bit pair if you want a dressier option.
Putting them to work? See how to wear loafers and where loafers fit your dress code.
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