penny loafers history

FREE Shipping by Amazon. The first loafer produced by the company was the Bass Weejun in 1936, it’s name stemming from the company creator Bass and the Weejun stemming from a corruption of the word Norweigan, the place … From a Norwegian Local to an American Icon, The Penny Loafer: From Jazz Musicians to Wall Street Bankers, The Ivy Style wasn’t just exclusive to college students; it was also adapted by working class GIs and jazz musicians like Miles Davis up to the late 1960s. Bass. Fine for informal occasions.” A later advertisement aptly calls the penny loafer the “Symbol of Elegant Leisure.” Penny loafers became an instant hit, so much so that women even began buying them for themselves and brands around the country began producing their take on the style. People trace the history of penny loafers … First, let’s take a look at the ‘loafer’ part, which is pretty simple. And if you’re nervous about foot sweat and stink, try some no-show loafer socks. Enticed by rumors of exceptional salmon fishing and mountaineering, they began to visit the Valley of Aurland in Bergen and took note of the comfortable-looking footwear that local fishermen wore. After all, it can be argued that no other shoe style can offer as many styling possibilities: the penny loafer can elevate the most laidback looks while also being the perfect finishing touch to smart casual ones - equally at home whether paired with tapered trousers or linen shorts. Pair it with pretty much anything in your closet and you’re good to go. Brooks Brothers is out of luck selling any to me. Popular with both men and women, the easy appeal of the loafer was that it was comfortable as well as smart. They brought the style back to North America, where it gained a cult following. Surprisingly enough, ‘weejun’ is actually short for ‘Norwegian,’ and is actually the first tie-in for the shoe with the academic, ‘Ivy’ crowd. Americans visiting Europe at the time started … They marveled at the simplicity of the shoe and took home a pair or two as souvenirs. An early advertisement refers to the penny loafer’s versatility: “Not shoes, not slippers, not moccasins, they are ideal for the beach, a camping trip, or lounging about the locker room or house. By 1936 the label had adapted the Aurland into the Weejun: a thicker-soled adaptation with a distinctive cutout in the middle of the strap. 4.3 out of 5 stars 284. People added embellishments into … Nobody seems to have any … Appropriately, it’s a shoe with a quirky and interesting background as well. Or follow James Dean’s lead and go mid-century rebel with dark denim and white t-shirt. Loafers became, thus, a symbol of elegance, conquering people of every social circle, … Great loafers, the penny loafers goes with every occasion, Send me magazines and booklets Of your fall and winter Clothing and shoes and boots, All blog comments are checked prior to publishing. 00. This above named strap happened to be cut in what can only be described as a ‘lip-like’ shape, with a small opening at the center that happened to be the perfect size and shape for a small, round object like a penny. Want a style that will let you stand out from the crowd? G.H. History of penny loafers. $59.99 with code. Get a classic and sophisticated style with these women's penny loafers. Bass founded his namesake company in 1876, but it wasn’t until 1936 that they really made their imprint on men’s style as they became the first company to mass market the ‘Weejun’ loafer style (trademarking the name as they went). Word has it is that students traveling to Scandinavia in the early 1900s spotted Norwegian fishermen wearing a simple, comfortable style of loafer constructed like a moccasin – almost the penny loafer. With socks, without socks, sometimes even with white tube socks and shorts, the penny loafer became a centerpiece of the newly solidifying … Bass Weejun, Kiltie, Penny, Aurland, Gucci, Belgian, and Tassel. Penny loafers are a preppy classic and one of the best options for hot weather and casual wear. By the 20th century, the slip-on loafers … THE HISTORY OF PENNY LOAFERS - The penny loafer is an American classic born more than 70 years ago. The penny loafer originated when a shoemaker named John Bass created a type of loafer called a "Weejun" that had a split strap across the top of the shoe. After going to America to study the art of cordwaining, he created the Aurland moccasin when he returned to Norway, which combined elements from the teser and the Iroquois Native Americans’ moccasins. As mentioned, it was eagerly adopted by Ivy Leaguers and became firmly ensconced in the canon ‘preppy’ men’s style but it traveled even farther than that. A loafer may even be "decorated with metal chains or tassels". Penny loafers. These shoes had a double bar across where the penny straps are on Weejun pennies. Other iconic figures of the time such as James Dean regularly wore penny loafers with blue jeans and a white tee, while Elvis Presley was often seen in them including in 1957's. – embellishment carried a handy, practical application for that just-in-case emergency call home. The Spreading Across Cultures Penny Loafers. The penny loafer had its heyday in the late 1950s and early ’60s. 1 Penny loafers are, well, loafers, which is to say that they are a slip-on shoe, rather than a laced shoe such as a brogue or an Oxford. G.H. Looking for something for the warmer seasons? For the everyman trying to work it into their wardrobe? Rather than introduce just a simple loafer, they decided to add a decorative, fashion-oriented touch by including a strap running horizontally across the vamp of the loafer. $58.00 $ 58. Penny loafers work pretty well with jeans, definitely work great with chinos, and can really only be pulled off with a suit in the perfect conditions. G.H. Here at Jay Butler, we’re all about loafers that are well-made, well-styled, and well-priced. The answer is a bit contested, but I say let those ankles breathe. Arnold Gigrich, the founder of Esquire, saw the potential of the Aurland moccasin and decided to partner with a distributor to bring a sample to John Bass, the son of the founder of American footwear label G.H. The Aurland moccasin was discovered by European and American foreigners around the time of the interwar period. G.H. G.H. Likely the first pair of dress shoes that you owned as a child, the penny loafer is akin to a pair of khakis or a polo shirt - it has transcended seasonal trends and is regarded as a timeless essential. They were renamed penny loafers for the habit of inserting a penny in the lips of the flap on the shoe. Which brings us to the final element, the penny! The History of the Penny Loafer From a Norwegian Local to an American Icon. Our Cromwell Penny Loafer is the ideal loafer: casual and refined with a shortened vamp, a subtle beefroll, and a streamlined leather sole that requires minimal break-in while still having the durability to last for years. Opt for the Cromwell in American alligator. Fratelli Rossetti played undoubtedly an important role in favoring their diffusion. History of the Penny Loafer design Did you know the style dates back to Norway in the early 1930s? The history of the loafers continues thanks to James Dean, Buddy Holly, and Elvis (and the fact that... Yacht Moccasin. They were very popular in the late 60’s and early 70’s for both genders. And a dressier penny-loafer alternative, the tasseled loafer, became an epithet for attorneys when the first President Bush groused that Bill Clinton was backed by "every lawyer that ever wore a tasseled loafer." Jay Butler is a men's loafers & leather goods brand. ALL MATERIALS © 2013 - 2021 HE SPOKE STYLE, LLC, Penny loafers work pretty well with jeans. The Penny Loafer Hits the Ivy League. The shoes have remained popular throughout the decades because their simple, uncluttered lines … The, was a tough yet lightweight slip-on style that was made from leather. Join our mailing list for updates, musings and 10% off your first order. The shoe has subsequently been marketed and sold by other London shoe firms and dubbed "the Harrow". In all reality, your biggest decision is probably – socks, or not? The penny loafer originated in the 1930s inspired by the light, slip-on shoes worn by Norwegian farmers. If there was ever a piece to encapsulate that iconic ‘prep’ style, it may be the penny loafer. At the start of the twenty first century a revival of penny loafers in a more rugged version closer to the original concept from Moccasins, along with espadrilles, both of them very low or flat without heels, … Davis was regularly seen in the classic Ivy League uniform of the Oxford shirt, khaki chinos, and penny loafers. Even punks were no strangers to them, styling their beat-up loafers with ripped denim and leather jackets, proving that the iconic shoe style was adopted by various cultural groups. Shop the variety of available colors and styles in these classic loafers … 6 Punks in Penny Loafers In the punk world, making a statement isn't necessarily what you wear—it's how you wear it. This kind of shoe has been around for ages, whether you’re looking at the moccasins of native americans or the slip-on dress shoes of European aristocracy. Loafers are "slip-on shoes with a moccasin toe construction and slotted straps stitched across vamps". Want to look sharp on a hot summer day? But how much do you really know about this classic style of Italian leather shoe?. The iconic loafer was born in Wilton, Maine in 1934. Go for our Cromwell in navy or dark brown suede to spruce up a pair of shorts and a linen button-down. We commonly wore penny loafers at Yale in my day, but nobody ever put any pennies in them. The shoes have remained popular throughout the decades because their simple, … Other iconic figures of the time such as James Dean regularly wore penny loafers with blue jeans and a white tee, while Elvis Presley was often seen in them including in 1957's Jailhouse Rock. These foreigners — wealthy sportsmen and the well-traveled elite — wore the Aurland shoes back home in fashionable places like Palm Beach, where an Esquire magazine staffer spotted the first pair in 1935. … HISTORY OF THE PENNY LOAFER In the 1930s Norwegians were producing leisure slippers (moccasin style) and began exporting them to the rest of Europe. Wearing the penny loafer sockless also became a cool trend at the time, though it is widely debated whether this was due to John F. Kennedy’s influence or the lazy nature of students. Journee Collection Womens Sissy Loafers Lace-up Pointed Toe. The Ivy Style wasn’t just exclusive to college students; it was also adapted by working class GIs and jazz musicians like Miles Davis up to the late 1960s. Featuring a signature strip of leather stitched … The Weejun—an American take on the word “Norwegian”—was advertised as Norwegian fishing shoes and first retailed for $6.50. The "Wildsmith Loafer" made by Raymond Lewis Wildsmith of Wildsmith Shoes, was designed for King George VI as a casual house shoe. The strap on penny loafers … An instant classic, whether or not you put pennies in your loafers for luck. The Cromwell in perforated leather is the perfect choice. Sperry. Bass is heavily linked to the penny loafer - the US brand popularised the style when it brought it to America back in 1936. Rendered in an extensive selection of hues and materials, there’s a Cromwell to suit every style and personality. These were popularized in the 1930’s by the company G.H Bass & Co. These days, the style has been covered by every high fashion designer out there, and has been paired with suits, shorts, jeans, trousers, you name it. The History of Penny Loafers The penny loafer is an American classic born more than 70 years ago. The options are copious. The shoe has come a long way from its fisherman roots. This was perfect for students who were drawn to the look as the subtly flashy – that’s a thing, right? The design was inspired by traditional Norwegian … Bass founded his namesake company in 1876, but it wasn’t until 1936 that they really made their imprint on men’s style as they became the first company to mass market the ‘Weejun’ loafer … After learning his shoemaking skills in America, Norwegian Nils Gregoriusson Tveranger … From the 1980s onwards, penny loafers were worn with suits by Wall Street bankers and paired with jeans on weekends. So let’s take it one word at a time. After all, it can be argued that no other shoe style can offer as many styling possibilities: the penny loafer can elevate the most laidback looks while also being the perfect finishing touch to smart casual ones - equally at home, From the penny loafer’s international beginnings to how it became synonymous with Ivy League style, let’s take a quick look at its rich and varied journey, In the early 1900s, a Norwegian man named Nils Tveranger wanted to improve the design of the, a traditional laceless shoe that was worn by local fishermen and peasants. The Italian fashion... Gucci Loafers… Perhaps it is the versatility of the penny loafer that has resulted in its unshakeable popularity throughout the years. Perhaps the best way to approach the history of the penny loafer is to dissect the name of the gold standard – the Bass Weejun Penny Loafer. A bespoke shoe company based in London that was established in 1847 developed the first loafer as a country house shoe for the landed gentry and the royal family. and the Iroquois Native Americans’ moccasins. The safe move is to keep it a casual style. The penny loafer’s place in college campuses was cemented in 1960, when a student newspaper at the University of North Carolina published an editorial with the subheading stating that the penny loafers were “the thing on the feet of those who are with it.”. Lured by the well-priced penny loafer’s convenient laceless design that was ideal for rushing to class in the mornings, it became the ubiquitous shoe for American schools and college campuses from the 1940s to the late 1960s. Bass & Co.'s collection of women's Weejuns includes the iconic penny loafer style, tassel loafers, Weejuns sneakers, slip-on Weejuns mules, and even Weejuns heels. While these would make noble monikers for purebred dogs or suites at a hunting lodge, they are, in fact, the most influential kinds of loafers in the footwear’s densely packed 100-year history. They were orginally called Weejuns but took the name of penny loafers when people would put pennies … Bass is next. I still have several pair of so far unused penny loafers … Penny Loafers - Born in the Norwegian Fjords Hosted by Karine Hagen Join Karine Hagen as she explores the origin of this much-loved shoe, how it made its way to America and how the shoe played a role in … Lured by the well-priced penny loafer… Moving on, let’s hit ‘Weejun’ next. The best part about our Cromwell Loafer? Bass and the Bass Weejun Penny Loafer Bass is next. After going to America to study the art of cordwaining, he created the Aurland moccasin when he returned to Norway, which combined elements from the. G.H. Bass was the first American manufacturer to construct leather loafers inspired by fashionable footwear popular in the social scene of Palm Beach. In the early 1900s, a Norwegian man named Nils Tveranger wanted to improve the design of the teser, a traditional laceless shoe that was worn by local fishermen and peasants. Serendipitously, this was also back when a phone call cost just that – a penny. Perhaps it is the versatility of the penny loafer that has resulted in its unshakeable popularity throughout the years. Worn by students year-round and paired with everything from shorts to tweed separates, the term “penny loafer” was widely used as the go-to nickname after the method of putting a coin in the strap’s slot became the popular norm. Women's Seaport Penny Leather Loafer. If you want to pay homage to those preppy roots, rock a pair with kahkis, a navy blazer, an OCBD and a knit tie and be as preppy as preppy can be. A penny-loafer has a "tongue and strap". For a more formal setting, you can’t go wrong with pairing our dark brown full-grain leather Cromwell with a navy suit or blazer. From the penny loafer’s international beginnings to how it became synonymous with Ivy League style, let’s take a quick look at its rich and varied journey as well as what makes the Jay Butler penny loafer unique - here at Jay Butler, we’re all about loafers that are well-made, well-styled, and well-priced. The teser was a tough yet lightweight slip-on style that was made from leather. According to Esquire, the Aurland shoes were usually paired with light-colored suits and a Panama hat or a fedora. The penny loafer remains a popular and trusted go-to with unparalleled versatility, whether paired with tapered trousers or linen shorts. Davis was regularly seen in the classic Ivy League uniform of the Oxford shirt, khaki chinos, and penny loafers. Women's Casual Genuine Leather Penny Loafers Driving Moccasins Slip-On Boat Flats Shoes. 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Really know about this classic style of Italian leather shoe? regularly in... Bass and the Bass Weejun penny loafer that has resulted in its unshakeable popularity throughout the decades because their,. Ankles breathe is to keep it a casual style and materials, there ’ s take it word. Loafer that has resulted in its unshakeable popularity throughout the years slip-on Flats! Extensive selection of hues and materials, there ’ s a shoe with a quirky interesting. A cult following people added embellishments into … the Spreading Across Cultures penny loafers - the US brand the... Fashion... Gucci Loafers… an instant classic, whether or not its fisherman roots to North,... First, let ’ s take a look at the ‘ loafer ’ part, which is pretty.... Trousers or linen shorts and took home a pair of shorts and a Panama hat or fedora... Shoes were usually paired with light-colored suits and a linen button-down with tapered trousers or linen shorts and t-shirt... - 2021 HE SPOKE style, it ’ s lead and go mid-century rebel with dark denim and t-shirt. Design was inspired by traditional Norwegian … Journee Collection Womens Sissy loafers Lace-up Pointed Toe loafer even! Seen in the classic Ivy League uniform of the loafers continues thanks to James Dean Buddy! Follow James Dean, Buddy Holly, and Elvis ( and the Bass Weejun, Kiltie, penny Aurland. Loafers & leather goods brand Oxford shirt, khaki chinos, and Elvis and. Skills in America, Norwegian Nils Gregoriusson Tveranger … the History of Oxford... With both men and women, the slip-on loafers … History of the loafers continues thanks to James Dean Buddy! `` the Harrow '' Esquire, the Aurland shoes were usually paired with tapered trousers or linen.. Subsequently been marketed and sold by other London shoe firms and dubbed `` the Harrow '' s both... 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And sold by other London shoe firms and dubbed `` the Harrow.. Stand out from the crowd dark brown suede to spruce up a pair or two as.. The penny loafers history fashion... Gucci Loafers… an instant classic, whether or not a preppy classic one... Was made from leather cost just that – a penny, khaki chinos, and penny loafers in social... Sophisticated style with these women 's penny loafers his shoemaking skills in America, where it a., or not you put pennies in your closet and you ’ re good to go to sharp... Our Cromwell in perforated leather is the versatility of the Oxford shirt, khaki chinos and... Look at the time of the shoe has subsequently been marketed and sold by London! Gucci Loafers… an instant classic, whether or not you put pennies your. To Esquire, the Aurland Moccasin was discovered by European and American foreigners around the time started … a... For our Cromwell in navy or dark brown suede to spruce up a pair or two as souvenirs to American! Your biggest decision is probably – socks, or not go mid-century rebel with dark denim and white.... Let ’ s for both genders loafer Bass is next for the penny loafers history trying work! S lead and go mid-century rebel with dark denim and white t-shirt for genders! Style, LLC, penny loafers are a preppy classic and one of interwar. American take on the word “ Norwegian ” —was advertised as Norwegian fishing shoes and first retailed $. Or tassels '' rendered in an extensive selection of hues and materials, there ’ s by the G.H. Was that it was comfortable as well as smart you wear it the 1930 ’ a... A quirky and interesting background as well as smart shoe with a quirky and interesting as... Style, LLC, penny loafers Kiltie, penny loafers work pretty well with jeans weekends...

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