Bit loafers. Originally started by Gucci, they are a great casual loafer with a little extra. Not as formal as the tassel loafer or the full strap version, but not as casual as the penny loafer, the bit loafer fills the ‘dressy-casual’ niche. OK with khakis and wool trousers, as well as with shorts. These are those loafers with a grin.
My collection:
Both are older Cole Haan models – the brown are Made in Italy version, and the black are not.
Getting a little patina on the bits…
The best thing about bit loafers is there is a variety to choose from. They are starting to become a staple in all sorts of catalogs. It’s hard not to find a bit loafer that will fit your needs:
Pennington & Bailes Dark Canyon Bit Driver
Orvis Italian Suede Bit Loafer
Barker Black Wolfe Snuff Suede Loafer (I know, not a true ‘bit’, but just as cool)
Alden Horse Bit Loafer – the Cadillac
I own all the Cole Haan colors in bit style loafers, got a pair of the Church’s horse bit version, as good as the Gucci’s also have two pairs of Peter Millar! They can be worn with most anything. This style has over taken my Bass Weejun’s wearing days.
P.S. Cole Haan & Johnston Murphy has a similar horse bit driving moc to the Peter Millar.
Man, you like some gaudy footwear – crocodile loafers and flashy bit loafers……I’ll pass. Next, you’ll be sporting Pilgrim shoes with big, shiny buckles.
I dig your brown Cole Haans more than any of the others suggested. I really am not a big fan of the lug sole versions; seem incongruous to me.
I’ve had a black pair of the Alden bit loafers for about six months now. They are, without a doubt, the most comfortable loafers I’ve ever owned — like wearing house slippers, right out of the box. And, for South Florida, they’re good for business wear and casual.
Can’t believe you didn’t include Martin Dingman Saxon Bit Loafers in your list. Just discovered your blog and have spent many hours combing through the archives. Diggin’ it in Alabama.
Just curious what model the brown Cole Haans are. I’ve been searching for my first pair of bit loafers and yours look great!
I need Cole Haan bit loafers without driving sole, size 12 wide (not medium).Do you have it?