In the industry, we affectionately call him moc' .
Lots of people wear them on the team, myself included. Jordan has already had the opportunity to declare his unconditional love for her .
And for our part, we recently released our own moccasins:
This article is for all the people who like them but aren't totally sure of themselves. Here are four good reasons to take the plunge.
REASON #1: MOCCASINS ARE VERSATILE
Do you like mixing more elegant and more casual clothes? If I say casual chic or soft tailoring , does that mean something to you?
Then moccasins are perfect for your style. For what ? Because these shoes are right in the middle between dressy and casual.
Concretely, moccasins are elegant enough to go with more elegant wool pants . But they are also casual enough to go with pants such as jeans or chinos .
They're right in the middle on the formality scale.
Photo credit: Gentleman Gazette
Well chosen, a single pair of moccasins can be worn both with a suit but also with a t-shirt + jeans set , where sneakers don't always go with a suit and where brogues don't really go with jeans .
Wearing moccasins means choosing versatility.
Look here for example, brown suede loafers are as comfortable with a t-shirt and elasticated pants (Steve Calder) as with a suit and tie (The Decorum):
REASON #2: THERE IS NECESSARILY A MOCCASIN THAT IS MADE FOR YOU
When we talk about moccasins, you probably think of the so-called penny loafer version with the strap on the front and a classic city shoe sole.
Don't really like this shape? So here is a list of some other of its variations , which will perhaps resonate more with your stylistic preferences, whether they are more casual, more dressy or more workwear.
THE TASSEL MOCCASIN
It is also sometimes called tasseled moccasins. In English, we speak of a tassel loafer .
It has a slightly more refined, sophisticated look compared to the penny loafer . In the casual chic register, it tends a little more towards "chic".
Carmina tassel loafer
THE “CHUNKY” MOCCASIN, WITH A LARGE SOLE
Wearing moccasins in a workwear style, a heresy? Not necessarily.
Indeed, the contemporary moccasin finds its inspiration in particular from shoes worn by Norwegian fishermen in the last century.
Nowadays, there are quite a few models of so-called " chunky " moccasins, rather imposing, with very visible stitching on the sides and a large sole.
The best-known example is surely the Reims model from the Paraboot brand:
Large sole, very visible Norwegian stitching, protruding stitched platform
I'm also thinking of the moccasins from the collaboration between GH Bass and Universal Works , with a large white Vibram sole:
The contrasting white sole brings relaxation
THE MOCASSIN WITH A HORSE
It's the same shape as the penny loafer , with a metal bar on the front.
It is worn similarly to the penny loafer, but is a little more flashy with its metalwork. It is particularly suitable for slightly more advanced or creative looks.
The horsebit moccasin is currently experiencing a certain resurgence of interest among lovers of men's style.
Morjas horsebit moccasin
THE BELGIAN MOCCASIN
If it was the French who invented fries and won the 2018 Football World Cup, the Belgians can boast of having their own form of moccasin.
The Belgian moccasin (or Belgian loafer ) is a stylish and elegant version of the moccasin . This is enabled by:
- An elongated shape, the sole not extending beyond the sides of the shoe
- A very clean look, the top sewn on the front being replaced by a thin strip of leather
- Sometimes, the Belgian moccasin has a small bow on the front, which adds an additional touch of refinement
Just like the horsebit moccasin, the Belgian loafer is currently on the rise among connoisseurs.
Beaudoin&Lange is the best-known brand offering Belgian moccasins
FRIULANA
I bet you didn't know her.
Halfway between a slipper, an espadrille and a moccasin , the Friulane is a shoe of Italian origin. It is light, flexible and is traditionally made of velvet fabrics (straight or ribbed).
This is a very casual version of the moccasin.
Friulane Velasca , in green corduroy
THE PICOT MOCCASIN
This is an often flexible shoe which has a sole with small rubber nubs instead of the traditional leather or rubber sole.
This unique sole gives it a relaxed spirit.
Velasca spiked moccasins
REASON #3: YOU WILL FIND TONS OF LOOKS TO WEAR MOCCASINS WELL
Jordan did an episode of Panache which should give you some ideas:
And to complete this video, here is a selection of fairly accessible and not really formal looks with moccasins so that you can project yourself with them.
SIMPLE AND EFFICIENT
We start with an easy look, very casual chic in spirit:
- A white t-shirt under a white oxford shirt
- Faded blue jeans
- Brown smooth leather moccasins
And that's all ! No need to do more to have an outfit that does the job well with mocs.
SOPHISTICATED BUT NOT TOO MUCH
A slightly more elegant outfit than the previous one without falling into the very formal.
The jeans are swapped for dress pants with navy blue pleats. The t-shirt + shirt combo is replaced by a long-sleeved polo sweater with a beautiful open collar with harmonious proportions.
Both of these garments are elegant but not stuffy or austere. Loafers have their place here because they support the chic orientation of the outfit , without overdoing it.
THE HERITAGE STREET VERSION MOCCASIN
Source: Borasification
This look from Boras breaks the idea that the moccasin is a purely dress shoe.
This pair in suede leather with a white rubber sole is rather casual and can be worn with straight cut jeans, a printed shirt and an overshirt.
REASON #4: YOU CAN WEAR THEM ALL YEAR ROUND
Did you think that moccasins were only worn in spring and summer? Nope.
They are perfect for autumn/winter with good socks. I develop this subject at greater length in this article:
For the trouble, would you like a little winter look this July?
BONUS: CHOOSE THE SIZE OF YOUR MOCCASINS WELL
1. Since there are no laces, the moccasins must fit your foot well.
The advice traditionally given is to choose your moccasin a little tight, so that with relaxation it fits well and does not become too big.
More precisely :
- The sides of the foot must be well supported
- Do not touch the toe of the shoe
- The heel must not come off
2. If your shoe is a little tight when new, you can use a leather softening spray , such as Shoe-Eze .
This type of product aims to accelerate the relaxation of the leather. Of course, this is not a miracle product: a shoe that is really too small will remain too small even with the use of a spray.
3. If your shoe is a little big, there are several accessories that can help make up for it:
- The sole : it slips inside the shoe, elevates the foot and helps to better fill the volume of the shoe. The risk here is that an entire sole also elevates the heel, which can cause it to pop out when walking.
- The half-sole : it only goes to the front of the shoe. A half-sole makes it possible to better fill the volume at the front of the foot while avoiding raising the heel and therefore not causing a drop at this level.
- The anti-slip : it sticks to the inside of the shoe, around the heel. Use if a pair fits you well overall but the heel is not held in place well enough
- The tongue pad : a lesser-known accessory and without any real French translation to my knowledge, which is placed under the tongue of the shoe. Interesting to use for people with a fairly thin instep
And for women? - Nawal's point of view
Just like David, I also switched to moccasins. I highly recommend having at least one pair in your wardrobe: they are a practical, comfortable and versatile piece of women's wardrobe. Here are three styles of easy-to-access moccasins if you too want to join the team.
1. Classic moccasins, for an elegant or preppy style
It's a safe bet to add a touch of refinement to your outfit, even the most basic. It's also a very good alternative if you prefer flats to heels, while still being used to the comfort of sneakers.
Above: women's moccasins from Jules & Jenn.
Smooth leather or suede? Simple, or with a tassel, a pompom, or even a metallic bit? There is no right answer: it's up to you to choose the model that best suits your daily style. For my part, I appreciate the suppleness of the suede models, and I really like the retro touch of the gold horsebits on smooth cognac leather.
2. “Chunky” models, 90s style
If it is THE trendy model of the moment, it has been present in the happy world of moccasins for several decades. Equipped with a large sole (generally notched, like on combat boots ), it is mainly available in black leather.
Above: Women's loafers from Russell & Bromley
It is a thick, “stocky” model if we are to believe the English translation, which is characterized by an imposing and compensated sole. Recently re-popularized by the house of Prada, it is modern, and adds a touch of rock and badass attitude to more classic or minimalist outfits. It also allows you to gain a few centimeters in height.
3. Heeled moccasins, my favorite
It's the moccasin with a twist. The ultimate chic moccasin. And, by extension, the perfect pair of comfortable heels. Ideal for going retro with a touch of the seventies, or preppy with a pair of socks.
Above: heeled moccasins from the Jonak brand.
No need to go for a dizzying heel height: for my part, I like them at around 5-6 centimeters high, preferably on a square, thick heel, for more harmony with the shape of the moccasin.
So, when will we see you on the moccasin team?
