The office suit, once a staple of corporate attire, has been dramatically evolving, as hybrid working models become the norm and men embrace more relaxed and comfortable styles. Adapting with the changing tide, the fashion industry has embraced a more laid-back aesthetic characterised by unlined construction and lighter materials.

Even the most traditional and luxurious of fashion houses are honouring this switch, such as Northampton-based shoe manufacturer Edward Green, known for its dedication to quality shoemaking since 1890. ‘Our wardrobes have changed hugely in recent years and, just as our clothes have become more relaxed, and our tailoring softer and less structured, so too we have seen a shift with shoes,’ Euan Denholm, head of brand and business development at Edward Green, says. ‘Loafers are more popular than ever, and many of those loafers are unlined, making for a lighter, more malleable shoe.’

The luxury shoemaker has been crafting loafers since the 1920s – initially intended as “house shoes” for Edward, Duke of Windsor. Recently many styles, such as the Greenwich tassel loafer, have evolved to an unlined construction. The result is a versatile, lightweight loafer that prioritises comfort, making it easy for the modern worker to swap out their trusty work-from-home slippers for a more fashion-forward outdoor shoe.

Despite the misconception that unlined loafers are prone to stretching over time, Edward Green makes unlined styles with quality materials, such as the finest French and Italian calf leather, and a frame-like lining to ensure the shoe keeps its shape. ‘Our unlined shoes have a skeleton lining in places that need some reinforcement, such as along the topline and heel counter,’ says Denholm. ‘In regard to the unlined Greenwich tassel loafer, those skeletal elements are cut from a luxuriously soft French calf we call Delapré.’

Edward Green’s Greenwich shoe in burgundy cordovan

Named after one of London’s exclusive postcodes, the unlined Greenwich tassel loafer follows the success of the Piccadilly and Belgravia unlined loafers. The cognac loafer features a plain trim, a softly rounded toe (based on the 184 penny loafer last) and a plaited tassel, its shell crafted from cordovan leather, known for its strong, supple finish and characteristic shine. The leather soles, tanned for nine months in a unique blend of oak, spruce and mimosa bark, add to the ideal autumn hue. The Greenwich tassel loafer is also available in burgundy cordovan for those seeking a richer shade of brown.

‘Brown is a colour of shoe that will never go out of style. Because of this, the Greenwich is a very versatile style you can see going well with nice flannel trousers and a jacket come autumn, twill Gurkha trousers, or jeans for a more relaxed look,’ says Denholm.

But it is not all new. Edward Green’s team of over 60 artisans handcraft around 350 pairs of shoes each week, maintaining traditional craft methods that they have used for over 100 years, such as the Goodyear welt hand-stitching process. They also offer a made-to-order service, allowing customers to change shoes to their specifications, including width fittings at no extra cost.

edwardgreen.com