TLB Tassels

A new entry to the scenery as of the year before last, the tassel loafers from TLB Mallorca has become some of my favourite shoes, if not the favourites. They finally became a part of TLB’s official line-up during spring of 2023, but were also available from Skolyx through a collaboration with TLB even before that, which is where I got my first pair the year before.

In a big loafer update, including tassel loafers, horsebit loafers, unlined loafers and several other styles, they can be found as a ready to wear shoe at TLB Mallorca.

Specs

*・144 Artista Tassel Loafer*
*Vegano Leather*
*Goya last*
*Goodyear Welted*
*8 SPI*
*Calf lining*
*Vegetable tanned leather insoles*
*Leather heel stiffeners.*
*JR Leather Sole*

Specs

*・144 Artista Tassel Loafer*
*Suede from Charles F. Stead Tannery*
*Goya last*
*Goodyear Welted*
*8 SPI*
*Calf lining*
*Vegetable tanned leather insoles*
*Leather heel stiffeners.*
*Single Leather Sole*

The Shape of Things..

I have to admit that historically I’ve been somewhat averse to tassel loafers, I can remember thinking “I would never wear that” when a friend of mine wore tassel loafers some years ago. Granted, that was also due to the particular shape of those shoes.

Now, years later, more matured and richer in experience, they are, as I mentioned, an essential part of my wardrobe.

Any tassel loafer is not the right tassel loafer, while the tassel loafers from TLB Mallorca’s Artista line are the tassel loafers. When I finally opened my eyes to the beauty and convenience of loafers in general, the design and last was of upmost importance. Although, when I first put on a pair of TLB penny loafers I experienced a revelation, it wasn’t without a prior history with penny loafers. By the time I tried TLB Mallorca’s loafers, I had been through quite a few brands and models, some were close but no cigar.

Of course, this is me speaking from my own experience and personal preference, but the latter has not changed since: the TLB Mallorca Artista loafer on a Goya last is the “terms and conditions” for why I love loafers. I’ll add that this has a lot to do with how they fit specifically my feet, so it’s not just about looks, but that’s definitely a big part of it.

As far as the tassel loafers from TLB’s Artista line goes, they have the same exquisite bevelled, not to mention narrow, waist we’ve come to love from the other TLB Artiste shoe models.

I’ve always been in awe of how stunning this waist is and how remarkable it is finding such features; bevelled and narrow, and several other features in the price range TLB Mallorca operates.

Compared to the penny loafers, the biggest difference is that the tongue is slightly shorter, thus sits lower on your foot. As far as fit goes I haven’t noticed any difference due to this.

The shape and design above the tassels is also different from the penny loafer, which has a wider, slightly more squared shape to the tongue. In addition, on the penny loafer because of the strap being placed on top of where the sides and the tongue meet, gives almost an impression that the two are separate pieces of leather.

On the tassel loafers, the tongue narrows in and with the omission of the strap a beautiful curve from the side, up and around the tongue is visible.

The tassel loafers also has the same stitching ornamentation on the upper as the penny loafers.

I’ve always been of the opinion that TLB Mallorca has the best loafer stitch line which, besides being stunning both in looks and craftsmanship, really accentuates the nice shape of the toe. Additionally the placement gives the last an elongated impression without taking away the roundness of the Goya last.

Lastly, the tassels. Made in one piece from tassel to tassel, it’s inserted from the front, alternating evenly from outside to inside all the way back to the heel and back to the front again.

Two loafers, two atmospheres.

As far as style goes, tassel loafer hits that sweet spot between casual and formal, but; and we can argue about technicalities, my personal opinion is that a tassel loafer works well for formal attires as well, if not primarily so.

What I like most about my vegano leather tassel loafers is just that; they work great in formal-leaning attires, but can be dressed down quite easily as well. I sometimes think people underestimate how elegant and formal a nicely polished tassel loafer can look when worn with a suit, especially in a darker shade of brown, oxblood or in black.

As for versatility, the difference between what a boxcalf or vegano leather loafer and a suede loafer convey as far as atmosphere goes is a big one, but they both have in common that they are incredibly versatile. It’s difficult to argue which is the better choice and I would highly recommend doing like me: acquiring one of each. (Well, since I started writing this, I now an additional pair in vegano leather). But if I had to choose it would be the suede version as far as usage goes. Again, this comes down to style preferences and what you’re likely to wear the most.

My suede tassel loafers from TLB Mallorca has become my most worn shoes because they balance that line of elegance and casual within a casual setting so neatly. For us who swear to loafers all year round, the benefit of a suede tassel loafer is that it pairs exceptionally well with flannels and other fall and winter appropriate fabrics, while also looking great with no-show socks during the warmer months. They’re also incredibly easy to maintain which furthermore makes a good argument for why they are the perfect option for both the harshness of winter and the vigorous activity level of summer (no, I’m not saying you should play beach volley with them).

Sole talk

When it comes to outsoles TLB Mallorca offers a few options, three of the main ones being their original leather sole, the JR leather sole and the city sole. There is no doubt that for most of us the beauty of a leather sole is alluring and I have tended towards having my shoes made with leather soles.

I’ll preface this by saying that there is no right or wrong answer here, this is just a personal preference that has matured with experience. In more recent times I have realised that this tendency is a stubborn affinity, possibly both because of the beauty and more natural perception a leather sole holds and I am wondering whether not anyone speaking honestly would agree that rubber type soles are far superior as far as comfort goes.

In the case of my suede tassel loafers I eventually added rubber soles and found the results to have a great impact on how comfortable they were to wear.

Of course, this part is on me as I got these shoes with leather soles in the first place, not anticipating they would become my most worn shoes.

For my most recent acquisition, I swallowed my pride sort to speak and had them made with the city sole. It’s not a hard bargain, but perhaps a hard choice to make because I feel every fibre of my body leaning towards those stunning JR soles. But I’ve realised that most of the time I’m wearing tassel loafers and so this is the right choice for these particular shoes.

I reckon I would be remiss not to recommend the city sole, especially if you walk a lot outside on the shoes in question.

The city sole takes nothing away in terms of aesthetics. The same slim, bevelled waist that we’ve come to like, while making this choice does volumes in terms of comfort.
Then perhaps go for either of the leather soles for shoes that you don’t anticipate tracking hours across the city on.

Final thoughts

Essentially, although I do wear all my shoes often, whether oxfords or any loafer, I find that since I got my tassel loafers, I wear other shoes mostly for rotation and I tend to go with either of my vegano leather tassel loafers or my suede tassel loafers most of the time.

If we disregard the fact that everyone needs a pair or two (black and brown) of cap-toe oxfords in their line-up, I argue that a tassel loafer is the most important shoe you can get as a second, and a far more versatile choice in general.

As with all shoes from the TLB Mallorca Artista line, I can not recommend these enough.