1st Dibs // All the things you ever wanted to ask about the Penny Loafers

The Loafer Q & A

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September 5, 2025 3:11am EDT

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1st Dibs // The Q & A Part Two. Loafers.

Answering the most common Penny Loafer questions.

Q1:

What is Sacchetto? What does Glove like fit mean?

The Penny Loafers are made in a very special way. It is called Sacchetto Construction. 95% of shoes are NOT made this way. Mostly because it is very difficult to find makers who will do it. It is a dying skill. This is more old world, it is bespoke.

Sacchetto means "Little Bag". If you have ever sewn a pillow, and you flip it inside out, that's the idea. If you have see a bias dress, and put it on, and it forms to your body, along the curves, it becomes you.. That is these too.

When I started, the man that was helping me and teaching me, he asked me if I wanted Sacchetto or Lasted loafers... and I didn't know. I didn't know anything about shoes really. I just knew what I wanted to feel. He said he would send me one of each. And when I did that, it became clear.

I couldn't UNSEE the better one. It felt DIFFERENT. Like a soft glove. The fit and feel was something that you couldn't NOT choose.

It costs more, it's harder to do. It's limiting. Only a few factories or makers do it in the area and it takes a lot longer. But... it doesn't matter. It just is the thing. It's what makes these shoes REALLY special. It's how they feel. It's why everyone likes them, because they are comfortable.

Q2:

How do they fit?

They fit true to size for the most part. There is a size guide in each shoes listing. Use this. All the ladies in the office try their size on, and I get sizes bigger and smaller, and everyone gives me their feedback and then I make a recommendation.

Usually it's true to EU sizing, which is different than American sizing.

Q3:

Do they stretch?

They stretch a little with wear, in a good way. If they are ever so slightly snug.. then they will stretch about 1/4 size.

If everything is perfect and your toe is close to the edge, then it might be ok because the skin is so soft.

If your heel is loose, it might be ok if it feels ok. If it feels like it's slipping, go down a half size. If it is totally slipping, go down 1 size.

If it fits pretty well, but it just feels real snug.. and you are wondering if this is "glove like fit", I would say go up a half size. Give yourself a little breathing room. Go up a half a size.

They form to your feet with wear. They become the shape of your foot. If they are slightly loose, they will become you. If they are slightly tight, they will stretch and become you..

Q4:

Which Do I wear most, which color do I like most?

I wear the oxbloods. They are the classics. I switch between being a die hard oxblood wearer and black, sometimes I am in a black mood. I love the new high black, because it has such spark with the finish. I went hard for suede for about a year. The suede are the kind you wear and don't take off when you get home. And then at 10pm you are lounging around and realize you still have your shoes on. How weird!

The Croc is really stunning, I love it studious old world look. The Leopard hair calf is insanely soft. It's unbelievably soft. The most soft is the Oleoso. I love it so much.

Q5:

The number one question we get IS....

WHAT IS THIS PEELING ON THE BOTTOM OF THE SHOES?

And we always say.. It's ok, that is a protective plastic cover that keeps your soles safe and clean until you are ready to keep your loafers. They cannot be returned if you remove the plastic. And then I end with Fresh Soles Await! And sometimes I say, don't worry, I thought the same thing the first time too.

But I don't actually answer as many emails anymore personally so this might have changed.. but same idea!!!

And when you peel the plastic off, it makes this nice ASMR sound that really is kind of the best thing.