The Barker Jevington in dark blue is a penny loafer in suede with Goodyear welted construction, a 7mm natural leather sole, and white stitching.
- Penny loafer: slip-on with no laces, characteristic leather strap with penny slot
- Upper in dark blue suede – soft, velvety, distinctive
- Goodyear welted with cork filling – resoleable, built to last
- 7mm leather sole (natural colour) with white stitching – an understated eye-catcher
- Heel: stacked leather, brass-nailed
- Width F (standard), last 478
- Handcrafted in Northamptonshire, England
Penny Loafer in Dark Blue Suede – A Classic with a Story
The Barker Jevington in dark blue is a penny loafer in suede with Goodyear welted construction and a 7mm natural leather sole. The dark navy suede upper with white stitching and a contrasting natural-tone sole is a deliberate statement – a shoe that draws attention without raising its voice.
The Story of the Penny Loafer
The penny loafer has its roots in Norwegian fishing villages – specifically in the Aurland shoe, a robust moccasin made for everyday wear and work. In the 1930s, G.H. Bass brought this idea to the US and made it popular under the name "Weejun" – a play on "Norwegians".
In the 1950s, Ivy League university students adopted the shoe. They placed a penny in the slot of the leather strap – partly as a coin reserve for payphones, partly as a fashion statement. The name has stuck ever since. The shoe became a fixture of the preppy style, worn with chinos, polo shirts, and a new relaxed ease – often without socks. In the 1950s and 60s it became a symbol of a generation between tradition and change. Today the penny loafer is a timeless classic: relaxed enough for leisure, stylish enough for business casual – and in dark blue suede, it carries its own distinctive, contemporary signature.
Suede: What Makes This Surface Special
Suede is a velvety, napped leather with a characteristically soft, matte surface. It feels different from smooth calfskin, behaves differently, and looks different – the colour changes depth depending on the light. Dark blue suede can appear almost navy in direct light, and darker, almost black, in shade. This quality of changing colour is a key part of the material's appeal.
Suede requires specific care: no shoe cream, but a suede brush and a waterproofing spray. The good news: with the right care, suede stays beautiful for years. The important caveat: without water-proofing, it is more sensitive to moisture than smooth leather.
Natural Leather Sole and Brass-Nailed Heel
The 7mm leather sole of the Jevington is in a natural, light biscuit tone – forming a striking contrast against the dark blue upper. The white stitching, following the moccasin seam and penny strap, reinforces this contrast. The heel is built from stacked leather and is traditionally secured with brass nails – a hand-finishing detail that improves both grip and appearance.
Goodyear Welted Construction with Cork Filling
The Jevington is Goodyear welted – unusual for a loafer, which is often only glued. This means the shoe can be resoled multiple times, the cork footbed moulds over time, and the bond between upper and sole is permanently stable. A handcrafted penny loafer of this quality is not a seasonal shoe but a companion for years.
Care
Remove dirt and dust with a suede brush (rubber-bristled or crepe brush) – always brush in one direction to smooth the nap. Blot any water marks immediately, do not rub. Before first wear and regularly thereafter, treat with a suede waterproofing spray (e.g. Saphir Super Invulner or Burgol Velours-Nubuk Renovateur). A suede eraser helps with stubborn marks. Treat the natural leather sole occasionally with leather sole oil. Between wearing days, rest on cedar shoe trees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the name "penny loafer" come from?
American Ivy League students in the 1950s placed a penny in the slot of the leather strap – partly as an emergency coin, partly as a fashion statement. The name has stuck ever since. Before that, the style was simply called a "loafer" or – after the G.H. Bass classic – a "Weejun."
How do you care for suede?
No shoe cream. Remove dust with a suede brush, treat marks with a suede eraser, protect regularly with a waterproofing spray. Never rub when wet. Always waterproof before first wear.
Is the Jevington a business shoe?
In the smart casual and business casual range, yes. Suede is more relaxed than smooth leather, and loafers are more relaxed than lace-ups. The Jevington pairs excellently with well-cut trousers, chinos, and relaxed suits – less suited to formal business dress codes.
Can the Jevington be worn without socks?
Yes. The loafer is one of the few men's shoes traditionally worn without socks – particularly in summer. The full leather lining ensures it remains comfortable even in this case.
What size should I order?
Barker uses UK shoe sizing. The Jevington runs on last 478, width F (standard). UK 8 corresponds to approximately EU 42. If in doubt, measure your foot length in centimetres and compare with our size guide.
