Photograph from Amazon.
So, this is the second review of the Bass Weejuns. Last time, we've talked about the Larson, which is one of the most classic pairs of Penny Loafers produced by G. H. Bass. As we all know that G. H. Bass is renowned for producing classic Penny Loafer, we think there is still a pair which is worth reviewing.
Therefore, we're going to review another best seller of Bass, namely Logan. It's priced $110, which is same as the Larson. Of course, you can always get it cheaper on Amazon. Although we always say that if you see Loafers under $200, chances are they are of bad quality, Penny Loafers from Bass just isn't the case. It's worth its price.
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What is a Weejun?
G. H. Bass named the Loafer "Weejun" as it sounds like Norwegian. It is believed the Norwegians invented the loafer-style moccasins back in the days. G. H. Bass later invented its original Loafers based on the Norwegians' moccasins with other unique features. It's fair to say Bass has shaped the look of the modern Penny Loafer.
With the premiere of the Weejun Loafers in 1936, Bass had its biggest success. Until now, the Weejun has a history of over 80 years. During the history of 80 years, the Weejun became a staple of the Ivy style and Hollywood stars like James Dean, Michael Jackson, Paul Newman were big fans of it. Moreover, even the former U.S. President, J. F. Kennedy also worn it with his renowned Ivy look.
1. Look and Fit
Alongside the Larson, it's fair to say they shaped the look of Penny Loafer. They are so classic yet never out-of-date. In our opinion, we would say the Logan is slightly more classic than the Larson.
Similar to the Larson, the Logan retained the original look of the 1930s. The main difference between both pairs is the features on the vamp. (Vamp refers to the forepart of the Loafer which covers the toe and the instep. For more explanation on unknown terms, please click HERE.)
Unlike the Larson, there is no Beefroll stitching on the side of the vamp. The Beefroll stitching refers to the beefroll-shaped stitching sewn on the both sides of the leather strap. Without the Beefroll stitching, the Logan looks a bit more elegant than the Larson.
Besides, the features of the Logan are gorgeous. The Penny Keeper is the soul of the Loafer, and it's nicely cut. Penny Keeper refers to the leather strap placed across the vamp with a cutout on it. The cutout is in a diamond shape. It's believed in the 1950s, young people often placed a penny on each of the diamond-shaped cutouts just to make phone calls.
Secondly, the classic moccasin stitching along the edge of the vamp remains. Although the stitching isn't as elegant as the one on Tassel Loafer, it adds a bit of casualness to the shoe.
For the fit of the Logan, it fits true to size. The shape of it is sleek with a rounded toe. There is a rubber insert inside the shoe to bring comfort to the wearer.
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2. Quality
In terms of the construction and the leather used, they aren't the best in the market. Yet, with the price of $110 or lower, what more can we ask for.
For the construction of it, the Logan is hand-sewn in El Salvador. Maybe that's why Bass can lower the price to benefit the customers. Although the Logan is not made by the Goodyear Welt construction, it's not glued or cemented. The authentic stitching at the outsole of the shoe is the proof of it. The heel of the Logan is around 1-inch height. Therefore, if you fancy being taller with shoes, Logan may not be the best choice. (Not suitable for thick inserts as it's a pair of low shoes.)
For the choice of leather, it seems to be coated or treated. The finish of the leather is quite shiny. The shininess of it is not natural. After all, it's still genuine leather but not top-notch. The welt and the outsole of the shoe are also made of genuine leather.
The Logan is also unlined, meaning there is no extra layer of leather inside the upper of the shoe. Even though it has no lining, it stays well-constructed and has no discomfort during the break-in period. (The break-in period means the time taken for the leather to be softened and adapted to the wearer's foot.)
Moreover, there are so many colour and style choices offered by Bass. You can easily find your best pair there. We always recommend starting with colours like black or dark brown. These are colours that suitable for working environments and casual occasions.
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3. Styling Guide
Recommendation 1: Youthful and Casual
Top: Oversized T-shirt with an excellent but subtle graphic in a light colour (may consider front-tucked or fully but sloppily tucked in)
Accessory 1: A decent Watch
Accessory 2: A metal bracelet in silver
Outer Wear: No we don't need an extra layer
Socks: Invisible socks or white socks
Shoes: The Logan in Black
Focal Point: Graphic on the T-shirt, the accessories or the Michael-Jackson-white-socks look
Bonus Tip: In summer, most of the time we just wear a T-shirt on the top. Therefore, accessories are essential for a unique look. Make sure you have each wrist only one piece of accessory and never put on tons of them. Also, an accessory doesn't only mean a wristwatch or a bracelet, the keychain that hangs around your belt loop can also be a kind of accessory. So, don't be afraid to try in front of a mirror. Just remember put on loads of them, and you should be stylish enough to impress everyone in the room.
Recommendation 2: Fashion-forward
Inner Top: Plain White T-shirt with a broader collar (heavy cotton is preferred.)
Outer Top: Hawaiian Shirt in sky blue and with patterns (patterns could be bold.)
Accessory: A metal Bracelet
Bottom: Wide-fit Chinos in Khaki with faded hem (not too distressed.)
Socks: White Socks
Shoes: The Logan in Black
Focal Point: The patterns on the Hawaiian Shirt and the White-socks look
(of course, being a fashion guy, your confidence should be the most significant focal point.)
Bonus Tip: With this Outfit, I would recommend a messier hairstyle than those classic side-parts. If you fancy the side-parts, try to make it a little bit messy at the front or maybe leave some fringes to create that effortless look. Also, please remember that the white-sock look is very bold. So, if you are not confident enough to wear that at a party, skip it and practice more when you go to supermarkets or walk your dog.