No.187

The Great Wallet Ban of ‘54

Y.M.C. Zip Bomber in Sky, open over a white linen shirt, with rolled Carhartt Vicious Pants in marine blue and brown loafers

Close-up of the Y.M.C. Zip Bomber in Sky, a fine blue-green stripe, open over a Norse Projects Benno Hippie linen shirt

Y.M.C. Zip Bomber in Sky, a pale blue-green zip jacket with elasticated cuffs and hem, zipped up, hands in the pockets

Norse Projects Benno Hippie Short Sleeve Linen Shirt, a creased white popover with a bib front, worn untucked

Close-up of a model laughing with eyes closed, in the white Norse Projects Benno Hippie linen shirt

Y.M.C. Nep Pocket Tee in brown, with rolled Carhartt Vicious Pants in marine blue and dark brown leather loafers

Close-up of Clarks Originals Edmund Create loafers in dark brown leather on crepe soles, under rolled navy Vicious Pants

Footwear history-fans often spout off that ‘penny loafers’ got their name as young Ivy-League sorts would put pennies in the diamond shaped cut-out in the front of their loafers. We at Oi Polloi know this is rubbish. The real reason is that many years ago there was a large gambling epidemic spreading throughout the North West. Everyday things like work and eating were soon forgotten as droves of gambling addicts flocked to arcades, bookies and the dark corners of family restaurants for their chance to make a mint. With workplaces empty, the government decided something had to be done, and went straight for the heart of the matter with what is now known as the Great Wallet Ban of ’54. With wallets, purses and coin-holders outlawed, the race was on for gamble-fans to find another suitable way to carry coins. The answer was the penny loafer.

Y.M.C. Zip Bomber (Sky)

Clarks Originals Edmund Create (Dark Brown Leather)

Y.M.C. Nep Pocket Tee (Brown)

Norse Projects Benno Hippie Short Sleeve Linen Shirt (Marine)

Carhartt Vicious Pant (Marine Blue)

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