G.h Bass weejun

Commonly known as Weejuns, the formal and sophisticated footwear of the fashion elite takes classic styling steeped in a rich heritage and creates an unmatched pair of shoes for the finer moments in life. 

At Stuarts London, we rate Bass Weejuns and predict their sleek silhouette and intricately detailed penny loafers will infiltrate your footwear rotation shortly. Before they do, we thought we would assemble a guide that answers all of your burning questions about the American brand.  

In this piece, we will cover everything from the brand's history to styling options and how to ensure you keep your G.H. Bass Weejuns in the best possible condition.

what bass weejuns?

Bass Weejuns are smart footwear that resembles the classic styling of loafers and are typically crafted from moccasin leather. Available in a wide variety of styles, Bass Weejuns have perfected the construction of their footwear with its rich heritage, which we will dive into later, and offer an envious sleek and sophisticated silhouette. 

Bass Weejuns are a reimagined style which has been refined and updated over the years but has roots firmly in Norwegian farm shoes, hence the “Weejun” element of the name. Known as the original penny loafer, Bass Weejuns were a staple of Ivy League fashion and grew in popularity throughout the 1950s and 60s. 

Symbolising classic preppy styling, Bass Weejuns have been worn by some of the style elite throughout history, with figures such as JFK, Michael Jackson, Paul Newman and even Audrey Hepburn owning a pair. 

Fun fact: Michael Jackson wears a pair of Bass Weejuns in the opening of his iconic ‘Thriller’ music video. 
where are bass weejuns made?

Bass Weejuns are handcrafted in El Salvador using cognac-polished leather. The construction of the shoes follows a tried and tested process, including hand stitching and many of the same techniques Bass Weejun pioneered in 1936. However, some steps have been taken to improve the quality and construction of the shoes to modernise the process to ensure the quality matches the durability needed for modern life. 
Are Bass Weejuns in style?

Bass Weejuns have always offered a timeless appeal, and their effortlessly cool aesthetic provides the footwear with versatility that can be styled in any way you like. Whether you are looking for formal footwear to add to your smarter attire rotation or to create a preppy, relaxed look, Weejuns are the perfect choice.
How to style Bass Weejuns

Creating a preppy look with Bass Weejuns is easy and requires a few staple pieces that instantly help you channel ‘old money’ styling. A crisp single-coloured shirt is a perfect companion for Weejuns; we recommend pairing them with something from the Heimat shirt collection. Heimat is the master of classic and preppy styling and within its range, you will find relaxed fit options crafted in Portugal from 100% cotton. To style the lower half of your body, you can opt for casual denim shorts, or if you’re looking for something slightly more formal, straight-legged trousers or a denim option will suffice.
Can you wear Weejuns without socks?

Of course, Bass Weejuns can be worn both with and without socks. Many people prefer to wear no socks for a clean and relaxed aesthetic, but you can also pair them with a fresh pair of white socks for a contemporary take. If you opt for the no-sock look, ensure you have broken in your Weejuns or wear plasters in places that might rub.
Bass Weejun Sizing and Comfort

Before purchasing a pair of Bass Weejuns, we know you will want details regarding how Bass Weejuns fit, if they are comfortable and other related questions. In this section, we will discuss everything you need to know about the sizing and comfort of the American-based footwear. After all, if you are wearing Bass Weejuns without socks, you must know if the leather will to rip your feet apart or if they’ll fit like a glove. 
Are Bass Weejuns comfortable?

Like most new footwear, Bass Weejuns take time to break in and can be uncomfortable. With this said, once you have taken the time to wear in your Weejuns and they have had the time to morph to the shape of your foot, they should feel comfortable. It is worth mentioning that by design, Bass Weejuns are dress shoes and are not designed to be walked around in the city all day. If you have an active lifestyle, consider keeping a pair of trainers nearby to switch out of and into your Bass Weejuns before you head into the office.  

Bass Weejun have been mastering their craft for over 100 years. While t some of the original construction methods apply, the American footwear maker has employed some modern construction techniques designed for comfort. Across the range, you will find design elements, such as shock-absorbent insoles, lightweight rubber soles, cushioned insoles, foam midsole inserts and dual-density foam cushioning.
Do Weejuns have good arch support?

Some styles of Weejuns have specific arch support functionalities built into the design. The Larson Penny Loafers by Bass Weejun have an arch-supported internal cushion footbed to help support your feet as you walk. 
How do Bass Weejuns fit?

As mentioned, we recommend sticking to your usual shoe size when purchasing Bass Weejuns. It is worth noting that due to the style of Bass Weejun shoes, they can run slightly narrower than other pairs of shoes. 

Bass Weejun shoes are designed to be slip-on, so consider this when choosing your size, as you should be able to fit your foot into the shoe comfortably but not have too much room so that the shoes rub or flap.
Do Bass Weejuns stretch?

Like most leather shoes, Bass Weejuns will stretch to the natural contours of your feet within a few wears. They can be slightly uncomfortable for the first few wears, but once you have fully broken the shoes in, they should be comfortable for years to come.
How to break in Bass Weejuns

If you want to break in your new pair of Bass Weejun shoes, but they’re causing you too much pain to show them off in public – here are our top tips on how to break in Bass Weejuns. 

Shoe stretchers - You can purchase shoe stretchers online. These devices are designed to stretch your shoes in length or width, or if you have some particularly tight spots, you will find extensions that can target those areas.  

Wear thick socks - Wearing thick socks whilst breaking in your Bass Weejuns can help give additional padding to potentially painful areas. Wear your new shoes around the house with thick socks for a few days to break them in fully. 

Suck up the pain - Beauty is pain, and whilst the pain will stop eventually, you’ll still look good.
Are Bass Weejuns Goodyear welted?

Yes, some styles of Bass Weejuns are Goodyear welted for extra durability. It is worth checking the product description to see if your desired style offers this functionality.
Where can I buy Bass Weejuns?

We have a wide variety of Bass Weejuns waiting to be added to your footwear rotation at Stuart's. In a wide selection of colours to suit your existing wardrobe in classic styles, our expert buying team have sourced an entire collection of Bass Weejuns for you to peruse.

Shop G. H. Bass Weejun at Stuarts London

At Stuarts London, our selection of G.H. Bass Weejun shoes include a versatile collection of styles to suit your existing wardrobe. From classic Larson Penny Loafers, to stand-out options like the Layton II Moc Kiltie Tassel Loafers, our selection is curated and designed to deliver the best options possible. With a wide range of colours to choose from, you can look suave in wine-coloured hues or opt for something a little more dramatic with the contrasting dark green and white styles on offer. Whatever you decide, we know a pair of Bass Weejuns will become your favourite in your footwear rotation.

 G.H. BASS WEEJUN