Patent Leather has always been seen as the uptown leather or the leather that adorns ladies’ formal shoes and men’s tux shoes. Ever since the process to give shoes the “patented” glossy shine was invented back in 1818 the patent look has been the most desired look in formalwear.

The only problem is that these shoes seem to only go with formalwear and they crease/deteriorate easily. So, what do you wear patent leather shoes with besides a tuxedo? How do you care for them so that they are not destroyed before you ever get out of the limo?

How to Style Patent Leather Shoes

In order to wear Patent Leather shoes with the right clothes you have to see them as shoes that stand out as opposed to “formal shoes that I can’t wear anywhere but a wedding or dinner party that I go to once a year.” Your cleanest jeans, a crisp shirt, dark sport coat, and patent leather shoes are a phenomenal combo.

Maybe you wouldn’t wear patent leather with your plain suits, but if you have a patterned suit or some nice patterned business slacks you could easily pull off patent leather shoes. The shiny texture of the Patent Leather is the perfect counterpoint to your classy patterned power suit.

Not into a full patent leather shoe? Try shoes that combine a black fabric and patent leather. This usually makes the shoes seem more casual and allows you more latitude in wearing them places outside the wedding. Beware when you purchase a fabric shoe and check it over carefully. They don’t always come clean from the factory.

How to Wear Patent Leather Shoes

Patent Leather’s are not hard working shoes.

• If you plan to wear them work you better have an office job where you rarely get up from your desk.
• Reduce creasing by not doing any hard manual labor in them – this will prevent you from bending them at the laces and making a gigantic crease right in the most visible part of the shoe.
• If you have concerns about wearing your shoes out, don’t do it.

How to Care for Patent Leather Shoes

Caring for patent leather shoes is easier than you think.

• They can get wet…it’s not a big deal.
• Do not, under any circumstances, do anything to them besides use jet black shoe polish.
• If you have weak wrists you’ll have to work out a little because the only way to shine patent leather shoes is with a shoe polishing cloth.
• If the leather is cut or scraped you will most likely have to consult a shoe repairman to see if the finish can be repaired.
• Shoetrees are a must in your Patent shoes. You cannot maintain the shape any other way and the patent leather shows creases easily.
• Simply walking in them nicely and polishing every month will keep your shoes happy.

If you are squeamish in the first place make sure you go with the type of shoe that combines fabric and patent leather so you don’t have “fright” all over your shoes. Most importantly…enjoy your patent leathers and the compliments that come with them.

Pictures of Patent Leather Shoes