Velvet slippers: when to wear them

Velvet slippers belong to evenings at home: a dinner you are hosting, a smoking-jacket-style velvet coat, a glass of something after the meal. At a gala, an awards night or a strict wedding, leave them at home and wear patent oxfords or opera pumps.

Indoor shoes by origin

A slipper, in the original sense, is a shoe worn indoors. In Victorian Britain, gentlemen changed their clothes in the evening: after dinner they left the table for the smoking room or library, put on a smoking jacket and slid into slippers of velvet or soft leather for comfort. The shoe therefore carries a sense of ease and privacy, a place where you are the host.

A story often told says that the embroidered velvet slipper for men was once named after Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria, hence "Albert slipper". Treat this as a familiar anecdote rather than a fact to build an argument on. What is certain is that "Albert slipper" is still the name used for this kind of embroidered velvet shoe.

Suited to dinners at home and velvet jackets

Velvet slippers work where the setting is intimate and the outfit is smart enough that the shoe does not look out of place:

• A dinner at your own house: a few close friends, wine with the meal. The slipper signals a relaxed host.
• With a velvet jacket: a smoking jacket or a velvet blazer in a related shade. Our article on velvet tuxedo jackets and smoking jackets explains the garment, and the velvet shoe is a natural companion to it.
• Private events in the classic mould, such as a listening evening, cigars, or a family soirée. Hosting a dinner party at home says more about dressing when you receive guests.

In the collection, TUX-131 is a burgundy velvet tuxedo with black satin peak lapels and a single button, the kind of jacket suited to the indoor evening mood that these slippers evoke. A burgundy velvet jacket with black or deep-blue velvet slippers looks good, provided the shoe colour does not clash.

Embroidery and monograms

The defining feature of the velvet slipper is the embroidered vamp. You can choose:

• A monogram of two or three initials. It is discreet and suits a host.
• A small motif such as a crest, a crown or a stylised animal. Keep it neat, in gold or silver thread on black, navy or burgundy.
• No embroidery, plain velvet with a leather or grosgrain trim, for those who prefer restraint.

Remember that this is a shoe to enjoy yourself. A very prominent design or a loud colour makes the slipper a novelty rather than an accessory. If you are buying as a gift, ask the recipient's size and colour preference first.

Not for strict occasions

A velvet slipper cannot replace the evening shoe where the rules are firm:

• Black tie stated on the invitation: galas, high-level conferences, awards. You need an oxford or pump here. See our dress code guide.
• Formal weddings: even in a tuxedo, glossy leather is the standard.
• Outdoors on wet ground: the sole is thin and velvet soaks up water and dirt.
• When you will walk a lot: slippers offer little support.

A good rule: if someone else has set the dress code for you, follow it. If you set it yourself, you can relax a little.

Looking after velvet shoes

Velvet takes in water and dust more readily than leather. A few habits help:

1. Brush with a soft brush in the direction of the pile after wearing.
2. Avoid wearing them in damp weather or rain.
3. Store in a cloth bag, with shoe trees if you have them.
4. For heavy soiling, use a specialist cleaner rather than rubbing at home.

A note from the Mon Amie workroom

If you plan to make a velvet jacket for home or private evenings, tell your consultant which shoes you will wear. The shade of velvet in the jacket and the shoe should be close. Book a fitting at a showroom or see our bespoke tuxedo page.