Why it pays to invest in men’s luxury slippers — and the pairs to buy
From a leather pair from Crockett & Jones to a linen-suede style from Cheaney, here are the best luxury men’s slippers to buy…
Words: Jonathan Wells
It’s been an unpredictable year; month after month of uncertain social distancing measures and guidelines to keep us guessing. One moment, everything seemed to be on the up. The next? Another long lockdown. It’s been volatile out there — erratic and temperamental. Slippery, even.
Which is funny, because we spent most of 2020 in our slippers. They became the fluffy-but-firm foundations of our work-from-home wardrobes, and took over from our office-appropriate footwear almost immediately after the first lockdown was announced. That means, with countless hours, work days, virtual parties, Zoom quizzes and digital dates under their soft, slip-on soles, our slippers are starting to look a little shabby.
But don’t despair. Whether this summer finally sees freedom — or we’re advised into another loungewear-powered lockdown — there are plenty of pairs of slippers that you should think about investing in. From renowned shoemakers to kings of casual wear, here are the best brands to step up your slipper game.
Look for leather to invest in the best
What better fabric than leather if you’re looking for a hard-wearing pair of slippers? At once soft, supple and durable, leather strikes the perfect balance between comfort and longevity — and looks the part, too. We’d recommend, when looking for a pair of leather slippers, consulting your preferred shoemaker. If they know how to craft a good loafer, boot or brogue, they’ll probably do a fine job with your loungewear.
Trusted names like Crockett & Jones. The British brand’s resilient ‘Ritz’ design is a quilted mule style of slipper, stitched from black calf leather. Similarly, Church’s ‘Arran 03’ slipper is backless, and created using a butter-soft brown Nappa leather. Alternatively, look to pyjama experts Derek Rose, whose ‘Morgan’ slip-ons are lined with suede for extra warmth.
Opt for opulent velvet if you’re feeling fancy
Leather may be the strongest, soundest option for your slippers — but how tough do they actually need to be? If you treat your slip-ons with the utmost care, it might be worth looking at a more lavish option, such as velvet. Lush, plush and with a touch of decadence to them, velvet slippers are the perfect indulgence for an at-home worker.
New & Lingwood’s velvet slippers are exceedingly versatile — and will look just as smart with your pyjamas as they will with black tie. Edward Green, another heritage British shoemaker, has a navy house slipper named the ‘Royal Albert’ with a soft round toe. And George Cleverley’s take on the style — handmade in England from fine velvet — have smooth leather soles and soft quilted linings.
Choose comfort if you’re a non-stop slipper wearer
Finally, we come to the comfortable, reasonable middle ground. These slippers may not be crafted from luxurious leather or plush velvet, but the price tags — perhaps still slightly more than you’d usually pay for slippers — are justified by the sheer snugness of their designs.
Take Cheaney’s ‘Albert’ house slippers, for example. With suede soles and a linen fabric upper, they’re the perfect summer slipper. Mulo’s waffle-knit collaboration with Hamilton and Hare brings together loungewear expertise with shoemaking excellence. And, from Desmond & Dempsey, this pair of utterly affordable quilted cotton slippers features the brand’s elegant ‘Byron’ motif.
Want a whole new work-from-home wardrobe? These webcam-ready pyjama shirts will take you from Zzz to Zoom…
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Further reading
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