Velvet vs Openweave: Which Hummingbird Mary Jane to Pick?
By Birdies | Published: 2026-10-31
Category: Comparisons
Royal Green velvet or Black Openweave? Compare the two Hummingbird Mary Janes on material, flexibility and season to choose the pair that fits how you'll wear them.
Quick answer
Choose the Royal Green velvet Hummingbird if you want a soft, dressier flat for cooler days and evenings. Choose the Black Openweave Hummingbird if you need an airy, warm-weather pair that slips on easily for everyday wear.
Material sets the tone before anything else
The velvet pair is built around a deep green pile that feels soft and rich to the touch, so it reads as a dressier shoe. The openweave pair uses raffia handcrafted in Italy's Tuscan Hills, and the looser weave gives it a lighter, more casual character. Neither is inherently better; the material simply signals where each pair fits in your wardrobe.
That difference also affects how you'll plan outfits. Velvet pairs naturally with tights, trousers and evening looks, while openweave suits bare ankles, linen and warm-weather separates.
Breathability and lining change the season
The openweave design combines a looser weave with a soft mesh lining, which creates an airy, weightless feel for warmer months. The velvet pair is lined in satin, which feels smooth against the foot but holds warmth. If you run hot or live somewhere with long summers, the openweave is the more comfortable choice; if you want a flat for autumn through early spring, velvet is the practical pick.
Both share the same elastic strap, so on-and-off convenience is not a deciding factor here. The real split is climate and occasion.
The shared Barefoot Ballerina foundation
Both shoes use Birdies' Barefoot Ballerina technology: a fully flexible sole and a soft leather interior that bends with your foot. The velvet version adds a satin-lined sock with full arch support, while the openweave version is described with the same flexible sole and leather interior. In practice, the underfoot experience is close, so pick based on the upper rather than expecting a different ride.
One honest limitation: the catalog does not publish a heel height, weight or width grading for either style. If you need a precise fit measurement, check the size guide or contact the store before ordering.
Trade-offs to weigh before you choose
- Softness vs breathability: Velvet gives you a plush, tactile finish but traps warmth; openweave raffia feels airy and weightless but offers less insulation. Pick velvet for cool-weather comfort, openweave for hot days. If you want one pair to cover most of the year, openweave is the more versatile warm-climate choice.
- Dressy vs casual range: The deep Royal Green velvet reads dressier and works with evening or office outfits; the Black Openweave is more casual and pairs with summer separates. Neither is formal, so match the shoe to the occasions you actually attend.
- Care and storage: Velvet needs brushing and protection from moisture, while raffia openweave is more forgiving but can snag. Store velvet away from direct sun and keep openweave away from rough surfaces. Check the care guide for the material you choose before your first wear.
The two Hummingbird options at a glance
- The Hummingbird Mary Jane - Royal Green Velvet: Royal Green velvet upper with an elastic strap and a satin-lined sock featuring full arch support. The soft pile and arch support make it a comfortable dressier flat for cooler weather and longer evenings.
The Hummingbird Mary Jane - Royal Green Velvet - The Hummingbird Mary Jane - Black Openweave: Black openweave raffia handcrafted in Italy's Tuscan Hills, with a soft mesh lining and elastic strap. The airy weave and mesh lining keep the shoe light and breathable, which suits warm days and bare-ankle styling.
The Hummingbird Mary Jane - Black Openweave
Which Hummingbird Mary Jane is right for you?
Best for
- Shoppers who want a soft, dressier flat for autumn, winter and evening wear
- Anyone building outfits around tights, trousers or darker seasonal colors
Not for
- People who need a breathable shoe for hot, humid summers
- Shoppers who prefer a casual, open-textured look for everyday wear
