Raffia vs. Openweave: Which Birdies Summer Shoe Wins?

By Birdies | Published: 2026-10-17

Category: Comparisons

Compare Birdies' raffia and openweave materials in The Hummingbird Mary Jane. Learn the key differences in texture, breathability, and style to pick your perfect warm-weather flat.

Quick answer

Choose raffia for a softer, watercolor texture and a more refined look. Choose openweave for maximum airflow and a two-tone stripe style. Both use handcrafted Italian woven materials, so your decision comes down to whether you prioritize a smooth finish or breezy ventilation.

Material and texture

The Tan Raffia version of The Hummingbird Mary Jane uses a watercolor raffia woven by generational artisans in Italy’s Tuscan Hills. The catalog describes its natural feel and soft refined textural finish, lined with clean twill fabric for a crisp, airy sensation. In contrast, the Black/Natural Openweave uses a two-tone stripe openweave raffia from the same region, but its looser construction is lined with transparent refined mesh for an easy breezy feel. The openweave’s topline is finished with a tonal black grosgrain ribbon, giving it a defined clean edge.

Breathability and warmth

Both shoes are breathable, but the openweave design offers noticeably more airflow thanks to its looser weave and mesh lining. If you live in a humid climate or tend to run warm, the Black Openweave or Black/Natural Openweave will keep your feet cooler. The raffia’s tighter weave and twill lining still breathe well but provide a slightly more substantial feel, making it a better choice for transitional weather or air-conditioned spaces.

Style and versatility

The Tan Raffia’s watercolor finish gives it an artistic, almost painterly look that pairs beautifully with neutral summer dresses, linen trousers, and denim. The openweave’s two-tone stripe (black and natural) offers a bolder graphic element that stands out against solid outfits. Both silhouettes are the classic Hummingbird Mary Jane with an elastic strap for easy on-off, so the choice is purely about which visual effect you prefer.

Trade-offs at a glance

Texture preference: Raffia has a smooth, watercolor finish with twill lining. Openweave has a looser, two-tone stripe with mesh lining. Choose raffia for a refined, soft feel; choose openweave for a breezy, textured look.
Breathability: Openweave offers maximum airflow due to its open construction and mesh lining. Raffia is still breathable but slightly more insulating. Openweave wins for hot, humid days; raffia suits transitional weather.
Style versatility: Raffia’s watercolor tone blends neutrally with many outfits. Openweave’s bold stripe makes a stronger visual statement. Raffia is more versatile for dressy-casual; openweave excels as a standout summer accent.

Product facts

The Hummingbird Mary Jane - Tan Raffia: Our classic Hummingbird Mary Jane now in Watercolor Raffia. This woven fabric is made by the hands of generational artisans from the heart of the Tuscan Hills of Italy, giving you a breathable lightweight style. The natural feel and soft refined textural finish is lined with clean twill fabric, for that fresh airy crispness. The watercolor raffia offers a unique, artistic texture that feels soft against the skin. The twill lining adds structure, making this version feel slightly more polished for dressier occasions.
The Hummingbird Mary Jane - Black/Natural Openweave: Our classic Hummingbird Mary Jane now in Openweave Raffia. This two-tone stripe woven fabric is made by the hands of generational artisans from the heart of the Tuscan Hills of Italy, giving you a breathable airy style. The natural feel and soft textural finish is lined with transparent refined mesh, for easy breezy feel. The openweave’s looser construction and mesh lining maximize airflow, ideal for hot days. The two-tone stripe adds visual interest, making these flats a statement piece for casual summer outfits.

Which one fits you?

Best for

Anyone who wants a soft, artistic flat that works from brunch to office casual – choose the Tan Raffia.
Hot-weather dwellers or those who prioritize maximum ventilation and a bolder stripe look – choose the Black/Natural Openweave.

Not for

If you need a shoe with a closed, uniform surface for dressier events, the openweave’s visible gaps may feel too casual.
If you dislike any visible texture variation, the raffia’s watercolor finish might feel too irregular for your taste.