The word ‘slipper’ conjures up diverse images and has been used to denote a variety of footwear, from fashionable flat pumps to the fictional footwear of fairytales and film, notably Cinderella’s glass slippers and the magical ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz. Generally, though, we understand slippers to mean comfortable, lightweight indoor shoes made of soft materials and easy to slip on and off.

By the 17th century, when both visual images and surviving dress accessories become plentiful, it is clear that men and women of fashion were wearing open-heeled indoor shoes or slippers of silk or velvet richly-embellished with embroidery, metallic braid or fringe. Similar indoor styles remained fashionable in the 1700s and were sometimes teamed with a relaxed wrapping gown – an informal ensemble that was yet luxurious and exotic, inspired by oriental modes. Sometimes called ‘slipper’ or ‘pantable’ (from French for slipper, pantoufle) this ‘mule’-style footwear had high heels but no back to the foot, so was slipped on easily. Over time toe shapes changed and stiff silk damask and brocade gave way to soft, coloured leather slippers. By the late-Georgian and Regency periods, as low-cut, thin leather or fabric pumps became fashionable, there was little to distinguish these lightweight shoes from slippers.

During the Victorian era as pictorial advertising developed and wardrobes expanded, there was growing differentiation between boots, shoes and slippers. The Englishwoman’s Domestic Magazine showcased ‘New Patterns for Boots and Slippers’ in 1867, displaying a “Du Barry slipper of pink satin, wadded and lined with white silk [with] ruche of narrow pink satin ribbon”. Such ornamental, ultra-feminine slippers were recommended for bedroom/boudoir wear’ reflecting the shifting imagery and usage of slippers as ‘undress’ accessories. Meanwhile men often donned soft leather slippers with their dressing gown or smoking jacket and indoor cap.

Traditionally slippers featured leather soles, although rubber was common by the 20th century. After World War One, slippers became widely popular as warm, comfortable indoor footwear, much-needed before homes acquired wall-to-wall carpets and central heating. Often fashioned from suede, wool or felt and fur-lined or fur-trimmed, ornamented with pompoms or contrasting braid, slippers came in all styles and colours – and made perfect Christmas presents!