Woven and Bow Ballet Flats: The Textured Flat, Explained

A woven ballet flat is a classic low-cut flat whose upper is made from interlaced strips of leather instead of one smooth piece, which gives it texture, a little airflow and a more casual look. The bow ballet flat is its close relative, finished with a small bow at the vamp. St. Agni makes both, and the Woven Bow Ballet Flat in Coffee Woven combines the two ideas in one shoe; see the full range on our designer flats page.

What Makes a Woven Ballet Flat Different

A standard ballet flat has an upper cut from a single piece of material, most often smooth leather, stitched to a thin sole. A woven flat replaces part, sometimes all, of that upper with strips of leather laced over and under each other. The weave can be tight and flat, like a basket, and it can also be knotted, which leaves raised texture across the toe.

The result looks less formal than smooth leather. A woven flat reads as summer and holiday, closer to a sandal in spirit, while still covering the toes. That makes it useful for offices, travel days and the months when a sandal feels too bare.

Woven leather and mesh are not the same

Mesh flats use a fine, see-through net fabric. Woven flats use leather, which is denser and more structured. If you like the airy look of mesh, our guide to mesh ballet flats covers that trend.

Bow Ballet Flats: The Other Textured Flat

A bow is the classic ballet flat detail. Current versions keep it small and flat, sitting at the centre of the vamp. Pair a bow with a woven upper and you have two textures at once on a very simple shoe.

The St. Agni Woven and Bow Flats Compared

Woven Bow Ballet Flat

This is the shoe that answers both searches. It has a classic ballet shape, a low-scooped front, a soft padded insole and a leather bow. The goatskin upper gives it what St. Agni calls an artisanal, hand-crafted feel. The Woven Bow Ballet Flat in Black Woven is the sharper of the two colours; the coffee version is warmer and works with tan, cream and denim. The product notes say it fits true to size.

Woven Ballerina Flat

The weave here is knotted and sits only across the vamp, with a plain leather back panel. That keeps the heel smooth, which helps with rubbing. The Woven Ballerina Flat in Off White is the summer pair, and the Woven Ballerina Flat in Black carries into autumn with tights.

Bow Ballet Flat

If you want the bow without the weave, the Bow Ballet Flat in Parchment is the smooth version of the same shape. It has a bovine leather upper, a sheepskin insole and a 0.6cm heel, and is noted as fitting true to size.

The woven loafer alternative

Not a ballet flat, but the same idea in a slip-on shape. The Bunto Woven Loafer in Chocolate has a soft woven leather upper, a padded insole and a rubber non-slip heel. It covers more of the foot than a ballet flat and suits trousers better.

How Woven Flats Fit

Woven leather has less give than a soft smooth upper when it is new, so a woven flat can feel snug for the first few wears. It then relaxes as the strips settle around the foot. A few tips:

• Start with short wears at home before a full day out.
• If you are between sizes and have a wide foot, the larger size is the safer choice in a woven style.
• Check each product’s fit note. The St. Agni Woven Bow Ballet Flat and Bow Ballet Flat are both noted as fitting true to size.

Coveti lists St. Agni flats in EU 35 to 42. Conversions are in our St. Agni size guide.

Socks With Ballet Flats

A thin sock with a ballet flat is now a deliberate look, and it is practical too: it stops a new pair rubbing and keeps the insole clean. Choose a fine sock that sits low enough not to bunch at the ankle, in a colour close to the shoe and a shade lighter.

St. Agni’s Cotton Socks are a fine ribbed trouser sock in a cotton and polyamide blend, made in Italy. The Cotton Socks in Pearl sit well with off white and parchment flats, and the Cotton Socks in Black with black woven pairs. They come in two sizes, EU 35 to 38 and EU 39 to 42.

How to Wear Woven and Bow Flats

With trousers

Cropped straight trousers that end at the ankle show the woven vamp best. A full-length wide leg also works if the hem just touches the top of the shoe. For more, see how to wear ballet flats.

With dresses and skirts

A bow flat with a midi slip skirt is the most balletic version of the look. A woven flat with a linen dress is the holiday one. Our linen midi dresses guide has pairings.

Through the seasons

In the Southern Hemisphere summer now starting, wear them bare. In the north, add the Cotton Socks and a fine knit and they will see you through to spring.

For the broader designer edit, read designer ballet flats. For St. Agni’s full flat range, including the Ballerina Flat and Low Scoop, see St. Agni ballet flats, and for the whole footwear line, St. Agni shoes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a woven ballet flat?

A woven ballet flat is a low-cut flat whose upper is made from interlaced strips of leather instead of a single smooth piece. The weave adds texture and gives the shoe a more relaxed, summery look than plain leather.

Do woven ballet flats stretch?

Woven leather can feel snug at first and then relaxes as the strips settle around the foot. Wear a new pair for short periods before a long day. Check the product’s fit note, and if you have a wide foot and are between sizes, the larger size is safer.

Are bow ballet flats still in style?

Demand is still there: bow ballet flats draw about 3,600 searches a month worldwide, according to Google Ads data. St. Agni’s Bow Ballet Flat and Woven Bow Ballet Flat both use a leather bow on a low-scooped vamp.

Can you wear socks with ballet flats?

Yes. A fine, low sock with a ballet flat is a deliberate look, and it also stops new shoes rubbing. St. Agni’s Cotton Socks are a fine ribbed trouser sock made in Italy, sized EU 35 to 38 and EU 39 to 42.

What is the difference between woven and mesh ballet flats?

Woven flats use interlaced strips of leather, which are dense and structured. Mesh flats use a fine, see-through net fabric that is lighter and more transparent. Woven leather reads more casual, while mesh reads sheer.