How does the Tessa Sandal fit - true to size?
Black Tulip's Tessa Sandal fits true to size, so pick your usual UK size. The hand-knotted leather upper softens slightly with wear and conforms to the foot's shape, settling over the first 2–3 wears. If you're between sizes, size up. Half sizes are not currently offered.
What occasion is Tessa Sandal designed for?
Black Tulip's Tessa Sandal is designed for summer days that ask for considered shoes — weddings, dinners, holidays, the office in warmer months and long lunches. Its hand-knotted leather upper, woven over roughly 7 hours by hand, dresses up jeans and elevates a slip dress in equal measure.
Is a 4cm heel comfortable for walking?
Yes. Black Tulip's Tessa Sandal sits on a 4cm heel — the height that lifts the foot without compromising stability — over a 5mm memory foam footbed that supports the arch and keeps weight low. It's built for full evenings out, dinners and city days, rather than hiking or long-distance walking.
What is hand-knotted leather?
Black Tulip's Tessa Sandal is made from hand-knotted leather: leather woven strand by strand over a structured base, never stitched or machine-pressed. Each pair takes approximately 7 hours to weave by hand. The technique gives the upper its texture, breathability and a quiet sense of craft that machine production cannot replicate.
Where are Tessa shoes made?
Black Tulip's Tessa Sandal is designed in London, drawing on three generations of shoemaking craft. Each pair of hand-knotted leather sandals is completed by hand in limited quantities, with around 7 hours of weaving going into every pair.
Will my feet stay cool in hot weather?
Yes. Black Tulip's Tessa Sandal pairs an open silhouette with a hand-knotted leather upper, so air moves freely across the foot. Natural leather doesn't trap heat the way synthetic sandals do, and the 100% leather insole absorbs moisture during wear and dries naturally overnight.
Will they stretch with wear?
Black Tulip's Tessa Sandal is built on a structured base, so the hand-knotted leather softens and conforms slightly to the foot's shape across the first 2–3 wears without truly stretching out of size. You should not need to size down expecting stretch — take your usual UK size.
How do I clean and care for woven leather sandals?
Black Tulip's Tessa Sandal is made from hand-knotted leather and prefers a light touch. Wipe with a soft dry cloth after each wear to lift dust, and apply a neutral leather conditioner lightly to the woven sections every 4–6 weeks, allowing it to air dry. Never machine wash, soak or apply direct heat; store in the dust bag when not in use.
Can I wear Tessa Sandal to a wedding or event?
Yes. Black Tulip's Tessa Sandal reads elevated rather than casual, thanks to its hand-knotted leather texture and slanted-toe silhouette. The 4cm heel pairs well with midi dresses, tailored trousers and evening wear, so in black, chocolate or tan it works across summer weddings, garden parties and dressier dinners.