Few things say warm weather like raffia bags—and according to New York-based style expert Noelle Gaetano, “they are the perfect summer accessory.” The woven bag and many of its iterations are evocative of the laissez-faire attitude that many of us aspire towards in the summertime, when the temperature is high and humidity hangs heavy in the air. No longer reserved for the beach, the best raffia bags—once only synonymous with a basket shape—come in various sizes and forms, with hardware, buckles, or leather straps, lending it versatility and everyday purpose. With the right one, it can take you from the boardwalk to workday to weekend barbecues, picnics, and beyond without a hitch.
- Angela Denae Lynch, New York-based personal stylist and founder of Angela Denae Style Studio
- Noelle Gaetano, New York-based style expert
“There are many different types,” says Angela Denae, New York-based personal stylist and owner of Angela Denae Style Studio, adding: “I think everyone should have at least one.” So with that in mind, and with advice of Denae and Gaetano, we rounded up 12 raffia bags for summer. On the list, find everything from oversized to mini bags in timeless and of-the-moment silhouettes for every budget, all ready and raring to carry you through your warm-weather escapades. Trust, they’ll make summertime styling (and living) as easy as it should be. Scroll ahead to find 12 of the best raffia bags.
Our picks for raffia bags, at a glance
- The budget pick under $55: The Drop Xiomara Mini Tote, $55
- A day-to-night clutch: 8 Other Reasons Raffia Bag, $90
- An easy-to-carry crossbody bag: Quince Italian Leather and Raffia Crossbody, $100
- A work-friendly satchel: American Leather Co. Lenox Triple Entry Raffia Satchel, $100
- An understated carry-all bag: Jenni Kayne Crossbody Bag, $116
- An oversized sling bag: COS Raffia Sling Bag, $135
- A summer-friendly riff on the popular moon bag:Staud Moon Raffia Tote Bag, $295
- A bucket bag with nostalgic appeal: Cult Gaia Enya Leather-Trimmed Raffia Bucket Bag, $214
- A modern take on the classic basket bag: Sézane Justine Basket, $285
- A fun multicolored option: AAKS Tia Grande Raffia Bag, $276
- A punchy striped number: A.L.C. Simone Bag, $295
- A sophisticated structured bag: Loeffler Randall Desi Crossbody Bag, $325
Shop the best raffia bags
The Drop’s Xiomara Mini Tote exudes quiet luxury, but it’s only a fraction of the cost of pricier options. It features faux-leather top handles and removable shoulder straps, and it has a structured silhouette that will offer instant polish to your outfits—be it casual or dressy. You also have options in terms of color: Apart from the option featured above, you can select from black, pink, or blue, each of which feature various-colored leather trimmings. And, at under $55, it’s a sure steal.
Size: 10” x 10” x 1”
Colors: 4
Whether for a wedding or beach vacation, this 8 Other Reasons clutch is made from raffia to boast an artisanal feel, while the acrylic tortoiseshell accent adds a touch of visual interest. Far from a one-trick wonder, it transforms into a shoulder or crossbody bag with a removable strap—and the magnetic snap closure will keep your stuff secure. The best part about this day-to-night clutch is that it can make the most straightforward of outfits, like a jeans and a white T-shirt or a little black dress look pulled together in a hot minute.
Size: 14.25” x 6.25” x 2”
Colors: 1
Quince’s Italian Leather and Raffia Crossbody bag is ideal for the busy lifestyle, or whenever you want a bag that will transport you from one situation to the next without weighing you down. This pick is an easy, breezy, hands-free way to carry your belongings, and better yet, the strap is removable, so it can double as a clutch. What’s more, its simple silhouette is ideal for endless styling possibilities, and it will look right at home in an urban setting as on a tropical vacation. Select from two colors: light and dark brown.
Size: 6” x 8” x 3”
Colors: 2
Originally $120, now $100
The American Leather Co. Lenox Raffia Satchel means business. The bag is sizable enough for your 9-to-5 staples, such as your phone, daily planner, wallet, and keys, and its leather straps will allow you to comfortably wear it over your shoulder on your daily commute. It’s as stylish as it is functional, like most work-friendly bags ought to be, and the raffia-like material (which is made from a polypropylene-nylon blend) brings some breeziness to its otherwise structured silhouette. Plus, it comes with seven different colored trimmed options, including classic neutrals and bright hues, like pink and blue.
Size: 12” x 5” x 10”
Colors: 7
Originally $145, now $116
For those whose style skews coastal grandma, there is the Jenni Kayne Crossbody Bag. This slouchy woven sling bag is understated, and it is devoid of bells and whistles that make it perfect for minimalist dressers. It’s made out of raffia, and it features a top zipper to keep your belongings where you want it—within reach but out of sight when you’re soaking up the sun at the beach or strolling through the farmer’s market. You might wear it solely for the weekend, but the timeless style promises to transcend seasons.
Size: Not specified
Colors: 1
If you’re of the opinion that bigger is better, the COS Raffia Sling Bag is sure to please. It’s generously sized for all your daily essentials and more. It features a long shoulder strap that you can wear over your shoulder or over your arm for versatility, and the zippered closure and interior zipper compartment adds to its functionality. If you like the silhouette, but aren’t keen on the size, COS also offers a small-size version in beige, which, as a bonus, clocks in at just under $100.
Size: Not specified
Colors: 1
The Staud Moon Bag has become a perennial favorite among the style crowd, and this version is a summer-ready riff on the style. The pick seen above is made from raffia, and it features the ubiquitous moon or half-crescent silhouette folks have come to know and love: A curvaceous shape that’s neither too small nor big to be cumbersome, but just right. It’s finished with leather top handles, and it plays equally well with workwear as with weekend attire, like light-as-air summer dresses and a plain tee and shorts.
Size: 11.75” x 6.25” x 2.75”
Colors: 1
Originally $428, now $214
Cult Gaia also comes recommended by Denae, and the Enya Bucket Bag is a quality option with nostalgic appeal. Its bucket shape is reminiscent of Jane Birkin’s signature basket bag, only this pick is fitted with leather top handles to lend it some structure. The bag is sized just so with space for the items most of us don’t leave home without, like a phone, wallet, and keys, and some room to spare for other essentials (like sunscreen and lip balm). Pair it with maxi dresses, a button-down, or worn-in denim to conjure the French je ne sais quoi.
Size: 10.2” x 10.2” x 5.7”
Colors: 1
It’s only apropos that French brand Sézane offers its own modern-day iteration of the Jane Birkin-esque basket bag. The Justine Bag features an oversized silhouette with a fan-like shape—and it has the stamp of approval from Gaetano. It has leather top handles and a shoulder strap to offer multiple carrying options, and the matching leather drawstring allows for easy open and close. Plus, the beige-colored version above isn’t your option: Select from seven styles with different colored straps or shades, including one with embroidered flowers.
Size: 9.8” x 20.1” x 7.1”
Colors: 7
Raffia isn’t limited to shades of beige—and the AAKS Tia Grande Bag is proof of that. The multicolored geometric bag emphasizes the texture of the raffia material and it makes for a fun statement that is sure to result in compliments. It offers plenty of space for your items, and the drawstring closure offers extra security when you want it. The bag is finished with top handles that are perfect for swinging around or slinging over your shoulder, and it is reinforced with leather trims to add its durability and overall appeal.
Size: Not specified
Colors: 1
Denae recommends A.L.C. for people looking for quality bags without designer price tags, and the Simone Bag is one such option that has earned its stripes. It is fit for the beach or pool as it is for the streets—and there’s no denying the appeal of its pattern, which calls to mind all things maritime. It keeps things breezy and easy with its slouchy silhouette and an open-top design for easy access to your belongings. One tradeoff: the bag is unlined, but using a separate pouch for storing your smaller-sized items can work as a quick fix.
Size: 7.75” x 11” x 2.75”
Colors: 1
The Loeffler Crossbody Desi Bag offers a combination of structure and ease. Its red-leather trimmed boxy silhouette is offset by the raffia material, and delightful details, such as the gold-toned hardware, lend to its air of sophistication. It’s as functional as it is stylish, too: It features a long shoulder strap, and to keep all your belongings neatly stowed away, multiple compartments—including a zippered interior pocket and a slip pocket for items you want to keep within easy reach.
Size: 7.25” x 5.5” x 2.25”
Colors: 1
What to consider when shopping for the best raffia bag
“The most important thing to look for when shopping for a raffia bag is quality,” says Gaetano. Denae echoes the sentiment, adding that you’ll typically want to spring for raffia bags that are made without synthetic materials (such a plastic), as it often translates to lower-quality pieces—keeping in mind that the latter is often more inexpensive. Most of the options listed below are made from 100 percent raffia, but for the budget-minded, I’ve included one option on the list made from synthetic material that mimics raffia’s overall appearance, and to great success.
Some bags on the list also feature leather strap or top handles, which not only add to the style of a bag, but also to its durability. If you plan on using it often or stuffing it to the brim, you may want to consider such options. “Finding ones with leather straps will last longer because it won’t stretch as much when you’re wearing the bag,” says Denae.
As you shop, you’ll want to think about your lifestyle and the bag’s overall purpose too, says Denae, as there are many different options—and your ideal bag is a matter of both preference and practicality. For instance, if you want a bag that offers an easy, hands-free way to hold your essentials, a crossbody bag might be well suited for you. On the flip side, people who want the option to pack lots of stuff into their bags may want to opt for a larger-sized bag like a tote bag or a satchel. For special occasions, you might otherwise prefer a clutch with just enough room for your party staples. Since style is often synonymous with size, I’ve included the dimensions of each bag below to help you further narrow down your choices.
Finally, make sure your bag comes with features that are important to you, such as removable straps, zippered or drawstring closures, and interior compartments that will make it as functional as it is stylish.
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