While all the seasons bring a certain excitement when it comes to shopping, summer is in its own lane when it comes to the fashion-focused activity. Many trends have surfaced since the unofficial start of the season, from affection for pastel colors beyond spring to the tried-and-true sundress and Adidas Sambas combo. The latest fad to join the party? Raffia and straw bags.
The raffia bag is far from a new concept yet its resurgence seems monumental since shoulder pieces inspired by the 90s and crochet numbers have been dominating the arms of the street style set. Before becoming a mainstay on the runways in 2018, raffia bags dated back to ancient Africa where raffia palm trees grew across the Madagascar region. The fibers from the tree were initially used for utilitarian purposes like ropes and roofing materials as well as other traditions of the continent's culture, eventually finding its way to the world of fashion.
Since the 50s, classic styles of the raffia bag, including the straw tote, have become a mark of sartorial genius associated with luxurious travel, often sold in holiday destinations as the archetypal souvenir. Stars like Audrey Hepburn and Jane Birkin were among the first to publicly don the pieces and now the silhouettes have transformed into waterside necessities, high-fashion investments and everyday accessories.
Last spring and summer's quiet luxury trend popularized by Sofia Richie Grainge also helped to usher in society's renewed obsession with woven bags. Prada launched its ever-selling out raffia tote and Loewe created the ultimate beach basket bag, which helped further cement its place in our wardrobes. Even if such respected designers didn't hop on the trend, the bag's design directly speaks to its versatility and practicality. Hand-crocheted oversize options are ideal for everyday wear or a last-minute trip to Miami, while more innovative silhouettes like Cult Gaia's box-like bag naturally go with a white dress.
From more budget-friendly styles from Zara and Mango to Jacquemus' coveted interpretations, here are the best raffia and straw bags to snag ahead of the summer solstice.
Kimchi Blue Fringe Raffia Mini Bag, $29 at Urban Outfitters
Staud Large Moon Tote Bag, $395 at FWRD
Loewe x Paula's Ibiza Anagram Basket Shoulder Bag, $950 at Bergdorf Goodman
COS Oversized Shopper - Raffia, $135 at COS
JW Anderson Popcorn Basket Top-Handle Bag in Orange, $455 at Neiman Marcus
Aranaz Flora-Detail Straw Crossbody Bag, $211 at Farfetch
Khaite Lotus Medium Raffia Tote, $1,650 at Net-a-Porter
Marni Small Shopping Bag, $995 at Shopbop
Simon Miller Raffia Lopsy Bag, $295 at Shopbop
Serpui Cut-Out Raffia Tote Bag, $520 at Farfetch
Prada Bicolor Woven Logo Shopper Tote Bag in Petalo, $2,050 at Bergdorf Goodman
Cult Gaia Suri Bag, $358 at Cult Gaia
H&M Straw Shopper, $54.99 at H&M
La Milanesa Medium Caipiroska Tote Bag, $245 at Farfetch
Jacquemus Le Panier Soli Leather-Trimmed Raffia Tote in Tan, $560 at Net-a-Porter
Zara Woven Jute Bag, $59.90 at Zara
Mango Natural Fiber Shopping Bag, $99.99 at Mango
J.Crew Small Handwoven Palm Bag, $118 at J.Crew
Tory Burch Ella Hand-Crocheted Tote in Natural, $298 at Nordstrom
