The 24 Best Straw Bags for Summer
- 1/25
The 24 Best Straw Bags for Summer
Before her name became synonymous with the most expensive and sought-after handbag in the world, Jane Birkin's taste in purses ran decidedly more egalitarian. Her go-to carrier? That would be a nondescript wicker basket, which she found in a fishing village in Portugal. The English-French icon and her straw bag were inseparable. It accompanied her everywhere—shopping in Paris, sightseeing in Tokyo, on the beach in the south of France. And no matter the occasion (or season), Birkin remained faithful—there she was en route to a Cannes fete in 1974 in a shimmering black and gold cocktail dress, the basket on one arm and a tuxedo-clad Serge Gainsbourg on the other. Then in the French ski resort of Avoriaz in the winter of 1975, in cashmere, fur, and wicker.
Birkin's beloved basket was as much an emblem of her je ne sais quoi insouciance as it was a study in practicality. The best wicker bags are all-natural, handwoven by artisans, and built to last—in other words, a most sustainable choice. They can also fit quite a lot and weather most climes (though perhaps not exactly all—the Hermès Birkin was born after the company's CEO was seated next to the actress on a flight and observed the contents of her bag spill out of the overhead storage bin).
So it's no wonder then that straw, wicker, and raffia bags have come back en vogue with full force in recent years, with even luxury designers putting their high fashion spin (and price tag) on these humble carryalls. They are now as indispensable to summer as linen and ice cream.
Below, an assortment of the best best-woven options for summer, from a Moroccan tote for the beach to an elegant top-handle for lunch dates to a rattan cluch for evening shindigs. After all, isn't it about time we all retired the canvas totes?
Mirrorpix - Getty Images - 2/25
Le Pilage Paris-Saint Tropez Tote
Longchamp
saksfifthavenue.com
$102.37
A flash of trendy green makes this Longchamp tote an on-trend pick.
saksfifthavenue.com - 3/25
Raffia Mini Pom Pom Bag in Bicolor
Edun
maison-de-mode.com
$125.00
Raffia pom-poms and bi-color weaves make this the perfect whimsical-yet-neutral carryall.
maison-de-mode.com - 4/25
Mini Elle Ribbon Straw Tote
Kayu
kayudesign.com
$110.00
This teeny bag packs a serious punch—particularly with the red handles.
kayudesign.com - 5/25
Traditional Portuguese Straw Basket Bag
PtVictoriaHandmade
etsy.com
$218.39
This straw basket bag isn't just uniquely structured, the colorful weave also adds an unexpected touch. Think of it this way: it's the perfect picnic accessory.
etsy.com - 6/25
Mini Taja Rattan Top Handle Bag
Cult Gaia
saksfifthavenue.com
$228.00
Want a slightly more formal option? Glossy black rattan in a rounded silhouette is sophistication in a carryall.
saksfifthavenue.com - 7/25
Paula's Ibiza Small Square Leather-Trimmed Raffia Basket Bag
Loewe
saksfifthavenue.com
$690.00
Want to keep things timeless and simple? Go with a leather-trimmed Loewe, of course.
saksfifthavenue.com - 8/25
Rainbow Checkerboard Lunchpail
Cesta Collective
cestacollective.com
$595.00
Infuse your summer look with a subdued rainbow straw bucket bag that will pair well with just about every outfit.
cestacollective.com - 9/25
Wicker Bucket Bag
Prada
farfetch.com
$1850.00
Have you ever seen a more fun take on the bucket bag? We think not. Plus, the flash of red is the perfect burst of color when dressing for dopamine.
farfetch.com - 10/25
Irie Shell-Embellished Woven Straw Tote
Alanui
netaporter.com
$535.00
Want to take things a smidge beachier? Embellish your woven tote with seashells.
netaporter.com - 11/25
Tropicalia Leather-Trimmed Raffia Tote Bag
Marni
modaoperandi.com
$950.00
This woven number is a no-brainer for warm weather and, dare we say it, is the perfect elevated beach bag. It's refined and can neatly hold all of your belongings—and if the top handles are limiting in your view, just remember there's a detachable strap.
modaoperandi.com - 12/25
Raffia Viva Shoulder Bag
Salvatore Ferragamo
saksfifthavenue.com
$1043.00
Go for bright and peppy with this vibrant yellow take on a Ferragamo classic.
saksfifthavenue.com - 13/25
Netted Straw Bucket Bag
farfetch.com - 14/25
Medium Triomphe Celine Classic Panier in palm leaves and Calfskin
Celine
celine.com
$750.00
Classic is the name of the game with Celine's take on the easy summer carryall.
celine.com - 15/25
Small Basket Crossbody
Chloé x Mifuko
bloomingdales.com
$770.00
Channel Chloé's signature bohemian air with a small straw crossbody bag. It will be your go-to for years.
bloomingdales.com - 16/25
Cassandra Leather-Trim Raffia Tote
Saint Laurent
farfetch.com
$2250.00
Sophisticated and understated, this Saint Laurent crossbody is great for a cosmopolitan evening or shopping in the country. In other words, it's an all-around versatile choice.
farfetch.com - 17/25
Dionysus Super Mini Faux Raffia Cross-Body Bag
Gucci
matchesfashion.com
$1110.00
Gucci's take on a raffia crossbody gives their insignia a colorful freshness.
matchesfashion.com - 18/25
Petite Isla Bahia Gingham Rose
pamelamunson.com - 19/25
Anouk Little Day Raffia Crossbody Bag
Akris
saksfifthavenue.com
$895.00
A compact trapezoid-shaped crossbody is practical enough for every day, but an added pop of color will also provide a ton of texture and interest to your look.
saksfifthavenue.com - 20/25
Valeria Rattan & Leather Tote
Bembien
saksfifthavenue.com
$290.00
Structured yet breezy, this bag screams "summering in the south of France." Wear on the crook of your arm and channel the elegance.
saksfifthavenue.com - 21/25
Cloud Mini Gathered Raffia Clutch
MANSUR GAVRIEL
net-a-porter.com
$595.00
For a slightly more formal piece, the woven version of Mansur Gavriel's cult-classic Cloud clutch is your best bet.
net-a-porter.com - 23/25
Elliana Straw Crossbody
J.McLaughlin
jmclaughlin.com
$268.00
Make it a ladylike look with this structured straw bag complete with elegant bamboo top handles and a leather strap.
jmclaughlin.com - 24/25
Tamitha Raffia Backpack
Aimee Kestenberg
aimeekestenberg.com
$198.00
Add a raffia backpack to your collection, why don't you?
aimeekestenberg.com - 25/25