20 Straw Tote Bags That Will Instantly Elevate Every Look This Season
From days in the sun to summer nights on the town, these are perfect.
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We can all thank Jane Birken for giving straw bags a fashion platform in the 1960s. Her innovative style choice served as her go-to carryall for market runs and socialite events. She ignited a trend that reigns tried and true today. But what once exclusively came in the classic basket shape circa the Jane Birken era has emerged into a variety of shapes, styles, colors, and textures.
Raffia’s resurgence over the last few decades in the accessories world has been something to look forward to, come summer—and the most popular style comes in the tote silhouette. Versions of the straw tote bags are available at every major designer label, contemporary retailers, and even in the fast fashion world. This seasonal staple will elevate any warm-weather beach look, whether you’re actually hitting the sand to lay out or just dressing for the vibe. From vacation and resort wear to—like Birken—daily summertime errands, a straw tote is a stylish carry-all.
Ahead, we bring you our picks for the best straw tote bags of the season. Instead of dusting off whatever has been in summer storage, treat yourself to something new. From travel-friendly versions to colorful statement makers, there’s a style to suit every aesthetic and price point on the list ahead.
Ba&sh is the epitome of elevated boho, and this sunset, gradient print, braided tote follows suit. Plus, it’s just pretty to look at. With leather detailing and an outer pouch, it’s slouchy but structured, and super spacious to carry a towel, book, sunscreen, and more. It’s a vacation must.
Colors: Pink, Brown, Multicolored
Materials: Raffia, Leather
If you’re looking for that summer straw tote vibe but can’t fully commit to the nature of it all, the Siena Tote from BTB Los Angeles is a happy medium. In metallic silver, it’s beach glam at its finest, perfect for any poolside hang.
Colors: Silver
Materials: Woven Metallic
Sensi Studio Medium Basket Tote with Frayed Border
It’s not often you see raffia bags fully dyed with dramatic detailing, like this one with a frayed top from Sensi Studio. The saturated turquoise is meant to be carried along water that’s just as blue (Bora Bora, anyone?). It’s the perfect combo of spacious real estate, quality leather, and bold style in the spirit of summer.
Materials: Raffia, Leather
Colors: Turquoise/Light Blue Straw
Rouje is full of items that fall under the umbrella of French-girl chic. This bag feels like your classic basket style circa the Jane Birken era but with an update. The scalloped leather details and raffia flower add a playful feminine touch, while the elongated shape feels modern.
Materials: Raffia, Leather
Colors: Natural Straw
Kate Spade Manhattan Madras Plaid Woven Straw Tote
The possibilities of straw bag designs are endless these days. Take this plaid, graphic, unexpected color combo from Kate Spade, for example. It’s the same Manhattan bag the brand’s customers know and love, with a fun summer update. It can fit a 13-inch laptop, a towel, and cosmetic bags, among other things.
Materials: Straw with Leather Trim
Colors: Caramel Corn Plaid, Pink Multi
Mini totes might only fit the essentials (phone, card case, lipstick) and nothing more, but they sure are cute. With beaded handles and trim, it’s more than just a bag; it’s a form of jewelry in its own right. Lele Sadoughi makes feel-good accessories that remind you how much fun it is to lean into girly-girl style.
Materials: Raffia, Beading, Leather
Colors: Natural, Pastel Rainbow, Navy, Picnic Plaid
Customer review: “As soon as I saw this I knew it would be the perfect summer bag. It fits the key items for an evening out and the shade is so subtle it works as a neutral complement. The beading is also a lovely touch. The first evening I carried it, I had several friends ask where it came from and if they could borrow it.
I've usually only bought Lele headbands but this was a my first and certainly not my last handbag purchase.”
VICI Collection Shorebound Sturdy Woven Raffia Beach Tote
Raffia unexpectedly meets rhinestones in this under-$100 beach glam tote from VICI Collection. It’s the quickest, easiest, mid-sized carry-all to safely store a book, sunscreen, a towel, and more.
Materials: Straw
Colors: Natural
Andre Assous Atlas Natural Platino Raffia Tote Bag
Known for quality footwear, Andre Assous recently jumped into the handbag category with a small selection of bags. The construction follows suit of the brand’s footwear. The Atlas is a well-made bag with an outer pocket, fabric lining, and zip closure to safeguard your essentials. It can be worn with everything, making it perfect for weekend leisure.
Materials: Leather, raffia
Colors: Natural Platino
Why fit in when you were born to stand out? That’s probably the mentality Tory Burch had when embroidering her classic mini top handle totes with 3D resin beads. These statement-making minis are all dolled up with jewels. It’s a fun, unique take on plain woven straw.
Materials: Raffia, Leather, Beading
Colors: Cassia, Light Cream, Wild Leaves
Naghedi NYC Havana Petit Tote Striped
Naghedi is known for its durable and sleek woven neoprene designs. The Havana is a summer pivot, inspired by Mediterranean beach umbrellas. What appears to be straw is actually woven neoprene. This means it’s far more durable and soft. It comes with a zip pouch and a detachable, adjustable crossbody strap. The magnetic closure ensures functionality that matches style.
Materials: Neoprene
Colors: Amalfi, Carrara, Almaza, Venice, Sky
Imported from India, this woven straw mini bag features an open top with fringe detailing. The checked print adds attitude to an otherwise sweet style. The bag is lined with fabric to protect your possessions.
Materials: Straw
Colors: White/Cornflower
Hereu is known for quality leather goods, and this raffia, leather-lined, angular, tote bag is no exception. It’s made from a rich, woven two-tone straw and comes with a matching zip wallet. The base is structured, meaning it can stand on its own. The strap is big enough to fit over your shoulder, providing ample space for a day’s worth of necessities in a canvas-lined interior. It’s clean, classic, and timeless.
Materials: Raffia, Leather Trim, Canvas Lining
Colors: Dark Brown/Tan
Destined for an Italian vacation, this colorful woven bag from the Mercedes Salazar Revolve collaboration makes the perfect gift to yourself or a friend to celebrate an upcoming trip. With an embroidered patch and added charm details, there’s so much to look at. It’s a special piece that looks and feels like a work of art.
Materials: Raffia
Colors: Turquoise
Customer review: “I wore this bag everyday in Italy. Great quality and even when it got smashed in my luggage. It didn't crinkle or break!”
Marni Tropicalia Micro Tote
Even though it’s made with straw, this mini tote from Marni functions like a typical handbag. Thanks to its leather detailing and satin lining, the only thing that makes it a summertime bag is the straw exterior. It’s a designer staple and a must-have for handbag collectors.
Materials: Woven Raffia and Leather
Colors: Tan/Brown
Kurt Geiger London Raffia Evil Eye Basket Tote
Certain styles inspire different vacation destinations, and this one is calling for Mykonos. The evil eye detail and brass hardware adds a bold statement to the woven boho design. Since it’s constructed with woven gaps, it comes with a removable drawstring pouch to ensure your essentials are safe. It’s not structured, which means it’s easy to pack (in other words, ideal for a European vacation).
Materials: Raffia
Colors: Beige
Altuzarra’s signature Watermill Tote is a tried-and-true style fans of the brand love. The cage-style leather straps and knotted straps give an unexpected edge to the straw design. From summer outings in the Hamptons to beach clubs in the Carolinas, it’s a sophisticated bag that can pack a ton.
Material: Leather, Raffia
Colors: Natural/White, Natural/Black, Pinto
If you didn’t know Rothy's made bags, now you know. This roped hemp tote bag might seem like a departure from the brand’s signature knit, but this style is also machine washable. It’s a game-changer when it comes to summer tote bags—where spills, splashes, and sand are unavoidable. It’s durable, flexible, and spacious. Plus, it’s reversible to a solid black tote if the multimedia design doesn’t suit your outfit.
Materials: Hemp
Colors: Black, Camel
A designer handbag aficionado knows that such collectibles come in all shapes, sizes, and seasons. Inspired by Italian beach clubs, this basket tote is one to add. The multicolored plexiglas logo is playful and bold, paying homage to the spirit of an Italian summer.
Materials: Natural Woven Straw
Colors: Natural/Pale Green
This might look like a bag too basic to make this list, but let us grace you with the tip that the criss-cross detail serves as straps for your beach hat. Different hats can switch up the style of the bag, allowing it to be a blank canvas frame. Plus, it’s easy to fold up and pack, ideal for storing in your luggage. Hats off to Hat Attack for solving the problem of needing to carry or wear your beach hat.
Materials: Straw
Colors: Natural
DeMellier The Large Capri
Sometimes, the best things in life are black and white. Let DeMellier’s Large Capri straw tote serve as a fine literal example. It’s a simple bag but impeccably designed, with leather detailing stitched to the hand-woven raffia. The raffia leaves used are all locally sourced, harvested, dried in the sun, and dyed chemical-free. Upon opening, you can feel the love poured into making this simple and special accessory.
Materials: Leather, Raffia
Colors: Natural Raffia and Tan, Black Raffia and Off-White, Natural Raffia and Black
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