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The Best Straw and Raffia Bags To Buy This Summer
From Loewe's cult basket bag and Sèzane's classic beach tote to the chicest options from the high street, these are the very best summer bags of the year
In recent years, the straw bag has well and truly transcended its summer-holiday roots, evolving into a trending bag style for all occasions. No longer reserved for that hazy week on a sun-soaked coastline, a woven basket or raffia tote can now be called on for the local food shop, picnics in the park, the morning commute, and pretty much any other warm-weather situation.
Of course, we’ve largely got Loewe’s annual collaboration with Paula’s Ibiza to thank for the straw bag resurgence – and this year’s drop is clearly set for sell-out status – but there are now plenty of luxe options to elevate your summer wardrobe with.
For a designer bag that looks just as good in the city as it does on the beach, consider Chloé’s refined Woody tote in woven raffia, or use Balzac Paris' eclectic take on the bucket bag to elevate pale blue jeans. Look to Demellier for a woven shoulder bag that embodies minimal elegance, or keep it classic with Proenza Schouler's leather-trimmed design.
And, happily, the high street is all over the trend too, so there's something for every budget. We're in love with Mango's structured styles (which sell out quickly, so be fast), and the likes of Sézane and Cos have also released some outstanding versions.
Here, see the ELLE fashion team’s verdict on the best straw bags for summer and beyond. Now all we need is to manifest some sunshine...
One of our favourite affordable bag brands, Demellier has turned the humble raffia bag into a seriously chic proposition. This elevated design has a sleek leather backing and handle, and is punctuated by gold-tone hardware.
Trimmed with golden leather, Sézane's tote bag will look just as good on a city weekend as it will a beachy break.
Mango's structured, leather-trimmed basket bag will look elegant against beige linen separates.
Here it is: the bag of the season in the material of the summer. Consider Saint Laurent's woven raffia Le 5 à 7 bag as the ultimate It accessory.
For something seriously practical, consider Sensi Studio's capacious straw tote, into which you can stuff absolutely everything you might need for a day at the beach (or a commute to the office).
Understated and satisfyingly slouchy, this woven straw tote is pepped up with a black leather strap, glossy piping, and gold-tipped tassels.
Another seriously refined option, Chloé's signature Woody tote is reimagined in woven raffia, and will look chic with everything from bohemian summer dresses to a T-shirt and bootcut jeans. For the most on-brand result, a pair of wedge heels is a must.
Loewe's Anagram tote combines a classic design with the most revered traditional craftsmanship. The army-green raffia body is trimmed with chocolate-brown leather, and has two sets of straps to be worn at the shoulder or top handle. An investment bag you'll call upon year after year.
Cos' signature minimalism takes on a softer form in this woven-raffia bag, which is perfectly sized for your everyday essentials.
Supersized totes are, quite literally, big news right now. Tick off two trends in one with Proenza Schouler's XXL raffia shopper, into which you can stuff everything from your gym kit to your beach towel.
Designed in Paris and handcrafted in Morocco, Balzac Paris' eclectic take on the bucket bag is made from palm braids connected by supple leather cut-outs.
A stand-out piece from Anthropologie, this checkered raffia shoulder bag is perfectly sized for city lunches and sundown cocktails.
This huge straw shopper is perfect for lazy days on the beach. And once you're back on home soil? Use it for the Sunday food shop.
It's Jacquemus, it's edged in leather, it's très chic...
Shining a spotlight on Moroccan craftsmanship, Strathberry's raffia basket tote is made by a collective of female artisans. This one features tan leather handles and the brand's signature gold-tone music bar hardware.
Kara is the Ecommerce Editor, Women’s Lifestyle at Hearst UK. Leading Cosmopolitan’s digital shopping strategy, she shares style advice for life’s big moments, reports on the latest fashion collaborations, and creates beauty reviews across skincare, makeup, and haircare.
Kara’s most popular guides include ‘Affordable Jewellery Brands to Shop’, ‘Ski Wear to Shop, According to an Editor’, and ‘The Best High Street Wedding Dress Brands’, while covering deals events such as Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day. When she’s not behind a laptop screen, she’s hosting shopping videos and livestreams for Cosmo’s TikTok Shop. Kara also creates shopping content for Red and Prima, and was previously contributing Fashion and Beauty Ecommerce Editor at ELLE and Harper’s Bazaar.
Since starting her career as a journalist in 2018, she has held the role of Fashion Content Editor at NET-A-PORTER’s Porter Magazine, Associate Editor at PopSugar, and written for Refinery29 and LOVE Magazine, where she covered fashion and beauty news, trends, and features. An experienced interviewer, Kara has spoken to Zendaya, Alicia Keys, Simone Biles, and Tyla about life, work, and style. Born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, Kara lived in Toronto, Canada before moving to London.
Follow Kara on Instagram @kara.kia
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