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If you’re a warm-weather enthusiast like me, you know summer fashion just hits different. It’s the season of dressing for 8 PM sunsets, Aperol Spritzes, and dreamy seaside escapes, after all. Sure, there are plenty of new swimwear drops and statement dresses to shop, but nothing embodies the spirit of laidback summer style quite like the timeless staples that have come to define the season. Think breezy linen dresses, minimalist leather sandals, and straw bags that make you feel like you’re permanently strolling through a postcard-worthy beach town (ideally somewhere along the French Riviera).
This summer’s best straw and raffia bags aren’t just reserved for the South of France, though (but both science and I can confirm they do somehow look and feel best when carried there). Designers have reimagined the classic straw bag with modern, updated twists and nontraditional materials: Loewe’s cult-favorite straw totes feature leather and accents, inspired by Galician artisan knotting, and even mimicked wicker with padded lambskin in a hand-woven basket bag. Bottega Veneta debuted a raffia crochet bag elevated by a sculptural gold handle. Whereas brands like Reformation and J.Crew are tapping into the season’s hottest bag trends by opting for mini basket bags that play with shape, color, and texture.
“We’ve seen a few more elevated straw shoulder bags, which are definitely a good investment as they are more casual and versatile,” said Tiffany Hsu, Vice President of Womenswear & Kidswear Fashion Buying at Mytheresa. “Prada has introduced exciting new styles in raffia and canvas variations. Saint Laurent is a go-to for elevated straw options. Loewe and Jacquemus are firm favorites for basket and tote styles as well.”
Offered in a range of sizes, silhouettes, and colorways, today’s crop of straw bags breathe new life into the classic basket bag that Jane Birkin famously elevated to “It” bag status. Though basket bags date back centuries, Birkin first adopted the silhouette in the ’70s when she became known for toting around her large basket bag everywhere from protests to red carpets. The straw bag became an eternal aspect of Birkin’s fashion aesthetic and influenced brands like Saint Laurent, Miu Miu, and Loewe to later create their own iterations, which continue to evolve in the current fashion landscape and inspire this season’s top styles.
From slouchy, oversized straw totes to mini woven bags perfect for your summer getaways, keep scrolling to shop the best straw and raffia bags of the season to exude that effortlessly chic Jane Birkin energy.
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Madewell Handwoven Straw Crossbody Basket Tote
Consider this handwoven straw tote the modern update to Jane Birkin’s classic basket bag. The Madewell design features a geometric top handle for a sleek, minimalist upgrade to the original basket bag, while an adjustable, removable crossbody strap serves as a convenient option when you need a more functional way to tote your essentials. Whether you’re wearing it from day to night while vacationing along the French Riviera, as your beach bag for weekend escapes to the Hamptons, or as an everyday summer carryall in the city, this Madewell straw tote is just as functional as it is chic.
Marc Jacobs The Medium Faux Raffia Tote
Marc Jacobs’ cult-favorite The Tote Bag got the ultimate summer refresh — and it’s as playful as it is practical. Reimagined in raffia and embroidered with whimsical floral appliqués with a bold red strap, this style brings a sunny twist to the iconic silhouette. It features the signature top handles plus an adjustable, removable crossbody strap for styling versatility. Inside, smart compartments—including a zip pocket, slip pocket, wall pocket, and card slot—keep your essentials organized while on the go. The medium size strikes the ideal balance: roomy enough for beach days or travel, yet streamlined enough for everyday wear.
Clare V. Pot de Miel Bamboo Handle
If you’re after the true Jane Birkin aesthetic this summer, this Clare V. straw bag option feels like one she would absolutely carry through the South of France. Featuring a chic bamboo handle, the handwoven silhouette was inspired by a honey pot. The compact style is spacious enough to carry your summer essentials like sunscreen, your wallet, phone, and sunglasses, and also boasts a convenient removable strap if you prefer to wear it as a crossbody.
Staud Large Moon Fringe Raffia Top Handle Tote
The resurgence of boho style that was spotted on the spring runways at fashion houses from Chloé to Stella McCartney has unsurprisingly brought with it the return of fringe. From bags to sandals, fringe made a splash this season — and the design detail makes for a fun way to add a fresh twist to the classic straw bag for summer. Staud’s cult-favorite moon bag gets the modern boho treatment this season with fringe raffia detailing that practically screams summer vacation. Can’t you just picture yourself toting it during a sunset walk to dinner on your Greek Island of choice?
AllSaints Asha Straw Shoulder Bag
Classic straw bags are typically all about structure—think woven baskets and boxy totes—but AllSaints’ Asha Straw Bag breaks the mold with a relaxed, slouchy hobo silhouette that feels effortlessly cool and undeniably current. The contrasting adjustable leather strap adds a sleek, city-chic edge, making this the downtown girl’s answer to the classic bohemian straw bag. Whether you’re pairing it with vintage denim and a simple white tank or an airy sundress and sandals, this versatile carryall nails that laidback-luxe vibe that summer style is all about.
Helen Kaminski Nacre Basket Bag
Introducing your new favorite vacation basket bag. This compact black woven raffia style offers a sleek, elevated spin on the classic natural straw tote—perfect for adding a touch of polish to your summer travel wardrobe. The sculptural resin pebble handles lend an effortless beachy chic vibe that’s guaranteed to stand out in all your vacation posts. And as a bonus, it features a cotton lining and drawstring closure to keep your essentials secure while you explore, sunbathe, or sip spritzes by the pool.
Loewe Anagram Basket Bag
Straw bags may be classic, but Loewe’s covetable raffia totes over the last few seasons have helped herald the style back into the spotlight in a major way. The fashion house’s Ibiza Basket Bag has become a fixture on the fashion week street style scene, as well as the curated vacation feeds of your favorite fashion insiders. And while that cult-favorite summer bag is as chic as ever, opt for the Anagram Basket Bag if you want something that feels a bit more fresh and unique this season. The classic handwoven straw tote features leather top handles and straps, so you can wear it over your shoulders or carry it by the handles.
Cos Mini Straw Bucket Bag
You can always count on Cos for streamlined, minimalist essentials featuring the most beautiful architectural design, and this mini straw bucket bag is no exception. This under-$100 summer bag features a black leather shoulder strap and drawstrings, which serve as the perfect contrast against the natural woven straw. That design lends an effortless city-to-beach versatility, making this mini bucket bag the perfect accessory to take you from your 9-to-5 promptly to your Euro Summer trip.
Altuzarra Watermill Leather-Trimmed Straw Tote
The key to nailing the modern-day straw basket bag? Contrasting leather accents, as evidenced by all of this season’s top bags. With its cage-like design and braided leather handles, Altuzarra’s editor-loved Leather-Trimmed Straw Tote is a master class in this, embodying the city-meets-beach aesthetic in a functional tote that will elevate any look — whether you’re at the office in tailored separates counting down the hours left in Summer Friday or setting sail on a yacht in Ibiza in a breezy linen dress (I choose this option).
Gucci Woven Mini Bucket Bag
Gucci’s Woven Bucket Bag is the kind of accessory guaranteed to take your summer wardrobe up several levels. The colorful stripes of merlot red serve as a welcomed pop to any warm weather look — whether you’re beachside in a white sundress and thong sandals or on the go in breezy linen separates and an oversized sunhat. Along with its sleek leather trim and bold raffia details, this mini bucket bag features a sliding rope strap so you can slung it over your shoulder or carry it as a top handle bag. And all your essentials will be kept safe inside the silky drawstring enclosure that featuring cotton lining.
Khaite Olivia Large Raffia Tote Bag
Hsu recommends the Khaite Olivia Raffia bag as the perfect straw shoulder bag of the summer. Its chic circular shape is unique to most other shoulder bags, and its slouchy look gives an effortless vibe to polished outfits. The flexible silhouette allows for ample storage, including a phone, wallet, and keys, and can be worn over the shoulder or in the crook of the arm. This bag will dress up any easy summer outfit, such as a linen shirt dress or your favorite denim and a simple tank.
J.Crew Berkeley Shoulder Bag in Handknotted Straw
PSA: J.Crew has a ton of affordable straw bags in a range of trending styles this season — from polished clutches and classic bucket bags to this sleek, elevated shoulder bag in hand-knotted straw. A warm-weather twist on the brand’s cult-favorite Berkley bag, this bag features natural straw with raffia trim, an oversized leather buckle, and gold hardware for just the right amount of structure and polish. It’s refined enough for the office, but still gives off subtle I’ll be in the Hamptons this weekend-energy.
Hereu Calella Raffia Tote Bag
This affordable bag brand has quickly become an editor-approved favorite for its popular Calella Tote. Available in this rich chesnut brown raffia that’ll look luxe against an all-white ensemble, consider this an elevated beach bag you can wear no matter what the summer occasion. Complete with double top handles, the oversized straw tote also includes an inside pouch as a secure carryall — checking all the boxes of an essential summer tote.
Jacquemus Spiaggia Small Woven Raffia Tote
Jacquemus has remained a favorite amongst the fashion set for its buzzy statement bags, and trust us, this small woven raffia tote is sure to be a standout for summer 2025. Ideal for toting on beachside escapes, the two-tone natural and black raffia delivers a pop to any summer look with its striped design and tassel charms. And while the round shape may not be the most practical for carrying a ton of items, it’s roomy enough to hold the essentials.
Peserico Clutch in Woven Straw
A straw clutch is not only a more elevated take on the typically laidback basket bag but also an essential for all your summer nights out. Whether you’re sipping cocktails in Capri or attending a beach wedding, this Peserico clutch offers a sophisticated touch with its metallic leather detailing and delicate chain trim that offset the woven straw body. Style it with a ruffled maxi slip dress and metallic lace-up sandals for an occasion-worthy look that works whether you’re a wedding guest or out to dinner on an island retreat.
What To Look For In A Summer Straw Bag for Women
- Special features: When shopping for a go-to straw bag, features to keep in mind include adjustable or convertible straps, top closures, and pocket storage. Whether you want to carry your bag cross-body, on your shoulder, on your bag, or by hand, it will depend on strapping capabilities for different distributions of weight. Some bags have a zipper, button, or drawstring closures, while others have open tops, so if you plan on hauling more valuable items like your best sunglasses, go for a more secure straw bag closure. Depending on how many essentials you like to keep on hand, interior pockets are helpful for organized storage. Tote bags, bucket bags, and mini bags tend to lack interior pockets, whereas cross-body bags and backpacks may incorporate zippered compartments inside.
- Shapes: Straw bags come in a variety of shapes, such as bucket bags, designer totes, handbags, backpacks, and flap bags. Choosing a shape will rely on your styling perspective. A top-handle handbag or shoulder bag will provide a polished, luxe look to an outfit, whereas a tote is more relaxed. Also, keep in mind the structure of the straw bag. A tighter weave will provide more durability, therefore protecting stored items in a harder casing.
- Size: Straw bags come in several size options, so your choice of bag will vary in terms of your outfit and occasion needs. For the beach, a large straw tote can easily haul a towel, water bottle, and reading material, and can be a great carry-on option for flights. Totes are also helpful for day-to-day errands or carrying a laptop to and from a cafe. Backpacks are ideal for hands-free adventures, whether you want to carry a camera, travel journal, or a cute beach outfit to change into. A mini bag holds only the essentials, such as a phone, keys, and money cards, so it would be best for wearing to a fuss-free brunch or a nighttime event.
How We Selected the Best Straw Bags for Summer
Since 1910, WWD — often referred to as “the fashion bible” — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women’s and men’s fashion, retail and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD’s breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections.
In order to curate the best straw bags for summer, we interviewed a fashion and accessory industry expert for product selections and style recommendations, as well as key knowledge on purse styling, popular trends for summer 2025, and various occasion functionality. We chose the best straw bags for women that reflect current and emerging trends, fabric and material innovation, durability, convertibility, and traditional design applications. We also considered the best retailers to shop when selecting the best straw bags, relying on customer reviews and our editor’s hands-on testing experience. We also employed research across the designer bag market, and considered our own product testing. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Expert
Tiffany Hsu was born in Taiwan and graduated from the Central Saint Martin’s College of Art and Design of London with a fashion design degree. Afterwards she gained a Master degree at Istituto Marangoni. Tiffany previously worked as a buyer at Lane Crawford and Selfridges before joining Mytheresa as buying manager for Ready-to-Wear. In October 2017 she was appointed to be Fashion Buying Director. Within this role, Tiffany oversees the different buying departments and fashion direction by developing capsule collections, exclusive products or special fashion collaborations.
Meet the Author
Lauren Alexis Fisher is the Senior Style Commerce Editor at WWD and Footwear News, where she writes and edits fashion, beauty, and lifestyle stories. Previously, she served as Senior Editor at Cosmopolitan and Market Editor at Harper’s BAZAAR, where she oversaw digital content from fashion features to news and product reviews. With over a decade of experience as a digital fashion editor, she’s an expert in scouring the internet for the greatest emerging brands, top-rated products, and latest trends to shop.