The Best Raffia Bags to Carry Everywhere This Summer

Raffia Bags Summer 2024 — Raffia and straw bags to carry everywhere all season long. Courtesy of H&M

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.

Raffia Bag Trend: Jane Birkin — A young Jane Birkin carting a wicker basket bag while wearing a white shirt, a sweater tied around her neck and jeans on the streets of London in 1973. Courtesy of David Thorpe/Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

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.