By Michella Orè - published
A straw crossbody bag is the perfect accessory to have on hand this summer, whether you’re taking time off to reacquaint yourself with your city or visiting a far-flung locale. Practical yet decidedly versatile, it’s a purse that was designed to be enjoyed on the go.
How many times have you felt yourself torn between carrying a sleek handbag or lugging around a capacious tote—or even doubling up on the straps with a backpack? Each silhouette serves its purpose, but few offer the flexibility that allows them to go from a day spent gallery-hopping to a seated dinner, all while carrying the required amount of baggage. A crossbody bag is not only spacious, it can also be worn in a myriad of ways: over the shoulder, across the chest, and carried in the hand, with the long strap neatly tucked away. Which means you can decide its form and function by the hour. Swap out the traditional buttery leathers and weather-proof nylon for straw, and you’ve got the quintessential summer bag, reimagined for 2024.
Below, we’ve picked out 13 of the best straw crossbody bags, from colourful raffia to structural rattan, to get carried away in.
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Best Colourful Straw Crossbody Bag
Pink Micro Tropicalia Tote, about $611.31, Marni at SSENSE
Pretty in pink, Marni’s Tropicalia tote gets a vibe-y update with woven raffia panels dyed a delicious sorbet colour. The adjustable strap can be worn across the chest when en route, and then removed and tucked away once you’ve made it poolside.
Dimensions: 12 cm H x 20.32 cm W x 10.16 cm D
Best Straw Crossbody Trunk Bag
Leather-Trimmed Woven Raffia Shoulder Bag, about $1,167, Hunting Season at Net-A-Porter
Hunting Season’s sleek crossbody is a retro-inspired trunk bag with modern features. The elegant leather strap and round lid (secured by a slip-through tab closure) allow it to be easily slung over a dress or a knit without feeling too tight, keeping your valuables comfortably within reach.
Dimensions: 12 cm H x 21.59 cm W x 17 cm D
Best Bottega Veneta Straw Crossbody Bag
Small Arco Basket, $3,650, Bottega Veneta
Looking for a warm-weather alternative to Bottega’s ubiquitous Intrecciato handbag? The Acro basket features a woven exterior (thick raffia versus calfskin), elongated top handles that can be worn over the shoulder, and an interior drawstring pouch to keep the odd bobby pin from slipping through the cracks.
Dimensions: 19.05 cm H x 19.05 cm W x 11.43 cm D
Best Straw Crossbody Bag Under $75
Combined natural fibre bag, $69.90, Mango
Simple yet decorative, this mini pouch from Mango features a sleek, lengthy strap and knot closure. Perfect for when you’re leaving your room for an afternoon at the beach and carrying your phone, sunscreen—and not much else.
Dimensions: 18 cm H x 13 cm W x 22 cm L
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Best Edgy Straw Crossbody Bag
Mina 16 Tote, about $2,461,48, Alaïa at Net-A-Porter
Add a little edge to your linen two-piece with the leather-trimmed Mina tote. The summery bag is toughened up with golden grommets along the leather top handles and feet for a reinforced base.
Dimensions: 13.46 cm H x 16 cm W x 7.87 cm D
Best Structural Straw Crossbody Bag
Mini Anne Raffia Tote, $1,057.95, Ree Projects at Nordstrom
If you thought straw bags were just meant for slinging around at the beach, think again. This structural tote from Ree Projects features an eye-catching winged design that will pair just as well with your faded denim as it will with a little black dress.
Dimensions: 16.51 cm H x 16.76 cm W x 11.43 cm D
Best Straw Crossbody Saddle Bag
Pimlico Raffia Satchel, $2,525, Muberry at Farfetch
You don’t need to be an equestrian to enjoy the merits of a classic saddle bag. Mulberry’s Pimlico satchel is given a breezy update, with raffia exteriors and contrasting leather trim that feel equally at home in the countryside and at the beach. The signature fold-over top is complete with golden hardware and a magnetic closure that ensures easy access in a snap.
Dimensions: 12 cm H x 17 cm W x 6 cm D
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Best Boho Straw Crossbody Bag
Daily Raffia Bucket Bag, $550, Rag & Bone
Boho is back. Complement your cork wedges with Rag & Bone’s too-cool bucket bag. Made from soft raffia that will hold its weight while taking on a beautifully worn-in shape, it’s a carryall that was meant to be worn with the low-slung skinnies and tiered skirts you’ve been obsessively shopping.
Dimensions: 26.67 cm H x 24.13 cm W x 24.13 cm D
Best Round Straw Crossbody Bag
Semicircle Rattan Clutch, $240, J. Crew
Unlike a traditional tote, J.Crew’s rattan clutch won’t look out of place at a swanky luncheon. How you wear it—held by the top handle or crossbody with the chain strap—is up to you. The leather accents and striped fabric lining will make sure your look is impeccably polished.
Dimensions: 14 cm H x 22.86 W x 8.26 cm D
Best Checkered Straw Crossbody Bag
Pot de Miel, $340, Clare V.
The bulbous Pot de Miel is surprisingly spacious. Stash all the essentials—including your phone, wallet, keys, and lip balm—in it, and you’ll still have plenty of room left. The black-and-tan checkered print adds a nice layer of dimension to any look, while the interchangeable top handle and crossbody strap allow for a vibe (and functionality) switch whenever necessary.
Dimensions: 20.32 cm H x 12.7 cm W
Best Straw Crossbody Tote Bag
Le 5 A 7 in Raffia Crochet and Smooth Leather, $2,730, Saint Laurent
Saint Laurent offers another worthy contender for that slouchy boho look. The roomy tote features an intricately woven body that’s secured by the trademark leather tab closure to make sure your goods—a fresh new bouquet? summer read? body-skimming linen dress?—safely make their way back home.
Dimensions: 30 cm H x 37 cm W x 13.97 cm D
Best Basket Straw Crossbody Bag
The Mini Bucket Crossbody Bag in Handwoven Straw, $145, Madewell
Looking to retire your boat tote? Madewell’s leather-trimmed woven basket is a great alternative for everyday wear. The generous interior has ample room for stowing your tablet, keys, wallet, and phone, while the removable strap comes in handy when your outfit requires a last-minute clutch.
Dimensions: 19.68 cm H x 20.32 cm W
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Best Embroided Straw Crossbody Bag
Mini Farrow Raffia Bag, $265, Sézane
Embroidery adds a personal touch to pretty much anything, from cosy knits to butt-framing denim—and now, bucket bags. Sézane’s chic Farrow bag—which takes approximately 38 hours to braid—gets a note of whimsy with the additional of colourful, floral stitching fit for the French countryside.
Dimensions: 22 cm H x 14.5 cm W x 15 cm D
This article originally appeared on Harper’s BAZAAR US.