The 16 Best Woven Tote Bags To Carry You Through Summer

Search online for best woven totes, and you’ll most likely find a reference or two to the late Jane Birkin, who died this week. Decades ago, the British-French actress, singer, and fashion muse popularised woven straw bags by carrying her favourite versions while wearing everything from denim cutoffs to Cannes red carpet outfits. To this day, woven bags inspired by Birkin’s style remain a treasured summertime accessory.

“I think woven totes are the ideal summer bag because they feel very relaxed, and I like the overall durability and strength of them,” says Francesca Monaco, co-founder and creative director of accessories label THEMOIRè. For fashion experts like Monaco and Bloomingdale’s fashion director Marissa Galante Frank, the balance of practicality and design guarantees the woven tote’s status as a reliable everyday bag. “Woven bags are so versatile, making them an essential for everyone’s handbag wardrobe,” Galante Frank says. “I wear them almost everywhere, whether I’m heading to the office or to the beach.”

With many warm summer days ahead, investing in one of the best woven tote bags is a timely choice. Ahead, discover a curated selection of woven totes for any occasion.

Related article: The Best Canvas Tote Bags To Carry This Summer

The Best Woven Tote Bags of 2023

BEST FRENCH-INSPIRED WOVEN TOTE

Jacquemus Le Panier Soli Embellished Leather-Trimmed Raffia Tote

If you’re trying to exude that effortless French Riviera aesthetic, look no further than Jacquemus, the go-to brand for all things South of France. The silhouette of Jacquemus’ Le Panier Soli tote is enchanting on its own; the pink accents give it some extra flair.

Dimensions: 20.1" W x 11.8" H x 6.7" D

Colours: Natural/pink leather

BEST WOVEN TOTE FOR TRAVEL

Balenciaga Bistro Woven Faux Patent-Leather Tote

The pop of orange probably caught your eye first, but did you notice the sleek luggage tag attached to the handle? This Balenciaga tote was made for travel.

Dimensions: 15.7" W x 7.9" H x 4.7" D

Colours: Orange

BEST AFFORDABLE WOVEN TOTE

Madewell The Transport Tote: Straw Edition

Who said every investment piece has to break the bank? For under $100, this bag has ample space to store your beach essentials. On the inside, you’ll find an interior side zip pocket to keep your items organized.

Dimensions: 14" W x 13¾" H x 6¼" D

Colours: Natural, pink

What reviewers are saying: “This bag is perfect for summer, on the beach, or out for dinner. It’s roomy and has a pocket for smaller items.”

BEST MINI WOVEN TOTE

THEMOIRè Kobo Knots Black

Most woven totes are derived from raffia or straw, but THEMOIRè’s mini bag is made from vegan PU leather, an alternative to PVC.

Dimensions: 7.8" W x 6.3" H x 4.7" D

Colours: Black, green, brown, white

BEST CROSSBODY WOVEN TOTE

Altuzarra Watermill Woven Palm Crossbody Bag

Walk around hands-free with this crossbody bag from Altuzarra. The strap is adjustable, so you can easily switch from carrying it over your shoulder to across your frame (and back).

Dimensions: 11" W x 9" H

Colours: Natural/white

BEST TRANS-SEASONAL WOVEN TOTE

Bottega Veneta Andiamo Leather Tote

Although woven totes are quintessential summer bags, they can be carried through the fall and winter, too. Bottega Veneta’s Andiamo Leather Tote, which debuted on the Spring 2023 runway and has since racked up legions of celebrity fans, comes in autumn-friendly shades to carry for months on end.

Dimensions: 16.5" W x 13" H x 7.9" D

Colours: Brown, green, black

MOST DURABLE WOVEN TOTE

Naghedi St. Barths Medium Woven Tote

BLOOMINGDALE'SSHOPBOP

“Naghedi handbags are woven neoprene and therefore virtually indestructible,” Galante Frank tells Bazaar. She also explains that because of its texture, neoprene is very easy to clean, and that it is relatively water-resistant. “This large tote is also perfect for travel and can double as your carry-on and beach bag— I’ve even used it as my baby bag,” she adds.

Dimensions: 17" W x 9.5" H x 7" D

Colours: Pastel yellow, deep yellow, blue, brown, cream, hot pink, pastel pink, black, green, beige

BEST WOVEN TOTE FOR THE OFFICE

Valentino Garavani VLogo Woven Raffia & Leather Tote

“I love styling raffia woven bags in a more tailored sophisticated way that goes beyond the beach,” says Galante Frank. “Leather handles or trim elevate a raffia bag, making it the perfect addition to any chic office look.”

This leather trimmed Valentino Garavani tote is a perfect example. In addition to the smooth calfskin accents, the 1970s-revival VLogo helps embellish it further.

Dimensions: 18¾" W x 12½" H x 5½" D

Colours: Natural/brown leather

BEST BLACK WOVEN TOTE

Proenza Schouler White Label Morris Large Leather-Trimmed Raffia Tote

Black matches with practically every color, so there are endless options when it comes to styling this look. We suggest starting with the minimalist route, via a white linen dress, black sandals, and gold accessories to match.

Dimensions: 19.7" W x 12.2" H x 7.9" D

Colours: Black, green, blue

MOST UNIQUE WOVEN TOTE

Hereu Castell Raffia Basket Tote

The geometric shape and top magnetic closure of Hereu’s woven tote certainly set this bag apart from the rest. “For an effortlessly cool vibe,” Galante Frank recommends pairing it with breezy linen dresses and ready-to-wear.

Dimensions: 21" W x 11.8" H x 5" D

Colours: Natural/brown leather

BEST EVERYDAY WOVEN TOTE

Hunting Season Iraca Medium Leather-Trimmed Woven Raffia Tote

Hunting Season’s Iraca tote is wearable for any summertime activity. The oversize, open-top design makes it ideal for storing items from beach towels to farmers’ market goodies, while the neutral straw and black leather strap pair with just about any outfit. Whether you’re heading to the shore or around the corner, this tote is a great choice.

Dimensions: 14.6" W x 12.2" H x 8.3" D

Colours: Natural/black leather

BEST CROCHET WOVEN TOTE

Aqua Crochet Tote

“Crochet is a huge trend this season, and this bag is a fun way to embrace the trend for under $100,” says Galante Frank. Pack it for the beach or a weekend upstate—the crochet knit can be easily folded down and stashed in a larger weekender bag.

Dimensions: 17" W x 15" H x .5" D

Colours: Pink, black, white

BEST FRINGED WOVEN TOTE

Mar Y Sol Juliana Raffia Open Tote

Mar Y Sol takes a typical tote to the next level with a fringed tassel charm. This playful accent makes it a perfect accessory for your next summer brunch or picnic.

Dimensions: 16.5" W x 11.75" H x 4" D

Colours: Natural

BEST WOVEN TOTE FOR ELEGANT OCCASIONS

Loewe + Paula’s Ibiza Small Leather-Trimmed Woven Raffia Tote

Loewe’s sophisticated tote is designed in collaboration with Paula’s Ibiza and hand-finished by artisans in Spain. Decorated with a sleek logo-stamped patch and brown leather straps, this raffia tote bag is still appropriate for an upscale evening.

Dimensions: 10.6" W x 8.6" H x 3.9" D

Colours: Natural/brown leather

BEST STRIPED WOVEN TOTE

Sensi Studio “El Viajero” Woven Straw Tote

In a sea of natural-coloured totes, this exquisite pattern of warm hues is refreshing. Try it with a white beach dress and a pair of comfortable sandals—preferably somewhere warm and sunny.

Dimensions: 17.25" L x 17" H x 13" D

Colours: Pink/orange/beige

BEST LOGO WOVEN BAG

Marni Small Tropicalia Bag

Quiet luxury may be in style, but we haven’t fully abandoned loud logos. Case in point: Marni’s woven logo tote. Designed with a cute top handle, this style also comes with a longer removable strap if you’d prefer to swing it over your shoulder.

Dimensions: 13.8" W x 8.3" W x 8.5" D

Colours: Natural/brown leather

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This article originally appeared in Harper's BAZAAR US.