The best straw bags are as romantic as they are useful. They tend to evoke a French sensibility, even though woven bags are available worldwide. Blame Jane Birkin. But they can still feel unexpected, coming in a bright colour or unique shape, and designers are constantly updating the familiar warm weather staple. "Straw bags have come a long way since the traditional styles," Gabriela Pacini, cofounder of handbag line APAYA, agrees. "For this summer, straw bags are coming in unexpected shapes and sizes, giving them a fresh new look. Designers are also incorporating more vibrant colours that remind us of summer."
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But the best straw bags are not purely for accessorising a summer look. Erin Ryder, cofounder of bag brand Cesta Collective, isn't shy about how often and where she wears hers. "A basket bag works with everything—so look beyond the obvious choices and don't feel limited. I find I wear a Cesta Lunchpail just as easily to a black-tie affair—the perfect alternative to a clutch and so much more elegant, in my opinion—as I do just running around the city in a blazer, a T-shirt and any style of jeans. Add a loafer and a baseball cap, and you've got my go-to uniform all spring long." Courtney Weinblatt Fasciano, Ryder's partner, echoes the sentiment. "I've always felt it's best to not be too precious with a Cesta. I wear mine 12 months a year but most frequently in the spring and summer."
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"My favourite way to style a straw bag is with an oversized ankle-length kaftan and some simple flat sandals," Pacini adds. "It is so effortlessly chic. For a more 'wow' style moment, I like pairing a small straw bag with an elegant long dress for a summer event or wedding. It looks fresh and young as well as sophisticated all at the same time."
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Though countless spring bag trends are available to choose from, the straw bag stands out for its handmade quality while nodding to natural elements. "They are truly works of art," Ashleigh Hults, cofounder of Poolside, tells BAZAAR. "I love how they are completely made by hand but also very sturdy and functional." Here, shop 20 options that look just as good going to the beach as they do stomping around the city or at your local farmers' market—from designer options to old-school favorites.
This woven tote with a braided handle offers an innovative shape and versatility.
Dimensions: 9" H x 10.5" D x 17" L
Material: Iraca palm 90%, leather 10%
This limited-edition design proves that a straw bag can be as elegant as your glitteriest minaudière.
Dimensions: 6" H x 6" D x 4" W
Material: Organic vegetable-dyed sisal with velvet and Italian nappa leather, Italian silk shantung lining, and hand-braided silk cord with baroque pearls
Loewe is synonymous with more ornate straw designs, but we love the simplicity of the logo raffia version.
Dimensions: 11” W x 14.25” H x 3” D
Material: Raffia with leather trim
Think pink in this so-pretty raffia style by Poolside. We especially love the knotted silhouette as a distinctive finish to summery white dresses.
Dimensions: 9" H x 11" W x 3" D
Material: Raffia and leather
This best-selling straw bag by J.Crew is back this season in a new colourway we j'adore for a summery French girl aesthetic.
Dimensions: 8" H x 11" W x 4 1/2" D; 7" handle drop
Material: Paper straw, raffia
Shopper review: "This is my new go-to bag. It's lightweight and fits all my essentials. It elevates my casual outfits while making my polished looks more laid back and cool. It's not shown in the pictures, but you can actually carry this as a shoulder bag."
Embrace the softer side of straw via this crocheted shoulder bag by Saint Laurent.
Dimensions: 14.6 x 11.8 x 5.5 in
Material: 100% viscose
Colourful, handwoven macramé detailing lends a playfully modern touch to this made-for-the-beach straw bag.
Dimensions: 12.5" H x 22.5" W x 6" D x 15" handle drop
Material: Straw with cow leather
A raffia version of Mansur Gavriel's cult cloud clutch? Yes, please.
Dimensions: 9.05" W x 3.93" H x 2.6" D x 8.7" handle drop
Material: Outer: Woven Raffia: 61% Viscose / 39% Cotton; Lining: Italian Canvas: 41% Cotton, 59% Linen Made in Italy
Chloé is synonymous with tote bags that are equal parts luxurious and practical, like this classic straw tote with buttery leather handles and trim.
Dimensions: 15.75" W x 11" H x 7" D
Material: 100% leaf European fan palm chamaerops humilis with leather trim
The drawstring detail and tawny leather trim differentiate this bag from simpler straw buckets.
Dimensions: 7.5" W x 12.5" H x 4" D
Material: Straw/cotton/leather
Go the whimsical straw bag route with this handmade, daisy-embellished style.
Dimensions: 7" H x 5.5" W x 8" L x 5" handle drop
Material: 100% Iraca Palm
A now iconic Khaite shape, newly rendered in natural raffia this season, is a stylish ode to summer.
Dimensions: 16" L x 9.4" H x 7" W
Material: Raffia
BEST STRIPED STRAW BAG - Altuzarra Watermill Striped Raffia Backpack Tote
Go with a stripe when seeking a straw bag with more detail—it's still plenty versatile.
Dimensions: 21" W x 12.5" H x 6.5" D
Material: Palm with leather trim
Add a delightful bit of texture to any look with this baby raffia bag.
Dimensions: 5.5'' H x 9'' L x 0.75" W
Material: Raffia with printed cotton lining and a leather logo patch
The structure clasp silhouette of this straw and vegan leather bag boasts a retro feel that we love with beachwear and dressier outfits.
Dimensions: 9.8" H x 8.2" W x 3" D
Material: Straw and faux leather
Your simple straw basket could never. This brass-trimmed shoulder bag is the ultimate party straw style.
Dimensions: 5.5" H x 7" W x 1" D
Material: Raffia with brass trim
Clean and elevated, this spacious straw tote offers a bit of structure when you need it.
Dimensions: 10.5" H x 14.5" W x 5.5" D x 11" handle drop
Material: Raffia with leather
Leather trim gives this woven rattan bag a city-sleek feel.
Dimensions: 11" H x 10.25" L x 3.75" D x 21.25" strap drop x 1.5" handle drop
Material: Woven rattan with cowhide leather trim
The color and cheeky shape of this wicker wonder add a punch to any outfit, be it event attire or denim-based. Bonus: It comes with an adjustable leather strap.
Dimensions: 9.05" H x 10.6" L x 1.9" D x 4.3" handle drop
Material: Rattan with Italian cowhide leather
Shopper review: "This bag is absolutely beautiful and fits so much for its size! I wear it cross-body and love the adjustable lengths of the strap. Small but practical! I would order this bag in every color!"
This summery bucket bag, crafted in raffia and leather, is elegant for the workweek, complete with gold-tone hardware.
Dimensions: 8.5" H x 10" L x 5" D x 10.5" handle drop
Material: Vinyl woven raffia and full-grain calfskin
Shopper review: "Very nice bag, elegant yet sturdy. Plenty of room for all the essentials, and the strap with a great adjustable length."
This article originally appeared in Harper’s BAZAAR US.