​​These Raffia Bags and Straw Bags Are Perfect For 2024

Accessory-wise, nothing says summer like raffia bags and straw bags. These basket-like bags have remained classic decade after decade — and for good reason!

I recently got the MAM Raffia Round Small Bag and have been carrying it on repeat, from a morning walk in Soho to a party at the Standard the other night.

According to the global fashion search platform, Stylight, there was a +63% click increase on raffia bags in 2022, and the accessory kept its staying power throughout 2023. For 2024, I have a good feeling these bag styles will continue to be everywhere. Something about the woven details of raffia bags and straw bags feels nostalgic and pairs well with the low-key yet luxe minimalism feel. The materials, after all, are made of natural elements (raffia comes from the leaves of raffia palm trees while straw comes from dried stalks of grasses such as wheat and barley).

With so many styles from small clutches to large totes, it can get overwhelming to choose. So instead of opening a bunch of tabs on your computer to browse (or am I the only one who does that?!), scroll on to discover and shop the best raffia bags and straw bags in a variety of sizes and prices in one place. Here’s summer shopping made easy.

This post may use affiliate links. As always, Style Meets Story only offers genuine recommendations.

The Best Raffia Bags and Straw Bags for 2024

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MAM — Round Small Raffia Bag

“Small” may be in its style name but this MAM raffia bag is pretty roomy and wide thanks to the circular shape. The Barcelona-based brand is nothing short of creative with its ethical, innovative designs that look like works of art. In fact, the name MAM is an acronym for Movement, Art, and Mission.

P.S. Want even more space to store your things? This raffia bag also comes in medium and large sizes.

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Saint Laurent — Kate 99 Tassel-Embellished Shoulder Raffia Bag

If you’re going to invest in a bag, let it be one you’ll take out again and again. This Saint Laurent Kate 99 raffia bag can’t get more classic with its black color and gold antiqued YSL hardware. Plus, the swingy chain tassel adds some fun and flair. Use it as a clutch or wear it with the shoulder strap — versatility is key.

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L’alingi — Jumbo Mykonos Eternity Raffia Bag

You might have seen this L’alingi bag in the version with diamonds and satin all over social media and the streets. This new style is adorned with pearls and woven raffia for a fresh spring/summer take to dress up all your outfits. Click to see a closer view of the embellishments and all the angles of this pretty purse.

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Bottega Veneta — Small Hop Intrecciato Raffia & Leather Hobo Bag

This Bottega Veneta handwoven raffia bag has that “made you look” effect. The bold checker style and slouchy silhouette is effortlessly chic, and has plenty of room to store your items to go. Tap the link to see the size shown on a model. Note how it can instantly add extra interest to a neutral colored outfit.

It’s a bag you can surely use for years and years.

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Rebecca Minkoff – Edie Top Handle Straw Bag

Level up your street style or beach style with this Rebecca Minkoff straw bag. The removable chain strap adds some edge to the overall design and gives you the option to throw it over your shoulder while on-the-go. Giving this as a gift? Nordstrom offers gift delivery options in their signature pretty packaging (for an extra small fee) and you can also personalize it with a gift message, too.

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DeMellier — Santorini Raffia Bag

Imagine taking this raffia basket to the beach, farmers’ market, or for everyday errands around town. The two handles and open top makes it easy to throw in your essentials and go, in style. Each DeMellier bag is made sustainably in Spain, and for every item sold, the brand funds vaccines and treatments aimed to save children in need.

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Loeffler Randall — Odette Raffia Clutch

This under $300 pick from Bergdorf Goodman is feminine, flirty, and perfect for dressy or casual occasions. The tiered ruffles and pops of emerald green add a playful touch to any spring and summer outfit.

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Sacai — Interwoven Bucket Bag

This shade of forest green is just so gorgeous and eye-catching. The rattan fibers add texture and a fun take on the classic bucket bag. The bag is soft and flexible but also durable thanks to the calf leather top handle.

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Plan C — Pili and Bianca Straw Bucket Bag

Speaking of bucket bags, this straw bag is adorable with its small size and mini leather handle. (For an idea of its size, click the link to see more photos.) Fun fact: Plan C is created by Carolina Castiglioni, daughter of the founders of Marni, the Italian luxury fashion house.

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Eugenia Kim — Carlotta Straw Bag

Bring on the pink with this Eugenia Kim Carlotta straw bag. I live by the saying, “la vie en rose” which essentially means seeing life through rose-colored glasses or seeing the beauty in things. Or if you like rosé wine, this bag is also fitting for that!

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Cult Gaia — Eos Box Clutch

Like all of Cult Gaia’s designs, each piece is made to be a work of wearable art. This Eos raffia clutch is truly a closet staple. The brand’s creative name combines the words Cult (which unites like-minded people) and Gaia (the goddess of Mother Earth and daughter of Chaos).

12/16

Mango — Raffia Bucket Bag

For under $100, this raffia bag from Mango is so worth it and gives off that old money aesthetic. Elegant and timeless, it’s also just the right size for your essentials. Phone, wallet, keys — check, check, check. Comes with an adjustable shoulder strap so you can wear it crossbody bag or as a classic bucket bag.

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Prada — Re-Edition Mini Raffia Bag

If you’re on the fence about if raffia bags are worth it, think of this Prada one as an investment piece. The baby blue houndstooth print looks luxurious and levels up any outfit. The versatile design comes with two detachable handles (a leather one and a chain one), so you can wear them both together or change it up.

Handbag collectors, get this special one before it’s gone!

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Loewe — Elephant Small Tote Raffia Bag

This best raffia bags list would be incomplete without one from Loewe. You may have seen the beloved brand (which, by the way, is pronounced “lo-weh-vay”) all over social media for its top raffia bags. This style spotlights the brand’s signature elephant design — so cute!

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Jacquemus — Le Petit Panier Soli Woven Palm Basket Bag

Inspired by his mother, French fashion designer Simon Porte Jacquemus’ designs are meant to bring happiness. Jacquemus followed his dream of starting his own brand in 2009, and is now known worldwide for his creative designs like this Le Petite Panier Soli Woven Palm Basket Bag. Handwoven in Spain from palm leaves with a pink calfskin leather trim, you can’t go wrong with this chic bag.

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Brahmin — Melinda Bucket Bag

My handbag collection includes quite a few styles from Brahmin since I absolutely love this brand. Known for their luxe leathers and exotic embossing, each piece was thoughtfully designed in Massachusetts. This Melinda straw bag in honey brown sandalwood has a drawstring pull closure and a jewelry pocket inside to store your treasures.

FAQs on Raffia Bags

What is a raffia bag made of?

According to The Fashion History Timeline, by the FIT’s History of Art Department, raffia cloth is a type of textile woven from palm leaves and used for garments, bags, and mats. The fibers come from the palm tree of the same name in tropical regions of Africa, widely in Madagascar.

Why are raffia bags so expensive?

The price point for each raffia bag depends on the exact material, where it’s sourced, and the process of creating it. Why raffia bags are expensive has to do with the level of time and effort to make it. Many are handmade by skilled artisans, such as the Jacquemus Le Petit Panier Soli Woven Palm Basket Bag above, which was handwoven in Spain from palm leaves. The Brahmin Melinda Bag, like all of the brand’s styles, requires 100 steps and the work of more than two dozen people.

Are raffia bags durable?

Coming from someone who has carried raffia bags, I can say yes. Of course, it depends on the bag’s exact materials and how it’s made, but for the most part, raffia is a sturdy material that usually holds up. Just a note that raffia does stretch, so if you’re using, say, a raffia tote bag and walking around with it all day, I wouldn’t recommend putting super heavy items inside.

What are the benefits of raffia?

Besides the aesthetically pleasing minimal look that goes with so many outfit options, I love that raffia is lightweight to carry. Raffia also weaves in history as it was once valued as a form of wealth. The Smithsonian notes, “In central Africa raffia woven mats, stored flat or rolled into bundles, were a popular form of cloth currency in the late 19th and early 20th century.”

Can you wash raffia?

After reading the directions on several raffia handbags, the best way to clean raffia is to spot clean using a soft cloth, cold water, and mild detergent. Then, just allow it to dry naturally. If you’re looking to clean a stain or clean it further, take it to a dry cleaner for advice on how to clean your specific bag.

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