10 Raffia Bags Good Enough to Wear Beyond Summer
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Raffia totes prove to be quite popular every summer, and it’s not hard to see why. With the airy yet structured silhouette and lightweight fabric, you can easily turn them into your wear-everywhere accessories. A trip to the local farmers’ market? Check. An unplanned beach day? Check. A boat day in Taormina? Absolutely. From everyday essentials and groceries to your favorite bikinis and sunscreens, raffia totes not only can carry it all, but they also deliver ample style. The sort of fashion statement that also tells people you have an appreciation for nature and organic materials.
It feels like every brand has their version of a raffia tote right now, but they’re not all created equal. Some are so flimsy that they eventually fall apart within a wear or two, while others aren’t tightly woven enough to securely store your goods. So when it comes to finding the right ones, getting a feel of the fabric (it can’t feel scratchy) is key; the same goes for assessing the weight and consistency of the material as well as the design.
Although the material is typically associated with warm weather, raffia totes are just as useful during the cold seasons. The same tote that holds your watermelon will hold the apple cider donuts in the fall, so you’ll find yourself reaching for it throughout the year. While the most ubiquitous versions feel designed for the beach or casual errands, you can also find a style for the office. Ahead, see our curated picks for every occasion.
Free People Tropical Touch Tote
This Free People Tropical Touch Tote ($98) is so light and slouchy, it’s a no-brainer for days spent sipping rosé on a boat or hopping between islands. Featuring open-knit details and playful fringe trims, it’s here to carry the bare minimum so you can relax and have fun. Take it on your next Carribean vacation.
Free People Tropical Touch Tote
$98
Frame Le Market Tote
If you needed proof that raffia totes can work well in the fall, then the Frame Market Tote ($229) is it. With its rich espresso hue and roomy silhouette, it makes a versatile work-and-everything-else bag. Plus, the long leather straps give it structure and support, so you can freely carry your stuff around.
Frame Le Market Tote
$229
AAKS Tia Raffia Bag
Founded by Akosua Afriyie-Kumi, AAKS creates handcrafted raffia designs that give back to women in Ghana. The Tia Raffia Bag ($235) demonstrates the expert weaving techniques that the label is known for, and joins the lineup of accessories that are not only well-made but also do good. With its playful fringe and color palette, isn’t it calling for a vacation in Mexico or St. Lucia?
AAKS Tia Raffia Bag
$235
Eileen Fisher Raffia Shopper Tote
Find me at my local farmers’ market on Saturdays, filling up this Shopper Tote ($128) with fresh fruits. This lightweight straw tote is perfect for lowkey weekends spent running errands or browsing flea markets around the neighborhood. As you can clearly see through it, it’s best for carrying things you don’t mind leaving exposed. Handmade by artisans, it makes an elevated alternative to your regular grocery tote.
Eileen Fisher Raffia Shopper Tote
$128
Sezane Francisco Basket
Complete your stylish beach outfit with an equally fashionable bag like the Sezane Francisco Basket ($190). The hand-woven exterior gives it an artistic quality, while the supportive handle and sturdy construction make it extremely practical. I also love the color and material contrast with the brown leather addition. Say hello to your new favorite weekender!
Sezane Francisco Basket
$190
Tory Burch Ella Raffia Melange Chain Tote
The perfect in-between style, this Tory Burch Ella Raffia Mélange Chain Tote ($698) will transition from casual office days to weekend road trips easily. Pair it with your favorite denim and button-downs, or match it with a neutral two-piece or dress ensemble. The rectangular construction allows room for your laptop and all your daily essentials, or for beach towels when laying poolside.
Tory Burch Ella Raffia Melange Chain Tote
$698
The Demellier Santorini
Your typical beach bag with an edgy twist! The Demellier Santorini ($295) is another investment piece you’ll find yourself taking from the office to the beach right after. Handwoven in Morocco from natural palm leaves, it features leather harnesses that will hold everything in place without making it lose its shape. The handles are long enough to be worn over the shoulder, while the interior is spacious enough for beach and office essentials alike.
The Demellier Santorini
$295
Mango Raffia Tote
This Mango Raffia Tote ($140) is on the pricier side, but it can hold quite a bit of stuff. Just make sure not to carry two laptops in it as that will distort it (take it from our own experience). It’s more of a weekender bag than an everyday tote because of its size, but you will get plenty of use out of it. Plus, the silhouette doesn’t get any more timeless. See how we styled it here.
Mango Raffia Tote
$140
Sandro Kabash Fringe Tote
For my girls who are perpetually carrying the world with them, look no further than the Kabash Fringe tote ($285). Perfect for a laptop, several books and everything in between. This Sandro tote with its rectangular shape makes for a great summer bag travel while still looking elegant.
Sandro Kabash Fringe Tote
$285
Bembien Francoise Tote
Bembien Francoise Tote
$285
A cool and retro take on a classic silhouette, the Bembien Francoise Tote ($280) makes a fun statement. Designed from a thick raffia, it’s made to carry a little weight so you can feel secure schlepping your work laptop around all day. If you’re looking to invest in a spacious and practical tote, this might be the one.