Beachy keen: How raffia bags went from seaside to summer staple
The fashion set is proving that this reliable woven style is not just for the beach
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Summer has (if the temperature is anything to go by) arrived, and with it comes a perennial fashion favourite that’s light, warm-weather friendly and effortlessly chic – raffia bags. Once reserved for beachside getaways, raffia is now a go-to staple for designers looking to lend their collections its natural, boho charm, along the way becoming a style set favourite from Marylebone to Mykonos.
A versatile material that can be woven into all sorts of stunning shapes and styles, raffia bags typically come in neutral, earthy tones for a fresh and sophisticated look that goes with pretty much every summer outfit. Many brands, such as Prada, Loewe and Chloe, to name just a few, have cottoned on to the increasingly popular bag trend and created contemporary adaptations of the classic style imbued with their own signature spin.
From baskets and shoulder bags to clutches and totes, we’ve put together an edit of some of our favourite raffia bags for summer 2025.
RAFFIA BASKET BAGS
A summer icon, the raffia basket bag is loved for its beachy, rustic, but elegant silhouette (and is wonderfully spacious for all your warm-weather essentials). This season’s updates on the classic take it up a notch, adding refined detailing such as leather trims, fringing and structured handles. Whether slung over your arm to pick up croissants and fresh fruit at a Parisian market or styled with a floaty maxi dress for al fresco lunches, the basket bag offers a timeless balance of practicality and sophistication. Just look to Louboutin, Jacquemus, Loewe and Valentino for fine examples.
RAFFIA SHOULDER BAGS
Raffia shoulder bags are lovely and versatile, giving a laidback but polished touch to your everyday summer look. Think soft weaves in earthy tones that beautifully pair with linen dresses or breezy blouses and shorts. With inherent hands-free appeal, make this style your go-to for effortless elegance, whether out and about on city ventures, lunching on a rooftop terrace or mooching around a beach resort. Isabel Marant and Chloe add contrasting leather panels and handles, while Jimmy Choo completes the minimalist structure with a drawstring tie, and Bottega Veneta’s iteration gives a pop of vibrant colour.
RAFFIA CLUTCH BAGS
Save the raffia clutch for summer weddings for a design that transitions easily from ceremony through cocktail hour and onto the dancefloor. Compact in size and structure but surprisingly capacious for your lipstick, phone and purse, tuck one under your arm for effortless style. Often finished with playful adornments such as gold hardware (Jacquemus and Tod’s are a case in point), patchwork detailing (Reiss has you sorted) or even retro chainmail discs (look to Rabane), raffia clutches give a boho chic vibe to your summer look.
RAFFIA TOTE BAGS
Make the raffia tote your ultimate multifunctional summer carry-all. Simple in style but uber stylish, it offers the perfect blend of functionality with understated luxury. Super roomy for all your ‘essentials’, pair with casual everyday outfits, your office ensemble, or your holiday beach looks (you get the gist, it’s rather versatile). This season’s totes come in a selection of designs, from Stella McCartney’s slouchy shape to Prada’s boxy design, while Loewe has teamed up with Paula’s Ibiza to bring a beautiful floral touch, and Anya Hindmarch playfully mimics a jar of Perello olives.
Read more: How the humble barn jacket became SS25’s must-have outerwear
