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Honestly, I didn’t love straw bags until a year or two ago. I felt like they were too preppy, not practical, and I didn’t love how beachy they looked. But over the last few years, I’ve started to appreciate them much more (and it helps that retailers are coming out with such incredible options, too). Now I’m a big straw bag fan, and each spring, I start hunting for my new warm-weather purse.
Straw bags are a spring and summer wardrobe essential. They’re lightweight, stylish, and surprisingly versatile (assuming you have the right one). Whether you’re headed to the beach, the office, or dinner out, there’s a straw bag that fits the occasion. I’m sharing my favorites below.
The Best Straw Bags for Every Occasion
My Top Pick: J. Lowery Mini Raffia Tote
I bought this J. Lowery Mini Raffia Tote a few weeks ago, and I love it. It’s the perfect size for on-the-go mom life. I love that it has short handles and a crossbody strap so I can wear it multiple ways. It has an interior storage pocket that cinches closed so things don’t fall out, and it’s small enough that things don’t get lost. I wear this purse with jeans, dresses, skirts, and shorts. It’s perfect for everything!
Budget-friendly option: LOFT Whipstitch Straw Crossbody Bag
If you love the look of the J. Lowery bag but want something more affordable, this Whipstitch Straw Crossbody Bag from LOFT is a perfect alternative. I like that it has black stitching on the top as well, which adds a nice detail.
Best Straw Bag for Daily Use: Clare V. Pot de Miel
The Clare V. Pot de Miel bucket bag is on my wishlist. The bamboo handle and round shape make this bag unique but functional. It feels elevated without being too fancy (which is always what I’m going for– effortless but stylish). The size is perfect for everyday since it will easily fit a phone, wallet, keys, lip gloss, and any other small essential. The only catch is that the handle is firm, so it may not be your best option if you like throwing a purse over your shoulder.
I love the cream color, but it comes in 4 colors if you prefer something different.
Splurge alternative: Saint Laurent Le 37 Mini Mini Bag
While the Clare V is perfect as-is, I can’t help but mention this stunning Saint Laurent Le 37 Mini Mini Bag in Raffia if you’re looking for a designer bag. It has a top handle and an adjustable (and detachable) strap, so you have a few different ways to carry it.
Budget-friendly option: Target Black & Camel Top Handle Tote Bag
While this Black & Camel Top Handle Tote Bag isn’t an exact alternative, it’s a great option for the price.
Best Straw Bag for Moms Toting Lots of Things: Como Woven Straw Tote
The Como Woven Straw Tote from J.Crew is made for the season of carrying snacks, sunscreen and everything else. It’s large and structured with long straps that are easy to throw over your shoulder. It’s practical, but it still looks put together. If you prefer a little more organization in your tote bags, you could snag this $15 tote bag organizer on Amazon to keep inside the bag.
Budget-friendly option: Amazon Straw Tote
This large straw tote from Amazon is under $20, looks super similar to the Como bag above, and would be a great mom tote.
Best Straw Bag for Work: J. Lowery Raffia Tote
When I was ordering my new bag this year, I had the hardest time deciding between the J. Lowery Mini Raffia Bag and and this J. Lowery Raffia Tote bag. This one is obviously much larger than the mini and it fits a laptop, water bottle, and daily essentials without looking bulky. It also strikes the right balance between polished and breezy. Not only that, but you can carry it two ways: with the short signature style handles or the longer tote straps. If you are looking for a fashion-forward work tote for summer, this is it. See the rest of my favorite work bags in this blog post. I may still end up getting this bag, to be honest, since I use a larger bag multiple days of the week.
Notable mentions:
Budget-friendly option: Mark and Graham Montauk Raffia Tote
While this Montauk Raffia Tote from Mark and Graham isn’t cheap, it’s certainly more affordable than the options above at $119. And I think it’s worth the price for a work tote you’d carry often. I love the sturdy, structured shape, the leather handles and bottom details, and the fact that you can personalize it with your initials.
Best Straw Bag for Date Night: Loeffler Randall Straw Clutch
Small but strong on style, this Loeffler Randall Brit Pleated Clutch fits your phone, lipstick, and cards. It comes with a detachable twisted gold metal chain strap for hands-free convenience and instantly dresses up jeans or a dress. I love a raffia clutch for spring or summer outfits that are more elevated than my everyday. Speaking of Loeffler Randall, I shared my favorite shoes (and affordable lookalikes) in this post.
Splurge pick: Saint Laurent Uptown Pouch in Micro Raffia
It’s hard to beat the classic Saint Laurent Uptown Pouch in Micro Raffia. It’s timeless and simple and has gorgeous hardware branding, too.
Budget-friendly option: Amazon Raffia Pouch Clutch
Honestly, this raffia pouch style clutch from Amazon looks pretty darn similar to the Loeffler Randall version, so if you’re on the fence, consider ordering this first and wear it around a bit. If you find yourself reaching for it often, that may be a sign that you should invest in a nicer bag like the Loeffler option. If you just want something affordable for a getaway or vacation, then stick to this. I also like this Flap Clutch Bag from Target for a more streamlined look.
Best Straw Bag for the Beach: Straw Tote Bag from Lands’ End
When looking at straw bags for the beach, it’s important to remember that you’re going to get sand, water, and sunscreen all over them. I don’t recommend investing in something expensive for a beach or pool bag, especially if you have kids. Instead, opt for an affordable structured straw tote like this Straw Tote Bag from Lands’ End. I love Lands’ End for anything that will get a lot of use since it’s durable but affordable. It has a lined interior with a back zippered pocket to keep things organized and a built-in key fob. You can even carry a rolled towel or beach hat through the tacked straps outside the bag. It’s SO practical and very, very cute. The best part is that it’s only $60 and even cheaper with their constant promos.
Budget-friendly option: Target Straw Large Packable Tote Handbag
While the Lands’ End option isn’t crazy expensive, this Straw Large Packable Tote Handbag from Target is even cheaper and another cute beach bag option. It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of a fancy beach bag (it’s unlined, no pockets, etc.), but for the price, it’ll do just fine.
Best Unique Design: Akris Small Ai Raffia & Leather Tote Bag
If you want something that feels a little different, this Akris Small Ai Raffia & Leather Tote Bag is just the thing. At first glance, it looks like any other tote bag in its shape and size, but you can actually fold the two top corners down and secure them to the center of the bag, creating a unique but gorgeous shape. It can be transformed into three different looks: a rectangular shopper, a trapezoid tote, or a signature tote with a turn lock. I also like this Holiday Crocheted Raffia East-West Tote even though it’s a bit funky.
Budget-friendly option: Amazon Half-Moon Raffia Shoulder Bag
This Amazon Half-Moon Raffia Shoulder Bag is lightweight, sculptural, and under $30.
FAQs
Do straw bags last?
Yes, especially if they’re tightly woven and reinforced at stress points. Avoid overloading them or exposing them to heavy rain, and a good one will last for years.
Are straw bags good for the beach?
Definitely, they’re lightweight and breathable. Just choose one with a lining or zip closure to keep sand and spills under control.
Why are raffia bags so expensive?
Raffia is hand-harvested and often handwoven, which makes the process labor-intensive. The payoff is flexibility, durability and a luxurious texture.
Which is better—straw or raffia bags?
Straw is usually stiffer and holds its shape better, while raffia is softer and more pliable. Both work well—it depends on the look and function you want.
Final Thoughts
Straw bags are perfect for spring and summer outfits and outings. Whether you’re hauling kid gear or heading out for drinks, there’s a bag on this list that can keep up with your summer lifestyle. If I were to pick just one to keep, it would be this J. Lowery Mini Raffia Tote.
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