Best Straw Bags for Summer

Today I’m sharing the best straw bags for summer, or for your warm-weather getaway. Once the warm weather hits and the sun is out, I’m all about straw bags. They are easy, naturally inspired, and can go casual or dressy. They work well into Fall too since September is still technically summer. A straw bag is a classic wardrobe staple that you can wear forever. Not only do they make great everyday bags, but they make the best travel bags for warm weather destinations too! Here, I’ve narrowed down summer’s best straw and raffia bag picks for you. Whether you prefer a straw tote, a crossbody bag, a raffia clutch, or basket bag.

My Favorite Straw and Raffia Bags For Summer

I have quite a collection of straw bags, and yet I find myself reaching for the same three bags every warm season. I’ve owned each one for years and they’ve each earned their place for a different reason.

The Sezane Farrow in raffia is my go-to crossbody for warm weather days. It works just as well as a shoulder bag, and the size is perfect for carrying your essentials without feeling weighed down. I love how it moves from a casual errand day to a summer dinner without missing a beat.

The Eric Javits Biza is the one I pack for every vacation. What sets it apart from most raffia bags is the zip closure, which makes it so much more practical when you’re traveling or carrying valuables. It’s also structured enough to work with slightly dressier outfits, not just casual days.

The Sezane Justine basket bag is the one I’ve owned the longest, and it still makes every outfit feel a little more French. I carry it to farmers markets, casual weekend mornings, and anywhere I want that easy, relaxed feeling without trying too hard.

The Portofino clutch is my go-to dinner date bag. It goes with everything and is so easy to carry. This is another one I always take with me on vacation. 

Types Of Straw and Raffia Bags

Straw bags come in several different shapes and sizes, each with its own personality and styling purpose.

Classic Basket Bags

Basket bags are one of the most timeless summer accessories. The iconic Jane Birkin made them famous, and they’ve never really gone out of style since.

The bag I’m wearing in the photos above is the Pamela Munson Isla Bahia basket bag. I love the smaller size and the pearl handle detail, which makes it feel a little more special than a typical basket bag. I reach for this when I want my outfit to feel a little more pulled together without switching to a leather bag. Pamela Munson rotates her colorways seasonally so I’d check current availability if you’re interested. The styles she offers change but the quality is always consistent.

For a more everyday basket bag with a very French feel, my other favorite is the Sezane Justine. I’ve owned mine for over five years and it still gets reached for constantly. The leather details give it more structure than a traditional basket bag, which makes it easier to wear beyond just the beach or market. It’s the basket bag I’d recommend if you want something that works across more of your summer wardrobe.

I’m also wearing the Sarah Flint block heel sandals in these photos. You can read my full Sarah Flint Review for sizing details.

Raffia Bucket Bags

Raffia bucket bags have a relaxed, rounded shape that makes them one of the easiest summer bags to wear. The soft silhouette works with almost everything from denim shorts and a casual top, a sundress, or linen pants.  

I own the Sezane Farrow bag in both the larger and mini size, and it’s the style I reach for most on warm weather days when I want something hands-free. The raffia version in particular has that effortless, slightly undone quality that I love about summer dressing. It’s casual enough for a farmers’ market morning but works just as well for a relaxed dinner out.

I’m styling mine here with the Palm Beach block heel sandals, which have become a summer staple for me. You can take $10 off your first purchase with my code THEFASHIONHOUSEMOM10 . If you are in-between sizes, take the next size up.

Straw Tote Bags

A straw tote is the bag I reach for when I need to carry more than my essentials but still want to feel like it’s summer. The relaxed, open structure makes it easy to throw everything in without the bag looking overstuffed.

The Sezane June tote is the one I keep coming back to. It’s roomy enough for a beach or market day but the leather details keep it from feeling too casual. I’ve worn mine constantly and it holds up beautifully.

 

The J.Crew Como woven straw tote is another worth knowing. The structure is slightly more polished than a traditional market tote, which makes it easier to wear beyond just casual days.

Straw Bags With Extra Details

Sometimes a simple straw bag isn’t enough. You want something with a little more personality. Embroidery, fringe, and ruffles are all ways to add interest to a summer outfit without committing to a bold color or pattern.

The Sézane Farrow also comes in a beautiful embroidered raffia version that I love. Sézane brings it back each summer so if it’s not available yet, it’s worth checking back. It’s the version I’d reach for when I want my bag to do a little more of the work in an outfit.

Straw Clutch & Evening Bags

A straw clutch is one of those accessories that bridges the gap between casual and dressy in a way that almost nothing else does. It works for summer dinners, and evenings out when you want something that feels special without being too formal.

For a special occasion or when you want your bag to be the focal point, the Pamela Munson Minaudière is my pick. The craftsmanship is beautiful and the embroidered details make it feel like a piece you’d keep for years, not just one season. It comes in several different patterns so there’s usually something that works with your personal style.

For an everyday option that goes with everything, the J.Crew raffia clutch is the one I reach for most. It’s simple, clean, and works with any summer outfit without competing with what you’re wearing.

 

Straw Top Handle Bags

A straw top handle bag is the style I reach for when I want to look a little more polished without switching to leather. It’s the bag I take to lunch or a casual dinner when a tote feels too relaxed but a structured leather bag feels too heavy for summer.

My favorite in this category is the Mme Mink top handle bag. It’s an investment, but the quality and the personalization details like the ribbon handle colors and an engravable gold charm, make it feel genuinely special. This is the kind of bag you buy once and carry for years. If you’re looking for something more accessible in this silhouette, the widget below has options at a range of price points.

Natural Cane Bags

Natural cane bags have a vintage quality that I find really charming. The darker, warmer tone of the cane works beautifully with brown and cognac shoes, which makes them easy to style into a summer wardrobe built around neutrals.

The J. Lowery bag shown here is no longer available, but the style inspired me to keep an eye on this category. The versatility of wearing it as both a shoulder bag and crossbody is what I look for in this silhouette. Here are a few current options in the same spirit.

Building Your Straw Bag Collection

You don’t need every style on this list. If you’re starting out, one good basket bag or raffia crossbody will cover most of your warm weather needs. From there you can add a tote for days when you need more space, and a clutch for evenings out.

The bags I come back to most are the ones that work across multiple occasions: the Sezane Justine for everyday French-inspired ease, the Farrow raffia for hands-free days, and the Portofino clutch when I need a simple small bag for night. Between those three I have every summer occasion covered.

If you’re building out your full warm weather wardrobe, my French Capsule Wardrobe for Summer and Best Everyday Bags for Women posts are a good place to start.

For more warm weather styling ideas, my guides to how to style a straw bag and chic straw hat outfit ideas are worth a look.