25 of the Breeziest Straw Bags for Summer

editor@purewow.com (PureWow)
·12 min read
  • Oops!
    Something went wrong.
    Please try again later.

Blake Lively, Anne Hathaway, Meghan Markle, Reese Witherspoon, Zoë Kravitz, Heidi Klum... what do all of these fabulous ladies have in common (other than being stunning style icons, of course?) They've also all been known to rock breezy straw bags for summer.

The season is fast approaching and we're seeing a huge resurgence of this beachy trend in lots of different styles, so you'll have your pick of the litter. Do you prefer a straw tote that you can carry over your shoulder, or one with a top handle? Or perhaps it's a funky embroidered piece that speaks to you? Regardless of the aesthetic you're after, you're sure to find it here: We've selected a list of the most desirable straw bags around, with functional features, like zip pockets, and luxe details, like leather accents, to find the absolute crème de la crème.

What to Look for in a Straw Bag

When it comes to straw bags, it's important to consider the material they're made of before purchasing. Some are handwoven with sturdier, more rigid fabrics, while others provide more flexibility. We did a quick run-down of the most common materials you'll find in straw bags to help you decide.

  • Raffia: The majority of straw bags are woven from raffia. Raffia is made from sun-dried palm leaves and is soft to the touch and finely woven.

  • Rattan: Similar to raffia, rattan is made from a palm plant. The structure of the plant is similar to bamboo, and is championed for its strength and durability, yet is still flexible. This material is known for absorbing dye well, too, so there's a lot of cute color options to choose from with it.

  • Bamboo: Now, these bags aren't made from palm, they're woven with bamboo (it's technically a grass), but they're so cute that we had to include some on our list. Bags made from bamboo tend to be lightweight and structured.

The Best Straw Bags for Summer at a Glance

RELATED: 10 Fun-Yet-Functional Straw Accessories Worth Snagging This Summer

1. Kate Spade Voyage Bag

Best Mini Straw Bag

This adorably tiny square bag comes with an optional, adjustable leather crossbody strap. That means your hands will be free to show off your new manicure or text when you need to, but you can still opt to use the top handle for a stroll on the boardwalk. Featuring luxe, lattice detailing, it's woven with smooth leather and wicker. Honestly? This purse just looks like it belongs on a boat in Ibiza. Best of all, it's nearly $100 off its original price.

Buy It $328 ($230)

2. Kayu Mini Tove Bag

Best Straw Bag With Leather Handles

Bags with a soft body, like this one from Kayu, which is made from sustainable abaca straw, can balance out a more structured leather strap. Bonus: They're also just easier to stuff with your...stuff.

Buy It ($158)

3. NIBD Nice Pies Bucket Bag

Best Straw Bucket Bag

Bucket bags have undergone a major revival over the past few years, and we're loving them even more in straw. This one is made from 100 percent natural rattan, which allows for a sturdier look and feel, but is adorned with straw flowers that are dotted with shimmery pearls to give it that little extra sumthin' sumthin'. It has a drawstring opening for easy access to your wallet, sunglasses and lipgloss, too.

From $36 at Amazon

4. We We Beach Bag

Best Straw Tote Bag

This vibrant tote is big enough to pack all of your beach essentials—and then some. You'll have room for your fluffiest towel, a giant S'well bottle full of rosé and a juicy read. (We're talking enough space for Tolstoy's "War and Peace," people.) The design features bright, summery stripes of orange, white and tan that resemble a mouthwatering creamsicle (maybe we're just hungry?), and it's reportedly lightweight and waterproof—aka perfect for hitting the sand.

$33 at Amazon

5. Bausweety Shoulder Bag

Best Cheap Straw Bag

This crossbody is woven with natural straw and boasts a unique sharp diamond-shape. Added details, like the faux-leather flap, gold tassels and gold chain, also help to set this stunner apart.

$23 at Amazon

6. Novum Crafts Boho Bag

Best Round Straw Bag

Boho babes are going to love this one. Handcrafted in Bali from durable, natural rattan, each piece is one-of-a-kind. The long leather strap ensures that you can easily toss this purse over your shoulder and the interior features a unique tapestry lining to stylishly hold your personal items. You can also choose from multiple sizes.

$35 at Amazon

7. Vintga Bamboo Bag

Best Bamboo Bag

Those opting for a bamboo bag should look no further than this tropical-looking grass find from Vintga. As your next vacay essential, it's made from 100 percent natural bamboo, so you know it will be sturdy, but the thin slats make it look incredibly delicate. (Psst: It's also a dead-ringer for Cult Gaia's iconic—and sold out—Ark bag, oh, except it's nearly $80 cheaper.)

From $39 at Amazon

8. Cult Gaia Eos Bag

Best Straw Clutch

Speaking of Cult Gaia, if you're looking to get one of the brand's beloved bags in your clutches (sorry, we had to), this unique pick is as summery as the beach itself. It's bordered by intricate sculptural woven baubles that make it look more like art than an accessory, and it's made from highly-durable rattan, making it just as strong as it is pretty.

Buy It ($228)

9. Tuckernuck Slouchy Bag

Best Raffia Bag

If you prefer a more relaxed vibe, this is the clutch for you. Unlike your structured clutches, this pliable option can actually fit more than your cell phone and credit card. It's made from raffia, which helps to account for its flexibility, and it features an elegant gold chain strap, so it will look just as chic on a dinner date as it does on your arm for a casual beach day.

Buy It ($148)

10. Draper James Emma Bag

Best Embroidered Straw Bag

Leather, fringe, embroidery—you name the trend, and there's a straw bag for that. Case in point? This little delight by Draper James that's all whimsy and romance with its vegan leather trim and delicate floral embroidery. Wear it when you want to add a little extra bling to your one-piece and cover-up or take it out on the town for girls' night.

Buy It ($90; $70)

11. Frienda Straw Bag

Best Pom-Pom Straw Bag

This densely woven clutch is made from a thick straw rope. And while the pom-pom details undoubtedly give it a stylish flair, it's still plenty practical: There's a phone pocket stitched inside, for starters. It can also be worn two ways; as an adorable envelope purse with a small portable belt or as a crossbody with a long adjustable belt.

$19 at Amazon

12. Coach Tabby Bag

Best Textured Straw Bag

Infused with lustrous leather and textured woven straw throughout, this slouchy shoulder bag is woven into popcorn stitching for a fun, revamped take on an iconic archival Coach design from the '70s. It's got interior and exterior zip pockets to keep your items secure, and there's two detachable straps for multi-functional styling options.

Buy It ($395)

13. YXILEE Straw Bag

Best Straw Basket Bag

This straw tote comes with a dainty polka dot scarf wrapped around the handle—seriously, this bag might be dressed better than me. It's woven from 100 percent natural straw, and it's designed to be long-lasting and unique, as each one may have a slightly different color due to the handcrafted element.

$34 at Amazon

14. Kate Spade Sunkiss Cabana Bag

Best Straw Vacation Bag

Warning: Purchasing this purse will put you at a higher risk for booking a tropical summer vacation—Bali, anyone? Fittingly part of Kate Spade's cabana collection, it features palm leaf embroidery with the words "Kate Spade Cabana" stitched across the front. It's large enough to fit a 13-inch laptop, and there's a zip-around closure plus several interior pockets to keep your things nice and secure.

Buy It ($298)

15. YMHoart Straw Bag

Most Unique Straw Bag

If finding the perfect straw bag is like finding a needle in a haystack, coming across this bag's like finding pearls in a haystack—literally. It combines rattan straw with faux pearl detailing for a truly unique design that will level up just about any ensemble. It cinches shut at the top, and it can be washed with water, as long as you make sure to dry it quickly.

$27 at Amazon

16. Ayliss Fishing Net Bag

Best Woven Straw Bag

A fishing net, but make it fashion. That pretty much sums up this stylish piece that's handwoven from straw and cotton rope. Since it's loosely woven, it's also super lightweight, allowing you to pack your larger beach items that won't fall through the holes. We could definitely picture it making a statement at your local farmers market, too: It's casual, trendy and just begging to be filled to the brim with fresh produce.

$24 at Amazon

17. Shiraleah Mirabel Bag

Best Straw Crossbody Bag

This circle crossbody bag has the coolest design woven into it: Stare at it too long and you just might get hypnotized by its vibrant colors. The long crossbody strap makes it easy to drape across your body, and there's an interior pocket at the back for your phone or lipstick. Oh, and it has a multi-colored tassel hanging from it for a bit of added flair.

Buy It ($35)

18. Freie Liebe Straw Bag

Best Small Straw Bag

When you can't be bothered with a big, clunky bag, this envelope clutch will be just the right size for storing the basics. It can easily fit your phone, keys and wallet, and there's a magnetic clasp to keep everything secure. Its 100 percent natural straw can also be dyed, so you'll get to choose from more than ten different colors—and at just over $20, you can afford to add a couple to your cart.

$22 at Amazon

19. Salvatore Ferragamo Viva Bag

Most Vibrant Straw Bag

This sunny canary yellow hue of this woven raffia bag is as summery as a tall glass of lemonade. Just as practical as it is luxurious, this designer pick has an adjustable shoulder strap, a magnetic flap closure and two interior zip pockets. It's also lined with soft lambskin, which juxtaposes perfectly against the texture of the raffia.

Buy It ($1,490; $1,043)

20. Bembien Lily Bag

Best Handwoven Straw Bag

All of Bembien's bags, including this rattan beauty, are handwoven by artisans from around the world, ensuring that each one is unique and intricate. Better yet, ten percent of all the company's proceeds from it will go to a nonprofit called Nest. Nest's mission is to advance the social and economic conditions of artisan communities globally.

Buy It ($165)

21. florabella Coachello Bag

Best Straw Shoulder Bag

This bag is massive, so if you’re the type to pack up half the house before you leave, this baby’s for you. Its body is made of natural raffia, and it has an intricate white crochet shoulder strap for a bit of zhuzh, as the Queer Eye crew would say. There are tassels on either side and little gold beads speckled throughout, too.

Buy It ($194)

22. J. Crew Market Tote

Best Straw Beach Bag

The ultimate accessory for your next beach trip, this is simple, no fuss and super stylish. An improvement on an earlier model from the brand, its straw is more durable than ever, according to J.Crew. Its opening is now wider than the base for a roomier feel, too. Best of all, it's... wait for it... on sale for nearly 40 percent off!

Buy It $98;($60)

23. Terrain Market Tote

Best Straw Shopping Bag

Maybe it's just because it's from Terrain, but we can seriously picture ourselves wearing this bag as we walk through a lush nursery to fill it to the brim with potted plants and adorable succulents. Handwoven in Morocco from sustainable date palm leaves, it's topped with smooth leather handles for a nice mix of the elements. And if you do choose to use it for plant shopping and it happens to get a little dirty, just hand-wash it afterward with water that's been diluted with a tiny bit of vinegar.

Buy It ($88)

24. Saint Laurent Kaia Bag

Best Designer Straw Bag

This straw bag from YSL (we see that iconic medallion) is the epitome of luxury. Glossy black leather paired with natural straw and gold detailing mean it's absolutely dripping with class. The shoulder strap adjusts for comfort, and the inside is lined with a buttery-soft suede. There's also an interior slip pocket for your keys.

Buy It ($1,590)

25. Vera Bradley Mini Convertible Backpack

Best Straw Backpack

Totes and crossbody bags are stylish and all, but when you get tired of swapping out shoulders to carry your stuff, there's this straw backpack from Vera Bradley. It has one exterior pocket and one on the interior, too. Also, it has the cutest pink parrot woven onto the front and the inside lining features a pink-and-green palm leaf design.

$60 at Amazon

RELATED: The 25 Best Beach Bags for Summer

PureWow may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was created independently from PureWow's editorial and sales departments.