The best raffia bags to add to cart in 2023 - shop now
There's something about the warmer weather that just lends itself to natural fibres, but guess what? Raffia is for life, not just for summer. Even outside of its traditional seasonal window, a raffia bag can make for a seriously versatile addition to your current accessory collection.
What is raffia?
Raffia is a plant-based fibre, deriving from the segments on the leaves from the Raphia Farinifera palm. Raffia is different to straw, although some may confuse the natural fibres.
Straw is a dry stalk which means that it is not particularly malleable, whereas raffia strands are more pliant, and therefore well-suited to crafting techniques and it can also be dyed easily.
Prada's raffia tote has surpassed cult status at this point, having adorned the arm of supermodel Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, and no doubt having taken over your Instagram feed last summer.
How we chose the pieces:
Again, that's not to say that raffia bags should be confined to the restraints of the warmer months. After all, the great British weather cycle would mean that the window of opportunity to show off your arm candy in all its rustic glory would be pretty slim.
READ: 7 of the most stylish designer vegan handbags to add to your wardrobe
RELATED: The 14 best designer beach bags for summer 2022
Instead, we heartily encourage you to live out your French-girl market fantasy all year round, and style your raffia bag with chic shirt dress or a denim jumpsuit for a mixed texture moment. Cue the accessory onslaught...
We've scoured the internet's top fashion sites for the most stylish raffia bags, taking into account quality, price point and transeasonal wearability to help you upgrade your accessory game.
Hello! Fashion shares the raffia bags to add to your forever wardrobe:
Raffia Tote Bag
The spacious raffia tote is the perfect beach outfit accompaniment. With a clean, luxe-looking silhouette, this affordable accessory by Mango even features an interior zip-up compartment to keep your belongings safe.
Raffia Chain-embellished Shoulder Bag
Prada
Prada's classic shoulder bag silhouette has been given a rustic makeover, and we're totally here for it. Featuring a sky blue and white checked pattern, the piece is enhanced with shiny silver hardware. Style yours with a crisp linen shirt and cool-girl boxers.
Afroart Small Raffia Bag
Another vote for vibrant checks comes in the form of Arket's Afroart bag. Crafted in Madagascar, the piece features punchy green alongside sleek tan leather. Team yours with an otherwise monochrome outfit to add a pop of colour.
Mini Cartera Bag
Sensi Studio
Sensi Studio's mini Cartera bag is quietly elegant and we can't get enough. Featuring subtle black flecks, a softly ripped flap and a grosgrain-wrapped top handle, it eliminates the hippyish air often associated with raffia and other such rustic materials.
Raffia Tote Bag
Stradivarius' affordable raffia tote has a certain slouchy appeal. Its soft silhouette has a casual feel, and it would look great with a sleek black one-piece and knotted slides.
Viv Skate Bag
Roger Vivier
Roger Vivier's Viv Skate bag is super playful, and the house's signature crystal-embellished buckle adds a certain party spirit. The striped design feels timeless, and it is lined with a twill drawstring pouch for peace of mind. Style yours with a slip mini dress and kitten heel slingbacks.
Eyelet Raffia Chainmail Bucket Bag
Paco Rabanne
Dial up your current holiday wardrobe with a burst of colour via Paco Rabanne's bucket bag. In a rich tomato hue, the piece features eyelet detailing and the label's signature chainmail technique as the top handles. Style alongside a lustrous halter neck midi.
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