buuk.top / David Hattan
Flip flops, SPF, and sunglasses are all summer staples, but our beloved essentials also need proper (and fashionable) storage. Enter: the woven bag. A wardrobe necessity for beach days and warm weather getaways, the woven bag comes in all shapes, sizes, and styles.
“When on the hunt for the perfect woven bag, I look for both fashion and function,” explains Chelsea Volpe, a New York City-based stylist. We covered all of our bases with picks including beach-friendly totes, practical crossbodies, and classy clutches. To find the best woven bags, we considered structure, straps, price, and fabric content. Here are our favorite ones that will take you from beach days and beyond all summer long.
All Saints Straw Tote at Amazon
Old Navy Crochet Tote Bag at Gap.com
Loewe Mini Slit Bag in Raffia at Loewe.com
Naghedi St. Barths Mini at Amazon
Banana Republic Straw Tote Bag at Gapfactory.com
Aje Woven Handle Mini Tote at Shopbop.com
COS Leather-Trimmed Basket Bag at Cos.com
Jacquemus Raphia Bag at Jacquemus.com
Cult Gaia Crossbody Bag at Cultgaia.com
AAKS Baba Berry Bag at Aaksonline.com
In This Article
Best Overall
All Saints Allington Straw Tote
Zappos
View On Zappos
Structurally sophisticated? Check. Lavish leather handles? Check. Regale removable zip pouch? Check. For these reasons, we love the best-selling All Saints Allington Straw Tote and awarded it our best overall pick. Its dark color, woven seagrass straw material, and faux leather accents create a chic and sleek accessory. The bags multiple carrying options—including top handles and shoulder straps—make it a practical necessity for any day. Basically, this purse checks every style box imaginable—even ones you didnt know existed.
Price at time of publish: $139
Material:100% seagrass straw | Dimensions: 11 x 11 x 11 inches
Best Budget
Old Navy Straw-Paper Crochet Tote Bag
Old Navy
When it comes to a woven bag, you want something that wont sag under the weight of your items, like Old Navy’s crochet tote bag. Its effortlessly lightweight texture and various playful hues make it the perfect daytime bag. Whether you choose the "Flower Trail (hot pink), Sunfish (orange), Henna (brown), or Black Jack, you can rest assured that all of your beach gear will fit comfortably inside this paper bag with a flat base. Plus, it comes in at just $22, a price that cannot be beaten for a summer handbag.
Price at time of publish: $22
Material: 100% paper | Dimensions:14 x 15 inches
Best Splurge
Loewe Mini Slit Bag in Raffia
Loewe
Its no secret that Loewe bags have recently captivated the fashion world, and we especially love the brand’s luxe take on the raffia bag. The woven structured silhouette initially drew us in, but coupled with the brand’s signature jacquard strap and anagram leather patch makes this a must-have for carrying around your essentials in style. And the iconic cross-body strap is detachable, so you can transform it into a shoulder or hand-held bag if that’s more your speed.
Price at time of publish: $1,300
Material: Raffia, calfskin |Dimensions: 11.8 x 11.3 x 3.1 inches
Best Mini
Naghedi St. Barths Mini
Saks Fifth Avenue
View On Saks Fifth Avenue
View On Shopbop.com
Naghedi, a beautiful, sustainable, female-founded handbag line, uses skilled weavers for intentional design and production. The St. Barths Mini, which Jessica Alba adores, is a luxurious pick designed for city girls. The stylish clutchs removable crossbody strap is a lifesaver for our busy schedules. To complete your look, choose any color from the brands palette—olive, poppy (orange), mink (brown), buttercup (light yellow), onyx (black), or others.
Price at time of publish: $240
Material: Handwoven neoprene (polyester) | Dimensions: 14 x 7.5 x 6 inches
Best Tote
Banana Republic Straw Tote Bag
Banana Republic
It’s the V shape for us when it comes to the Banana Republic’s woven tote. Whether youre headed to the farmers market or the pool, this bags low-cut silhouette and versatile styling make it a year-round essential. Did we mention its handles are also made of vegan leather?
Price at time of publish: $63
Material: 100% paper straw |Dimensions: 18 inches
Best Chunky
Aje Luca Woven Handle Mini Tote
Shopbop
Pull a page from the chunky styles of the ’80s, with this gem from Aje Luca mini tote. Its light earth tones make it easy to pair with both bold summer hues and sophisticated darks. The bag not only adds texture and depth to an outfit, but it also demonstrates craftsmanship thanks to the skillfully woven and plaited faux leather of the open-top handle.
Price at time of publish: $45
Material: 100% natural jute fiber | Dimensions: 6.75 x 14.25 x 6 inches
Best Basket
COS Leather-Trimmed Basket Bag
COS
“The Leather-trimmed basket bag from COS is a must this season and looks far more expensive than its actual modest cost,” Volpe tells buuk.top. “And the price tag is on point,” she adds. The bag is a structured basket design with an inner drawstring bag to secure all of your items and has a supportive base and handles crafted from leather. It comes in a goes-with-anything black-on-black option or a neutral beige and brown colorway.
Price at time of publish: $120
Material:Paper, cotton, and leather | Detail: 14.96 x 5.11 inches
Best Unique
Jacquemus Le Panier Soli Raphia Bag
Jacquemus
“If you want some added funk, go for the Le Panier Soli Raphia bag,” says Volpe. She highly recommends the nontraditional raffia bag from Jacquemus for any occasion and loves its “fringe fabulousness.” The tastefully disheveled straw coupled with the sleek leather straps makes the bag an eye-catching accessory to top off any type of outfit.
Price at time of publish: $530
Material: 100%raffia| Dimensions: 17.7 x 9.4 inches
Best for Going Out
Cult Gaia Sybil Crossbody Bag
Cult Gaia
Cult Gaia is a favorite brand of Volpe’s, who calls it “always chic and on-trend” and a “summer go-to that has a bag assortment perfect for summer evenings.” Volpe particularly loves the Sybil Crossbody bag which boasts a structured silhouette and white leather strap that transforms the purse into the ideal crossbody companion. It also features a snap closure and suede liner so all of your belongings stay secure.
Price at time of publish: $348
Material: Rattan, leather|Dimensions: Not listed
Best Colorful
AAKS Baba Berry Bag
AAKS
Let’s take a moment to admire the craftsmanship of this woven bag by Akosua Afriyie-Kumi, called Baba Berry. The burnt ombre-orange design celebrates the Ghanaian fabrics often found in traditional African prints. Its made from raffia and styled to fit easily over the shoulder. This roomy style is lined all the way through and features a drawstring closure up top to safeguard your essentials. Wear a silk strappy orange dress for a hot summer date or to work for a splash of color.
Price at time of publish: $276
Material: Woven raffia and leather | Dimensions: 11.4 x 19.7 inches
Best with Drawstrings
Zara Woven Jute Bag
Zara
Pantones color of the year for 2023 is Viva Magenta, a deep, pinkish-red hue described as "powerful and empowering." And thats exactly how we feel about the vibrant pops of color on this woven Zara bag, which include magenta, orange, and plum purple for a sunset-like scene. The adjustable matching drawstring and flat baguette-like design give it a subtle but unique touch.
Price at time of publish: $50
Material: 100% jute|Dimensions: Not listed
Best for the Beach
The Drop Womens Alora Crochet Small Tote
Amazon
If large beach totes arent your thing but you still want to get in on the straw trend, this shoulder bag is for you. Choose from the fun colors Jade, Hot Pink, or Maize (yellow) that speak to your personality or match your swimwear. Whether youre collecting shells for memories or using The Drop bag to store your sunscreen, flip flops, lip balm, and speaker, this is a must-have item for the summer.
Price at time of publish: $50
Material: 100% cotton| Dimensions: 19.33 x 16.81 x 1.85 inches
Best for Work
Anthropologie Woven Faux Leather Tote
Anthropologie
If youre an all-black-everything type of person but want to add some texture and color to your work wardrobe, this woven faux leather tote from Anthropologie is just what you need. The bags flexible foam construction offers more longevity than what’s available in standard bags. In addition, it has a detachable pouch, so you can run out for some coffee while carrying your laptop, tablet, notebooks, and other work necessities. The fact that it can be used as both a work bag and a weekend market tote is just one of the many reasons we adore it.
Price at time of publish: $259
Material: Polyurethane|Dimensions: 11 x 20.5 x 8 inches
Best Clutch
Cult Gaia Jaya Clutch
Cult Gaia
The Jaya Clutch is another top pick from Volpe. “It’s uber cute and versatile in terms of wearability,” she says, “also, the price is right for the quality and look.” The compact clutch is designed with a coordinating beaded trim and is the perfect small accessory to complete any playful summer ensemble.
Price at time of publish: $228
Material: Rattan | Dimensions: Not listed
Best Backpack
L*Space Summer Days Backpack
Revolve
View On Revolve
View On Sunandski.com
The L*SPACE Summer Days Backpack is the stuff of picnic fantasies, what with its school bag form, granny square design, and drawstring closure. Its also versatile enough to use as a carry-on and for poolside fun, making it a win-win situation for jet setters. The knapsacks poly fabric lining and adjustable straps make it durable and shape-retaining even after repeated uses.
Price at time of publish: $259
Material: Polyurethane| Dimensions:16 x 13.5 x 6.5 inches
Best Oversized
Hibala Woven Large Beach Bag
Amazon
This large oversize tote from Hilbala is perfect for carrying groceries, a beach towel, a change of clothes, a book, and anything else you might need on vacation. The bright yellow, green, pink, and red tassel can be used to jazz up the otherwise conservative boxy design of the purse, or it can be removed entirely. The all-natural jute fiber material means the bag will never have that synthetic new-bag odor.
Price at time of publish: $16
Material: 100% natural jute fiber | Dimensions: 18 x 15 x 8 inches
Best Crossbody
Madewell The Small Transport Crossbody Woven Leather Edition
Madewell
View On Madewell.com
Its the compact size yet spacious interior that sold us on this gorgeous basket weave bucket style by Madewell. While you may prefer a neutral bag this summer, the brands Warm Thistle (light pink), Ocean (baby blue), and Burnished Caramel (apricot) bags add a pop of color (and flare) to your wardrobe. Its removable straps can be swapped out for other styles to add a more personal touch.
Price at time of publish: $148
Material: Leather | Dimensions:9.5 x 10.5 x 3 inches
Final Verdict
For a woven bag that is equal parts durable, stylish, and spacious, we recommend the All Saints Allington Straw Tote. You can’t go wrong with any of its unique colorways, and it also includes a removable zip pouch for optimal organization. For a wallet-friendly pick, we’re proponents of the Old Navy Straw-Paper Crochet Tote Bag thanks to its summer-friendly hues, slouchy silhouette, and crochet stitching.
Meet the Expert
Chelsea Volpe is a fashion stylist based in New York City. She has worked with La Mer, Revlon, Highsnobiety, Hypebeast, Vogue, and WWD.
What to Look For When Shopping for a Woven Bag
Durability
Some bags will be stiffer in structure, making them more durable and able to carry heavier items with ease. For example, the Hibala Woven Large Beach Bag and the Anthropologie Woven Faux Leather Tote both have a flat base so they will be sturdier.
The tightness of the weave will also impact how durable a bag is. For example, the AAKS Baba Berry bag and the All Saints Allington Straw Tote both feature tight stitching and will hold up against heavy items or the elements.
Lastly, bags made from pure paper or raffia will be more delicate. If you’re looking to carry heavy items, a blend with polyurethane like the Naghedi St. Barths Mini will be the most durable choice for maximum support as you carry your belongings.
Interior Lining
“A lining is a must for many open-air woven bags to ensure items dont fall out in transit and your belongings are safe and sound,” Volpe explains. A bag with larger weaves or holes between stitches should be secured by an inner lining. For example, the COS Leather-Trimmed Basket Bag and L*SPACE Summer Days Backpack both feature adjustable drawstring bags on the inside for maximum safety.
“I suggest spot-cleaning a straw/woven bag to ensure less wear and tear on an already fragile accessory,” Volpe says. Each bag may also have individual cleaning instructions depending on the material and level of delicacy. Make sure to check the product’s care instructions or product description on the website.
Volpe explains that “woven bags are versatile, so break the rules and mix up your attire when pairing your new woven bag with your summer wardrobe.”
A woven bag can go from the beach to dinner, so you can dress the accessory up or down depending on your outfit. “Throw on some oversized denim, a casual crop top, and fun kitten heels,” she says. For evenings, you can pair your woven bag with a polished linen or cotton mini dress.
Why Trust buuk.top
Jasmine Hyman is a commerce writer and producer for Dotdash Meredith’s beauty and travel publications. Her work has appeared in buuk.top, Brides, People, and more. For this article, Jasmine spoke with professional stylist Chelsea Volpe for her insight and product recommendations and spent hours researching the best woven bags.
According to our Diversity Pledge, 15 percent of products in our newly published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough woven bags from Black-owned and/or Black-founded businesses to meet this percentage. If you know of some we should consider, please email us at contact@buuk.top.com, and we will evaluate the product ASAP.
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