There's just something about the warmer weather that lends itself to easy-breezy, natural fibres.
But guess what? Raffia is for life, not just for summer.
Infused with pretty, rustic charm, even outside of its traditional seasonal window, a raffia accessory can make for a seriously versatile addition to your current bag arsenal.
What is raffia?
Raffia is a plant-based fibre, deriving from the segments on the leaves from the Raphia Farinifera palm. It is different to straw, although the two natural fibres are often erroneously used interchangeably.
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, plus it can be dyed easily.
© GettyWe firmly believe that raffia bags should not 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.
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...
Hello! Fashion shares the best raffia bags to add to your forever wardrobe:
Hera Bead-Embellished Raffia Shoulder Bag
Cult Gaia
Cult Gaia's 'Hera' bag is a modern classic, and we're very much here for its slouchy energy in raffia form. The gold beading feels ornate, and I think this piece would work really well with relaxed-fit wide-leg trousers.
Summer Banana Embellished Raffia Tote
Chloé
The Chloé 'Summer Banana Embellished Raffia Tote' combines natural raffia with vibrant yellow accents, offering a stylish, spacious design perfect for summer outings and beach days.
Gunther Raffia-Trimmed Leather Tote Bag
Destree
Offering up a sophisticated blend of leather and raffia, Destree's dreamy accessory is a unique versatile design for everyday elegance.
Viv Skate Raffia Bucket Bag
Roger Vivier
A luxury lover's dream, this crystal-clad bucket bag crafted from refined raffia is ideal for special occasions. Team yours with a floaty dress and wedges for raceday wear and weddings.
Carnaúba XL Crochet and Faux Raffia Tote
Catarina Mina
This slimline, round tote by Catarina Mina is infused with playfulness. The crochet focal point adds a sense of depth and the two-tone beading is a nice touch.
Mini Straw Tote Bag
Phase Eight
The perfect summer arm candy for those who love a touch of neutral, this mini straw option from Phase Eight is simple yet overly chic. Not only is it the perfect size to go from day to night, the inside is also lined with red and white striped fabric making it a nautical French-girl must-have.
Harlow Raffia Shoulder Bag
Staud
Staud's raffia wonder creates a chic, feminine accessory. Its structured shape and delicate details make it both girly and effortlessly kitschy, perfect for adding a touch of playful elegance to any look.
Canvas Bucket Bag
Rouje
The Rouje 'Canvas Basket Bag' in raffia exudes a charming, girly vibe with its soft, neutral tones and playful, vintage-inspired design. Its simple, yet kitschy style adds a fun, effortless touch to any outfit, making it both feminine and quirky.
VLogo Cherryfic Mini Shoulder Bag
Valantino Garavani
A cool-girl Gen Z essential, this mini shoulder bag combines leather trims with a raffia body, creating a cute, girly look. The logo detail adds a fun touch, making it effortlessly stylish.
Raffia Grab Bag
JD Williams
An affordable option for all, this simple yet timeless raffia gem will complete your holiday wardrobe with ease. Take it to another level by fastening a silk scarf around the handles - a touch of Audrey Hepburn elegance never goes amiss.
How we chose:
- Style: When combing through the internet's top fashion sites for the best styles, we made sure that each of our picks felt elegant and, where possible, seasonless for maximum wearability.
- Material: The bags we've highlighted are all crafted from raffia.
- Price: Whether you're planning on splashing out or bagging a bargain, we've got a raffia bag in your price range. We've selected this season's best, ranging from high-street brands to luxe designer labels.
HELLO!'s selection is editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items our editors love and approve of. HELLO! may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. To find out more visit our FAQ page.
