Raffia bags are fashion’s latest obsession—and they're not just for beach days

Move over, heavy leather—this season’s It accessory is light, rustic, and basically begging to be taken on a coffee run. Raffia bags are riding high and they’re popping up everywhere—from city sidewalks to fashion week front rows. And let’s just say, they’re not just a resort-wear fling. Think easy charm, texture-rich aesthetics, and main character energy wrapped in one neatly woven package.

What’s raffia, anyway? (And why is it everywhere right now?)

Raffia comes from the raffia palm tree (hello, tropical roots). Its fibres are spun into a light but sturdy material that is perfect for accessories that embody both style and substance. The result? Bags that look like a beach dream, feel like a vacation, and still hold your sunscreen, lip oil, and portable fan.

But it’s not just functional, it’s also fashion's current texture obsession. Whether in natural beige or dopamine-bright dyes, raffia delivers that earthy-chic vibe that feels curated without looking try-hard. It’s handmade, hot on the runway, and all over your explore page.

Cute and practical (what a concept)

You know how a tiny baguette bag says “I’m impractical but aesthetic”? A raffia bag says, “I listen to girlhood podcasts and always carry tinted lip balm, 14 loose hair ties, and enough space for my sanity.” It’s chic and it carries stuff.

That’s what makes raffia the rare accessory that’s just as at home at a beach shack as it is on the front row. Case in point? The Loewe Paula’s Ibiza raffia tote became a fashion-girl essential the moment it dropped. And now, it's trickled into every brand’s moodboard—from Zara to indie Indian labels hand-weaving their way into our hearts.

Spotted: Raffia on the A-list

Oh, and celebrities? The raffia bag has A-list approval. Hailey Bieber (obviously), Gigi Hadid, and Deepika Padukone have all been spotted carrying the breezy essential. Whether it’s paired with denim and a tank or a linen co-ord, the raffia bag is casually elevating airport fits and off-duty looks alike. It's the kind of accessory that travels well—across climates, continents, and aesthetics.

The chameleon bag your wardrobe's been waiting for

Raffia bags are basically your wardrobe’s most adaptable friend. Whether your vibe is coastal grandma, boho girl summer, Indie-core, or old money minimalist, there's a woven wonder to match. Throw one over a breezy co-ord set and Kolhapuris for that effortless brunch-to-bazaar vibe, or pair it with wide-leg denims, a crisp white shirt, and chunky silver jewellery for the big city-girl energy. 

Heading to a sundowner? Style a micro-raffia crossbody with a slinky slip dress and wet-look hair—it adds just the right amount of texture without trying too hard.

Pro tip: contrast the earthy woven feel with sharp tailoring or pops of neon to keep things feeling fresh, not costume-y. And let’s be real, they go with everything—linen shirts, wet-hair buns, oversized sunnies, your favourite playlist.

Here are some Raffia picks curated for your next haul.

Zara Woven Mini Tote Bag, ₹3,550

 

Charles & Keith Natural Raffia Shalia Woven Extra Large Tote, ₹13,499

Calvin Klein Oversized Shopper Handheld Bag with Cut Work, ₹11,999

Vero Moda Beige Jute Tote Bag, ₹4,499

Superdry City Raffia Tote Bag, ₹7,999

Kazo Raffia Tote Bag, ₹4,990

The Victoria Straw Tote Multicolor City Raffia Tote Bag, ₹10,990

Raffia bags are the slow-fashion girl’s Birkin. They feel intentional, even when they’re slightly falling apart (in a good, “I’m artsy” way). Whether it’s a bucket bag, a fringed crossbody, or a market tote, they signal something specific: you care about style, but not in an algorithm-chasing kind of way.

All images: Getty 

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