Raffia tote bags have been a hallmark of the quintessential warm-weather wardrobe for decades. From Brigitte Bardot to Jane Birkin and Kate Moss; over the years, many stylish women have chosen a basket bag for beach days, park picnics and beyond.
As a result, the low-key carryall has long held a reputation for being particularly chic and effortless. In recent years, however, raffia and straw bags have levelled-up to become quite the coveted designer piece, all thanks to Spanish luxury brand Loewe. Ever since the label's former Creative Director, JW Anderson, emblazoned Loewe's iconic anagram logo onto the side of a classic French market basket in 2019—and an army of fashion lovers succumbed to its appeal—a luxury straw bag has become the accessory of spring and summer. This particular tote carried so much sway that now basically every brand out there—luxury and high street—has followed suit with woven styles in their spring/summer bag offering.
Style Notes: Trust Monikh to make us want to wear this bag with top-to-toe green.
The fact remains, though, that Loewe's iteration will always be the original luxury style to own, and four years on it is as coveted as ever. The bag may have had a particularly buzzy moment in the heat of 2020, but as the years have passed its appeal hasn't dampened one bit. To the extent that I would argue Loewe's raffia tote bag has not only become a classic, but—thanks to the influence it has had on fashion—an icon in its own right.
The key lies in the bag's simplicity, which also makes it such a smart timeless investment. It's a piece that you can (and will) pull out for many, many years to come, and one that will remain chic and luxurious forever. The original bag comes in three sizes, and features an adjustable tan leather handle with the brand's recognisable insignia on a tan leather plaque on the side. Now, the bag also comes in different colourways, with shades from earthy green to fresh white and bold red available to suit exactly your style and taste.
Style Notes: Take tips from Lorna and wear it with denim Bermuda shorts and a simple white shirt for spring.
While the basket bag used to be relegated to beach days and summer holidays only, Loewe's style looks just as good with your favourite jeans and blazer outfits in the city, too. And if you needed another reason for the bag's success, you only need to look to its price point. Yes, it's still a designer purchase that requires an investment, but in the grand scheme of luxury handbags, Loewe's raffia tote sits at the more affordable end of the scale, with small styles starting at £395.
Unsurprisingly, the label has capitalised on the success of its original tote, and has since made woven summer bags its signature, somewhat. There's now multiple different Loewe basket bag iterations available, with new styles being added each year to surprise and delight us basket-loving fashion folk. The original will always be the most iconic, though, and you can shop the tote and the newer versions for 2025 below, along with some outfit inspiration to go with it. Keep scrolling to pick your favourite...
HOW TO STYLE LOEWE BASKET BAGS
Style Notes: Karina styles her classic basket bag with a simple black maxi dress.
Style Notes: Delivering all the holiday vibes, we love this effortless on-vacay ensemble.
Style Notes: Francesca shows off the small version of Loewe's famous basket tote.
Style Notes: It's the everyday bag you'll team with literally any look, jeans and a cardi included.
Style Notes: The carry-everything bag will be your plus-one to any outdoor adventure.
Style Notes: Practical and stylish, the Loewe classic in a bigger size pairs perfectly with pretty, floaty dresses.
Style Notes: We love the white colourway even more now that we've seen it with matchy-matchy jeans on Felicia.
Style Notes: Monikh loves her Loewe basket bags so much that she has this updated style, too.
Shop the Loewe Raffia Tote:
The large size makes a great beach and travel bag.
This is the medium, most popular size.
The white is almost as classic as the original brown.
This elephant version is so cute!
Shop More Loewe Basket Bags:
Love the knot detailing.
The anagram basket bag is an update on the original woven style.
This style pays homage to LOEWE's signature Puzzle bag.
For those who favour a monochrome handbag.
This logo-adorned basket has been incredibly popular among the fashion crowd.
If you're a crossbody fan, you'll love this straw hands-free version.
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
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