Hands up if you've got a summer alter-ego who, despite only being on holiday for a fortnight every July, gravitates towards the kind of wardrobe suited to a walk-on part in Mamma Mia? Here’s the thing. At the risk of sounding like a seasonal killjoy, how much wear are you actually going to get out of that embroidered cheesecloth blouse? Because while it might be great for taking selfies beside the Aegean Sea, its real-life shelf-life probably isn’t much longer than your suntan’s. There is, however, a way to lean into the side of your personality that wants to wear a turquoise ring, suede sandals and denim cut-offs without throwing money down the drain. It’s an outfit plus-one tailormade for a holiday, while still being appropriate for the commute: the straw bag (otherwise known, this summer, as the work-to-beach bag).

For summer 2025, the kind of tote bag you’d usually carry to your nearest sunlounger has smartened up its act (Dua Lipa swears by Bottega Veneta's). The message? It might be made of straw but it’s 100% appropriate for the city. Clearly, shoppers as well aware of its multi-tasking potential. At John Lewis, searches for 'raffia bags' are up 80% week on week.
DeMellier’s structured raffia bag has more than enough room for your beach towel, flip-flops, paperback and a family pack of Lays, but, crucially, it could also accommodate your laptop when you’re back on dry land. Dragon Diffusion’s bags are an influencer-favourite, making them a sleek option for your summer work bag that can double as a carry-on when you’re OOO.
Also serving top-notch work-to-beach bags are Marni, Ganni and COS. Pair with a bikini or office-bound Bermudas.
Shop: The Best Straw Bags 2025

www.luisaviaroma.com
Dragon Diffusion makes the ultimate beach-to-office bags. This one is handcrafted from contrasting strips of leather.

www.guess.eu
This Guess Silvana bag comes in three core colours, black, brown and white, and has a zip compartment on the inside, as well as the outside. It's the ultimate straw bag if you want to pack anything and everything for a balmy day out.

www.cos.com
This classic straw shopper will fit the kitchen sink and more.

www.coggles.com
This tote bag combines embroidered raffia material and a leather trim for a stylishly modern take on the bohemian-inspired bag.

www.allsaints.com
The AllSaints Allington straw bag is an interesting twist on the classic.

www.ganni.com
Ganni's tote redefines the statement bag. Crafted from raffia with sleek leather accents, this versatile bag will be the straw accessory you'll take anywhere and everywhere.

www.jcrew.com
With its artisanal craftsmanship and spacious design, J.Crew's Como tote is perfect for sunny escapades.

damsonmadder.com
Handwoven in blue and brown, this gingham bag can be paired with the matching bucket hat for a head-to-toe effect.

demellierlondon.com
DeMellier's Capri might be the ultimate beach-to-work bag.

www.jigsaw-online.com
Pair with espadrilles or strappy sandals for a holiday outfit everyone will be envious of.

www.toryburch.com
Fringe tote bags are the epitome of stylishness in 2025.

www.thewhitecompany.com
This functional and sculptural straw basket bag is casual enough for the beach and chic enough to use as an evening bag.

www.johnlewis.com
Snap up this fringe circular tote from Mint Velvet; perfect for casual days out while the weather remains balmy.

www.zara.com
Love floral details? This tote bag blends botanical charm with beach accessories, making it the perfect statement piece.

www.johnlewis.com
Searches for 'raffia bags' are up 80% week on week at John Lewis. If you love this pink design, run don't walk!
Natalie Hammond is senior fashion news editor at Grazia. She loves winter, hates summer and can often be found writing about the weather (and what on earth to wear).