While some famous faces have opted to trade in a seasonal classic for canvas options, there’s no way I’m quitting my beloved straw totes this summer. When the temps are steamy, the last thing I want is to be lugging around a heavy leather bag that sticks to my skin and makes me sweat even more. Instead, lightweight, airy raffia styles are great beach bags but also look just as good when you’re walking the streets. (Or in the airport, à la Angelina Jolie last year.)
During this time of year, it’s easy to find straw handbags in all different shapes and sizes, but I’m partial to the spacious tote. They’re large enough to fit a swimsuit, flip-flops, a book, sunscreen and a towel when you’re relaxing at the beach or pool, but also roomy enough for a cellphone, wallet, keys, cosmetics bag, sunglasses and more when you’re running errands out and about.
When it comes to price, there are certainly summer-ready straw bags that cost as much as leather and suede styles. This popular Prada pick has an eye-popping price tag of more than $2,000! But rest assured, you don’t need to spend a pretty penny to get a well-made purse that will look good for many summers to come. Below, I’ve rounded up a few I’m eyeing for the months ahead, and they’re all under $50.
Macy’s
Plain straw totes are a nice option because they’ll match with everything in your summer wardrobe, but there’s something really irresistible about this pretty printed style. Macy’s shoppers agree, and the glowing 5-star reviews speak for themselves.
“Great vacation bag,” one shopper declared. “I personally love this bag. It is cute and was great to take to the beach. It fit two beach towels, sunscreen, keys, hat and my phone/wallet. The sand wiped right off and it is lined so if any sand gets inside it’s easily removed by turning the bag inside out and brushing off. It is comfortable on the arm and shoulder. I received many compliments on how cute it was.”
“I love the size and color. I like that it has pockets inside,” another fan noted.
P.S. Don’t miss this floral-printed style, also on sale for under $30 this weekend.
Macy’s
If you like the added security of a bag that zips closed, then treat yourself to this two-tone design while it’s marked down. The inside of the bag is super spacious, plus there’s an interior slip pocket to store your phone or keys. The outside can easily be wiped clean with a wet cloth if it gets dirty.
Amazon
“Cute summer bag!” raved one Amazon shopper who purchased this purse. “I get a ton of questions about where this bag is from. It’s the perfect size and lined on the inside. The straps are comfortable and the right length for me.”
Another customer declared this is “The perfect summer bag! [It is] well made, the strap length is perfect for wearing over the shoulder or carrying by hand. The material is very good quality and the leather is lovely. I am able to carry everything I need and can shop for small items without bringing a shopping bag. The zipper closure is fantastic for keep everything inside the bag, and the double tassel is like an exclamation point on a beautiful bag! Love it!
Nordstrom Rack
Don’t want a straw tote that looks like all the others? Consider this unique BCBG design that’s currently 60% off at Nordstrom Rack. It’s available in classic tan and black, and the bottom is reinforced with a faux leather material to ensure your belongings don’t slip through. It comes in black or this summery shade.
Kohl’s
The colorful stripes at the center of this bag offer a fun pop of color that makes it stand out from others. Inside you’ll find one zipper pocket, plus two slip pockets and the bag has a secure magnetic closure at the top. Because the bag is lined on the inside, shaking out crumbs or sand will be a breeze.
Macy’s
Don’t need a behemoth of a bag for quick trips around the ‘hood? Then you’ll appreciate the streamlined size of this straw design that has two different carrying options. Use the removable longer strap to wear this purse on your shoulder or crossbody style, or use the attached handles for carrying it in your hand or on your wrist.
“Lightweight and perfect for a summer day!” one customer commented.
“I love this handbag,” another shared. “It is small, but that’s OK! I took the strap off and just put it over my shoulder! It’s very pretty! It has one zipper pocket and two open [pockets] on the other side… and my cellphone fits inside!”
Macy’s
A beach bag bedazzled with shells? Uh, yes please! Shoppers who’ve snagged this purse are impressed with the size and design. The magnetic snap top makes for easy access to all your summer goodies and interior pockets keep your phone or keys from getting lost down in the deep end.
“Love everything about this bag for summer. The size and cuteness are perfect,” one fashionista wrote.
Another added, “Nice straw bag. It’s big! Perfect for summer.”
Even better, this bag is responsibly made in a factory that supports artisan makers.
Amazon
Looking for a summer tote that actually holds all your stuff? This under-the-radar Amazon pick is lightweight, looks way more pricy than it is and has enough space for a towel, snacks and a cover-up. The zipper top keeps everything from spilling out, and there’s a little inner pocket to stash your phone so it doesn’t disappear into the abyss.
The interior is lined and the outside is thoroughly woven so it won’t start to unravel. It zips closed at the top and the durable leather-like straps fit comfortably over your shoulder or in your hand.
Kohl’s
This LC Lauren Conrad tote is roomy, refined, and thoughtfully designed. It looks polished enough for the office (yes, reviewers say it fits a laptop) but easily transitions to poolside with that “rich mom on summer vacation” vibe. The standout feature shoppers keep raving about? That ultra-convenient outside pocket that’s practically made to stow your phone… or passport.
“This bag is just what I had been looking for,” one customer shared. “I love the size and the outside pocket, which is a perfect spot for my phone!”
Another wrote, “This bag is perfect. It’s very lightweight, durable and the perfect summer bag. The size is exactly what I needed — large enough for iPad and purse stuff, but small enough I don’t feel like I am packing for a weekend away. Also, I like the outside pocket for keys and glasses.”
Kohl’s
Like some other shoppers, I had to do a double-take when I saw this stunning straw tote for less than $40 at my local Kohl’s store. It definitely rivals pricier picks I’ve been eyeing. The weave of the raffia is so rich-looking and the tassel adds a little something extra to give it some understated style.
“I was very impressed when I picked up this tote!” a fellow shopper shared. “It is well-made and looks much more expensive than what I paid for it. It is not just a tote, but has several inside pockets so it easily can also be used as a handbag. Nice size — not too big or bulky. [The] materials used are of a nice quality. What’s not to love?!!”
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
