(The Shopping List)

Woven Texture Makes Even The Most Robust Handbags Feel So Relaxed

Unbeweaveable.

March 31, 2023

Hanna Lassen/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Guest at Bottega Veneta 2019 show with leather woven bag

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Hands-down, the best part of spring and summer for me is the generally chilled out vibe during those six months of the year. The moment temperatures take a turn for the patio-friendly, it’s like the entire hemisphere lets out a little sigh of relief and stops sweating the small stuff. The relaxed attitude also extends to wardrobes as comfier silhouettes and fabrics become a universal uniform for many. And if work requires you to keep things buttoned-up? There are still plenty of ways to channel an easy-breezy energy. Consider carrying more woven bags: In particular, a leather style with a patch of weaving or some lacing around the edges works for all environments. The look is just as fun as something made with beachy straw and raffia, but is still refined enough for a professional setting.

Personally, I’m on the hunt for some streamlined, sophisticated leather bags with a bit of weaving for more “serious” occasions. Then, I’ll swap out my existing “fun” bags for brightly colored totes and tiny purses perfect for pairing with, say, a frozen, Tajín-rimmed mango margarita served poolside — not to get too specific or anything.

Check out the best woven bags — with options for every occasion — currently topping my shopping list below.

Loewe

Loewe x Paula’s Ibiza Colorblock Woven Basket Crossbody Bag

$2,250

There aren’t many office scenarios this Loewe beauty wouldn’t work for. The thick, smooth weave makes the blocks of buttery yellow and green leathers collide in interesting combinations, but every shade is muted enough for 9-to-5 situations.

HEREU

Bauza Woven Leather Shoulder Bag

$575

This HEREU purse is perhaps the most versatile handbag on my list. The leather, defined structure, and medium size make it ideal for all sorts of necessary daily tasks, but the burst of weave in the center and summery, off-white color beg you to take this bag somewhere with al fresco dining options.

Marni

Tropicalia Micro Bag

$695

Small, sweet, and just big enough for the poolside essentials — like a serious SPF — Marni’s tiny Tropicalia tote is keeping the micro-bag trend alive through the summer. Available in all kinds of summery shades, the solid leather trim just helps emphasize the classic weave through the center.

Etro

Crown Me Woven Leather Shoulder Bag

$2,570

The fun of woven texture is in the possibilities. By concentrating on stitching exclusively around the edges, this Etro bag is understated but still features some interesting detail. The bold tomato color is also an ideal shade for breaking up spring neutrals.

Bembien

Lara Rattan Clutch

$185

Rattan, made from dried vines, is enjoying a major comeback thanks to the general ’60s and ’70s aesthetic resurrgence. It’s especially popular in home decor, but when incorporated into a handbag, rattan adds the perfect amount of vintage flair. In the case of this strapped clutch, it looks like it could be straight from the closet of one Miss Daisy Jones (or a member of her Six).

Ulla Johnson

Mallorca Mini Crossbody Bag in Mosaic

$530

It’s the bright burst of colors that makes this woven Ulla Johnson bag so spectacular. The technical nature of weaving lends itself well to bold shades, placing them next to each other or even plain bleached straw for a mosaic-like effect — hence the crossbody’s apt name.

Bottega Veneta

Small Padded Cassette in Ice Cream

$3,500

Of course, you can’t talk about woven bags without talking about the woven bag. Bottega Veneta’s released plenty of instantly-recognizable woven leather creations, but the creamy yellow color and padded feel of this Cassette style make it a no-brainer for spring and summer.

STAUD

Hitch Shoulder Bag

$325

STAUD’s holds-it-all shoulder bag is technically a woven bag within a woven bag. A latticed leather shell holds the real purse, a smaller drawstring style, within. The complementary fabrics and hues feel equally ready for the beach or some lush Parisian farmer’s market — can’t you practically see some long-stemmed flowers casually poking out of the netting?

THEMOIRE

Clori Woven Straw Top-Handle Bag

$420

Behold, my favorite option on this list. I’m so into the pyramid shape, the clunky top handle, the woven straw pattern, and the creamy color of the whole thing. It’s a more interesting approach to the typical vacation purse and makes a serious statement.

Prada

Raffia Tote Bag in Aqua

$1,990

The floppy, soft raffia weave of this Prada piece is the sort you can throw in the sand or stuff full of beach reads, but is still structured and polished enough for casual errand-running. Simply put, it’s a summer essential.