7 Wicker + Straw Bags We Love (Plus Care Tips!)

Fashion Tips

With all the nostalgia of a vintage picnic and the sophistication of a holiday in Positano, wicker, straw, and rattan bags are making a splash this summer. Here's how to properly care for them — plus a few of our current favorites!

July 4, 2023

If you’re still looking for your perfect neutral summer bag, we’ve found it. Wicker, straw, and rattan bags offer all the nostalgia of a vintage picnic, the charm of a cottage-core dream, and the sophisticated air of a holiday in Positano. These bags keep coming back year after year in fresh styles, adding an easy, breezy summer vibe to both casual get-togethers and formal occasions.

Best of all, they really last if you take care of them correctly. Here. we’re sharing seven adorable bags for season, plus care and cleaning tips to help these timeless bags reach an heirloom-level lifespan. (Click HERE to skip straight to the care tips!)

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Whether your summer travels takes you to the Gulf Coast or the Côte d’Azur, these seven darling wicker basket bags, rattan purses, and chic straw totes will become the pieces you reach for again and again. You’ll find a trendy neon bag that will cost you less than a brunch out, a classic rattan silhouette you’ll have for years, a fun gingham take on a straw tote, and several other must-have summer styles.

This Anthropologie satchel ($78) features sturdy a sturdy wicker weave and a sleek leather upper and handle, available in two neutral shades. This pick is easy to dress up or down, perfect for busy summer days when you need to quickly transition from day to night.

Madison West Stella Straw Satchel, $78, at Anthropologie | Image: Anthropologie

The woven black checkered pattern, leather handle, and gold hardware offer a more modern spin on the straw bag. The “Lil Bébé” bag by Clare V. ($215) offers a chic Parisian vibe we can’t get enough of.

Clare V. Lil Bébé, $215, at Clare V. | Image: Clare V.

Neon shades of green, violet, and pink have been dominating the fashion scene this year, and we love how this design combines trending colors and materials! This vibrant shoulder bag ($35) will work just as well with jeans and a white tank at brunch as it will with an LBD at dinner.

Straw Chain Shoulder Handbag, $35, at Target | Image: Target

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If you prefer a large bag with plenty of space, this Madewell tote ($88) is the option for you. The gingham pattern is a more classic spin on the more modern checkered weave pictured above. It comes with a long shoulder strap for comfort and plenty of room for all of your summer essentials!

Gingham Paper Straw Tote, $88, at Madewell | Image: Madewell

Both the soft straw weave and subtle sage green shade of this clutch bag ($80) offer a more delicate spin on this trend. The gold chain is removable, so you can wear it over your shoulder, tucked under your arm, or carried in-hand. At 12 inches long, it’s larger than it looks in the photo!

Moda Luxe Sage Straw Delvina Clutch, $80, at Tuckernuck | Image: Tuckernuck

This simple wicker satchel ($172) is available in black, ivory, and baby blue. All three options look incredibly sleek, but we especially love the black version for an easy way to elevate both casual and dressy looks.

Victoria Rattan Top Handle Shoulder Bag, $172, at Nordstrom | Image: Nordstrom

If you love a little color, but you’re looking for something versatile, this beachy striped bucket bag from Aerie (on sale for $26.97!) is a great pick. It’s adorably miniature, but large enough for your phone, keys, wallet, and favorite lipstick!

Aerie Mini Rattan Bucket Bag, on sale for $26.97, at Aerie | Image: Aerie

The weaving on wicker, straw, and rattan bags can become a magnet for crumbs and dirt. Use a soft toothbrush to brush away crumbs. If there are dried-on spots, you can wet the brush slightly with a bit of cold water. Avoid using hot water since heat can distort the integrity of the bag.

If you have a large straw bag and the toothbrush trick isn’t cutting it, you can use the brush attachment on a vacuum to carefully remove any lingering crumbs or dust. You can also use the vacuum on the interior to whisk away the remnants of summer snacks or sand.

After you’ve used the toothbrush or vacuum, take a damp microfiber cloth and gently clean the exterior of your bag. Make sure it is just damp, not wet! Use it to wipe away any dust or debris that wasn’t brushed out with the toothbrush, then use a dry cloth to dry off the bag immediately. You don’t want any moisture to sit on the bag.

If your bag is made from stiff wicker or rattan, conditioning it with wood oil will help prevent it from drying out and becoming brittle, which is what can lead to snaps in the weaving. Linseed oil is generally a good choice, though do a spot test on the bottom first to ensure it agrees with your bag.

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While wicker and rattan bags may not be porous enough to respond to Scotchguard, straw bags can often benefit from the water-repellent qualities of Scotchguard. It won’t miraculously turn your straw bag into a waterproof pool bag, but it could buy you time if the bag gets wet. Again, spot testing is key. Try it out in an inconspicuous spot before committing to the entire bag.

While sunny days are prime time for wicker and straw bags, keep them out of direct sunlight when you store them. The sun’s rays can fade and break down the natural fibers, shortening your bag’s life by making them brittle.

Straw, wicker, rattan, and rain don’t mix. Getting wet can warp these materials or even cause mildew to grow. If your bag does get wet, you can avoid wood rot or worse by blow-drying your bag as soon as you get home.

Wicker and straw bags can become distorted if filled to the brim or stuffed with heavy objects; they don’t bounce back into place. Make sure you don’t test your bag’s limits, and when it’s stored in your closet, you can even fill it with scarves or another off-season stuffing to help maintain its shape.

Shop some of our current faves below!

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Heather Bien is a Southern writer, Richmond native, and aspiring gardener. She loves small-town travel and homemade lattes.

Shop some of our current faves below!