Since the 1930s, beach bags — totes made of straw, raffia or canvas — have been one of the most stylish summer accessories. What was once simply a practical piece used for carrying towels, picnics and souvenirs, is now a status symbol of the seaside thanks to luxury houses such as Loewe, Gucci and Brunello Cucinelli putting their designer stamps on the summery staple.
Keep scrolling to see the best designer beach bags to shop this season.
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The Times Luxury’s best beach bags at a glance:
Best luxury beach bags
Ferragamo cutout leather-panelled raffia tote
Made in Italy, this Ferragamo tote is defined by its leather trim, supple handle and circular cut-out details. The bucket shape allows you to throw in all your summer essentials — but the mini silhouette prevents you over-packing. £925, Ferragamo at Net-a-Porter
Dragon Diffusion Bali basket woven leather tote
Founded in 1985 by the Belgium designer Craig Wright, Dragon Diffusion uses a special hand braiding technique inspired by traditional basket weaving cultures such as Japanese bamboo basketry and fibre baskets crafted from natural plants by South Pacific communities. The process involves braiding crust leather straps before using natural vegetable dyes to create distinctive, wearable shades like this cream and mint iteration. £410, Dragon Diffusion at Net-a-Porter
Loewe + Paula’s Ibiza embroidered raffia tote
Since the former creative director JW Anderson first adorned a raffia basket bag with Loewe’s iconic anagram in 2019, the luxury house has become a go-to for beachy totes. For more playful versions, Loewe’s collaboration with Paula’s Ibiza features bolder styles and colours while still showcasing the brand’s moniker. £1,000, Loewe + Paula’s Ibiza at Net-a-Porter
Brunello Cucinelli marine leather-trimmed striped raffia shoulder bag
Crafted from striped raffia, Brunello Cucinelli’s medium beach bag features a sculptural, pleated shape, optional leather shoulder strap and a secure slot for your cards inside. £1,850, Brunello Cucinelli at Net-a-Porter
Zimmermann goldentime large embellished leather-trimmed raffia-jacquard tote
While mini bags are ideal for city breaks in summer, Zimmermann’s capacious raffia-jacquard tote is the better option for long days spent by the sea. The leather handles and gold-tone hardware keep the bohemian brand’s beach bag feeling elevated. £775, Zimmermann at Net-a-Porter
Bottega Veneta sardine leather-trimmed raffia tote
A wearable work of art that arguably should be reserved for swanky seaside restaurants rather than sandy beaches, Bottega Veneta’s Sardine tote, named for its sculptural, fish-like handle, is crafted from woven traffic and features a removable leather wallet to keep your items safe. £6,720, Bottega Veneta at Net-a-Porter
Missoni canvas-trimmed terry-jacquard tote
While most beach bags feature woven raffia or straw, Missoni’s vibrant tote is crafted from quick-drying terry-jacquard and reinforced with a canvas trim and showcases a re-imagining of the brand’s signature chevron stripes. £495, Missoni at Net-a-Porter
The Row Emilie raffia basket bag
Unsurprisingly the quiet luxury brand The Row, forgoes bright beachy stripes for a pared-back silhouette. Free from any embellishment, the Emilie bag simply lets the natural fibres of woven raffia shine. £860, The Row at Mytheresa
Jacquemus bambola raffia-effect basket bag
Founded by Simon Porte Jacquemus and inspired by his personal experience of the south of France’s rich art, tourism and fashion history, you can always rely on Jacquemus for summery essentials with a sartorial twist. This beach bag is defined by its playful asymmetric silhouette and curved gold-tone clasp. £1,090, Jacquemus at Mytheresa
Aquazzura Marea rattan tote bag
A sweet take on the traditional picnic basket, Aquazzura’s Marea beach bag features a striped canvas drawstring interior and is decorated with playful rattan embellishments inspired by the sea — from coral to clownfish and crabs. £1,185, Aquazzura at Mytheresa
Anya Hindmarch small basket paper eyes bag
Crafted from natural seagrass woven to create a dinky basket-shaped silhouette, Anya Hindmarch’s new beach bag features the brand’s signature eyes that are also intricately woven from paper. £425, Anya Hindmarch
Gucci embroidered medium canvas tote bag
Available in a collection of summery stripes and shades, Gucci’s unisex beach bag is crafted from herringbone cotton canvas, playful fringe detailing and the brand’s script embroidery across the front.£1,650, Gucci
Prada logo-embroidered crochet tote bag
Prada’s logo-embroidered crochet beach bags have become somewhat of a seaside status symbol in summer. Crafted from woven yarn, this tote is pretty sturdy, with plenty of room for towels, swimwear and more. £1,660, Prada at Selfridges
Anya Hindmarch raffia eyes small tote
While Anya Hindmarch’s basket bag is very cute, for those who struggle to streamline their beach bag contents, this leather-strapped tote is a touch more roomy. £595, Anya Hindmarch
