Raffia and Resort Bags Why They're the Must-Have Accessories for 2026

Picture this: sunlight slipping through palm leaves, sandy toes on warm shores, and waves rolling lazily in the background. If there was ever a way to bottle that dreamy resort feeling, raffia does it perfectly. In Spring/Summer 2026, raffia and resort-style bags aren’t just accessories, they’re the statement piece every buyer wants. And nowhere does the trend land more naturally than in Australia, where sun, surf, and style effortlessly collide.

Here’s what you need to know and why your handbag rotation may never be the same.

Why Raffia Is Having Its Moment

Elevated materials, luxe finishes: 

In Australia and beyond, designers like Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, and Céline have reimagined raffia with sleek shapes, refined trims, and upscale details—proving that raffia belongs off the sand and on the city sidewalk.

Versatility meets texture:

Raffia brings in a tactile contrast that works beautifully with silk, linen, and tailored suiting. It adds warmth, structure, and dimension without feeling heavy or overly ornate—even with more polished looks.

A resort accessory with staying power: 

As Resort 2026 collections showed, woven textures aren’t going anywhere—they’re transitioning seamlessly from holiday glam to everyday chic. 

Style It Your Way: Outfit Ideas

To make it easy, here are a few everyday ways to wear raffia and resort bags this season:

1. Weekend Brunch: Pair a structured raffia tote with linen wide-leg trousers, a soft cotton tee or shirt, espadrilles or neutral sandals, and sunglasses. The bag adds texture and an earthy touch to the relaxed outfit.

2. Office to After-Work Drinks: Swap your leather briefcase for a raffia tote with clean leather handles. Wear it with a pastel blazer or a lightweight silk blouse and tailored trousers. Accessorise with simple gold jewellery to elevate the look.

3. Beach / Resort Day: Classic straw or raffia market bag with roomy capacity. Over swim-wear + cover-up. Maybe a scarf or straw hat. Transition into dinner by adding a slip dress underneath or swapping sandals for heeled espadrilles.

4. City Exploration / Travel: Crossbody raffia bags are your friend here. Style with breathable fabrics (linen, cotton blends), comfortable shoes, neutral tones so that the bag stands out without overpowering. Great with soft drapey dresses or denim and crop tops.

Bonus styling tip: Don’t treat raffia exclusively as “resort.” This is an accessory that works best when combined with unexpected elements, such as a tailored blazer, structured shoes, or crisp shirting to create contrast and polish.

What Australians Are Doing Differently

Because of the sun, coastal culture, and local design aesthetics, here are a few ways Australia is embracing raffia & resort bags with its own twist:

• Beach meets city styling: Raffia doesn’t just live on the sand. In Australia, stylists are pairing raffia totes with crisp linen suits, button-ups over swimwear, or even soft tailoring. It’s about merging holiday ease with everyday polish.

• Strong craftsmanship & sustainability: Local brands are leaning into handcrafted detail, sustainable materials, and natural fibers. Raffia, with its natural, breathable texture, fits perfectly with this eco-aware movement.

• Lightness and versatility: Given how hot Australian summers get, bag shape and weight matter. Slouchy or relaxed shapes that can be dressed up or down are big. Bags that can carry beach towels and then serve as stylish city bags are winning hearts.

Why This Is More Than Just a Seasonal Fad

• Natural fibers and artisanal techniques are gaining more respect and popularity. Raffia aligns with a slow-fashion mindset.

• Versatility is demanded now more than ever—buyers want pieces that span occasions, climates, and styles. Raffia & resort bags do that.

• Resort / coastal lifestyle is increasingly aspirational. Even if you’re not at the beach, the aesthetic of holidays informs style choices: relaxed, breezy, sun-lit. Bags that cue that vibe hit a sweet spot.

Final Word

Raffia resort bags are no longer just “holiday” accessories—they’re becoming a fashion-forward staple for Spring/Summer 2026. Whether you're walking the beaches of Bondi, sipping coffee in Melbourne, or exploring a city overseas, a thoughtfully chosen raffia piece adds texture, lightness, and an elegant nod to laid-back luxury.