It’s a summer staple and generally pretty sustainable when it’s not mass-produced. Materials such as wicker, raffia and straw are usually on the eco-friendly side of life although there are some exceptions. Synthetic raffia for example is made of Nylon, which is a form of very durable plastic and is non-biodegradable.
A handful of Insta-brands have modernised the look and feel of the French wicker basket in recent years and I’m listing 3 with great eco-credentials below. Whether you’re after a luxury version or you’re happy with an un-branded one, I recommend checking the second-hand space first to find yours. Wicker baskets usually stay in shape for year and years, and you’re most likely to find great options that look brand new even though they’re a few decades old.
I’ve rounded up a few key words and classic models below to help you thrift online. There’s also a selection of cool new and pre-loved bags at the bottom if you’re interested in adding one to your wardrobe. For more French-inspired fashion and my favourite spots to shop in Provence, head to Substack and become a member of the Slow Fashion Weekly newsletter.
The different types of summer wicker baskets and bags
You can mix & match these key words to find yours second-hand.
- The Birkin basket named after Jane Birkin is a traditional Portuguese hand-woven basket originally used by fishermen from the Algarve region. A new one from Bonjour Coco, the brand that put these little baskets back on the fashion map a few years ago, retails for about €150. Etsy is full of them for much less (vintage and new).
- French wicker shopper / market basket. Also called ‘Panier en osier‘ (in French). This is the classic, oversized, beach bag you find easily in the south of France. It’s a market staple. They come in various sizes but most people choose the maxi version with slim brown leather handles. They often double as accidental home decor accessory given they also look great hung up on a door handle.
- A raffia or straw tote bag is more flexible and generally less cumbersome than a wicker basket. They can even come with an inner pocket made of cloth, which is very practical if you tend to lose your keys often like me. I recently bought one from the Saint Tropez market and I’m very happy with this purchase.
- Vintage 70’s (hand) woven / crocheted straw bags are surprisingly un-expensive yet very stylish. They add a touch of boho/hippy vibes to a summer look and can be worn in the evening as well. I’ve spotted a few options on Etsy and added them in the selection below.
- Other materials used to make this type of bags include rattan, palm leaf, seagrass, and elephant grass. As a general rule, if it’s too cheap it’s probably synthetic.
Iconic designer versions of the straw bag for your vintage hunt
- Prada re-issued its 2005 raffia beige shoulder bag this season. It has an assortment of detachable pieces – a chain strap, a web strap, a zip pouch and a logo keychain. I wouldn’t bring this bag to the beach but you do you.
- Another classic is the Lowe leather-trimmed basket tote, which is hand-woven from palm leaves and made in Spain. It’s the classic French ‘panier en osier’ with a slightly higher price tag…
- Similarly, Le Panier Soleil (The Sun Basket) by French designer Jacquemus is another take on the classic woven raffia tote. This bag was sold-out everywhere I looked but I found a few pre-loved on Vestiaire Collective. Here and here. Clearly one of the most sought-after luxury summer bag out there.
- For an original take on the matter, there’s the Rejina Pyo’s Nane woven tote bag, which is definitely a conversation starter and my personal fav. Kudos if you manage to snatch one of those second-hand.
Contemporary sustainable brands revamping the wicker basket
- Aaks‘ iteration of the woven bag is colourful and elevated. Bags are handcrafted in Ghana and promote weaving artisan techniques in the African country. Take a look at this cute tricolour raffia basket for a great example of what they do.
- Each bag from Kayu’s collection is made with natural straw that has been harvested, stripped, and dyed by hand. I like their rounded-shape version of the straw bag in black and this one with pompon is great too.
- Inès Bressant is creating the most visually striking straw bags around. The baskets are weaved in Ghana, mainly by women on a self-organised working system allowing them to combine weaving, farming and family work. It’s currently sold-out but my favourite is without a doubt the mini wave shoulder bag (image above).
Selection: the best straw bags to channel your inner Provence French girl
I’ve curated this mix of second-hand and new natural wicker beach bags to get your started. Some of these may not be available anymore.
