Raffia has long been associated with summer — beach bags are often fashioned from it thanks to its lightweight durability — but only in recent years has the fibre undergone a luxurious rebrand. The likes of Sofia Richie Grainge and Camille Charriere have been seen toting woven basket bags on beach trips and shopping days, but equally, unassuming raffia has been fashioned into sleek crossbodies, ’90s-style shoulder bags and night out-appropriate clutches.

Not just for the beach, the raffia bag gives any outfit a hefty dose of summer cool. As at home with a floaty white linen sundress as they are with tailored shorts, an oversized shirt and kitten heel slingbacks, raffia might just prove to be the most versatile texture in your handbag arsenal. Here, our favourite styles to shop this summer.

Dior’s Book Tote has become something of an icon in the handbag world, so it only made sense that creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri would put a resort spin on it. This version, crafted from Cannage Vienna Straw, makes light work of a day at the beach, big enough for a towel and a book, naturally.

Medium Dior Book Tote, $7900 from Dior, Ground Level

The Baguette, but on holiday. The classic style gets an island-inspired reimagining with the help of macramé and tan leather, making it the only bag you need to bring with you on a beachside sojourn.

Baguette, $5740 from Fendi, Ground Level

Who said raffia was always neutral? Not Ferragamo, which has put a playful spin on the classic fibre with its bubblegum blue Hug bag, made from dyed raffia-effect fabric woven and trimmed with leather in the same sky blue hue.

Hug Mini Bag, $3590 from Ferragamo, Ground Level

Deceptively spacious, Oroton’s raffia and brown leather-trimmed bowler bag makes a compelling case for being your everyday bag this summer.

Mica Texture Small Bowler, $679 from Oroton, Level 1

A boxy take on the classic bucket bag, Scanlan Theodore’s raffia version possesses summer fun and sophistication in equal measure. To the office, it would be particularly chic with one of the brand’s elegant A-line skirts and a white tank.

Raffia Bucket Bag, $700 from Scanlan Theodore, Level 1