Summer is the perfect time to invest in new accessories, be it playful jewelry or a new handbag. And this time of year, raffia is one of the most popular materials. It’s no wonder: The material is timeless, can be casual or elegant depending on how you style it, and it comes in countless forms to ensure maximum versatility. From shoes to bags, hats, and more, there are plenty of raffia accessories to go around—and building a collection is sure to upgrade your summer wardrobe. Keep scrolling to learn all about the raffia accessories trend, from the history to how to style it and some standout product picks to shop.

The History of Raffia

Raffia—a cloth woven from the fibers of the raffia palm tree—has a long history as a textile tradition in central African cultures, especially the Congo region. The material—which requires a highly skilled process to create—came to have a variety of uses in everyday life, from clothing to baskets to other textiles. It’s both practical and culturally significant: For the Kuba people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, raffia is a marker of wealth and prestige, complete with symbolism that provides further context on the wearer’s social status.

Over time, raffia’s popularity spread around the world, hitting Western cultures, including France, around the 1960s. This is when the material evolved into a globally embraced fashion statement, especially when it comes to summer accessories such as beach totes, hats, and sandals. Luxury and accessible brands alike have embraced raffia, which has come to be a seasonal staple.

The Raffia Trend in 2025

These days, raffia is available from pretty much every major fashion retailer, especially during the spring and summer. While raffia was initially used for rugs, baskets, placemats, and other household items, it has reached unprecedented popularity in the fashion department. From sweetly woven sandals to beach-ready hats, headbands, and belts that add a touch of summer to any look, the options are limitless. You’ll find innovation in the form of clogs and ballet flats, unique handbags, and fresh takes on the classic sun hat that you’ll undoubtedly want to take on your next vacation.

How to Style Raffia Accessories for Any Occasion

As mentioned, raffia is currently popular across a wide range of accessories, meaning you can embrace this warm-weather-appropriate material however you’d like. Ahead, we share a few ideas for each category.

Shoes

Raffia makes for an easygoing yet mesmerizing addition to a wide range of summer footwear. A go-to silhouette where the material shines is platform sandals—they make an instant statement, plus you can dress them up or down, depending on your agenda and the time of day. In the daytime, pair it with some cut-off shorts and a button-down shirt. Switch your look up to head out for the evening in a maxi skirt and a form-fitting tank, and you’re sure to feel like a summer rom-com main character. You’ll also find raffia shoes in the form of loafers, flats, dad sandals, and more—all of which are great grab-and-go styles for when you’re on the run.

Handbags

Handbags are by far the biggest category for raffia accessories, and there are so many ways to style them. If you go for a smaller clutch, try pairing it with a flowy linen set or a dress for brunch. An oversized tote, on the other hand, would make for the perfect beach bag. You can also go the crossbody strap route and use the bag for your day-to-day errands, whether you’re rocking your post-pilates outfit or going on a jaunt to the mall.

Belts

Belts are another raffia accessory that’s taking over for 2025, though they’re a little less common than shoes and bags (which makes them all the more head-turning). If you love a belt, this is an ideal way to switch up your go-to look for summer. The outfit possibilities are endless—try your belt over a skirt or shorts, jeans, or light-colored trousers, to name a few.

Hats

Not everyone is a hat person, but a raffia hat may inspire you to get into this accessory staple, especially if you’re crafting an alter ego for your next vacation. They come in a wide range of stunning shapes, sizes, and colors, taking any outfit from average to intriguing in mere seconds. While we fully embrace wearing a raffia hat on pool, lake, or beach days with a bikini, it’s also fun to pair the look with unexpected ensembles in your everyday summer style. Whether you go for warm-weather boho vibes with baggy jeans and an asymmetrical top or channeling your inner rich housewife with a loud luxury sundress, your raffia hat will make a splash.

The Best Modern Raffia Accessories to Shop

Ready to live your raffia dreams this summer? Whether you’re envisioning a tote for a beach day, your next warm-weather staple shoe, or a joyously woven take on a hat or belt, the below accessories are sure to get you started on crafting a range of fresh looks this season.

A.L.C. Simone Raffia Bag

$295 at Revolve

Brother Vellies Tuesday Mule

View on Brothervellies.com

Lack of Color Raffia Cowboy

View on Lackofcolor.com

Lauren Ralph Lauren Raffia Wide Belt

View on Bloomingdales

Prada Crochet Flatform Slides

View on Prada.com

Allsaints Allington Paper Tote

$199 at Bloomingdales