Learn all about the fiber of the summer and five brands using the real thing!
Raffia is the talk of the town this summer, but what exactly is it? Beyond the trendy raffia bags flooding your feed, there’s much more to know about this natural fiber. So let’s dive in—what exactly is raffia, what’s its impact on the planet, and which brands are keeping it real (and affordable)?
Raffia 101
Raffia is a natural fiber made from the leaves of Raffia palm trees. Raffia trees boast some of the largest leaves of all plants and can measure up to 82 feet long [1]! The leaves are harvested, dried, and striped, resulting in long, thin brown strings of raffia fiber. These strings can be woven together to make various goods, such as clothes, bags, rope, and decor!
Raffia has a rich history in indigenous communities across Africa and Asia, where it’s been used for centuries. The best part? It’s 100% biodegradable, can be recycled, and is sourced sustainably without the use of pesticides or herbicides.
Although the fiber can be produced year-round, factors like international trade, economic viability, and its popularity in the fashion world make it challenging to produce at a massive scale. Since synthetic fibers can be made and are cheaper to produce, many brands have begun using it for all of their raffia needs.
Real VS Fake Raffia
Despite the allure of brands to utilize synthetic raffia, it’s important to note that it’s made from either polypropylene or nylon, both of which are petroleum products. This makes them far less sustainable options than natural raffia. While they can technically be recycled in certain circumstances, it’s much more difficult to recycle than natural raffia, adding to their environmental impact.
Although there are many, many, many raffia bags on the market, some are priced at thousands of dollars by luxury brands. Even though luxury brands claim to make high-quality bags, many sell raffia bags that aren’t even made from raffia.
Ferragamo, Prada, Valentino, Givenchy, and Dolce & Gabanna, to name a few, are brands that sell synthetic raffia bags at outrageous prices. Luxury is synonymous with high quality and utilizing natural materials, yet consumers pay for synthetic materials. Raffia is already a sustainable and biodegradable material, so going one step further and using a manmade counterpart is difficult for me as a consumer to understand. Yes, it may be cheaper, but what you make up for in price, you make the environment and the consumer pay.
Our Favorite 100% Natural Raffia Bags
We’ve compiled a list of 100% natural raffia bags that are safe for the environment and your wallet!
Poetry Raffia Basket Bag
This first pick from Poetry is made from 100% raffia and handmade in Madagascar! The Basket Bag ($89) features an internal 100% cotton pocket to hold all of your essentials and is designed by artisans who employ traditional crochet and weaving techniques.
Yaya & Co Charlotte Organic Raffia Shoulder Bag
This Yaya & Co Organic Raffia Shoulder Bag ($92) is made from 100% organic raffia and is OEKO-TEX®, Fair Trade USA, and BCI certified! Made from a sturdy jute weave, this bag is durable but soft, features long straps, and is perfect for a day at the beach or a casual stroll! It’s available in either a natural or white color scheme.
Indego Africa Braided Raffia Day Bag in Black
Complete any day or night look with this next pick! The Indego Africa Braided Raffia Day Bag ($106) is just one of this brand’s many cute raffia bags. The bag is made from locally sourced natural braided raffia, and hand-dyed! Each one of the brand’s bags is carefully handcrafted using time-honored, heritage techniques. Indego Africa’s approach to artisan empowerment helps transform the lives of women, youth, and refugees across Rwanda and Ghana.
Arnhem Ivy Raffia Bag
If you are looking for a smaller bag to carry the basics, this raffia bag from Arnhem is perfect for you! The Ivy Raffia Bag ($52) is a more budget-friendly and eco-friendly option! With floral details, long leather, and hand-woven straps, it makes a gorgeous addition to any wardrobe! The unique point of this bag is that you can see the maker and details about her before you buy, making the manufacturing process more transparent to consumers!
Echo NY Raffia Packable Tote
This Raffia Packable Tote ($119) from Echo NY rounds out the end of this list! Made from 100% raffia, this tote is the perfect vacation essential. With an adorable tie, long handles, and plenty of room to store all of your essentials, it’s the perfect pick for going on vacation or hitting the beach.
–Nina Dagaev
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