The straw bag: a true summer classic

The story behind our wicker bags

A woven bag has something timeless about it: light, natural, and unconstrained, yet stylish enough to be worn much more often than just on holiday.

In this blog, we tell you more about its origin and why this bag is so much more than a typical summer bag.

Not made of reed, but of palm leaf

We always talk about straw bags, but did you know that these bags are actually made from woven palm leaves, not reed? Palm leaf is a strong, light, and natural material that has been used for generations in countries around the Mediterranean for baskets and bags.

In the past, these types of baskets were handmade for practical daily use, for example during the orange harvest or as sturdy baskets on the farm or in a workshop. So, not a fashion accessory, but something that primarily had to be strong, light, and functional. It is precisely that craftsmanship that you still see today.

The base of our bags is still hand-woven in workshops in Morocco. Then the bags go to a family business in Spain that has specialized in this craft for generations. There, leather straps and handles are attached using durable Spanish leather. In our workshop in the Netherlands, we take care of the final finishing, such as the leather details or personalization.

Palm leaf has a pure quality, and that is reflected in every bag. You see and feel that it is a natural product: small differences in structure, a weave that is never exactly the same, and an appearance that remains beautiful precisely because of this. No two bags are exactly alike, and that is precisely what makes a hand-woven bag so special.

More than just a beach bag

A straw bag no longer has to be just a beach bag. In our collection, you'll find various models: from spacious shoppers and shoulder bags to smaller handbags and baskets that you can just as easily take with you for a lunch, a day in the city, or a holiday.

Some models are deliberately kept simple in natural palm leaf, while others feature extra leather compartments, adjustable straps, or small details in summery colours that make the bag just that little bit more versatile. It is precisely this combination of natural materials and clever details that makes a straw bag much more widely applicable today than in the past.

What all our models have in common is that they are lightweight, sturdy, and easy to combine. A bag you can just as easily take to the beach as to the market, a cafe, or simply for a day out.

The power of natural materials

There's something about natural materials that never truly goes out of style. Palm leaf, leather, wood, linen... they exude a timeless calmness that makes them appealing for years to come.

Perhaps it's because you can see that it's real. Not factory perfection, but small differences in colour, texture, and shape that show a product was made by hand. It is precisely this simplicity that gives a straw bag something timeless and ensures that straw bags have been returning for generations.

Why we choose craftsmanship

At SA Design, we love materials that are processed with care. We appreciate visible craftsmanship. And products that aren't mass-produced on an assembly line, but are carefully made. Our straw bags are a prime example of this: handmade and showcasing visible craftsmanship.

Curious? View our collection of straw bags or visit our studio by the water in Vinkeveen.