Raffia is one of the natural fibres most closely associated with woven summer accessories, particularly hats, baskets and bags.

Natural raffia comes from the leaves of the raffia palm and is valued for being lightweight and flexible. The fibres can be braided, crocheted or woven into structures ranging from fine, tightly finished hats to larger market baskets.

The way it is worked has a significant influence on the finished piece. A dense weave creates more structure, while looser construction gives bags and hats a softer shape. Leather handles, fabric linings and simple fastenings are frequently added where extra strength is needed.

Its natural beige colour makes raffia easy to combine with linen, cotton, denim and other materials found in a summer wardrobe. Dyeing the fibre can introduce colour, although untreated raffia remains particularly versatile.

Handwoven baskets and hats are produced in many regions, with techniques varying between makers and local craft traditions. Looking at the construction and origin of a piece can therefore tell you much more than simply treating every woven accessory as a generic ‘straw’ product.

For a bohemian wardrobe, raffia combines practical summer use with the visible craftsmanship that gives woven accessories their individual character.

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