There’s something undeniably charming about a netted bag; its open weave invites you to look a little closer. Maybe it’s a bouquet of pink and orange ranunculus peeking through the mesh, a striped towel tossed in after a swim, or a sourdough baguette from the market—little details that add romance to everyday life.
For spring and summer, few accessories are as beloved—or as ubiquitous—as the netted bag. A close cousin to the raffia basket, it’s a handbag style that returns each year, reimagined anew. It has humble beginnings, dating back to Normandy in 1860, where it was originally used by fishermen to haul fish. (Its origin story is closely tied to France’s most prominent fishnet manufacturer, Filt.)
Vogue’s Favorite Net Bags
The Under-$100 Find
Free People Wishing Well beaded bag
$98 at FREE PEOPLE
The Foldable Style
Longchamp Le Pliage Filet bag
$130 at BLOOMINGDALE’S
The Beach Bag
Clare V. Sandy woven market tote
$165 at NORDSTROM
The Mini Leather Tote
Staud Caro bucket bag
$395 at SHOPBOP
The Runway Favorite
Tory Burch small chain mesh tote
$895 at TORY BURCH
The Tassel Trim
Loli macramé bag
$1,295 at MICHAEL KORS
The Colorful Pick
Hereu knitted net bag
$323 at HEREU
What makes the netted bag so appealing is its versatility. You can carry it in its simplest form as a canvas-colored tote for a weekend farmer’s market run, or choose a brightly-hued style for the beach. Style it as you would any other bag: pair it with a shirt and a silk lace skirt for work; with capri pants and clogs for the weekend; or with a bikini and pareo for vacation. (Pro tip: keep smaller items in a colorful pouch to add a pop of color through the holes.)
The original Filt bag remains a classic—these days it even comes in miniature sizes that seem to hold little more than three lemons—but on the runways, designers continue to revisit the style, each version more elaborate than the last. This season, we saw many iterations, from Tory Burch’s handwoven chain-mesh totes and Erdem’s embellished styles exploring craft, to Michael Kors’s spirited leather take, accented with a long, swishy tassel on the handle.
Shop our favorite net bags for the season below, along with outfit ideas on how to style them.
Texture on Texture
A mix of textures works well for in-between weather. Bermuda shorts with a suede jacket and a netted leather bag complement each other nicely. Finish with a pendant necklace and minimalist leather loafers.
* Loli macramé bag, $1,295 at MICHAEL KORS
* Arma Kaylee suede jacket, $1,030 at NET-A-PORTER
* Leset Kim pleated shorts, $320 at NET-A-PORTER
* Hunting Season The Pendant necklace, $275 at NET-A-PORTER
Boardroom Ready
Elevate the humble net bag with a blazer and a silk lace slip skirt, plus white heels for a sharp touch. Layer with a light knit or a simple T-shirt.
* Longchamp Le Pliage Filet bag, $130 at BLOOMINGDALE’S
* Zara fitted contrast blazer, $179 at ZARA
* Staud Sonoma midi skirt, $495 at NET-A-PORTER
* Stella McCartney brushed mule pumps, $890 at NORDSTROM
Saturday Chill
For an unfussy yet polished look, try capri pants and a striped poplin button-down, rounded out with clogs and a leather beaded bag. Add a pair of shield sunglasses and a gold chain necklace for extra edge.
* Free People Wishing Well beaded bag, $98 at FREE PEOPLE
* Jamie Haller The Essential shirt, $495 at NET-A-PORTER
* Róhe slim-leg capri pants, $520 at NET-A-PORTER
* Ancient Greek Sandals Marilisa Sabot clogs, $525 at NET-A-PORTER
Brunch Hour
Whether you’re heading out for a meal with friends or an afternoon matcha…For a meet-up, a mini dress paired with minimalist sandals is always a winning combination. Tie the look together with bold sunglasses and a mini net shopper bag.
Staud Caro bucket bag – $395 at SHOPBOP
Dôen Paloma mini dress – $500 at NET-A-PORTER
Emme Parsons Delice sandals – $565 at SHOPBOP
Miu Miu Rêverie sunglasses – $555 at MIU MIU
Vacation Mindset
Channel a touch of beachside ease in the city by styling a pareo-inspired skirt with a poplin shirt. Add a pair of metallic ballet flats and complete the look with Tory Burch’s chainmail mesh bag—a standout piece for the season.
Tory Burch small chain mesh tote – $895 at TORY BURCH
The Frankie Shop Tila shirt – $235 at NET-A-PORTER
Dries Van Noten printed wrap scarf-skirt – $815 at NET-A-PORTER
Alaïa metallic leather ballet flats – $1,250 at NET-A-PORTER
Summer Stripes
Sporty touches are a natural fit for weekend plans. Try a striped tank from Loewe, rinse-wash denim from Ossou, and Miu Miu boat shoes. Top it off with Hereu’s netted bag (created in collaboration with Filt) for a playful finishing touch.
Hereu knitted net bag – $323 at HEREU
Loewe striped ribbed-knit tank – $1,350 at NET-A-PORTER
Ossou Flex Stretch jeans – $395 at NET-A-PORTER
Miu Miu bleached deck shoes – $1,070 at MIU MIU
Woven Wonders
A netted bag styling story wouldn’t be complete without a beach look. Pair a crochet dress with a brightly colored swimsuit and flip flops. Use a roomy tote to carry all your beach essentials: a good book, a towel, and sunscreen.
Clare V. Sandy woven market tote – $165 at NORDSTROM
ESCVDONevado fringed mini dress – $700 at NET-A-PORTER
Lido Undici bikini – $190 at NET-A-PORTER
A. Emery Kinto flip flops – $170 at NET-A-PORTER
Shop More:
Lemaire x Filt Fortune Croissant bag – $610 at NET-A-PORTER
Jacquemus The Spiaggia small bag – $1,390 at JACQUEMUS and NET-A-PORTER
Filt French net market bag – $44 at AMAZON
Parker Thatch The Tokyo shopper tote – $118 at PARKER THATCH
Fendi Peekaboo medium bag – $7,900 at FENDI
Cordera handmade beaded tote – $620 at SSENSE
Gram J’s Nets The Fisherman bag – $175 at OLD STONE TRADE
Sandro studded net mesh bag – $245 at NORDSTROM
Zara braided mini tote bag – $60 at ZARA
Dragon Diffusion Juventus woven leather tote – $500 at NET-A-PORTER
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs Why the Beloved Summer Net Bag Should Be Your Spring EssentialAnd How to Style It
Q1 What exactly is a summer net bag
A Its a lightweight breathable bag often made of cotton raffia or synthetic mesh with an open woven structure Think of it as a stylish airy tote perfect for warmer weather
Q2 Why should I use a summer bag in spring Isnt it too early
A Not at all Springs mild unpredictable weather is perfect for it The bag is light enough for layering and its open design prevents your essentials from getting stuffy on warmer days
Q3 What are the main benefits of using a net bag in spring
A Key benefits include Versatility Lightweight Feel Breathability and a Casual Effortless Vibe that fits the spring mood
Q4 My biggest worry is things falling out How do I secure my belongings
A Use a small cute pouch or a zippered cosmetic case inside for keys phone and wallet For larger items the bags stretchy nature usually holds them snugly You can also opt for styles with an inner drawstring or a flat base
Q5 Can I really style it for everyday errands or is it just for the beach
A Absolutely for everyday Its moved far beyond the beach Its simplicity makes it a chic functional accessory for farmers markets coffee runs casual brunches or weekend outings
Q6 What should I not carry in a net bag
A Avoid small loose items like bobby pins or earrings that can slip through the weave Also skip anything very valuable or fragile that needs more protection and maybe an umbrella if youre worried about poking through
Q7 How do I style a net bag with a typical spring outfit
A Here are easy ideas
With Jeans a Sweater A neutral net bag adds texture and keeps the look relaxed
