Natalie and other owners of straw handbags - do they ruin clothes...

Kirti

...by snagging on them? I am planning to buy one of the bags in the pics below, but some members mentioned that straw bags may ruin clothing. What has been your experience?

ETA: I decided not to get the bag, it felt kind of rough!

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13 years ago

Urgent

11 replies

Latest reply was from MNsara

Louise

Veteran

I have a Radley straw bag, I make sure that I don't wear it with delicate knits to prevent snagging and I avoid denim so the colour doesn't run onto the straw x

13 years ago

Kirti

(website)

Veteran

Thanks Louise! That really helps

13 years ago

Kate

Veteran

Yes. I've had that experience with straw bags, which is why I don't buy them. Woven bags, on the other hand, don't, which is why I prefer them for a casual summer bag. I just bought one recently, and I'll snap a pic later and post it to show you what I mean.

Whether a straw bag is going to snag clothing is also going to depend on the quality and type of material used. Some grasses used in straw bags are a lot coarser than others. If the fibers are separating in the bags you posted—take a look at the edges where the joins are —or if the straw feels rough, then I'd say pass.

13 years ago

Kirti

(website)

Veteran

Kate, thanks! I would love to see a pic of your bag. I will make sure to examine the bag carefully

13 years ago

Louise

Veteran

Good point from Kate, my bag has very smooth straw fibres x

13 years ago

Anonymous

I have a pretty rough one that is fine with everything but chiffon. I'm not wearing a lot of knits this season or sheer scarves, so that might be a factor.

The bags you posted look quite smooth. I don't think they'd be a problem with the part of your wardrobe I've seen.

13 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I have a woven bag but I'm not sure exactly what the fiber is -- it's an extremely casual and pliable tote that I use for beach vacations and the like, and I've never had a problem with it snagging on anything. I think you just need to run your fingers against the grain of the weave to see if it looks likely to fray and snag.

13 years ago

Kirti

(website)

Veteran

Thanks Claire and Janet, I will go examine the bag carefully today!

13 years ago

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

Kirti, I have two straw bags, one a Kate Spade orange slice and one a Jason Wu for Target straw bag (I was going to add pics but this thread won't let me). Both of them are smooth and I have no problem with clothes catching on them. The JWT is very flat and smooth and the KS is more of a coarse weave, but still smooth with no rough edges sticking out. The pics you posted look OK, but I think you would just need to run your hands over the bag and see how "sticky" or scratchy it is. If it's rough then pass.

13 years ago

Kirti

(website)

Veteran

Thanks Natalie! These felt a bit rough, so I decided not to get one.

13 years ago

MNsara

Veteran

Adorable bags (especially that citron trim!)

There are synthetic straws out there that are pretty pliable and smooth and should not be a problem. Bend the flap around a little to see how this purse does.

There are rigid straws and wickers that are wicked on clothing! Sometimes they crack rather than bend along the weaving. If you see any of that, they're probably only safe for sturdy fabrics. You'll quickly see that these are not very pliable at all.

I hope your bag is the smooth flexible sort. Good luck!

13 years ago

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