To choose a raffia bag, start with the weave: tight, even stitches hold their shape and last. Then check what carries the weight, meaning the handles and where they are attached, and then the inside of the bag. Size comes last, depending on what you carry and how you like to wear your bag.
How to recognise a quality weave
Raffia is a strong fibre taken from the young leaves of the raffia palm. Two bags made from the same fibre can still age very differently depending on how it was worked. A tight weave or crochet multiplies the points of contact between strands: the weight spreads across the whole surface and the bag keeps its shape. When the work is loose, a few strands carry most of the strain, and the bag loses its shape there first, usually near the handles and in the corners.
To judge it, press the side of the bag lightly between two fingers: it should spring back straight away. Look at how even the stitches are from one row to the next. Small irregularities are normal on a handmade bag, they come from the fibre and the hand. Areas that are clearly looser than others are a less good sign.
Handles and their attachments, where a bag works hardest
Every time you lift your bag, all its weight goes through the handles. On an all-raffia bag, lift it when loaded and look at the stitches around the attachments: they should not pull apart. On a bag that combines raffia and leather, the leather takes that strain. Look at its thickness, how even the stitching is and how the handle is fixed to the body of the bag.
Not all leathers age the same way. Vegetable-tanned leather develops a patina and darkens slightly over time, while chrome-tanned leather keeps a more uniform look. We use the former, and we explain why in our article raffia and leather bags: why shoulder leather.
The inside, which people often forget to check
A lining protects the raffia from keys, pens and anything that snags. It also stops small items slipping through the stitches. A zipped inside pocket keeps apart the things you don't want to hunt for at the bottom of the bag. On our bags, the lining is cotton and every bag has its zipped pocket.
Which size for which use
The question is simple: what do you put in your bag, and how do you like to wear it? A large bag worn on the shoulder suits you if you carry a lot. A small crossbody bag leaves your hands free. A hand-held bag looks more dressed up.
Our three styles match these three uses. Le rond is the largest, almost entirely raffia, with a graphic shape that goes from everyday to evening. Le bowling is compact, about 24 cm wide, with a short leather handle and a long strap adjustable from 63 to 85 cm: it can be carried by hand, crossbody, on the shoulder or on the back. Le demi-lune, about 30 cm wide, is carried by its leather handle, which follows the curve of the bag.
Handmade or mass-produced
A handmade bag takes time, and that time shows in how well the weave holds. At mada, a bag takes between 19 and 26 hours of work depending on the style, in our workshop near Antsirabe, where 12 artisans work. The raffia is crocheted by hand there, after we dye it ourselves in successive dye baths.
A useful rule of thumb, whatever the brand: when a bag really is handmade, the brand can tell you where it is made, by whom and in how long. If that information is missing from the product page, ask. To go further, our guide to Madagascar raffia bags covers the whole journey, from fibre to finished bag.
Frequently asked questions
Can a raffia bag be used every day?
Yes, provided the weave is tight and the bag is lined. Just avoid heavy rain and don't overload it. Care steps are detailed in our care guide.
Is raffia damaged by water?
Yes. Moisture softens the fibre, and a wet bag can lose its shape as it dries. After a shower, blot it with a dry cloth and let it air dry, away from any heat source. Never soak it in water.
Does a raffia bag need leather?
No. An all-raffia bag holds up very well if the weave is tight. Leather mainly adds strength to the handles and a more leather-goods look.
Is a raffia bag only for summer?
No. Natural raffia brings the beach to mind, but a structured, lined bag in a deep colour, black, brown or green for example, works all year round in the city.
mada social bags, updated October 2026.