It’s not often that a handbag trend takes me completely by surprise. As a shopping writer, I normally have some semblance of an idea that a 2022 fashion trend is coming down the pipeline. This was certainly not the case with net bags, which seem to have appeared out of thin air to rule my TikTok For You page and Instagram timeline. The low-key trend has officially been dubbed the fashion-person-approved way to carry groceries and tote your towel to the beach or pool—and the best net bags take up next to no room in your carry-on or weekender bag, making them perfect for quick trips this season.
Net bags are exactly what they sound like: a bag made from, well, a net. But, that doesn’t mean that they all look the same. This season’s iterations come in tons of different colors and net thicknesses so no, you won’t lose your wallet or phone out of the bottom of one of these bags, I promise. Some of the options on this list are outfitted with leather details to add structure and shape, while others feature an opaque bag inside them for all of your prized possessions. When it comes to styling them, treat your next net bag as you would a normal daytime tote. Many of them come in neutral colorways like black, cream, or brown, so you should have no difficulty pairing them with one of your favorite summer dresses.
Keep reading to shop all of our editor-approved selections. Think of the net bag as your one-stop-shop for some serious French girl-inspired style this season. And, if I’m being honest, I’m never not trying to emulate French style these days.
This $10 tote from Public Goods is made from 100 percent organic cotton and without dyes and bleach for a natural look and classic silhouette.
This Ami Cotton Market Tote from Graf Lantz comes in seven colors, including a pale lavender, a bright orange, or this creamy white shade. Inspired by Japanese fish markets, this versatile pick makes your grocery run feel a little more chic.
This raffia bag takes a different approach to the "net bag" look. The airy knit is a great alternative to a traditional beach bag.
For a net bag that doesn't actually look like a net bag, consider this pick rom Rag & Bone. It's made from recycled cotton netting with a suede inner for an elevated look and feel.
This tote from Clare V. is slightly smaller than most others on the market, making it great for all-day wear. It'll hold your tablet and a book at only 14" wide, so bring it on all of your park days.
Going somewhere fancy? Carry this bejeweled clutch from Judith Leiber. It comes in one other pale silver shade for a sparkly update to your bag collection.
This bag from Jil Sander is outfitted with a leather bottom and matching leather detailing to make the perfect vacation bag.
For an updated twist on the net bag, check out this chain-detail one from Mango. The color is bright enough to update your next jeans-and-a-T-shirt outfit, yet cool enough to pair with an equally-bright summer dress.
This mini bag from fashion-editor-approved brand The Frankie Shop is a steal at just $55. Carry it with you on your night night out in lieu of your usual black handbag.
Reviewers love this bag from Vitamin A, the brand normally known for their range of swimwear. "Amazing bag," said one shopper. "Perfect size and so chic!"
The humble net bag gets a modern update courtesy of clear PVC paneling on this pick from best-in-class sandal brand Ancient Greek Sandals.
Green is one of those colors that is taking over my wardrobe this season, and this Farfetch-exclusive bag from Petit Kouraj (which was handmade in Haiti!) is bound to become my next purchase in the hue.
If you love Longchamp's range of laptop-friendly tote bags at the office, you're going to become obsessed with this netted version of the best-selling Le Pliage bag.
If you love Jonathan Simkhai for its range of cutout dresses, you *need* to check out its accessories selection. This chic leather top-handle bag has a drawstring bag on the inside and a magnetic closure for extra safety.
If you find yourself looking for an easy bag that you can use for everything from picking up groceries to carrying your daily essentials, this affordable bag from My Accessories London is the one for you.
It's no secret that the hot pink trend is everywhere in 2023. If you want a fuss-free way to buy into the bold colorway, meet this $13 bag from ECOBAGS.
Bambien specializes in woven bags, but this net-inspired one (which comes in black and brown) is my current favorite. It's made by artisan weavers in Bali but feels very much Californa-cool.
