Raffia is a natural grass fibre — light, textural, and summer-perfect, but it frays under friction and flattens under weight.
Brush With the Weave
A dry soft brush follows the weave direction on a handwoven tote; brushing across it frays. The woven totes look new after a gentle pass.
Reshape Damp, Never Wet
A crushed raffia bag can be coaxed back with a light mist and your hands — a hollow woven bag responds to gentle reshaping. The raffia totes should dry fully before storage.
Store Stuffed and Flat
Stacking crushes the weave permanently. A woven evening bag stores best stuffed and upright. The woven clutches hold their shape with tissue inside.
The Rule
Pro tip: raffia = brush with the grain, reshape with a mist not a soak, and store stuffed and upright. Never stack it, never crush it.
Care for the woven totes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you care for a raffia bag?
Brush with the weave direction, spot-dab rather than soak, reshape with a light mist, and store stuffed and upright away from heat.
Can a crushed raffia bag be fixed?
Often yes — a very light mist of water and gentle hand-reshaping, then air dry away from direct heat, will relax the fibres back.
How do I store raffia in winter?
Stuffed with acid-free tissue, upright, in a breathable dust bag — never stacked flat under heavier bags.