Why Summer’s Beloved Net Bag Should Be Your Spring Staple—And How

There’s something undeniably charming about mesh bags. It’s an open invitation to take a closer look. Maybe it’s a bouquet of pink and orange buttercups peeking out of the mesh, a striped towel tossed in after a swim, or a sourdough baguette you bought at the market – these are small details that inject romance into everyday life.

During spring and summer, few accessories are as beloved or as ubiquitous as mesh bags. A cousin of the raffia basket, it’s a handbag style that returns and is reinvented every year. Its humble origins date back to 1860 in Normandy, where it was originally used by fishermen to haul fish. (Its origin story is closely related to Filt, the most famous French fishing net manufacturer.)

The most appealing thing about a mesh bag is its versatility, whether you’re carrying it with a simple canvas-colored tote to the weekend farmer’s market and an afternoon stroll, or opting for a brightly colored tote to hit the beach. In terms of styling, treat it like any other bag you own: with a blouse and silk lace skirt for work; capri pants and clogs on the weekend, and a bikini and beach towel on vacation. (Pro tip: Place smaller items into colorful pouches to add a pop of color to those peek-a-boo holes.)

The original Filt bag remains a classic—today, it’s even available in micro sizes that look like it holds just three lemons—but on the runways, designers continue to revisit the mesh silhouette, each one more sophisticated than the next. This season we’re seeing many iterations, from Tory Burch’s handwoven chain-mesh totes to Erdem’s embellished styles exploring the possibilities of craftsmanship to Michael Kors’ vibrant leathers with long, flowing tassels on the handles.

Shop our favorite mesh bags this season, below, along with outfit ideas for how to style them.

texture on texture

The mixed textures are perfect for wearing in different weather conditions. Bermuda shorts complement a suede jacket and mesh leather bag. Finish with a pendant necklace and simple leather loafers.