Net Bags

Appreciation for such a simple yet functional item

Aug 12, 2024

I’m packing for a trip to Spain right now, and normally I know what bags I will need (and want) to take along. I’m trying to add some fun color and texture to my mostly monochromatic and minimal vacation wardrobe, so when I got to my stash of net bags, I found myself trying to justify bringing them all. Here are some of the thoughts going through my head: they are lightweight (so I won’t notice whether I have two or ten of them in my suitcase), they are practical and useful (I will be going to the markets, accumulating more of my kids’ various belongings throughout the day…) They’re a great alternative to plastic bags, or other reusable grocery bags, and I love that they are made from cotton yarns or other synthetic fibers. Lastly, all of the colors, textures and materials look so satisfying together.

I have amassed many inspiration images on my mood boards over the years, ranging from vintage french market net bags, to Céline’s take in a two-tone yarn, to the beautiful crocheted metallic tote by Jeana Sohn, and the leather net bags that are cut from one piece of leather. I find these bags to be beautiful as singular objects and end up appreciating them that much more due to their pure utility.

This one by Carven takes the classic cotton net bag and elevates it with leather trim

Longchamp Le Pliage Filet string shopping bag comes in various sizes and colors

In the 1800s, people in Normandy, France used net bags to carry items to and from the market.

In the 1920s, string bags were produced in Czechoslovakia by a company that previously made hair nets, but made string bags instead, when shorter hairstyles became fashionable.

In Japan, clammers and fishermen used them to collect clams in the water.

East Germany is known for the classic shopping net bag (Einkaufsnetz) which has leather handles and multicolored netting made from a strong waxed cotton string.

String bags called avoska were popular in Russia, and became a part of Soviet everyday life. They were made using various kinds of strings.

In France, they refer to the intertwined string as filet, and they were originally made for fishermen.

Mesh and sheer materials have been in the mix across apparel and shoes in the past year and I’m seeing more and more bags created from these materials as well. I’m enjoying the sportier-looking mesh bags, as well as the fancier feeling organza bags.