A bandana on your bag is the cheapest, fastest way to make an everyday purse look like yours. It adds color, it's easy to swap and you can untie it and wear it on your head or neck whenever you need it. Here are six ways to tie a bandana on a purse, tote or backpack.
What Size Bandana Works Best?
A regular ~21" bandana is the best size for a bag accent. It's enough fabric to make a bow or wrap, without dragging. Larger sizes work for a heavier look: a 27" is good for a wrap around thick handles, and a 39" can cover a bucket-bag handle. See the bandana size chart for all sizes. Shop regular bandanas from $23.
6 Ways to Tie a Bandana on a Bag
1. The Handle Wrap
Fold the bandana into a long, narrow band and wrap it around the top handle in a spiral, tucking the ends in at each side. It makes a patterned handle and protects a worn strap.
2. The Handle Bow
Fold the bandana into a band, loop it around the base of the handle and tie a bow, leaving the tails hanging. The classic way to add color to a plain bag.
3. The Twilly
Roll a narrow band tightly, tie it once around the handle and let the two ends hang. It's neat and subtle, so it works for the office.
4. The Zipper-Pull Tie
On a backpack, fold the bandana into a thin strip and tie it to the zipper pull with a simple knot. It's easy to find in a bag and adds a small flash of pattern.
5. The Tote Wrap
Tie a bandana around the two handles of a tote, together, in a square knot at the top, so they stay together and the pattern is visible.
6. The Strap Scarf
On a crossbody or shoulder bag, loop a folded bandana around the strap near the bag body, and tie it loosely. It looks like a scarf attached to the bag.
Choosing a Bandana for Your Bag
- Match the bag's undertone. A warm red or orange against tan leather; a cool blue or black against black or gray.
- Let a neutral bag be the canvas. A plain black or tan bag can handle a bold pattern like Fiery Flora.
- Keep a busy bag simple. If the bag already has a pattern, pick a solid-ish bandana such as Black Mirage.
Protect Pale Bags From Dye
Hand-dyed batik can release a little extra dye, especially in reds and blacks, particularly in the first few washes or if it gets wet. Avoid tying a brand-new red or black bandana on a white or cream bag in the rain. If you want to be safe, wash the bandana on its own in cold water first. More in our first-wash guide.
More Ways to Use the Same Bandana
The bag bandana comes off in seconds: wear it as a hair wrap, tie it on a belt loop or knot it as a neck scarf.
New: the 27" mid-size bandana. Want a bigger statement on a tote or backpack? The new 27" bandana ($35) gives you more fabric to wrap and knot. Shop 27" bandanas.
