Knot Bags: The Soft Shoulder Bag Tied Like a Scarf, and How to Wear One

The short answer: a knot bag is a soft shoulder bag finished with a tied knot at the front, so it looks like a scarf wrapped around a purse. It suits evening best, and it is easiest in velvet and leather. The ROTATE Drape Bag is the version we like, in red velvet, brown leather and black rhinestone. Shop all shoulder bags and designer bags at Coveti, and the full ROTATE Birger Christensen collection.

Soft bags have taken over from stiff, structured ones, and the knot is the detail of the moment. ROTATE Birger Christensen is the Copenhagen label Jeanette Madsen and Thora Valdimars founded in 2018 with the Danish house Birger Christensen. It started with a handful of party dresses and still builds every collection around going out. Its Drape Bag is an elongated shoulder bag with a decorative knot at the front and a gathered opening.

Why the knot bag works

• It is soft: it sits close under the arm, the most flattering way to carry a bag.
• It is small: room for a phone, cards and a lipstick, nothing more.
• It reads as jewellery: the knot catches the eye like a brooch.

Our picks: the ROTATE Drape Bag

1. The Drape Bag Red Velvet

A soft, elongated bag in red velvet with a single shoulder strap, a knot at the front and a gathered opening. It is lined in recycled polyester. Carry it with black, the red does the rest.

2. The Drape Bag Brown Leather

The same shape in dark brown sheep leather, lined in organic cotton. The everyday version, as good with jeans as with a dress.

3. The Drape Bag Black Rhinestone

Black, covered in small rhinestones, the party version. It finishes a plain black dress on its own.

What to wear with a knot bag

• Evening: a slip dress, a satin midi and a sequin skirt. The velvet and rhinestone bags are made for these.
• Day: straight jeans and a knit with the brown leather version.
• Shoes: match the mood, a velvet slingback with the velvet bag. See our party shoes guide.

Frequently asked questions

What is a knot bag?

A soft bag with a knot as its main detail. On the ROTATE Drape Bag the knot is tied across the front, like a scarf.

What fits in the ROTATE Drape Bag?

A phone, cards, keys and a lipstick. It is an evening bag, not a work tote.

How do you carry a knot bag?

On the shoulder, tucked close under the arm. The single strap is short, so it sits at the waist.

How do you care for a velvet bag?

Brush it gently with a soft brush, keep it away from rain and store it stuffed in its dust bag. Take marks to a specialist. Our guide to velvet bags has more.

Does ROTATE make other bags?

Yes: the Heart Bag in velvet and leather, and the drawstring Bon Bon Bag. Our guide to ROTATE bags and shoes covers them all.