First, they came for our hairstyles, popping up on ponytails, braids, and buns. Then, they started showing up on our outfits, from the most casual jeans-and-a-T looks to frilly coquette cupcake dresses. Now, bows are so beloved, they’re making it permanent, as one of the biggest (and cutest) tattoo trends of the year so far.
Just as a beautiful gift isn’t complete without a bow on top, your tattoo collection may be craving that little touch of sweetness only a prettily tied ribbon can provide. Ahead, learn more about the bow tattoo trend and get some inspo in the meantime.
The Trend
The popularity of the bow tattoo is directly tied to its dominance in the fashion world; when you’re seeing bows on bags, buns, and your favorite celebrities, it’s really only a matter of time until you think about adding one to your skin.
“As balletcore [and coquettecore] are trending in fashion, it’s directly reflected in tattoo trends, because more and more people seem to see tattoos as an accessory to match their style,” says New York City-based tattoo artist Ariel Wei, who has designed several bow tattoos over the past year.
Like hearts, stars, birds, and flowers before it, the bow feels sweet and soft, but also classic and timeless—the kind of tattoo you’ll love today, but won’t look back on and cringe about in ten years. (Cough cough, 2010s mustache finger tats.) Bows also harken back to childhood days playing dress-up with dolls and taking ballet lessons, which makes them feel nostalgic and a bit bittersweet, as though your younger self is living out their grown-up dreams.
The bow is inherently girly, but it suits a variety of personal styles. “The bow itself is already cute and pretty, so it goes along with everything,” says Wei. “You can have a sexy outfit with a bow tattoo, go grunge with a bow… the bow just makes everything more unique and epic.” Wei notes that she’s seen an uptick in requests for bow-centric tattoos. “I’m definitely getting more requests than years before,” she shares.
Celebrities have the gotten bow bug too; Hailey Bieber got a a miniscule bow in late 2023, and musician Madison Beer has a slightly larger one on the top of her hand, almost like a piece of jewelry. We have a feeling there will be plenty more bow tattoos popping up throughout the year, given that the accessory itself shows absolutely zero signs of fading away.
How to Wear a Bow Tattoo
Bow tattoos are a great option for your first tattoo or your fifty seventh. They’re infinitely customizable, from color and texture to size and placement. Wei likes them on the arms or the center of the chest, but they really work anywhere and everywhere. Two bows on the backs of the thighs, right below the butt, is a popular design with a pinup vibe, while a delicate, finely drawn bow on the hand or near the wrist feels ethereal and elegant. Bows look gorgeous on the shoulder, near the collarbone, and pretty much everything else.
Bows can also be incorporated into an existing design or as part of a larger tattoo, paired with birds or butterflies, as part of a jewelry motif, or added into a sentimental tribute tattoo. You can request classic black and white or add color, add detail with shading or stick to a simple outline. They can be eeny-weeny like Bieber’s or as big and bold as you want.Need some ideas? Just keep reading.
Simple perfection. A slim black bow right above the elbow can be hidden if needed and could easily be the base of a half- or full-sleeve tattoo, but is beautiful on its own.
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Pink Bow Tattoo
The little pearl-like bubbles on either side of this classic, simple bow add an extra layer of sweetness. If you want something more than just a bow, consider adding a few surrounding details for extra interest.
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Bow and Butterfly
We love the interplay of this classic black bow and realistic butterfly. The pairing feels so natural!
A hand placement feels both delicate and statement-making at the same time. We love how this design incorporates text, stars, and small pearls.
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Bow Portrait Tattoo
For a twist on the bow trend, consider adding it to another design, like this gorgeous rear-facing portrait with a ribbon detail.
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Bracelet Bow Tattoo
Madison Beer’s bow tattoo is so delicate and finely drawn, it almost looks like a piece of jewelry. We’d love to see how it looks when paired with a wristful of bracelets.
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Baby Bow Tattoo
Want something really teeny? Consider a baby bow in a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it location. It’s the easiest way to dip your toes into the trend.
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Edgy Bow Tattoo
This cuff-style bow is pretty and feminine at first glance, but the ribbons give way to chains on either side, adding a bit of toughness.
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Sleek Bow Tattoo
Shorten the "tails" of the bow for something that feels a little less feminine and more classic. Paired with crisp black ink, you have a timeless design that will outlast the coquette trend.
Many people get a tattoo to show where they or their families come from, celebrate their culture, or show what kind of community they belong to. There is a community within the people who get a tattoo as well, and it can be a cool way to meet new people in social settings.
Even when everything else about the world is in constant flux - right down to the body changes - tattoos are something that never change. This helps make tattoos more of an identity meter for millennials and so we see them a lot more than in years past.
People get tattoos for various reasons. Some of the common motivations include fashion and beauty, self-expression and personality, memorializing significant events or persons, forming self-identity, and as a form of art and adornment.
Will tattoos still be everywhere in 2024? Yes, tattoos will still be popular. In fact, tattoos have become more accepted in society over the past few decades, and many people now view tattoos as a form of self-expression.
Firstly, tattoos have become more socially acceptable. As more and more people have tattoos, they are no longer seen as being associated exclusively with gangs, bikers, or other fringe groups. Tattoos are now seen as a form of art, and many people appreciate the intricate designs and personal meanings behind them.
Gen Z is experiencing 'tattoo regret. ' Social media may be to blame. TikTok influencer and model Sara Beth Clark spent tens of thousands of dollars on tattoos in her 20s, despite being told that she would "regret them later."
Despite Gen Z and Millennials being the most-tattooed generations, they are also the groups facing the most debt, and as the cost of living climbs, getting inked may not be a priority for most people.
Italy, Sweden, and the US are the most tattooed nations on Earth. Now, 56% of women ages 18 to 29 and 53% of women ages 30 to 49 are tattooed in this country. The post-Christian nations went for it at the turn of the 21st century, while pagan nations went the other way.
Black portrays the mourning for a lost hero. A public display of these colors acknowledges the sacrifice and courage of these individuals who are no longer with us. During mourning, an officer or firefighter might cover their patch or shield logo with a black stripe.
The Three Arrows Tattoo design holds deep cultural and personal significance. Historically, arrows have represented direction, protection, and strength. When combined, three arrows symbolize unity, friendship, and the unbreakable bond among loved ones.
It's may be for attention, self-expression, independence, rebellion, a personal narrative, reminders of traditions, sexual motivation, addiction, identification or even drunken impulsiveness. It isn't far from one's knowledge that tattooing was once considered taboo and art that may lead you to prison.
For better or for worse, tattooed people are typically associated with: being extrovert, have a rich social life, or the necessity to feel unique and stand out from the of the people. In fact, not so long ago, tattooed people used to be regarded as more rebel or even more conflictive.
According to a 2019 survey by Ipsos, nearly 30% of Americans have at least one tattoo, up from 21% in 2012 . This growth can be attributed to several factors, including changing social norms, the influence of celebrities, and the increased visibility of tattoos in media and popular culture.
Gen Z is experiencing 'tattoo regret.' Social media may be to blame. TikTok influencer and model Sara Beth Clark spent tens of thousands of dollars on tattoos in her 20s, despite being told that she would "regret them later."
Tattoos have become valued by some because they are not material items. "Tattooing is the one thing nobody can take away from you," Walters said. "You can get your car repoed, you can get your house foreclosed on. Material items can be taken, but your tattoos can't.
Introduction: My name is Lakeisha Bayer VM, I am a brainy, kind, enchanting, healthy, lovely, clean, witty person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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