Although there’s no limit to how creative you can get with tattoo designs, there are some classics that people tend to gravitate to over and over. One of these is the bow tattoo, which is particularly...

Bow Tattoo Designs

Black Bow on Neck

Although there’s no limit to how creative you can get with tattoo designs, there are some classics that people tend to gravitate to over and over. One of these is the bow tattoo, which is particularly common with women as it’s generally seen as being quite dainty and feminine. However, don’t let the popularity of this tattoo discourage you from getting it if you’re interested. There are so many ways to make your bow tattoo unique to you, fitting your particular personal style and sensibility.

What Are Bow Tattoos?

Black Minimalist Bow on Finger

Depending on the way you see it, a bow tattoo can symbolize many different things. Because it’s two strings or ribbons tied together, the bow tattoo can represent connection and love. Being that it’s a common decoration on a gift, bow tattoo designs can also symbolize the present time period (as in the play of words), as well as the practices of sharing, giving, and offering love. Finally, being that it’s often viewed as a feminine image, bow tattoos can symbolize feminism, femininity, and women’s power. Though, of course, there’s no limit to what a bow tattoo can mean to you if you choose to get one. It’s entirely up to your interpretation.

Styles of Bow Tattoos

Dotted Bow Tattoo on Fingers

Because it’s such a simple and general concept, there are endless variations on bow tattoo ideas.

First, there’s the choice of size. Bow tattoos are a great option for a smaller, daintier, simpler tattoo, as the design will still be clear even on a small scale. However, you can absolutely get one in a larger size with more detail, too.

There’s also the choice of whether to get the bow in black and white or color. If you want to lean into the feminine nature of the tattoo, you can go for traditionally feminine colors like pink and red. Or, in contrast, you can make your bow more punk with a darker, moodier color palette.

Then there’s the choice of what type of bow to get. Between Hello Kitty bows, gift wrap bows, bows with trailing ribbon and bows without, thin bows and thick bows, there’s no shortage of flexibility for this tattoo design.

And, of course, there’s a matter of which tattooing style you choose to get your bow in, as nearly all tattoo styles can work for a bow. You can go realistic, traditional, 3D, new school, neotraditional, illustrative – whatever feels right for you. If you have other tattoos, you can consider which style of bow will fit in or stand out most among them, whichever you prefer.

Top Locations for Bow Tattoos

Dancers Bow on Legs

One final choice that you’ll have to make about your bow tattoo is where on your body to get it. Of course, you can get a bow tattoo anywhere, but some of the most popular locations where people get bow tattoos include around the wrist, on the back of the neck, on the hip bone, on the finger, on the back of the calf or the back of the wrist, and on the ankle.

Bow Tattoo Inspiration

If you’re looking to get a bow tattoo yourself, here are some examples of bow tattoo designs that you can draw inspiration from.

Dancers Bow on Legs

Source: http://www.legtattoodesigns.com/22-cute-bow-tattoos-on-leg/

This is a great example of how to incorporate color and ribbon into a realistic style bow tattoo. The larger scale isn’t incredibly common for bow tattoos, but it makes a big statement.

Dotted Bow Tattoo on Fingers

Source: https://www.inkme.tattoo/bow-tattoos/

This is one of the daintiest, simplest options for a bow tattoo, which can be a great choice for a person who doesn’t want to have any big, ostentatious tattoos.

Black Minimalist Bow on Finger

Source: https://www.inkme.tattoo/bow-tattoos/

Another simple, dainty version of the bow tattoo, this location generally symbolizes a promise to a lover, almost like a wedding ring. In fact, sometimes people get a bow tattoo on their ring finger instead of buying a wedding ring. It’s certainly more permanent and harder to lose!

Black Bow on Neck

Source: https://www.inkme.tattoo/bow-tattoos/

Like we mentioned above, the back of the neck is one of the most popular locations for a bow tattoo, and this is a perfect example. Here, the tattoo is in black and white and a medium size.

Black Bows on Legs

Source:https://www.tattoostime.com/black-lace-bow-tattoos-legs/

One more popular bow tattoo design is to do two matching bows. Often, people choose to get two matching bows on the backs of their calves or thighs, or even on the front of their body, on their lower stomach or hip bones.

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