Explore the elegance of bow tattoos with our little tour of 18 sweet and stylish designs. Bow tattoos carry so many layers — strength, connection, a wink of femininity — and each one tells a different story. I gathered these because honestly, there’s something comforting about a ribbon tied up neat; like a secret you keep close. Dive in and see which one feels like yours.
Tiny ribbons and little flowers
Credit: yuwon.tattoo
This one is just so sweet — four tiny flowers in red, blue, yellow, and pink each have a little bow tied around their stems, and together they give off this soft, feminine vibe. If you want something petite and quietly meaningful, this kind of delicate arrangement is perfect: subtle elegance that reads like a small celebration of beauty and connection.
Coquette bow — rosy and sweet
Credit: jae.p3g
There’s a softness to this coquette-style bow that I can’t get over — red ink blended to give the bow a rosy glow with a tiny heart right in the center. Around it, little sparkling stars add that whimsical touch, so it feels both elegant and playful. It’s the kind of tattoo that looks effortless but tells a sweet story about tenderness and charm.
A silvery, metallic bow
Credit: tattooer.ari
This upper-arm bow shines with a metallic, almost chrome-like finish — shiny gray accents that give it a cooler, more industrial vibe. There’s a little heart pendant dangling from it too, which softens the look and reminds you that even the tougher edges can hold tenderness. It’s a fun mix of elegance and a slightly rugged, modern edge.
Bow that's pure cuteness
Credit: tatty.bara
Soft lines, a gentle pink hue — this bow is leaning fully into girly energy and self-love. The pink bow trend feels like a small, wearable reminder to celebrate yourself and your identity. It’s delicate but powerful in its message: feminine, joyful, and quietly empowering.
Chrome scissors with a bow
Credit: evegrahamtattoo
Okay, this one is so cool — scissors wrapped in a big chrome-style bow, painted to mimic reflective metal. Chrome tattoos stand out because they play with shine instead of traditional color shading, and here the scissors add extra meaning: precision, transformation, maybe even the idea of cutting ties or starting fresh. It’s bold but thoughtful.
Butterfly-like bow
Credit: yuwon.tattoo
This dainty red bow almost reads like butterfly wings — freedom and transformation stitched into one design. The vibrant red brings drama and meaning, making the tattoo both striking and symbolic of resilience. It’s a lovely little reminder that change can be beautiful.
Soft, translucent bow with a butterfly
Credit: beetattoo.karmon
Here’s a bow that feels light as air — translucent, soft, with a tiny bow tied on one side and a butterfly perched on the other. It’s girly in the best way: delicate, symbolic of freedom, and a beautiful little adornment for the skin. The details give it a sweet, romantic quality without being over-the-top.
Single-needle red bow — small but mighty
Credit: maisieellistattoos
Tiny and expertly done — this single-needle red bow is sweet in appearance but carries a strong message of female empowerment. The refined linework makes it look delicate, while the meaning behind it speaks of strength and resilience. A small tattoo with a big heart, honestly.
Miffy pendant bow — nostalgic and adorable
Credit: tattooist_kelly
This one’s so nostalgic: a bow with a little Miffy pendant, tiny bubbles, a heart, and a shell — full-on childhood charm. Miffy (or “nijntje” in Dutch) brings that innocent, cozy vibe, so this tattoo reads like a wearable memory of simpler times. If you love a touch of whimsy and sentiment, this is it.
Red bow that weaves two styles
Credit: aka.bichi
This design mixes a bow outline with a solid, thin red bow intertwined — visually elegant and symbolically rich. The intertwining feels like a promise or a bond, something that ties you to a person or a memory. It’s simple but carries a quiet loyalty.
Swallow and bow — freedom and loyalty
Credit: gumi.tattoos
A little swallow beside a bow — the swallow has long meant joy, hope, loyalty, and safe returns. Paired with a bow, it’s like a promise to carry those feelings forward: protection, guidance, and the courage to move into new adventures. Elegant and meaningful.
Bow with a little cat locket
Credit: maggieangulotattoo
This bow has a sweet floral touch and a tiny cat pendant hanging from it — perfect if you want to nod to independence or honor a special feline companion. It reads as playful and personal, a little tribute to freedom and the creatures we love.
Cherries tied to a bow
Credit: tattedbypoison
A black-and-gray bow with two cherries hanging from the center — sweet and symbolic. For some people cherries mark big life moments or memories, and the bow visually ties those memories together. It’s playful, slightly nostalgic, and totally wearable.
Ballet shoes tied into a bow
Credit: kiyodomo
This red-ink design shows ballet shoes with laces tied into a bow — a beautiful nod to the discipline and grace of dance. If you’ve danced or just love the aesthetic of ballet, this tattoo captures that dedication and lightness in one elegant image.
Black-ink ribbon with tiny stars
Credit: erica_tats
A shoulder piece in black ink with lovely shading and intricate folds, sprinkled with little stars — it’s detailed and dreamy. That delicate craftsmanship plus the twinkle of the stars makes it feel almost magical, like a tiny piece of jewelry on your skin.
Lace bow on the leg — delicate strength
Credit: yungpentagrams
This leg tattoo blends lace detail with a bow, marrying delicate patterns and bold symbolism. It’s feminine and intricate but also speaks to resilience — the quiet strength in something that looks fragile. If you want a piece that balances grace with empowerment, this is a lovely option.
Vibrant red shoulder bow
Credit: juliana.elisv
A bright, shiny red bow on the shoulder — classic symbols of love, passion, and close bonds. The color makes it pop while the shape keeps it timeless. It’s the kind of tattoo that looks bold but also deeply personal.
Tiny heart locket with a bow
Credit: amylowdontattoo
A little heart locket topped with a cute bow — this one’s all about connection, love, and the memories we keep close. It can represent love, loss, or a promise to keep searching for tenderness in the small places. Heartfelt and quietly beautiful.
Wrap-Up
So yeah — bows can be so much more than just a pretty knot. They’re tiny stories about love, resilience, memories, and who we are. Whether you want a little nostalgic charm, a bold red statement, or something delicate and lacey, there’s a bow here that’ll probably make you smile. If one of these called your name, tell me which — I want to hear your pick!