20+ Gorgeous Bow Tattoos To Wrap It Up (Literally and Figuratively)

Bow tattoos are like whispered secrets tied into skin.

They’re playful, mysterious, dainty—or sometimes not so dainty—and always wrapped in meaning. They say, “Look closer.” They ask, “What’s this for?” And honestly, isn’t that the whole point of a good tattoo? A little curiosity. A little style. Maybe a little sass.

If you’re flirting with the idea of getting a bow tattoo or just love ink that feels soft and strong at the same time, you’re in for a treat. Let’s unwrap 20+ bow tattoo ideas that you’ll lowkey want yesterday.

1. The Classic Red Ribbon on the Back of the Thigh

Okay, let’s talk legs. Specifically, thighs.

A bold red bow tattoo on the back of the thigh is pure pin-up charm. It’s retro, yes, but not stuck in the past. Think burlesque-meets-modern glam. It whispers vintage lingerie vibes without saying a word.

Some designs even include faux lace or garter strap detail—adds a cheeky little wink. People will stare. You’ll pretend not to notice. But you’ll know exactly what you’re doing.

Just… heads up: the back of the thigh? Kinda tender. But so worth the sting.

2. Tiny Wrist Bow – For the Subtle Drama

There’s something deliciously sneaky about a small bow inked right on the wrist.

Like, is it a fashion statement? A nod to your inner ballerina? Maybe it’s just cute. Maybe it’s something else entirely. That’s the fun of it—it doesn’t shout. It hums.

Black ink. No shading. Just a tight little linework bow that sits light on the skin like it could flutter off at any moment. Honestly? Perfect for first-timers. Or for those who prefer whispers over screams.

And if anyone asks what it means, just shrug. Let ’em wonder.

3. Bow + Arrow Combo – Soft but Dangerous

Now we’re mixing metaphors.

Add an arrow to your bow tattoo and suddenly we’re not just being decorative anymore—we’re aiming. The duality? Chef’s kiss. Femininity wrapped around ferocity. A velvet-gloved fist.

This one’s got story.

The arrow can be slender and fine, or rough and wild like it’s been through things. The bow can be neat and dainty or wild and windswept. No wrong way to draw this tension.

You can place it almost anywhere—ribcage, inner arm, down the spine. Just remember, it’s more than pretty—it’s purposeful.

4. Bow Neck Tattoo – Delicate But Bold

Not for the faint of heart.

A bow tattoo on the front or back of the neck is an absolute statement. It’s like wearing a choker… forever. And it looks sweet. But the placement? Wildly edgy.

Black ink bows under the hairline? Subtle with hair down, shocking when up. Front-of-the-neck bows? That’s main-character energy. It says: I am the gift. Unwrap at your own risk.

If you’re all in, consider shading and white ink highlights to give it that satin ribbon look. It’s subtle magic.

But yeah, your grandma might freak out. Be ready for that.

5. Ribbon Bow With Dangling Charms – Yes, Please

Now we’re playing dress-up.

This one’s all about details. Picture a bow tied just under the collarbone or along the ribs, with little charms or trinkets hanging from the ends of the ribbon. A tiny heart. A key. Maybe even a tiny skull if you’re feeling extra.

It’s girly, yes. But it doesn’t have to be only girly. Think customizable. The charms can carry meaning—birthstones, initials, symbols of lost love or wild memories.

It turns your skin into a jewelry box. Just… one that doesn’t get tangled.

6. Lace-Inspired Bow Tattoo – Delicate as Hell

This one is just straight-up dreamy.

A lace-style bow tattoo uses fine-line work, negative space, and tiny dot detailing to mimic actual lace. It’s soft. Fragile-looking. But strong as hell under the surface.

Ideal spots? Think shoulder blade, ankle, hip curve. Somewhere that lets it peek and play without being in your face.

These tats are usually black and grey—but hey, a dusty pink or faded blue could work if you’re craving color. Just make sure your artist is detail-obsessed. Lace ain’t easy.

Pro tip: Lace bows + fine script quotes = tattoo poetry.

7. Bow Tattoo as a Cover-Up? Genius

Sometimes, a bow is more than just a bow.

Sometimes it’s a strategic disguise.

If you’ve got a tattoo that doesn’t spark joy anymore—an ex’s name, a faded quote, a teenage mistake—wrapping it in a bow can actually be brilliant. Add some ribbon flourishes, maybe a splash of watercolor behind it, and boom—new energy.

This only works if your artist is clever with cover-ups, though. Don’t go to a scratcher for this. You want flow, depth, and intention. Otherwise, it’ll just look like… chaos in a ribbon.

But done right? It’s redemption tied in satin.

8. Anklet Bow Tattoo – Dainty AF

Why not wear a permanent anklet?

A small bow wrapped around your ankle like a charm bracelet is sweet without being sickly. You can keep it minimal—just a simple bow tied like a string around your leg. Or go ornate, with little beads, twists, loops.

Bonus: It’s easy to hide if needed.

But the real magic? Summer shoes + fresh tan lines + peekaboo bow ink = certified goddess vibes. People will ask where you got your anklet.

And you’ll say, “Oh, it’s permanent.” And watch their jaw drop.

9. Bow + Skull = Pretty Grunge

Let’s get a lil twisted.

Who says bows have to be cutesy? Add a tiny skull in the center, or have the ribbon trailing from an anatomical heart, and suddenly the aesthetic shifts. Think Victorian gothic. Think glam with edge.

This style plays well with heavier line work, a touch of grey wash, maybe a tiny splash of red for drama.

It’s got tension. It’s a little haunted. It doesn’t apologize for the contrast.

The bow softens the skull. The skull darkens the bow. And together they say: I’m sugar and spite. Handle with care.

10. Bow on a Finger – Tiny, Mighty, Memorable

Like tying a ribbon ‘round your finger so you don’t forget something—but forever.

Finger tattoos aren’t for everyone (they fade faster, need touch-ups, etc.). But they’ve got undeniable charm. A little bow on the inside of your finger or right on a knuckle? Subtle and intimate. Maybe even a shared secret with yourself.

Great as a tribute. Or a reminder. Or just something you see every day and smile at.

And yeah, the pain is real. But so’s the payoff. It’s giving tiny tattoo with big personality.

11. Bow with Wings – Lightness with a Hint of Mischief

Now this one? Straight out of a daydream. A delicate bow, drawn as if it’s floating in midair, with a pair of tiny angel or fairy wings attached.

It gives this feeling of something flying away, light as breath. Like it’s escaping a storybook. Or maybe a memory.
Good on the upper back, behind the shoulder, or even low on the hip. Feels magical and maybe just a little flirty, like a secret nobody else gets.

Go for soft linework. Add sparkle if you’re brave. Glittery ink? Dangerous game. But maybe that’s the point.

12. Bow Through the Heart – Sweet Pain, Anyone?

A literal ribbon tied through a bleeding heart. Not a cartoon one, either—we’re talkin’ anatomically correct. All valves, all veins, maybe even stitched down with the ribbon threads.

It’s love, but love that hurts. Love that maybe tried too hard. Love that left a mark.
The bow softens it just enough. Not too emo. But definitely not sunshine-and-daisies either.

Perfect for the ribs or sternum. The kind of tattoo that only gets shown when it really matters.

13. Melting Bow – Soft but Falling Apart

Imagine a silky ribbon… but it’s melting like candle wax. Dripping. Losing form.

Symbolism? Oh, it’s dripping with it. Femininity that’s unraveling. Beauty that’s breaking down. Grace under pressure that finally just said “nah.”
There’s something haunting about it. In the best possible way.

A melting bow design belongs on the forearm, shoulder, or even thigh. Let it drip. Let it ooze. Let it say what words won’t.

14. Bow with Barbed Wire – Soft Meets Savage

You ever see those tattoos where you can’t tell if the ribbon is wrapping around you… or strangling something?

Now imagine that—but the bow is tied right around a line of barbed wire. Soft looped satin, delicate ends, but wrapped around something sharp. Painful.

It screams duality. Soft girl, hard life. Or maybe vice versa.
Go full black and gray, or add one vivid color (like red or violet) for contrast. Either way—it’s saying, “I’m not here to be unwrapped easily.”

15. Bow + Clock or Hourglass – Time Tied Up

Time waits for no one, but you? You tied it up in a bow.

This concept’s got depth. A ribbon wrapped around a vintage pocket watch or an hourglass, the loops softening the idea of fleeting time.
It hits deep—like trying to hold onto moments, or bottling up nostalgia. Could be grief. Could be memory. Could be just a wild summer you wanna remember forever.

Ideal for larger areas like the thigh or side of the ribs. The details matter. Let the lines tell a story.

16. Bow Made of Leaves – Nature’s Ribbon

Forget satin. This bow is made of leaves—maple, oak, eucalyptus, whatever speaks to you.

Earthy and grounded. It works for nature lovers, forest witches, barefoot-walkers.
Greens and browns, maybe gold in the fall… or do it all in fine black linework for a timeless feel.

Would look unreal on the shoulder blade, hip, or nape. It doesn’t shout—it whispers, rustles, stirs.

17. Broken Bow – Tied but Torn

This isn’t your cutesy ribbon.

This is a bow that’s frayed at the ends. Maybe one loop is missing. Maybe it’s barely holding together.
It’s messy. Real. Honest. The kind of ink you get when you’ve been through things. And you want to remember you still held it together anyway. Even if the knot was crooked.

It can sit low on the spine. Or close to the heart. Either way—it’s personal. Quietly loud.

18. Bow with Snake – Pretty Poison

Now here’s a vibe. A silk bow… and a serpent slithering through it.

Could be wrapping around it. Or maybe coiled right at the center knot, tongue flicking out like “don’t get too close.”
It’s a combo of elegance and danger. Like someone who’ll smile at you while planning your downfall. And still look cute doing it.

This one begs for rich detail. Go for scale texture, shading, and motion. A shoulder or calf placement? Chef’s kiss.

19. Bow as a Bookmark – For the Quiet Rebels

For the bookworms, the writers, the ones with heads full of worlds.

Picture this: a slim ribbon bow sticking out of an open book. Maybe peeking from the middle, like a real bookmark. Maybe the pages spell something. Maybe not.
It’s quiet. But poetic. Tattoo it on the forearm, or over the ribs, or even behind the knee. Add little stars or ink splashes if you want to go cosmic.

It’s a love letter to stories. Yours included.

20. Celestial Bow – Stars, Moons & Cosmic Vibes

This one’s dripping stardust.

A bow tattoo that looks like it was tied from constellations. The ribbon trails? Little moons and stars.
It’s whimsical, but not childish. Soft and witchy. Dreamy and divine.

Works well as a shoulder-to-collarbone tattoo, or stretched across the lower back in a way that says, “Yes, I sparkle. And what about it?”

Use white ink or shimmery grey if your artist knows how to work it. Or keep it stark black and let the cosmos do the talking.

Why Bows Though? Let’s Talk Symbolism

Bows aren’t just about aesthetics. They’ve got layers. Like, emotional lasagna.

Tied bows symbolize gifts, memories, promises kept—or broken. A tied ribbon can mean remembrance. Or restraint. Or release. Depends on how you look at it.

For some, they’re about femininity and softness. For others, power wrapped in lace.

There’s something deeply human about it. We tie bows when things matter—on presents, on goodbye letters, around things we wanna keep safe.

So when you tattoo one onto your skin? You’re saying: this matters. Even if you never tell anyone what “this” is.

Style Tips for the Win

• Fine-line work: If you want delicate, this is the move. Great for finger and wrist designs.

• Bold neo-traditional: Want it to pop from across the room? Go bold with color, line, and shading.

• Watercolor: Messy ribbons look divine in watercolor—faded, dreamy, almost melting.

• Realism: If you want your bow to look tied on? Go hyper-real. But only if you trust your artist. Seriously.

Placement Pointers (aka Where the Bow Should Go)

• Thighs – Playful, flirty, dramatic
• Neck – Bold and unapologetic
• Wrist – Simple and sweet
• Ribcage – Oof. Painful, but beautiful
• Back of shoulder – Classic, feminine
• Finger – Minimal and personal
• Ankle – Flirty and elegant
• Behind the ear – Subtle but spicy
• Spine – Strong vertical symmetry

Wrapping it Up (Pun Very Much Intended)

Here’s the thing: bow tattoos aren’t just cute. They’re layered with meaning, personal stories, and a surprising amount of edge. They can be playful or deadly serious, small enough to hide or bold enough to own a room.

Getting one is like signing a secret message only you understand—and wrapping it in satin.

So whether you’re craving something dainty or dramatic, quiet or commanding, there’s a bow tattoo out there waiting to be tied just for you.

Ready to wrap yourself in ink?

Do it. You’re the gift. Always were.