Bow Tattoos Are One Of 2024's Biggest Ink Trends

In recent years, tattoos have nearly doubled in popularity. Far from the shocking, taboo statement pieces of yore, today's tattoos can be found on everyone from baristas to CEOs. Whether you're the type to stew about a design for years or walk in and choose a random flash tattoo on the day, tats have become a common way to express your identity, your relationships, and even your aesthetic. This includes repping hot styles like the coquette fashion trend, which is leaving its mark on tattoo trends in 2024. Specifically, this year is all about the cutest of coquette ink: bow tattoos.

"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," tattoo artist Ariel Wei told Byrdie, adding that she's been tattooing more bow designs than ever. Evidently, the versatility of bows is a particular selling point. "The bow itself is already cute and pretty, so it goes along with everything. You can have a sexy outfit with a bow tattoo, go grunge with a bow ... the bow just makes everything more unique and epic." It's true — no matter your base aesthetic or preferred ink style, adaptable bow tattoos are a trend that everyone can get in on.

For a bow tattoo that's understated and versatile, you can't go wrong with a black-and-gray design. You can represent any kind of bow in this softly shadowed style, from wispy, delicate knots to puffy schoolgirl bows, and it still won't overwhelm your aesthetic. Plus, the simple elegance of a black-and-gray tattoo makes it a little easier to dress up the look for special occasions — a consideration that's especially relevant if you're getting your bow tattoo in a very visible spot.

If you want a bow design that's even simpler than black-and-gray, a clean linework tattoo makes the absolute most of negative space, only lightly adorning your skin with ink. The effect is charming and youthful, a bit like the wholesome feel of a coloring book — a vibe that really complements the sweetness of a bow tattoo. Or, if you like the monochrome quality of linework but find this outlining too simplistic, there's also the option of blackwork, the tattoo trend that only uses black ink to create bolder, more evocative designs.

For many people, the hue of a bow can be as important as its shape, so why not welcome the vibrance of a full-color bow tattoo? From dreamy watercolor tats to illustrative neo-traditional or cartoony new school bow tattoos, a colorful design can easily be tweaked for your desired style and color palette. Plus, the addition of colored ink gives you one more way to add meaning to the design, whether you're choosing your favorite shade or opting for a color that represents something deeper.

Want to immortalize your relationship with a best friend, significant other, or family member? Bow tattoos can be a great option for duos trying to choose a non-cringey matching tattoo. For ultimate twinning, get purely identical designs in the same art style. Or, you can each put your own spin on the bow tattoo, celebrating your togetherness with the subject matter and your individuality with the design. You can also play with body placement for your matching bow tattoos, deciding whether you want their locations to match, as well.

They say that less is more, which may explain the ongoing popularity of adorably tiny micro tattoos. Small in size and delicately lined, micro tattoos are the ultimate in body art subtlety, letting you get a precious bow tattoo that's unobtrusive and easily hidden. The one caveat? Some tattoo enthusiasts wonder whether micro tattoos will fade faster than other designs. For best results, consider going to an artist who specializes in micro tattoos and can help ensure that your bow tattoo lasts as long as possible.

Typically resting on your upper thigh, garter tattoos offer a perfectly flirty placement for bow designs. Center your bow tattoo on the front, back, or even outside of this leg-wrapping design, then complement it with the inked garter of your choice. Matching ribbons or intricate lace are both classic, feminine options, but you can also get creative with it. For a natural, earthy twist, pair your bow tattoo with leafy vines and florals. Or, for an edgy throwback garter, there's always barbed wire or tribal swoops.

Bows add a soft, girly accent to any tattoo, whether you're starting with already-pretty subject matter like a delicate perfume bottle or juxtaposing bolder graphics like the hard lines of a biomechanical tattoo. You can also put your own personal stamp on a classic bow design — for example, one Instagram user shows off a garter tattoo with scissors tucked through the bow. The addition of one unique element changes the whole vibe of a piece and helps it stand out from the crowd.

For a truly one-of-a-kind bow tattoo, bring your point of view into the design of the bow itself. Your imagination is the limit! Swap out that traditional ribbon to create a bow tattoo of knotted measuring tape, pattern the bow in your family tartan, or cover the knot with a meaningful, unexpected centerpiece. Anything from a skull to an acorn to a cupcake will do — it all depends on your aesthetic and vision. Just be sure to take your artist's professional advice in mind when creating the look together.