Scroll through dog accounts on Instagram lately and one accessory keeps showing up again and again, the bow. What used to be a simple grooming touch has turned into a genuine style category of its own, with dog bow styles ranging from soft pastel ribbons to full boutique statement pieces.
Table of Contents
Below are 7 dog bow styles worth knowing, including the trend names actually being used by dog boutiques and pet accounts right now, along with what makes each one work and how to wear it safely.
Key Takeaways
- Dog bow styles range from soft, minimal ribbons to full boutique statement pieces.
- The coquette trend, pastel ribbons and a soft, feminine aesthetic, is currently one of the most popular looks.
- Collar slide bows work for any dog, including short haired breeds without enough fur for a clip or elastic style.
- Pigtail double bows have gained popularity across all breed types, not just traditionally fluffy small dogs.
- Attachment method, elastic, clip, or collar slide, matters as much as the style itself for comfort and safety.
Why Dog Bows Became Such a Big Trend
Bows sit at a nice intersection of simplicity and impact. Unlike a full outfit or costume, a bow takes seconds to put on and instantly adds a polished, styled look to any dog, which makes it an easy favorite for the kind of quick, charming content that performs well on Instagram and TikTok.
The trend has also expanded well beyond the traditionally fluffy small breeds most people associate with bows. Accounts dedicated entirely to bows on bully breeds and larger dogs have gained real followings, pushing back on the idea that bows are only for one type of dog.
1. The Coquette Bow
The coquette aesthetic, soft pastels, delicate ribbon, an almost vintage feminine feel, has crossed over from human fashion into dog accessories in a big way. A coquette bow typically uses a light pink, cream, or baby blue satin ribbon, often paired with a simple bow shape rather than anything oversized or elaborate.
This style photographs beautifully against almost any coat color, and its understated look makes it just as wearable for an everyday walk as it is for a styled photo. It has become one of the most searched and shared dog bow looks over the past year.
- Soft pastel colors, pink, cream, and baby blue are the signature palette
- Simple, delicate shape rather than an oversized statement bow
- Works well for both everyday wear and styled photos
- Pairs naturally with the broader coquette aesthetic trend
2. Pigtail Double Bows
Two small bows, one on each side of the head, styled like pigtails, have become a genuinely popular look, especially for dogs with enough fur on top of the head or around the ears to secure them. The playful, symmetrical look tends to photograph extremely well.
This style has notably grown beyond its traditional association with small, fluffy breeds. Several boutique accounts now specifically market double bows for larger and bully breeds, changing the perception of who a bow style is actually for.
- Two matching bows create a playful, symmetrical look
- Requires enough fur length on the head or ears to secure properly
- Increasingly popular across breed types, not just small fluffy dogs
- A favorite for both casual photos and special occasion styling
3. The Collar Slide Bow
Sometimes called a lady bow by boutique brands, this style slides directly onto an existing collar rather than attaching to fur, making it the most universally wearable option on this list. Short haired breeds and dogs without enough fur for a clip can still participate in the trend with this style.
Because it attaches to the collar rather than the fur, this style also tends to stay in place more reliably throughout the day, without the risk of slipping out or pulling on fur the way some clip or elastic styles can.
- Attaches to the collar rather than requiring fur to clip onto
- The most universal option, works for any coat length or breed
- Stays in place more reliably than fur attached styles
- Often marketed as an elegant, lady bow style by boutique brands
4. The Boutique Layered Bow
This is the fuller, more elaborate style often seen in professional grooming photos, built from layered loops of ribbon stacked to create volume rather than a single flat bow shape. It makes a bigger visual statement than simpler styles.
Groomers frequently use this style to finish off a fresh haircut, since the extra volume photographs well and adds a polished, finished look that a simple bow does not quite achieve on its own.
- Layered ribbon loops create noticeably more volume than a flat bow
- A common choice for post grooming photos and finished styling
- Makes a bigger visual statement for special occasions
- Typically requires a bit more fur to anchor the larger size securely
5. The Classic Bow Tie
Distinct from a hair bow, a bow tie sits at the neck, either sliding onto the collar or clipping directly on, giving a more formal, polished look often associated with weddings, professional photos, or simply a dapper everyday style for male identified dogs.
This style has stayed consistently popular because it works across every breed and coat type without needing fur to attach to at all, making it one of the more practical options on this list.
- Sits at the neck rather than on the head, distinct from a hair bow
- A popular choice for weddings, formal events, and professional photos
- Works for any breed or coat type since it attaches at the collar
- Often chosen as the more masculine leaning bow option
6. The Pearl or Rhinestone Embellished Bow
For a bigger statement, embellished bows add faux pearls, rhinestones, or small charms to a satin base, creating a glam, dressed up look reserved for special occasions rather than everyday wear.
This style shows up often around birthdays, holidays, and milestone photos, where the extra sparkle adds a celebratory feel that a plain ribbon bow does not quite capture on its own.
- Faux pearls, rhinestones, or charms add a glam, dressed up look
- Best reserved for special occasions rather than daily wear
- A popular pick for birthdays, holidays, and milestone photos
- Check embellishments regularly to ensure nothing comes loose
7. The Seasonal Print Bow
Gingham, floral, and holiday themed prints turn a simple bow into a seasonal styling piece, easy to rotate throughout the year without needing an entirely new accessory collection.
This style pairs naturally with seasonal bandanas or collars for a coordinated look, making it a popular pick for owners who like to theme their dog’s style around holidays or the time of year.
- Gingham, floral, and holiday prints add seasonal variety
- Easy and affordable way to rotate styles throughout the year
- Pairs well with matching seasonal bandanas or collars
- A go to choice for themed holiday photos
Dog Bow Styles at a Glance
| Bow Style | Attachment Method | Best For | Material |
| Coquette Bow | Elastic band or clip | Small to medium dogs, pastel aesthetic | Satin or grosgrain ribbon |
| Pigtail Double Bows | Two elastic bands | Dogs with longer ear or head fur | Grosgrain ribbon |
| Collar Slide Bow | Slides onto existing collar | Any size dog, no fur required | Cotton or velvet |
| Boutique Layered Bow | Alligator clip or elastic | Groomer style photos, fuller look | Layered grosgrain |
| Classic Bow Tie | Slides onto collar or clips on | Weddings, formal occasions | Cotton, linen, or silk blend |
| Pearl or Rhinestone Bow | Clip or elastic band | Special occasions, glam photos | Satin with embellishments |
| Seasonal Print Bow | Clip or elastic band | Holidays, themed photoshoots | Cotton print fabric |
Fit and Safety Checklist
- Choose collar slide styles for short haired dogs or those without enough fur to clip
- Avoid elastic bands that are too tight, which can pull or irritate the skin
- Remove clip or elastic bows during unsupervised time to prevent snagging
- Check embellished bows regularly for loose pearls, rhinestones, or charms
- Limit continuous wear time for elastic styles to avoid fur breakage over long periods
Rounding Out Your Dog’s Look
A bow rarely stands alone in a well put together look. Pairing one with a matching bandana or collar rounds things out nicely, and our guide on the best dog bandanas for every season and occasion covers styles that coordinate well with the seasonal and special occasion bows above.
If you are building out a full accessory rotation rather than just a bow or two, our guide on premium dog accessories for style and comfort covers collars, harnesses, and other pieces worth having alongside your dog’s bow collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dog bows safe to wear regularly?
Yes, as long as they are properly fitted, not too tight, and removed during unsupervised time or extended wear to avoid skin irritation or snagging.
What is the coquette dog bow trend?
The coquette trend refers to a soft, pastel, feminine aesthetic, typically light pink, cream, or baby blue ribbon bows, that has crossed over from human fashion into dog accessories.
Can short haired dogs wear bows?
Yes, a collar slide bow attaches directly to the collar rather than the fur, making it a great option for short haired breeds that cannot support a clip or elastic style.
How do I attach a bow without hurting my dog’s fur?
Collar slide bows avoid fur entirely. For clip or elastic styles, use gentle, appropriately sized elastics and avoid pulling too tightly against the skin.
What is the difference between a dog bow and a dog bow tie?
A hair bow typically clips or ties into fur on the head, while a bow tie sits at the neck and usually attaches to the collar, giving a more formal look.
Are pigtail bows only for small dogs?
No, while traditionally associated with small fluffy breeds, pigtail double bows have grown in popularity across all breed types, including larger and bully breeds.
Conclusion
From the soft, pastel coquette look to bold pigtail bows and elegant collar slide styles, dog bow styles have grown into a genuine category of pet fashion, not just a grooming afterthought. There is a style here for nearly every dog, breed, and occasion.
Whether you are dressing up for a special photo or just adding a small daily touch of style, picking the right attachment method for your dog’s coat and comfort matters just as much as the look itself.