37 pretty butterfly tattoo ideas to inspire your next ink

Given butterflies symbolise growth, hope, freedom, femininity and more, it's easy to see why the butterfly tattoo is so popular. The design continually resurrects itself and it's an enduring emblem of transformation and metamorphosis – which is why it's been an important motif in many cultures for generations.

But also, it offers up a little nostalgia, since the butterfly was everywhere in the nineties and noughties, from fashion to music. Mariah Carey dedicated a whole 1997 album to the insect (which included lyrics like "spread your wings and fly, butterfly"), teensy butterfly clips decorated our hair and jewel encrusted butterflies bedazzled our tinted sunglasses. Now, it's become the emblem of a whole new generation as Gen Z reclaim the Y2K butterfly, which is probably why “butterfly tattoo” has over 460 million views on TikTok.

We love the double-whammy union of a classic and trending symbol in one beautiful design, especially when it comes to something you plan on inking on your body for eternity – or not, as was the case with Ariana Grande (perhaps the most famous stan of butterfly tattoos) whose duo of butterflies down her arm mysteriously disappeared over the space of a summer. Even so, her delicate inkings still provide pretty inspo.

Other famous fans include Vanessa Hudgens who has a butterfly on the back of her neck.

And Halsey, who has a dainty butterfly perched on her right forearm.

And even Harry Styles has a giant tat dedicated to the insect across the front of his rib cage.

The beauty of a butterfly tattoo is that it works perfectly against the contours of your body – whether you want one in flight, or perched on a shoulder blade.

Here's 37 of our favourite butterfly tattoo ideas…

Simple design above the elbow

This simple minimalist design feels delicate but still intricate. Its positioning means it's a little more subtle and you may get to see it a less yourself, but it's visible as you walk by – and it's the last thing people will see as you leave. A pretty parting gift, we reckon.

Dinky design on the lower back

This tiny lower back tattoo is cute, throwback and a little more discreet. You can keep her to yourself or share her with the world with a cropped tee or two-piece.

Red design on the upper arm

If you want to choose a classic shape, but give it a twist, consider the colour of your inking. This red interpretation adds a little something extra.

Monarch butterfly on the shoulder

Monarch butterflies can have a personal meaning, but they're also beautiful all on their own. Perched on top of the shoulder, this clever design looks like it might take flight.

Middle finger

Instead of flipping the bird, you could always flip some more delicate wings with this pretty (but cheeky) design.

Sternum

Because of the symmetrical shape of a butterfly, a central spot on your body can add to the balance – that's why the sternum is a good spot.

Above the elbow

This subtly-shaded black and white design makes a soft statement.

Above your bra

If you want a more intimate spot for your inking, just above the bra means its easy to cover, but also cute to show off in the summer or when you wear a swimsuit. This line design is a dainty option if you want something more minimal.

Behind the ear

Rather than an angel on your shoulder, we reckon the wings of a butterfly behind your ear are a good omen.

Tripled up on the lower forearm

These tripled up butterflies look like they're floating up the forearm. It's a pretty way to match the design to the contours of your body.

Butterfly and face

This graphic shape cleverly incorporates a face into the wing.

Duo on the ribcage

The ribcage is another subtle spot for a more private inking.

Half and half on your wrist

This cute half and half design is smart. Each looks like the side profile of a butterfly, but joined together it creates a whole.

Blue butterfly on the shoulder

This blue shaded butterfly incorporates colour beautifully.

Delicate wrist butterfly

How adorable is this dinky wrist inking? It's perfect if you want something small but still stunning.

Large shoulder blade butterfly

We love the idea of adding butterfly wings to shoulder blades to create your own mini set.

Triple butterfly design

If you can't land on just one butterfly design, go for three, like this delicate outlined trio.

Upper arm

This slightly faded upper arm tattoo has a vintage feel to it.

Ribcage trio

This bold almost cartoon trio remind us of the butterfly emoji. It works with the contours on the ribcage perfectly.

Shoulder blade

This orange monarch butterfly looks like it's about to take off.

A kaleidoscope of butterflies on the wrist

The official name for a group of butterflies? A kaleidoscope. How pretty are these soaring up the arm?

Inner arm below the elbow

Just below the elbow on the inner arm is a spot that's visible enough to get plenty of air time, but it still feels intimate. This small rendition and scroll writing is super cute and dainty.

Nape

This graphic swirl butterfly can make a statement when your hair is up, but it's easy to cover if you wish, too.

Side of the wrist

This feather-thin butterfly duo is prominently placed for a tattoo that can be admired often.

Thumb print butterfly above the elbow, inner arm

This thumbprint butterfly is so unique. We love the clever personalisation.

Inner arm, above the elbow

This stars and butterfly scene is delicate, feminine and pretty.

Blue butterfly below the collarbone

The shading around this blue butterfly looks so realistic, we thought it was the real thing for a sec.

Lower arm sleeve

A butterfly design is a great way to add to a sleeve.

Back of the shoulder

The back of the shoulder offers the perfect proportions for this statement butterfly.

Lower inner arm

This layered line-drawn butterfly is simple but unique.

Duo behind the ear

For a tat that will stand out, go for a bold colour, like this red duo behind the ear.

Above the wrist

These life-like looking butterflies appear to be flying up the arm.

Back of the upper arm

This simple scene is sweet and uplifting.

Lower arm

The lower arm placement means you'll get to enjoy your artwork often.

Up the side of the ribcage

This tiered trio makes great use of the long space running down the side of the ribcage.

For more from GLAMOUR's Senior Beauty Editor, Elle Turner, follow her on Instagram @elleturneruk