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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to really not like hair bows on grown ups?

135 replies

Alcoholtakingherlife · 14/03/2026 03:28

I don't mind little hair bows on small children, massively dislike Jojo bows though. My pet hate is those huge oversized bows that grown women wear. I never say anything in real life but why? A huge black or navy coloured bow perched at the back of your head? Nope from me. I know it's fashion but they really irritate me to be honest. Anyone else?

OP posts:
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LassiKopiano24 · 14/03/2026 08:08

IMO the bows are much better than some of the Cabbage and Roses or Boden sacks/the world ugliest clothes that get posted as suggestions on the style and beauty threads.😂

pictoosh · 14/03/2026 08:08

I don't rate them...they're right up there with those awful velvet headbands that some people wear. I just get get overgrown 5 yr old vibes from both. Birthday party accessories.

Having said that, taste is very subjective and it's really nothing to do with me. I'm sure my personal style isn't to everyone's taste either.

SkinnyOatFlatWhiteForMePlease · 14/03/2026 08:06

Goldmonkey · 14/03/2026 07:51

I’m intrigued by this now.

what do you wear them with? Do you dress in quite a demure / traditional way? Do you go to church / Henley regatta?

What a limited view you have. I wear one with a woollen roll neck jumper dress, one with jeans and a blouse and one with a black velvet suit.
Not demure but quite classically dressed and my life is more independent businesses, Arts, Museums, left wing politics, boutique hotels, travel, gym and lots of coffee.
Henley is more hats and tories believe.

OvernightBloats · 14/03/2026 08:03

They were very popular in Victorian times. I like them. I might just buy one for myself now!

GloiredeDijon · 14/03/2026 08:02

Are bows back then?
I would like to see them but am old enough to remember the 80s which was peak bow time.
Also loved a scarf tied around your head with a bow on the side a la Bananarama

jeaux90 · 14/03/2026 07:58

I agree OP. It’s an irrational feeling I have, I think it’s to do with my own belief that it infantilises a woman.

Sometimesyoujustneedachangeofname · 14/03/2026 07:56

Mmmchocolatebuttons · 14/03/2026 04:52

I've never seen a huge hair bow on an adult woman.

Angela Rippon or is it Ribbon?! 😃 used to wear them a lot. She seems to have ditched them these days. Ribbons look ok on primary school girls in my opinion. The same with hairclips on older women. It just doesn't work but each to their own.

Pumpkinmagic · 14/03/2026 07:55

The few I’ve seen in person worn by adults just look really really chavvy. Although the black one in the first image on here I think looks quite pretty on the model with the low back top.

mcmuffin22 · 14/03/2026 07:53

SpanThatWorld · 14/03/2026 06:49

I wore big hair bows in the 1980s.
Now i have a pixie cut which is shaved on one side.

Bodily autonomy. You do you.

Fergie Bows 😁

TheZanyScroller · 14/03/2026 07:51

It's weird you're so bothered by people's choices. They're expressing themselves. Nobody cares if you like it or not. If you had the bottle to criticise someone's style in real life, expect a harsh response or being flipped the bird. Who do you think you are? Gok Wan?!

Goldmonkey · 14/03/2026 07:51

SkinnyOatFlatWhiteForMePlease · 14/03/2026 07:47

Headbands give me a headache, bows don’t. I have a few that I mainly wear in December (velvet, pearl and satin) and I am contemplating a linen one for summer.

I’m intrigued by this now.

what do you wear them with? Do you dress in quite a demure / traditional way? Do you go to church / Henley regatta?

SkinnyOatFlatWhiteForMePlease · 14/03/2026 07:47

Alcoholtakingherlife · 14/03/2026 04:02

I said I dislike them less, not that I like them. At least hairbands are soft and not on a metal clip

Headbands give me a headache, bows don’t. I have a few that I mainly wear in December (velvet, pearl and satin) and I am contemplating a linen one for summer.

user1476613140 · 14/03/2026 07:45

UncannyFanny · 14/03/2026 04:21

Even worse sticking massive bows on bald babies.

I know. It looks terrible.

WonderingWhatWillHappen · 14/03/2026 07:43

Charlize43 · 14/03/2026 07:43

Just not really practical on the tube during rush hour, and I can already hear the groans on the 188 bus...

Plus it's a bit small. You want one that really makes a statement

Charlize43 · 14/03/2026 07:43

Just not really practical on the tube during rush hour, and I can already hear the groans on the 188 bus...

AIBU to really not like hair bows on grown ups?
Wildgoat · 14/03/2026 07:42

Mmmchocolatebuttons · 14/03/2026 05:15

My eyes are open, but apparently this just isn't a thing in my area.

You never leave your area?

WonderingWhatWillHappen · 14/03/2026 07:41

Everyone is allowed an opinion of course but I can't imagine giving this any thought beyond 'they are/are not my thing'. The OP has started a thread to slag off hair bows and says it irritates her. I find that quite baffling.

Quite like the velvet ones. Will buy one off the back of this thread and wear it with pride. Thanks OP ☺️

Goldmonkey · 14/03/2026 07:40

Alcoholtakingherlife · 14/03/2026 07:32

This type in particular. Its like a primary school child.

I imagine this being a look for people who go to Henley Regatta.

Catwalking · 14/03/2026 07:35

It’s abit like wearing a hat, I can never like impractical things like that! they get wet & blown about in wind lol, I. put down to my ADD!

Alcoholtakingherlife · 14/03/2026 07:32

This type in particular. Its like a primary school child.

AIBU to really not like hair bows on grown ups?
OP posts:
Goldmonkey · 14/03/2026 07:26

Where do people live that this is a thing? I’ve never seen it.

Is it a new thing?

RaraRachael · 14/03/2026 07:24

GarlicFound · 14/03/2026 05:07

For everyone going around with their eyes shut ...

My eyes are fine but I have never seen anyone wear anything like that IRL.

Sparklywolf · 14/03/2026 07:23

What other people wear doesn't bother me as long as nobody tries to make me wear it too.

I wouldn't wear bows in my hair most of the year but do have a couple of Christmassy ones I wear in December. As a care worker I can't wear much jewellery etc so it let's me dress up a bit without compromising infection control or client safety. Clients love it and if it brings a bit of joy to them and me who cares?

GodSaveTheClean · 14/03/2026 07:20

TheChosenTwo · 14/03/2026 07:13

I really like them 😂
I don’t know why as they’re rather twee (not meant as an insult I just can’t think of a better word) - I don’t have one because I think it would look silly on my head but I do think they look quite sweet really.
mind you I saw them everywhere at Christmas and then not since so perhaps they’re more seasonal around here?

Oh yes masses of those here around Christmas time now I think of it. Usually with a velvet dress. Still looked lovely but in a ‘costumey’ way.

WeepingAngelInTheTardis · 14/03/2026 07:17

I don’t like them either, ive seen a few woman in their 30s wearing massive bows its gives primary child vibes.