The bow helped hide the knot and gave the garment a neater appearance. It may also have made it easier to identify the front, especially when dressing in dim light.
As elastic became common during the 20th century, front ties were no longer necessary. However, designers kept the bow as a familiar detail connected to traditional lingerie.
Today, the bow is mainly decorative and is often associated with softness and classic style. It shows how small fashion details can continue long after their original purpose has disappeared.
