If you’re thinking about getting a tattoo, one of the toughest decisions, besides what to tattoo, is probably where to tattoo it. Choosing the perfect placement isn’t easy and there are more factors to think about.
Before putting permanent ink on your body, you might want to consider the visibility, size, and style of the tattoo, as well as how it will look on a specific part of the body. It’s also important to not forget about how the tattoo will change with the years and what is the level of your pain tolerance.
Considering all of these things, here are the 20 most popular tattoo placements and the reasons why so many people choose them.
1. Forearm Tattoo
Forearm tattoos are really popular and they are perfect for a first tattoo considering they rank pretty low on the pain scale. Besides this, a pretty large space enables you to have a detailed and big tattoo design if you like that.
2. Upper Arm Tattoo
Just like the forearm, the upper arm is also great for larger designs. Although many think this placement is better for men, many tattoos can look really elegant and feminine on women on the same spot if designed well. A great example of that is a tattoo on this picture!
3. Inner Wrist Tattoo
The inner wrist is suitable for smaller and more subtle tattoos. Besides cute designs, script tattoos look perfect on the inner wrist and aren’t too visible. This is a very popular placement for women because wrist tattoos always turn out elegant.
4. Shoulder Tattoo
Shoulder tattoos are really versatile. They can be small, big, extend to the upper arm, back, neck, or even chest, there are so many possibilities! Shoulder tattoos can also connect pretty nicely with other tattoos so they’re good if you wish to add other designs to your collection.
5. Upper Or Lower Back Tattoo
The back is the best canvas for tattoos offering a large space for whatever design you have in mind. They are popular because they can be hidden easily with clothes and always turn out magnificent. Lower back is probably one of the hottest spots on your body for a tattoo.
6. Chest Tattoo
Chest tattoos are for bold people who are not afraid to show off their ink art all year round. Since the chest is where the heart is, people usually choose this spot for meaningful tattoos. They are often extended to the shoulders, stomach, and neck.
7. Ribcage Tattoo
Ribcage tattoos are pretty high on the pain scale so I wouldn’t advise you to choose this placement if you have low pain tolerance. However, there’s no denying that ribcage tattoos look absolutely stunning and elegant. Floral patterns are a great choice for this spot!
8. Outer Thigh Tattoo
Another popular placement for large designs is the thigh, especially the outer thigh. It’s an appealing spot for tattoos that extend to the hip or wrap around the leg following natural body curves.
9. Ankle Tattoo
Ankle tattoos are great for fans of small, delicate tattoo designs. Common ankle tattoos include flowers, leaves, or anklets that wrap around the ankle. The usual style that goes well with these tattoos is definitely linework.
10. Foot Tattoo
Similar to ankle tattoos, feet are great for simple flowy designs that often extend to ankles, and tattoos you can easily hide whenever you want. A lot of foot tattoos are inspired by henna art.
11. Back Of The Neck Tattoo
The back of the neck is a discrete and trendy tattoo placement. Tattoos that will look perfect on the back of your neck are smaller tattoos, symbols, and symbolic quotes. If you have short hair or like to wear your hair up, a tattoo here will always pop out and look amazing!
12. Behind The Ear Tattoo
The primary reason for people choosing to have tattoos behind the ear is because they’re incredibly cute and subtle. Butterflies, stars, notes, small symbols, and more will all look amazing behind the ear!
13. Hand Tattoo
If want to always show off your tattoo, I think a hand tattoo is a way to go! It makes a bold and strong statement and is perfect for meaningful designs. The style of the hand tattoo can be anything, from delicate fine-line tattoos to realistic and bold ones, you can go for anything depending on your taste.
14. Fingers Tattoo
Finger tattoos are usually suitable for more delicate, tiny designs due to restricted space. I’ve never seen anyone with finger tattoos that look bad, they always turn out amazing! The only downside is probably the fact they require touch-ups because they tend to fade more quickly.
15. Calf Tattoo
Calf tattoos are great for those who like to show off their tattoos in warmer weather but cover them up in professional settings. This is a great spot for larger designs and it’s not really painful because of the muscle in that area.
16. Hip Tattoo
Besides lower back, hip tattoos may be another perfect spot for tattoos that will surely make you a couple of degrees hotter! Flowy designs like flowers, quotes, and abstract art, that can follow the curvature of the body will look the best on the hips. They are also good for those who like to keep their artwork private.
17. Lower Stomach Tattoo
Designs on the stomach can be detailed and elaborate, making this spot perfect for larger tattoos. Common art pieces for the lower stomach are tribal tattoos which are symbolic but can also be there purely for aesthetic reasons.
18. Collarbone Tattoo
If you’re searching for a tattoo placement that is very elegant and stylish, a collarbone tattoo is what you need! This area is popular for smaller, simpler designs. Flowers, leaves, meaningful quotes, and feathers will all look really cool there.
19. Spine Tattoo
Spine tattoos are an excellent choice for neat, long designs that follow the straight line of a spine. It’s a very unique, elegant, and bold choice for sure! A spine tattoo will perfectly complement any outfit with an open back.
20. Above Elbow Tattoo
The area above the elbow is mostly reserved for medium designs. It’s perfect for a variety of tattoos like simple fine-line tattoos, or more elaborate designs that extend down the forearm or on the upper arm and bicep.
Whatever tattoo you choose, think twice before deciding on a placement because it can greatly impact not only the visual appearance of a tattoo but also its durability.