The Body Part Tattoo Guide: A Comprehensive Guide To Tattoos On Every Part Of Your Body
Tyler Martina
The Body Part Tattoo Guide: A Comprehensive Guide To Tattoos On Every Part Of Your Body
Deciding where to get tattooed is one of the best parts of getting tattooed. Do you want your new tattoo hidden or do you want everyone to see? Is your pain tolerance very high, or is it very low? These questions and many more are important in deciding where on your body you get your next tattoo.
At Mr. Inkwells tattoo shop we have done thousands of tattoos, on every part of the body. So, we have the experience and insight to know the differences of getting tattooed on each body part. Most people planning on getting tattooed don't have this hands on experience, that is why we put together this comprehensive guide to tattoos on different body parts. That way you can be prepared and gain some idea of what to expect for your next tattoo.
How The Body Part Tattoo Guide works:
Each body part that you may be planning to get tattooed is listed below. The list is done in alphabetical order so just keep schooling down until you find the body part you are interested in tattooing.
There will also be some quick info about getting tattooed in that place, including:
This will make it easy to quickly search through multiple body parts and compare information on getting tattoos there.
Finally, if you click on the body part you are interested in tattooing it will open a new page completely dedicated to tattooing that specific body part. This page will include multiple photos and ideas for getting tattooed on that body part. So, once you have narrowed down your tattoo search be sure to click on the body part to learn even more about getting tattooed there.
Enjoy the Tattoo Body Part Guide
Ankle Tattoos
Tattoo by Summer
One of the worst mistakes made by tattoo virgins is looking for a good time with a "cute little ankle tattoo". Ankle tattoos may look delicate, however they are on the more painful side. Unlike most painful tattoos, Ankle tattoos are quite popular. The best size for Ankle tattoos is smaller, that being said, large "leg sleeves" will also include the Ankle.
(COMING SOON Ankle Tattoo Page, to learn more about Ankle Tattoos, see more pictures of Ankle Tattoos, and to get inspiration for your next tattoo.)
Arm Tattoos
Tattoo by Devon
Just like Johnny Rico and the Mobile Infantry in Starship Troopers, Arm tattoos make a great place to get your first tattoo. Arm tattoos are not very painful and can be hidden easily. This makes Arm tattoos very popular, thus more common than other body parts for tattoos. Arm tattoos are suitable for any size tattoo, but lend themselves better to medium or large tattoo designs.
(COMING SOON ArmTattoo Page, to learn more about Arm Tattoos, see more pictures of Arm Tattoos, and to get inspiration for your next tattoo.)
Back Tattoos
Tattoo by Tacho
Back tattoos are perfect for a massive tattoo, they offer the most real estate of any body part for a tattoo. Back tattoos are also a moderate pain level, this will enable you to sit through the multiple tattoo sessions to finish your masterpiece a lot easier than in other areas. Small and medium sized tattoos are more common and can look great, but personally I believe go big or go go home with Back tattoos.
(COMING SOON Back Tattoo Page, to learn more about Back Tattoos, see more pictures of Back Tattoos, and to get inspiration for your next tattoo.)
Butt Tattoos
Tattoo by Tacho
Butt tattoos can range from not painful at all to a moderate level of pain. Butt tattoos look best in the small or medium size, or incorporated with in a large tattoo i.e. a tattoo that goes up the thigh and onto the butt. Butt tattoos are fairly uncommon, and are a great place to hide a naughty tattoo.
(COMING SOON Butt Tattoo Page, to learn more about Butt Tattoos, see more pictures of Butt Tattoos, and to get inspiration for your next tattoo.)
Calf Tattoos
Tattoo by Ryan
Calf tattoos, although fairly common, are a more painful place to get tattooed. Calf tattoos are perfect for a medium sized tattoos, and tend to look better when kept on the larger side. Tattoos on the calf work especially well with tattoos that are contoured to the shape of your Calf.
Click Here to See More Calf Tattoos, to learn more about Calf Tattoos, see more pictures of Calf Tattoos, and to get inspiration for your next tattoo.
Chest Tattoos
Tattoo by Tacho
The ideal place to get a tattoo if you live in a warm climate is your chest. That way the heat gives you an excuse to take off your shirt and show off your ink. Although, if you live in a colder climate I'm sure you could come up with multiple other ways to get your shirt off, including: Getting in a fight, Creating a makeshift tourniquet for a wounded friend, or an indoor wet t-shirt contest.
Chest tattoos are medium pain level, average in terms of popularity, and are perfect for medium sized tattoos.
(COMING SOON Chest Tattoo Page, to learn more about Chest Tattoos, see more pictures of Chest Tattoos, and to get inspiration for your next tattoo.)
Face Tattoos
Tattoo by Sarah
Popularized by mumble rappers, Face tattoos once reserved for only the most dedicated tattoo enthusiasts, are now embraced by pop idols like Justin Bieber and Post Malone.
Face tattoos rate moderately high on the pain scale, and even with their new found popularity in pop culture, are still quite uncommon among the general public. For size face tattoos are best small and in a slick spot. Although, many celebrities believe that they should be placed haphazardly all over the face.
(COMING SOON Face Tattoo Page, to learn more about Face Tattoos, see more pictures of Face Tattoos, and to get inspiration for your next tattoo.)
Finger Tattoos
Tattoo by Tacho
Tell people to f@#k off in style with a finger tattoo! We use our fingers for many things, so why not decorate them with tattoos.
Finger tattoos are a bit more painful than the average tattoo, and they are also more rare. Because of their relatively small size, the best finger tattoos tend to be on the small side.
Click here to learn more about Finger Tattoos, see more pictures of Finger Tattoos, and to get inspiration for your next tattoo.
Foot Tattoos
Tattoo by Summer
Foot tattoos are first and foremost very painful. Not only that, they are hard to heal, based on the fact they are a tattoo on your foot. Plus, foot tattoos tend to fade over time, so they commonly need to be touched up.
Now that I have finished selling you on foot tattoos, let me say they look very cool, and you should never let pain, healing time, or touch ups, dissuade you from getting a tattoo. Tattoos look cool forever, so make the initial small sacrifice, and enjoy your reward for years.
(COMING SOON Foot Tattoo Page, to learn more about Foot Tattoos, see more pictures of Foot Tattoos, and to get inspiration for your next tattoo.)
Forearm Tattoos
Tattoo by Steve
If you like throwing "bows" then forearm tattoos are for you. Forearm tattoos are not too painful, and because of the fact that they are very visible, forearm tattoos are more uncommon.
Forearm tattoos work well with any tattoo size. So, whether you are looking for sticker tattoos, a sleeve, or anything in between, forearm tattoos are a good choice.
Click Here to learn more about Forearm Tattoos, see more pictures of Forearm Tattoos, and to get inspiration for your next tattoo.
Hand Tattoos
Tattoo by Steve
You wave with it, you high five with it, you use it to solidify bonds with others .... The humble hand is a perfect spot for your next tattoo. Their importance in our lives is taken for granted. Yet the hands are one of the easiest to recognize symbols of how we are feeling. Clenched in a fist is symbolizes power and unity. Stretched wide and waving symbolizes friendliness and guidance. The middle finger alone raised….
Hand tattoos are higher on the pain scale than the average tattoo, and they are also a bit less common. The best size for have tattoos is medium, but larger and smaller tattoos do work.
Click here to learn more about Hand Tattoos, see more pictures of HandTattoos, and to get inspiration for your next tattoo.
Hip Tattoos
Tattoo by Sarah
Hip tattoos are one of the most common causes of hearing blood curdling shrieks being heard in a tattoo shop. Some cocky tattoo newbie wants an intricate mandala covering their hip, yet they don't know what a sacrifice that tattoo entails.
Hip tattoos are a fairly common tattoo for how painful they are. Hip tattoos are also best for medium to large tattoos. So, be prepared to power through at least a couple hours of agony as the price for beauty.
Hip Tattoo Page Click Here to learn more about Hip Tattoos, see more pictures of Hip Tattoos, and to get inspiration for your next tattoo.
Leg Tattoos (Thigh Tattoos)
Tattoo by Devon
I get a "Leg Tattoo" is pretty vague. The leg has many parts, the calf, the ankle, the hip, the thigh. In this instance we are referring the thigh, the meatiest and largest part of the leg. The other parts are covered in different sections in this article.
Leg or Thigh tattoos are best for medium or large tattoos. They are average on the tattoo pain scale. And, they are also average on popularity. Leg tattoos are a classic tattoo location and never a bad choice.
(COMING SOON Leg Tattoo Page, to learn more about Leg Tattoos, see more pictures of Leg Tattoos, and to get inspiration for your next tattoo.)
Neck Tattoos
Tattoo by Ryan
Personally one of my favorite tattoo locations is the neck. Seeing tattoos poke out above the collar has always seemed very cool to me, ever since I first saw George Clooney's (playing Seth Gecko) in From Dusk Till Dawn.
Neck tattoos are moderately painful, but the weirdest part about being tattooed on the neck is being halfway chocked by the tattoo artist during the tattoo. They are good for almost any size tattoo, and they are still very uncommon, so get them while they are hot.
Neck Tattoo Page Click Here to learn more about Neck Tattoos, see more pictures of Neck Tattoos, and to get inspiration for your next tattoo.
Palm Tattoos
Tattoo by Tacho
You may have to put you high fives on hold for a couple weeks, but for a cool palm tattoo it will be worth it. The palm tattoo is the "sushi" of the tattoo world. At first thought no one wants to try it. But, once they do, they seldom regret it.
Palm tattoos are restricted to small size based on obvious size constraints. They are fairly painful, and very, very, rare to see tattooed on even the most tattooed people.
(COMING SOON Palm Tattoo Page, to learn more about Palm Tattoos, see more pictures of Palm Tattoos, and to get inspiration for your next tattoo.)
Rib Tattoos (Side Tattoos)
Tattoo by Sarah
Do rib tattoos look really cool? Yes. Do you rib tattoos hurt really bad? YES. Rib tattoos prove that beauty comes at a price. If you are planning to get a side tattoo that takes more than an hour or two be prepared for some of the most face-melting pain of your life. These tattoos can make even the most seasoned tattoo veteran tap out of a session early.
All that being said side tattoos are some of the best looking tattoos, and work for any tattoo size. If you are willing to pay the price of the most painful tattoo location for your new ink, then rib tattoos are for you.
Click Here to see our Rib Tattoo Page, to learn more about Rib (side) Tattoos, see more pictures of Rib (side) Tattoos, and to get inspiration for your next tattoo.
Shoulder Tattoos
Tattoo by Eddie
Perfect for a red heart with the word "Mom" tattooed on a banner, a shoulder tattoo is classic tattoo location, that works great for classic tattoos. Shoulder tattoos are also a great introduction to tattoos for those that may be hesitant of pain, because shoulder tattoos are possibly the least painful tattoos. This easy entry level leads to shoulder tattoos being quite common. But, don't let that dissuade you, there are tons of popular things that are still quite cool, including: Hoodies, Smartphones, and of course, Beer.
(COMING SOON Shoulder Tattoo Page, to learn more about Shoulder Tattoos, see more pictures of Shoulder Tattoos, and to get inspiration for your next tattoo.)
Sternum Tattoos
Tattoo by Steve
Are you looking for a tattoo that is almost directly on your bone? Then sternum tattoos are for you! The upside to these painful tattoos is that the human sternums isn't very large, which means the pain will not be lasting.
Sternum tattoos are perfect for medium tattoos that have a vertical, rectangular shape. They are also still relatively uncommon due to the teeth cringing thought of a tattoo machine rubbing up and down against your bone.
(COMING SOON Sternum Tattoo Page, to learn more about Sternum Tattoos, see more pictures of Sternum Tattoos, and to get inspiration for your next tattoo.)
Stomach Tattoos
Tattoo by Summer
Once reserved only for old english lettering, snakes, and swords, stomach tattoos have had a recent resurgence. But, be warned, the stomach is a very painful place to be tattooed. It is also a tricky location because it does not seem too bad until about an hour to 2 hours in, at which time the pain is sudden and severe.
Stomach tattoos work best for medium to large tattoos, so make sure to prepare your soul before getting tatted. The pain of getting a belly tattoo seems to be pretty well known, meaning that stomach tattoos are still fairly uncommon.
(COMING SOON Stomach Tattoo Page, to learn more about Stomach Tattoos, see more pictures of Stomach Tattoos, and to get inspiration for your next tattoo.)
Toe Tattoos
Tattoo by Artist Unknown
If you just want to dip your toe into tattoos, the absolute wrong place to start would be Toe Tattoos. Toe tattoos may seem cute, but their cuteness is eclipsed by the level of pain involved in getting them tattooed. Their only saving grace is the fact that toe tattoos are quite small, so the excruciating pain doesn't last very long.
Because of this pain, toe tattoos are very rare. So, if you really want that tattoo, or you are just trying to test your fortitude, you will be rewarded with a tattoo that is truly unique.
(COMING SOON Toe Tattoo Page, to learn more about Toe Tattoos, see more pictures of Toe Tattoos, and to get inspiration for your next tattoo.)
Wrist Tattoos
Tattoo by Ryan
The wrist tattoo is the final step in moving tattoos from your arm to your hand. The tattoo progression usually starts with a hidden tattoo on the upper arm first. Then, as the person becomes more brazen, they get tatted on the forearm for everyone to see. Then ... the wrist tattoo.
Wrist tattoos are best for smaller pieces, and they are average as far as pain goes. Although wrist tattoos are more common than hand and finger tattoos, they are not the most common tattoos either.
(COMING SOON Wrist Tattoo Page, to learn more about Wrist Tattoos, see more pictures of Wrist Tattoos, and to get inspiration for your next tattoo.)
Underboob Tattoos
Tattoo by Summer
Underboob tattoos are a mix of stomach and sternum tattoos. This means that these tattoos are moderately high on pain level. Again, as with most more painful tattoos, underboob tattoos look really cool. The location lends itself perfectly to decorative, horizontal, fine line designs, that flow naturally with the shape of your body.
These tattoos are still fairly uncommon, so if you are trying to be original the underboob tattoo is still a good choice.
(COMING SOON Underboob Tattoo Page, to learn more about Underboob Tattoos, see more pictures of Underboob Tattoos, and to get inspiration for your next tattoo.
The best advise we can give on tattoo placement is: "Get the tattoo you want, where you want." period. This tattoo body part guide is was designed to let you know what to expect when getting a new tattoo, and to give you inspiration. It was not designed to talk you out of getting a tattoo or change your mind.
Remember, with all tattoos regardless of location, size, etc. the tattoo experience varies from person to person. I have seen "tough guys" tap out in under an hour from arm tattoos. And, I have seen petite less than 100 pound ladies sit through a 3 hour sternum tattoo session without bating an eyelash. This is just the average result, and results do vary.
We will be adding more body parts as needed, if we are missing anything please let us know. Also, let us know how where you got your tattoos, and any advise you have for others getting tattooed there in the comments below.
See you soon!
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