I’ve always said that the best way to choose a tattoo placement is to look at your own wardrobe and see what makes sense. If you’re going to wear your tattoo in your everyday life, then it should make sense with how you dress.
Of course, there are exceptions. Some people will have tattoos that are meant to be seen — like those on the back of the neck or on the arms and legs. But if you’re looking for a hidden tattoo placement (or something that’s easily covered), here are some options.
Shoulder and Upper Arm
The shoulder area has two potential placements: one on the upper arm just below the shoulder, and one on the actual shoulder itself. For patchwork on an arm, you can leave skin between pieces and room for another focal point. These can be easily covered by a sleeve, but depending on the garment and where exactly the tattoo is placed, it may also be possible to cover the tattoo by wearing a long-sleeved shirt, sweater, or jacket. An inner-arm tattoo may still need long sleeves, and the upper arm is generally easier to hide than the forearm or wrist.
Clean designBack
The back is another good option. A tattoo on the back will generally take up quite a bit of space, so I recommend keeping the design fairly simple. You could also place several smaller pieces on the back, using the negative space between them as an opportunity to add more detail. This placement is especially great if you plan on covering the tattoo with a full-back garment, but swimwear or an open-back dress can leave it exposed.
Ribs
If you don’t mind having your tattoo show when you wear certain types of tops, then this is a great option. The ribs offer a substantial surface area, so they’re perfect for a larger piece. However, since the ribs are located on the sides of the body, they’re also potentially concealable. For example, oversized armholes or side cutouts on a top can allow the ribs to peek out while still keeping the majority of the tattoo covered.
Stomach
Another good option is the stomach area. Depending on the size of the tattoo, this placement can be easily covered with a top, and it’s also a great spot to put a small tattoo that you’d only want to show off during specific times of the year. That would include swimwear, shorts, skirts, and even cropped tops.
Clean designUpper Thigh
If you don’t mind showing your tattoo above the knee, then the upper thigh is a great placement. It’s easy to cover with trousers, jeans, or a knee-length skirt, but it’s also possible to show it off with shorts, mini skirts, swimsuits, and thigh-high slits.
Hip
The hip is a bit of a tricky placement. Depending on exactly where the tattoo sits, it can be easily covered with pants, shorts, a skirt, or a dress. However, because of the shape of the hip, it can be used to create a nice focal point on the lower half of the body.
So if you’re looking for a hidden tattoo placement, these are all great options. You can ask about body mapping at your consultation to see how the placement, size, and movement work together. Just keep in mind that any placement that’s on the sides of the body will require special consideration when choosing the right clothing. Consider your dress code, fitness routine, and healing timeline when planning how to cover it.