06 — BODY AREAS

Tattoos by body area

In short

The placement determines the composition, the sensations and the healing. Below is a short overview of the main areas: what to pay attention to, which works look good there and how the area affects sensitivity.

Choose an area

Every part of the body has its own character: different sensitivity, different challenges and different room for a composition.

Diagram of the body from the front and the back: choose an area to read about it

01 / Area

Arms

One of the most versatile areas for a tattoo: the shoulder, the forearm and the elbow take small pieces as well as large compositions. The hand is always in view and the skin there is thin and mobile, so lines fade faster. A good place for a first tattoo.

Sensitivity
Medium; the inner arm, the inside of the elbow, the hand and the fingers are more sensitive
Complexity
Low on the shoulder and the forearm, higher on the hand and the fingers
Composition
Both small and large pieces look good
Suitable formats
SleeveHalf sleeveFragment

Examples of work

  • Hyottoko mask.
  • Foo Dog.
  • Poppies.
View works Discuss on Telegram
Contents
  1. Tattoo formats
  2. The areas at a glance
  3. Arm: shoulder, forearm, hand
  4. Leg: thigh, shin, calf
  5. Back
  6. Chest and ribs
  7. Neck
  8. How to choose an area
  9. Frequently asked questions

Tattoo formats

The area answers the question “where on the body”, the format answers “what the composition looks like”. A sleeve, for example, is not a separate area but a format: one piece on the arm. Choose a place on the map above, then think about which format suits you.

Sleeve, half sleeve, fragment, large composition, cover-up

  1. Sleeve

    One composition from the shoulder to the wrist. The design is planned as a whole to follow the curves of the arm, and the work takes several sessions; most often it is in the Japanese style.

    More →

  2. Half sleeve

    A composition on half of the arm: from the shoulder to the elbow or from the elbow to the wrist. A good way to start with a large piece and, if you wish, continue to a full sleeve.

  3. Fragment

    A separate piece on clean skin: an image, a symbol or a scene that stands on its own. Suits a first tattoo and any area.

  4. Large composition

    One piece that takes up a whole area: the back, the chest, the thigh. It is planned as a whole and done over several sessions.

  5. Cover-up

    Covering an old tattoo with a new piece. It is not always possible: a lot depends on the size, the tone and the density of the old design.

    More →

The areas at a glance

Below is a short outline of the main areas. Each area is covered in more detail in the sections of the page.

Main areas

  • Shoulder

    A wide, even area that suits many kinds of work.

    Medium level

  • Forearm

    Easy to see, so the composition has to be well thought out.

  • Hand

    Always on show, the skin is mobile.

    Medium level

  • Thigh

    A large smooth area for big images.

    Medium level

  • Shin and calf

    Well suited to vertical compositions.

    Medium level

  • Back

    The largest canvas; the shoulder blades and lower back are more sensitive.

  • Chest and ribs

    The ribs are one of the most sensitive places.

  • Neck

    A visible and sensitive area.

    High level

Arm: shoulder, forearm, hand

The shoulder is the most popular area: wide and even, it suits many kinds of work, and sensations are usually easier. The forearm is easy to see, so the composition has to be well thought out. The hand is always noticeable and needs careful work: the skin there is mobile, and the design can change faster over time.

Leg: thigh, shin, calf

The thigh is a large smooth area for big images. The shin and calf suit vertical compositions well. These places are easier to tolerate than many others, but during healing it matters to protect the leg from friction from clothes and from exercise.

Back

The back is the largest “canvas” for large-scale compositions. Sensations depend on the part: near the spine, shoulder blades and lower back they are more noticeable. It is awkward to care for a tattoo on your back on your own, so think in advance who can help.

Chest and ribs

The chest suits symmetrical and large compositions. The ribs are one of the most sensitive places: the skin is thin and there is bone right under it, so sensations are noticeably stronger and the session can be harder. These areas are usually not chosen for a first tattoo.

Neck

The neck is a visible and sensitive area, and the tattoo is always on show. It is better to make this decision with care and to discuss the size and placement with your artist in advance.

How to choose an area

  • think about how often you want to show the tattoo;
  • consider the sensitivity of the area and how you feel on the day of the session;
  • discuss with your artist how the design will look on the curves of the body;
  • remember aftercare: some areas are harder to protect from friction.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best place for a first tattoo?

People often choose the shoulder, thigh or shin: the sensations are easier to tolerate there. But the choice also depends on the idea and on where you want to wear the tattoo.

Which places are the most painful?

The ribs, neck, inner arms, stomach, feet and heels are usually more sensitive. Sensations are individual: they depend on the placement, the size of the work and how you feel on the day of the session.

Can a sleeve be done in one session?

A sleeve is usually done over several sessions so that the skin can recover and the work comes out neat. The schedule is discussed with the artist.

How does a tattoo change on mobile areas?

On bends and joints the skin stretches, so the design and the healing need special attention: it is better to discuss the composition in advance.

Read also

Not sure which area suits your idea?

Tell us what you want to depict — we will choose the placement, the size and the composition.

Discuss the placement →View works