When looking to get a new tattoo, there’s enough decision making on your plate. Once you work out the design, style, size, placement and artist for your tattoo—you shouldn’t have to stress about what to wear. For a hand, wrist, or leg tat your uniform is pretty self explanatory. However if you’re getting a sternum, side, back, hip or butt tattoo you might be wondering how to dress for your tattoo appointment.
Basic Tips for dressing for your appointment:
- Wear loose and comfortable clothing
- Don’t be afraid to layer to account for body temperature fluctuation
- Wear dark clothing you don’t mind getting ink or blood on
These tips are important regardless of your tattoo placement. It’s not uncommon for your temperature to fluctuate due to a rise in adrenaline levels while getting tatted. So bring a jacket with you that you can put over your arms or legs—wherever you aren’t getting your new art.
Let’s get into how to dress for your tattoo appointment depending on placement.
What to Wear When Getting a Back Tattoo
Back tattoos can be anything along your spine, the back of your shoulder, lower back, or can cover the entire area depending on your design choice. A lot of clothing preferences depend on how much skin you are comfortable showing, but there are options for both men and women if you want higher coverage.
For lower back tattoos:
- Loose t-shirt or cami that can be pulled up
- Elastic pants that can be pulled down
For full back or upper back tattoos:
- A bikini top that you can untie while laying down
- A zip up hoodie: reverse how you wear it so the zipper is on your backside. This is a good option if you want more coverage, and can work for men or women.
What to Wear When Getting a Hip Tattoo
There’s a few options for dressing for a hip tattoo appointment that make it easier on both you and the artist.
For women:
- Long loose maxi dresses that you can pull up and wrap around you
- Dark bikini bottoms if you’re comfortable showing more skin
- Loose fitting shorts
Unisex options:
- Loose athletic shorts that can easily be pulled up, might still require adjustments throughout the session.
What to Wear When Getting a Shoulder Tattoo
Shoulder tattoos are one of the easier tattoos to dress for, your goal is to keep your shoulder area open and at easy access.
For women:
- Thin spaghetti strap tanks
- Halter top
- Strapless top
- Go braless, or wear a strap style that can easily be pulled down
For men:
- Muscle tank or loose tank top
What to Wear When Getting a Side Tattoo
Depending on the size and placement of your side tattoo, what you wear might vary slightly. For small designs, you may be able to lift up a loose t-shirt. For larger pieces, you will probably have to wear more flexible clothing.
For women:
- Nipple pasties: your shop will often provide them if your tattoo placement requires it.
- Bikini top that can be untied
- Go braless, or wear a non-restrictive bralette
For men:
- Can remove shirt or wear loose shirt that can be pulled up
What to Wear When Getting a Sternum Tattoo
Sternum tattoos are similar to side tattoos, you might want to go braless and your artist will provide you with pasties for added coverage if needed.
For women:
- Loose tank
- Bikini top
- Rolled up bandeau
For men:
- Loose t-shirt or tank top that can be removed/rolled up if needed
What to Wear When Getting a Butt Tattoo
Similar to a hip tattoo, there’s ways you can get your butt tatted without feeling completely revealed. Your artist may have to move your clothing, or add additional covering with a towel if you prefer.
For women:
- Bikini bottoms
- Loose maxi dress
- Skirt or elastic skort material that can adjusted easily
- Loose fitting shorts
For men:
- Loose fitting shorts
- Loose underwear or boxers
These are my recommendations for how to dress for your tattoo appointment— but wear whatever is comfortable for you. I look forward to tattooing you!
