While the thighs aren’t a traditional tattoo placement for women, their ability to flatter feminine curves has made them incredibly popular over the last few years. Thigh tattoos draw attention to the legs and lower body and can be subtly seductive or bold and beautiful. Not only do your thighs provide one of the best areas for larger designs, but this area is also low on the tattoo pain chart scale, and easily covered by clothes if needed. If you’re looking for some thigh tattoo inspiration, check out these beautiful ideas.
1. Back Thigh Tattoo
A tattoo on the back of your thigh is a sexy option if you want to draw attention to your lower half. A peachy rear makes for the perfect complement to a thigh tattoo, especially if you love to wear shorts or a mini skirt. For a flattering look, ask your artist to follow the curve of your thigh when placing the tattoo, and choose a soft and feminine design – like a string of flowers – for a pretty and delicate result. Bear in mind that cellulite could impact the look of your thigh tattoo. Women with a lot of cellulite could try a side-of-thigh, hip, or front-of-thigh tattoo instead.
2. Front Thigh Tattoo
The front of thigh tattoo placement has become very popular for women over the past two years. That’s because it is not only flattering and sexy but also offers a larger canvas for detailed designs. A floral tattoo that draws the eye vertically up your thigh can also make your leg appear slimmer. To accentuate your curves, even more, choose a design that extends up your hip. All eyes will be on you when bikini season begins.
3. Side Thigh Tattoo
While many women choose the side of their thigh for a large, bold tattoo, it’s also an ideal placement for a more minimal design. Whatever you choose, ensure the final result flatters your body’s natural shape when viewed in profile. You could choose a large floral design with shading that makes the most of your curves, or a linear tattoo that makes your legs seem longer.
4. Upper Thigh Tattoo
While many women choose larger thigh tattoos to make the most of the space, a small upper thigh tattoo is equally sexy. It creates a subtly sensual effect because it’s so intimate – it is usually not visible to other people. For someone to see it, they would have to be very close to your body. As a result, many women choose a specific tattoo design with personal meaning; some ideas include a name tattoo, star sign, or special symbols that only you understand.
5. Hip and Thigh Tattoo
For women who want a bold and sexy tattoo that’s bound to get attention, a hip and thigh tattoo is a perfect choice. Larger and more detailed tattoos suit the hip and thigh placement. To complement your body shape, choose a design that incorporates curved lines, such as a snake, dragon, or swimming fish. Additionally, unlike horizontal tattoos, which can make your body seem wider, tattoos with a vertical axis draw the eye down. As a result, this part of your body seems slimmer.
6. Inner Thigh Tattoo
An inner thigh tattoo is a perfect sexy tattoo placement. That’s because it’s an intimate and private area of your body, meant only for certain eyes to see. Many women choose to get an empowering quote, special symbol, or a lover’s nickname inked on their inner thigh, as the tattoo becomes a personal secret that’s only theirs to share.
7. Sexy Thigh Tattoo
Placing any tattoo on your thigh gives it a sensual vibe – the design itself doesn’t have to be raunchy or explicit. However, what is considered sexy depends on the individual. For those who like a classic sexy tattoo, a traditional pin-up girl or garter inking could be the perfect thigh tattoo choice. For others, a word tattoo is all that’s needed to make a tattoo sexy. It’s all about your personal preference and what you find attractive.
8. Rose Thigh Tattoo
When it comes to floral tattoos, roses are one of the most classic designs. They look beautiful at any size and suit most placements due to their soft petals. They are also a dramatic and meaningful tattoo, being associated with love and beauty. When choosing a rose thigh tattoo, you could opt for a large and photorealistic inking – or a tiny and delicate stylized rose. It’s a versatile flower that you can adapt to suit your style.
9. Dream Catcher Thigh Tattoo
The dream catcher is a meaningful symbol in some Native American cultures. Woven by women to protect children from nightmares and bad spirits, the dream catcher combines a hoop with a woven net, decorated with feathers. To many people today, the dreamcatcher represents safety and protection from harm. It’s also a way to honor Native American heritage. A dream catcher tattoo suits a thigh placement because there’s plenty of space to show off the delicate details and beauty of the design.
10. Lion Thigh Tattoo
Lion tattoos are all about power and strength, confidence, dominance, and a bold and courageous personality. Those who believe in themselves and love to be the center of attention are often attracted to these tattoos. If that sounds like you, consider getting a lion for your next inking. Placing a lion tattoo on your thigh gives you plenty of options for the design, including a lion’s head, lion and flower combination, or a photorealistic lion.
11. Small Thigh Tattoo
Delicate and feminine, small tattoos are trending this year. If you prefer a simple tattoo and don’t want to show off your body art every day, place your inking on your thigh. Shapes, words, and Roman numerals are all popular choices. Give your small thigh tattoo a quirky touch by having it done in colored ink instead of black.
12. Cute Thigh Tattoo
A thigh tattoo can be cute and sexy at the same time. A cute tattoo has a young and playful feel while still maintaining a feminine element. These tattoos are usually small and done in the cartoon style to add to the cute factor. A popular theme for these tattoos is food; ice cream cones, milkshakes, and fruit have all been trending recently.
13. Dragon Thigh Tattoo
Like a snake tattoo, a dragon tattoo – particularly Chinese or Japanese style – looks great on your thigh because it has a long, curved body that can complement your curves. Dragons are also a sexy tattoo choice for women because they are associated with feminine energy in Eastern cultures. If you love the powerful symbolism of a dragon – or were born in the Year of the Dragon in Chinese astrology – consider it for your next inking.
14. Sunflower Thigh Tattoo
Sunflowers are a beautiful and symbolic floral tattoo choice, especially at the start of the New Year. That’s because they represent optimism, good luck, and health, as well as loyalty. Like other flowers, sunflowers are popular as a thigh tattoo because their shape complements a curvaceous lower half.
15. Butterfly Thigh Tattoo
One of the classic tattoos for women, the butterfly represents transformation and new beginnings. The winged insect also has a spiritual meaning in Christianity. If you have changed a lot over the last year, your perfect 2020 tattoo could be a butterfly. Placing it on your thigh will give your artist plenty of space to create a detailed design with lots of movement in the wings.
16. Tiger Thigh Tattoo
Fierce, strong, and passionate, a tiger tattoo is ideal for a woman with a fiery personality who loves to be in charge. Such a bold tattoo theme pairs perfectly with a sexy thigh placement. For best results, the body of the tiger should follow the curve of your hip and thigh. Tiger tattoos also combine well with other inkings like flowers, so you can give yours a unique twist by adding more details over time.
17. Bow Tattoo on Thigh
One very popular tattoo trend is matching bows on the back of the thighs. Women and girls traditionally wore bows and ribbons in their hair and on their clothes. As a result, these tattoos are associated with femininity and beauty. Placing the bow designs on the back of the thigh also mimics the look of garters or stockings, which often had ribbons and ties at this point. That makes them a sexy option for a tattoo.
18. Henna Thigh Tattoo
If you’re not entirely sure about your thigh tattoo – especially if you are getting a more substantial piece on your thigh – try having the design inked in henna first. Henna ink is plant-based, and the design is drawn onto the skin rather than being tattooed with a needle. As a result, henna tattoos are entirely painless and naturally fade over a few weeks. Henna tattoos are also an excellent option for holidays so that you can show off your new ‘ink’ in your bikini.
19. Mandala Thigh Tattoo
The mandala is an ancient Buddhist symbol, representing divine harmony. Many women who practice yoga choose mandala tattoos. The design itself radiates outward with many circular elements, making it ideal for curved parts of the body like the thigh and hip. It can also be combined with a lotus flower and traditional Indian-style lines to create a subtle garter effect.
20. Snake Thigh Tattoo
Snakes are one of the most popular thigh tattoo designs for women. That’s because the lines of a snake’s body are curved, giving the tattoo a sexy feel. Snakes are also associated with female energy, transformation, mystery, and intelligence, which adds to their appeal. At the same time, snakes also represent temptation through the Biblical story of Eve.
21. Flower Thigh Tattoo
The thigh is one of the most appealing placements for body art because of its versatility. Designs here can be covered easily and shown off on your terms. There is also enough space to get creative, including flower designs. You can opt for something small and simple or large and detailed. Flower tattoos can look delicate and feminine and are symbolic of life, beauty, and growth.
22. Thigh Tattoos Quotes
Quote tattoos can be an inspiration or bring the wearer comfort. They can also say a lot about their thoughts and feelings and make a powerful statement. A quote can come from anywhere, including your favorite book, poem, or something a loved one has said to you. The right placement for a quote is important as you do not want the design to appear squashed. This is why the thigh is so appealing because there is enough space to allow for detailed and lengthy quotes.
23. Medusa Thigh Tattoo
Medusa tattoos are unique and meaningful. There are many interpretations of this snake-haired maiden, with some viewing her as a symbol of evil and vengeance, while others think of her as powerful and a celebration of femininity. Your interpretation can be reflected in your design and the thigh gives you enough space to get creative with it.
24. Elephant Thigh Tattoo
The thigh is arguably one of the best locations for body art because it provides you with a large enough area to get creative with your design. It is also low on the tattoo pain scale chart and can be easily covered up. The perfect tattoo could be of an elephant, as the animal is rich in symbolism, and associated with motherhood, wisdom, and power.
25. Lioness Tattoo Thigh
Lioness tattoos are a symbol of femininity, motherhood, and strength. It can be an excellent choice to represent your family or be a celebration of female energy and power. The appeal of getting inked with this big cat is that it can be created in various styles including 3D and hyperrealistic to simple outlines. You can also combine it with other imagery, for example, flowers or geometric patterns, to add to the overall meaning.
26. Meaningful Front Thigh Tattoos
The front of the thigh is an excellent location for your next tattoo. This is because it is low on the pain scale because of the thick skin, muscle, and fat in the area. It is also more noticeable than getting inked on the backside of the thigh, letting you see your design every day. Choose something meaningful that will inspire or motivate you every time you see it.
27. Feather Tattoos on Thigh
Feather tattoos are appealing because they can be inked small or large, can be simple or detailed, and can be easily combined with other images. This includes dream catchers or arrows. Feathers are associated with freedom and are often inked by someone who wants to show they are the maker of their destiny. The bird you choose will also impact the overall meaning, for example, an owl represents wisdom and mystery, while a peacock is associated with beauty and pride.
28. Simple Thigh Tattoos
Simple tattoos focus on the basic elements of the design. This can make your piece more about the meaning associated with it, or be appealing to those who favor a minimalistic aesthetic. The thigh provides you without enough space for detailed designs, but sometimes there is beauty to be found in simplicity. Your tattoo will likely cost less because of the lack of detail and shading, and will also result in less discomfort.
29. Wrap Around Thigh Tattoo
The thigh is one of the most beautiful body parts of a woman and is often associated with femininity and sensuality. The right design can highlight your thigh and can be incredibly flattering and beautiful. This includes wrap-around designs, like a lace garter. Or you can opt for something edgy and cool like a snake tattoo that wraps around the thigh.
30. Peacock Thigh Tattoo
The peacock is one of the most beautiful, colorful birds. It is also rich in symbolism, making it a popular choice for tattoos. Peacocks represent beauty, pride, hope, and optimism. You can get inked with the whole bird, as the thigh provides you with enough space, or choose to get tattooed with only a peacock feather.
31. Cherry Blossom Thigh Tattoo
The cherry blossom tattoo is an excellent choice for the thigh and will demand attention. This is because the pretty pink colors used in the design are vibrant and feminine. The flower is meaningful, a symbol of Japanese pride, it blooms for a short period each year. Your tattoo can be a reminder of how fragile life is and to embrace each day. It can also make a statement about beauty, and how it does not last forever.
32. Lotus Flower Thigh Tattoo
The lotus flower is symbolic of spiritual enlightenment, beauty, and growth. It is a beautiful flower but grows in conditions many would consider unfavorable, emerging from the muddy waters. Lotus flower tattoos are often seen as a symbol of strength and resilience and can be a reminder that you can overcome challenging times.
33. Sun And Moon Thigh Tattoo
For those who are drawn to mystery and magic, there is no better design than a sun and moon tattoo. It can be inked to show your interest in nature and the power it holds, or could represent balance and connectedness. The sun and moon are two opposing yet complementary forces and are often associated with light and dark, good and bad, and masculine and feminine.
34. Colorful Thigh Tattoos
Some designs benefit from the use of color, for example, flowers or butterflies. The color will bring your tattoo to life, but it can also add to the overall meaning of your piece. For example, blue represents calmness and tranquility, whereas red represents passion, love, and seduction. Colorful tattoos can also be eye-catching and are a bold choice.
Thigh Tattoos FAQs
How bad do thigh tattoos hurt?
The front and outer thighs are two of the least painful areas to get tattooed. There’s plenty of padding and muscle, with few nerves. The back of the thigh gets more painful because the skin is thinner. It’s also an area that’s not touched as often, so it’s more sensitive. Finally, the inner thigh is one of the most painful areas. You’ll have to be brave to get this intimate area inked. The skin is thinner, there are more nerves, and like the back of the thigh, it’s not touched as often, so it’s not used to sensations.
Is a thigh tattoo a good idea?
Thigh tattoos are a great idea for several reasons. First up, they can be incredibly sexy, bringing attention to your shapely legs. Secondly, if you’re getting your design on the outside or front of your thigh, it’s a less painful area. Thigh tattoos are also great because it’s a large area so you can go all out with a big, detailed design. Lastly, they’re also brilliant if you need to hide your ink. Most workplaces require pants, so if no tattoos are part of the dress code, it’s easily covered up, and no-one will know!
Can you wear jeans after a thigh tattoo?
It’s best not to wear tight jeans for three weeks after getting your thigh tattooed. Soft, loose clothing is the best because it won’t irritate, rub, or cause infection. While the tattoo is healing, it will scab. Anything that rubs can cause the scab to come off, damaging both your skin and the design, and extending the healing period. The added bonus of loose clothing is that it makes it easier to apply post-ink lotion or balm that helps the healing process.
Do thigh tattoos stretch?
A thigh tattoo is only going to stretch noticeably with considerable muscle or weight gain. Skin is pretty elastic, so it’s going to take a lot to stretch your tattoo out of shape. If you take up weightlifting, your tattoo could change slightly with immense muscle growth, but for the most part, you probably won’t be aware. The most significant change you might see with weight gain is stretch marks. Again, unless it’s considerable, you won’t really notice, but the texture of your design will change slightly with stretch marks.
How painful are thigh tattoos?
Thigh tattoos are one of the least painful locations to get inked. They are considered low on the pain scale chart because of the thick skin, muscle, and fat which provide cushioning. The thigh is also not considered sensitive and you will not be getting tattooed directly over the bone.
Arabella Roden is a skilled writer and sub-editor with over ten years of experience across print, digital, and B2B. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and specializes in beauty, hairstyles, fashion, tattoos, and lifestyle topics. Arabella is currently the Chief Sub Editor at Mecca Brands and has been writing for The Trend Spotter since 2019.
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