200 Underboob Best Tattoo Designs

December 23, 2021

0 40 19 minutes read

Underboob tattoos, either directly under the cleavage, on the side of the breast, or featuring on part of the sternum, are one of the best places a woman can get inked. A favorite of celebs like Miley Cyrus and Rihanna, this is the perfect placement for anyone because it can look delicate and feminine or make a powerful statement. The underboob is fantastic because it can be covered up easily and is close to your heart, a spot that could be reserved for body art that means the most to you. However, it is also one of the most painful locations to get tattooed. The area is sensitive, and depending on your design, you could experience a lot of discomfort. But don’t let that put you off because this is a versatile and stunning spot for your next tattoo, so keep reading to become inspired.

What are underboob tattoos called?

Underboob tattoos are also called under the breast tattoos or sternum tattoos if they also feature in the middle of the chest. When getting inked, the placement is often just as important as your chosen design, and you should consider whether this is the right spot for you.

What are the downsides of underboob tattoos?

Underboob tattoos can be incredibly sexy and intimate. They look stunning, and they are versatile, but a drawback from this placement is the pain involved in the tattooing process. The area is sensitive, and any ink here will cause you discomfort; that said, the bigger and more detailed your piece is, the more painful it will be. Another thing to consider is that you will be unable to wear a bra or any tight-fitted clothing while giving your ink time to heal. This should be for around the first four or five days to avoid friction. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, this location may not be for you because some skin stretching will occur.

Do underboob tattoos hurt?

What do under boob tattoo mean?

Should I wear a bra to my rib tattoo appointment?

When getting any inkings that your bra would cover, it is best to avoid wearing a bra to and from your tattoo appointment. You will need to take off your bra when getting an underboob or rib tattoo. It is helpful to bring clothing that is comfortable and easy to remove so that you will not cause friction. A hoodie or jacket with a zip down the middle is advisable, and try to avoid wearing anything too expensive as it could be stained with ink.

How long after the sternum tattoo can I wear a bra?

After getting a sternum tattoo or any piece that a bra would cover, you need to wait at least four days before wearing any bra. It would help if you were prepared for this beforehand and arrive wearing loose-fitting clothes that are easy to get on and off. You also want to prevent friction when your tattoo is healing, and it may be best to wear a bikini top or something similar that is not tight and easy to remove in the coming weeks.

Underboob Best Tattoo Designs

1. Small Underboob Tattoo

Underboob body art looks good, but it can also be incredibly painful, and it is for this reason, many women opt for a smaller design. It is not just the pain factor that influences this decision, though. Small tattoos are increasing in popularity because they can look dainty, are easily covered by clothing, and are just as meaningful as larger pieces. When deciding on what to get, simpler designs are best. Your inking will also cost less and result in a short tattoo session; being completed in one sitting.

2. Simple Underboob Tattoo

There is a definite appeal to simple tattoos, and they are perfect for someone who prefers a more laid-back approach to body art and wants to focus on the meaning behind their design. When you strip back the design, it allows you to think about the symbolism. In addition, simple tattoos can be inked almost anywhere on the body because they are often devoid of too much detail, color, or shading. However, you can get these pieces in any size, the smaller, the better because the underboob can be very sensitive.

3. Rose Underboob Tattoo

A rose is one of the most beautiful and symbolic flowers, and it makes for interesting and meaningful body art. It is often associated with love, beauty, and new beginnings, but it is an incredibly versatile bloom and can take on different meanings depending on the color you choose. For example, red is connected with passion and endless love, whereas black represents grief or personal loss. A rose tattoo can be inked on its own, as a filler, or accompanying various other images, such as a clock, skull, or butterfly. It can look delicate and feminine or make a powerful statement and is a fantastic choice for underboob or sternum artwork.

4. Lion Underboob Tattoo

You probably don’t want to choose the underboob or sternum as the placement for your first inking. Yet if you are aware of the pain that comes with tattooing and feel you can handle it in this sensitive area, nothing should stop you from getting a big tattoo. It can make a statement when tattooed here and looks incredibly feminine and cool. If your perfect piece is extensive and detailed and means a lot to you, then this is the location for you. The reason is that the area is very intimate. It is also big enough to choose a design that can include details and shading, but this will hurt more and be more expensive.

5. Flower Underboob Tattoo

There are few better placements for a sexy tattoo than the underboob. The reason for this is that the spot is incredibly intimate, which makes showing it off a very personal decision. It is also one of the most feminine and beautiful parts of a woman’s body and has sensuality. When deciding on a design, this should reflect your personality, but many options exist. Your inking could be delicate and simple, for example, a flower outline, or it could be bold and bright. The sexiness comes from your confidence and the location.

6. Word Underboob Tattoo

Sometimes the simplest inkings are the most meaningful, and a word tattoo can be an incredibly symbolic piece. Your chosen word could be the name of a loved one, to honor someone who has passed or a word that resonates with you. Perhaps it is a reminder to be strong or courageous. Or it could be something that you aspire to be; for example, happy, free, and joyous. There are so many options to choose from and many different languages to pick from, so give some thought to your inking and find something that moves you.

7. Quote Underboob Tattoo

If you are looking for more than one word, then a quote tattoo is a fantastic choice for you. This could be a phrase that moves or inspires you and can be taken from anywhere; your favorite movie, a lyric that you love, or a poem that has stuck in your head. There are many options to choose from, and quote ink is excellent for women of all ages and looks excellent tattooed on the underboob. This is also an intimate location, so you can cover up your body art when you want or show it to those you trust.

8. Unique Underboob Tattoo

When deciding on your body art, there are common images that are symbolic and beautiful, but there are also unique tattoo options. These can be designed specifically for you or have meaning that is important and relevant to you. Before working with your chosen tattoo artist, think about the reason you want this ink. This can help you make something that reflects an aspect of your personality or brings you comfort and joy. Perhaps it is a clever slogan, a mythological design with a twist, or something you drew yourself.

9. Lotus Underboob Tattoo

The lotus flower is a beautiful bloom, but it is also incredibly meaningful. It grows in conditions that may seem unfavorable, rising from muddy waters, and many people view this as a metaphor for their own struggles. How beauty can come from unexpected places, or how we can grow after a difficult period in our lives. The flower also represents the divine, rebirth, purity, and enlightenment and can be inked by someone on a spiritual journey or a transitional period in their life. When deciding on placement for your artwork, this can be just as important. The underboob and the sternum provide women with an intimate and versatile spot.

10. Lavender Underboob Tattoo

A lavender tattoo is a popular choice for an under-the-boob piece because the shape of the sprig lends itself well to this area. But it is more than a visually appealing choice, as the plant represents purity and serenity. This design is best inked in color, as the purple hues add to the overall beauty and symbolism; the color is often associated with royalty and luxury. Lavender can also be connected to romance, endless love, and devotion.

11. Cool Underboob Tattoo

No matter that you get inked on the underboob, it will likely be a cool tattoo. This placement is special, drawing attention to one of the most intimate parts of a woman’s body and expressing femininity and sensuality. There are many designs to choose from, from delicate and simple pieces to bold and bright pieces that make a statement. When deciding on what to get, think about why you want to be inked here in the first place and what images or words hold meaning to you. Your tat can be something you drew yourself. Or work with your tattoo artist to create a unique and stylish piece that you can be proud of. It is bound to become a conversation starter if you show it off.

12. Henna Underboob Tattoo

If you are not quite ready to take the plunge into permanent body art, then perhaps a henna tattoo is the choice for you. The artwork is often used in traditional Indian weddings and can be incredibly meaningful and symbolic. Henna is plant-based ink or paste, and there is no pain during the application. Plus, they will fade over time. There are several colors to choose from, including red, orange, brown, and a bluish-black shade, and it tends to suit most skin tones. That said, you want to think carefully about the henna you use and the individual who applies it to your skin, as it can contain paraphenylenediamine (PPD). The chemical is known to cause allergic reactions in some people.

13. Jewel Underboob Tattoo

Finding the right placement for your body art is just as important as the design, and a jewel tattoo can look incredibly chic when inked under the breast. You can create the piece with the gem in the middle of your chest and detailing that continues beneath it. This can have a stunning and dramatic effect. In general, a gem is symbolic of strength and determination, but depending on which stone you choose, the meaning can be altered slightly. For example, a diamond is associated with purity and love, whereas a ruby is connected to nobility and passion.

14. Owl Underboob Tattoo

Body art is a way to express yourself, and there are few creatures more symbolic than an owl. Opting for an owl tattoo below your breast will make for a stunning but meaningful piece that immediately makes a statement. The bird is associated with mystery, wisdom, and magic. It has great importance in several cultures, including the Native Americans, where it is connected to spiritual guides and the afterlife. The variety of designs allows you to choose something that best suits your personality and style, and other images or patterns can accompany it. You can also opt for a more abstract version.

15. Skull Underboob Tattoo

The human skull is a universally recognized symbol for death and the afterlife. This meaning may seem morbid, but skull tattoos are some of the most popular options for men and women. This is for several reasons; they are bold and intimidating, but they can also have a positive association, serving as a reminder to live each day to the fullest or that the wearer does not fear death. You can pair your skull with several other images, making for a more visually interesting piece and altering the meaning slightly. For example, adding a rose represents beauty and can be a balance between good and evil or pleasure and pain.

16. Bird Underboob Tattoo

When you look up at the sky and see a bird flying, you may gaze at them with wonder and awe or feel jealous that they have the ability to fly away whenever they want. Bird tattoos have become a popular symbol for men and women to get inked because of the rich symbolism; they often represent freedom and courage. This is the perfect choice for someone who wants to remind themselves that they are free of the physical and mental constraints of the world. It is also great if they have a desire to travel. Another appealing thing about these winged creatures is there are many different birds to choose from, each with a slightly different meaning. For example, eagles represent patriotism, bravery, and power. In contrast, a hummingbird tattoo is associated with beauty, good luck, strength, resilience, and hard work.

17. Lace Underboob Tattoo

Lace tattoos are beautiful and symbolic choices for any woman. The delicate patterns make your inking look cool, but lace is also connected with purity and innocence and a symbol of female sexuality. For some, it can make you think of lingerie, making this an appealing and sexy choice. It can also be combined with other images, depending on the meaning you wish to convey. For example, you could add a butterfly to represent transformation and freedom; or a jewel for loyalty and love.

18. Sun and Moon Underboob Tattoo

A sun and moon tattoo represents two opposite forces coming together to create a balance; this can include many things, such as masculine and feminine, light and dark, and life and death. The combination makes for a beautiful and powerful inking, a fantastic choice for someone who wants to find harmony or peace in their life. There are also many different ways to design this piece; you could combine the two images into one or let them be two separate ones. Some people also wish to include stars in their artwork or interesting patterns.

19. Mandala Underboob Tattoo

Mandala tattoos are versatile and deeply symbolic. They represent the body and mind and are created using various shapes and symbols which form a beautiful and interesting pattern or image. Looking at this artwork can make you feel a sense of calm and happiness. It is a popular choice for a woman who wants to remind herself of her inner strength or balance. The underboob is a fantastic location for body art because it can be covered up easily, but it is also close to your heart, a spot that could be reserved for ink that means the most to you. Remember that you cannot wear a bra or anything too tight-fitting that would cause friction after being tattooed.

20. Angel Underboob Tattoo

An angel tattoo is filled with meaning, representing the balance between heaven and earth and associated with innocence and hope. There are many different designs to choose from, and your piece can also represent guidance or love. Angels are popular choices for memorial ink to honor a loved one who has passed. Or you could celebrate your relationship with your faith by getting tattooed with one of these celestial beings. Pick cherubs or an archangel, or opt for wings and a halo; the choice is yours. Alternatively, you could get the word angel. When deciding on an underboob piece, it is important to remember that you cannot wear your bra for a few days after and need clothes that are not tight-fitting throughout the healing period. For this reason, many people opt to get inked in winter.

What are 3D tattoos?

The term ‘ 3-dimensional tattoo’ refers to any design that looks three-dimensional, rather than two-dimensional (flat) on the skin.

The best tattoos of this nature will be realistic enough to look like photographs.

The 3D technique is used for a number of innovative and creative designs – from simply tattooing hyper-realistic looking objects to crossing into the realm of believable optical illusions.

3D tattoos are likely to take longer to complete than two-dimensional designs and require a huge amount of expertise from the tattoo artist.

If you’re considering getting a tattoo like this, it’s best to try to find a tattooist who specializes in this aesthetic, even if it means looking outside your area or paying a bit more than expected.

3-dimensional tattoo work only achieves its purpose – looking realistic – if the artist gets everything 100% right.

Realistic 3D tattoo design ideas

As we’ve already mentioned, creativity is key to creating the very best and most original tattoos.

If you’re looking for some inspiration, consider the following ideas – and don’t forget to check out our massive gallery of awesome three dimensional tattoos!

Animals and objects

This type of tattoos in 3D involves simply – though let’s be honest, it’s not that simple – tattooing a photorealistic image of something on your body.

Real-looking objects and animals make for striking, eye-catching tattoos.

Some popular choices include:

Flowers – always a popular tattoo element, flowers look even better when tattooed in 3D. Most people opt for roses since they’re one of the more complex flowers to tattoo and ones with the most depth involved – there’s a lot of light and shadow play on and between the petals, unlike with flowers that are naturally more flat. Drops of water are sometimes added for extra realism. Both color and black options are viable, and each will result in a distinctive style – though of course, the use of color will make the image more lifelike.

Portraits – portrait tattoos are tough to get right and a major commitment (they’re not as easy to cover up as names!), yet this doesn’t affect their popularity all that much. Plenty of people still get them, and there’s no reason not to if you have the right tattoo artist to help you and the certainty that this is the right choice for you. Portrait tattoos are usually done in black ink. If they were done in color, they’d blend in too much with the color of your own skin.

Animals – both tattoos of pets and of wild animals are often done in 3D to add depth and heighten the aesthetic value of the design. Usually tattooed in color for maximum realism, these tattoos tend to be quite large in order to preserve all the details and make the design more believable. Tigers, wolves, and lions are common choices, as are snakes and lizards.

Spiders – from black widows to huge tarantulas, realistic spiders make for awesome-looking tattoos in 3D. Though these insects generally cause most people to flinch and many are positively fearful of them (sometimes with good reason, after all), the symbolism of the spider is not altogether negative. They’re associated with power, mystery, and growth. Spiders also represent the concept that our choices construct our lives – likely due to the elaborate webs that spiders gradually build to catch prey.

Skulls – often combined with other elements, such as flowers or snakes, skulls never seem to lose popularity. In 3-dimensional tattoos they’re typically done in black ink, giving them a dark, gothic look. This fits in with the general cultural meanings of death and mortality that skulls bring to mind. Skulls also have some positive meanings, though – they’re sometimes associated with protection and wisdom.

Eyes – realistic-looking eyes, either single or in a pair, are another tattoo you’ll see a lot of while browsing our gallery. Eyes are symbolic of intelligence and omniscience, as well as morality and truth. In certain cultures, eyes are considered to be gateways into the soul – sometimes associated with the concept of the ‘third eye’. The third eye is supposed to be the eye of the soul – what could simply be called intuition. In Egyptian and Western occult traditions, the left eye symbolizes the moon and the North, while the right eye represents the sun and the South.

Landing insects

This is one of the most popular choices and one of the safest ones where it comes to achieving the desired effect.

And the effect you’re aiming for here is to make it look as if an insect, such as a butterfly or a dragonfly, has landed on your skin.

The insect is made to look realistic through painstaking work on the tattoo artist’s part – working with several reference images of real examples of your chosen insect to make sure it looks ‘real’ on your skin.

The tattoo is not complete without adding a shadow dropped by the insect – without it, the tattoo could still look somewhat flat.

The placement of a 3D landing insect tattoo is also an important factor to consider. Especially in the case of larger designs, the area can’t be too curved (like the top of your shoulder or your elbow), since this will distort the shape of the tattoo. For lifelike insect tattoos, consider your forearm, the back of your shoulder, or somewhere along your leg – such as your thigh or calf.

The sky’s the limit on what insect you could go with for your tattoo. You could think about what critters visually appeal to you, consider whether you have any personal stories or memories you associate with any particular insect, or take a cultural meaning or value associated with an insect as a starting point.

Butterflies

Butterflies are symbolic of transformation, first and foremost. This is because they start their lives as considerably less attractive caterpillars before transforming themselves into the colorful, beautiful flying insects.

They’re also associated with hope, change, and life itself. As such, they’re particularly meaningful 3D design choices if you want to celebrate an important change in your life or overcoming a difficult struggle. Butterflies are also sometimes thought to be symbolic of the passing of a loved one.

In addition to the above, a blue butterfly 3D tattoo generally symbolizes good luck. Yellow butterflies stand for joy, happiness, and positivity. White ones are associated with purity and, in the context of Christianity, salvation.

Dragonflies

Dragonflies have many meanings which differ somewhat between cultures. In general, they symbolize change, adaptability, transformation, and self-realization.

In Japanese culture, dragonflies are symbolic of power, victory, and agility. For Native Americans, dragonflies stood for happiness and purity, as well as for protection from ill health and injury. In Buddhist cosmology, dragonflies represent the joining of Heaven and Earth.

In tattoo art, dragonflies are often thought to represent living in the moment – letting go of the past, not worrying too much about the future, and focusing on what’s important to us here and now.

Cracked or ripped skin

These tattoo designs in 3D are way less grim than they sound. The 3D effect is achieved here by making it appear as if part of the skin is missing, to reveal something unexpected and unusual beneath.

It’s an interesting choice since this type of tattoo blends in perfectly and appears as if it really is a part of the person’s body.

Again, there are plenty of options here, limited only by your creativity and the size you want your tattoo to be.

Biomechanical

The biomechanical tattoo style involves designs which represent a seamless blend of human and machine. This means combining bones and tissue with gears, pistons, and other mechanical elements in one design, creating the illusion of a cyborg-like nature.

Though biomechanical designs are sometimes done as traditional, two-dimensional tattoos, the 3D option is far more popular. In order to show the blend of muscle and metal, the muscle must be ‘exposed’ – hence including the illusion of missing skin in the design.

Biomechanical tattoos don’t have any specific meanings in themselves – most of the time they’re purely a form of artistic expression and of decoration.

The biomechanical style in broader art movements originates from the 1970s and is closely associated with Ridley Scott’s 1979 movie Alien. In recent years, the steampunk style has influenced biomechanical tattoos – swapping the steel and cabling of traditional biomech for brass clockwork and gears.

Superheroes and other pop culture elements

A highly popular choice among ‘missing skin’ tattoos, this type is based on the idea of having a costume or a different appearance ‘under’ your skin.

Superheroes are a common theme here – you’re bound to have seen 3D tattoo pictures where it seems as if the person’s skin has been torn off to show a Spiderman or Batman costume underneath.

Characteristic, distinctive clothing/costumes, armors, and appearances of characters from movies, comic books, and games, are all great choices for this kind of tattoo.

An interesting twist is to have several tattoos with the same theme – a ‘rip’ on the chest is a classic, but you could also get matching tattoos, here and there, on other parts of your body – such as your shoulders, arms, and legs.

Writing

Using the 3D technique puts a new spin on the traditional quote tattoo. This kind of design usually involves making it appear as if the writing is under your skin, rather than on it.

To achieve this effect, the tattoo artist uses shading to create the illusion of a part of your skin missing, with the letters showing underneath.

There a couple of things to decide on when considering this kind of three-dimensional tattoo. First of all, you need to think about what the writing itself should be – you could opt for a name of a loved one, a quotation that’s important to you, or even a full page of text from a source that has personal meaning to you (e.g. your favorite book or a religious text).

Next up, the shape of the ‘cutout’ – it could look as if the skin is missing in a particular shape, such as a star, heart, or circle, or you could go for a less ordered ‘ripped’ look – as if it’s been scratched or torn off.

The fact that the writing will be ‘under’ your skin suggests that the text is not just important to you, but is a part of you. A 3D under-the-skin writing tattoo is therefore the perfect choice for writing that truly represents who you are, or who you want to be.

Optical illusions

An optical illusion uses perspective, shapes, color, and light/shade to create images that are deceptive, confusing, or misleading to our perception. Put simply, optical illusions cause us to see something that either doesn’t exist in reality or actually looks different than what we think it does.

There are many types of optical illusions out there, but the type we’re most interested in is based mostly on an illusion of depth. Think of graffiti art that makes it seem as if an image is ‘floating’ in the air, or of murals that make it look as if there’s a tunnel – when really, it’s just a plain, solid wall.