Chest Tattoo Ideas

Popular Chest Tattoo Styles

The chest is a popular place for many people to get a tattoo. Popular chest tattoo styles are:

• Geometric – The focus of this tattoo isn’t on a specific subject. Instead it’s an opportunity to make an artistic statement.
• Soft – This tattoo style includes hearts, flowers, and small animals.
• Traditional – These are “classic” tattoos with bold lines and natural curves.

Best Chest Tattoo Placements

With its unique natural curves and geography, the chest presents an interesting canvas for a tattoo placement. It can be used as one giant space or several smaller areas. Because a chest is so individual, it can present some particular challenges when it comes to getting a tattoo. That’s why you will want to work with your tattoo artist. They can help match your chest tattoo design ideas with your body style.

As you talk to them, you’ll be considering getting a chest tattoo in one of several location including:  

• Across the heart – This is a great place for a chest tattoo that speaks to your love for an individual or your remembrance of their life.
• Lower chest – Right above the stomach is an open space that many people use for geometric designs.
• Sides of the chest – This is a popular location for chest tattoos that have a natural theme such as flowers, trees, or vines. Some people also choose this space to put their favorite quote.
• Sternum – This is an interesting location because of its visibility. While it is not a large area, its prominence makes it the perfect place for a chest tattoo that expresses your deep personality.
• Top of the chest – This shoulder-to-shoulder space can even include the neck to make a broad, open area.

Men’s Chest Tattoos Ideas

Men choose to get a wide array of chest tattoos. Some go for a small symbol of something that is important to them. Others have chosen to get a much larger, more intricate design that demonstrates their personality.

• Heart –  A popular style of chest tattoo for men is to get a representation of their heart, over their heart. Many men will also include a name, initials, or birthday or a loved one inside of the heart.
• Military markings – Many men will get a tattoo marking their military service. The chest is a popular place to put this. This chest tattoo can be the signia for their branch of service, their unit or troop number, or even a symbol of an area where they served.
• Ship – It may be because of its long history as a tattoo option but getting a ship as a chest tattoo still is a popular choice for many men. This can represent military service or it can also represent a love of travel and in particular the ocean. Some men choose to make their ship a pirate ship.

Women’s Chest Tattoos Ideas

Women’s chest tattoos are often self-contained in order to meet the shape of their bodies. Some of the more popular chest tattoos for women include:

• Flowers – Some women will choose to get a bouquet of their favorite flowers on the left or right of their chest. Other women have gotten flowers but in the shape of a necklace that “hangs” off of their neck going just below the sternum.
• Family birthdates – A popular tattoo subject for many women are symbols of their family. This can often take the shape of the birth years, or exact dates, of their children and spouses. While these can be placed anywhere, including them near the heart is a loving gesture.
• Mythical creatures – Many women will get a chest tattoo that represents a mythical creature like a dragon or gryphon. These will generally be large with the wings spanning across the chest.

Chest Tattoo Meanings

When someone chooses to get a chest tattoo they are making a very specific statement. That’s because of its often visible nature and connection to the heart. While the meaning of any tattoo is of course in its subject, many people choose to get a chest tattoo because it represents:

• Bravery

• Love

• Personal achievement
• Strength

The meaning of a chest tattoo can also be greatly influenced by the wearer’s culture.