What should I wear to my tattoo appointment?
It happens to everyone! Whether you’re new to getting tattoos or a seasoned pro who’s getting a new body part done, this is one of the most common questions we get from our clients. Here’s a breakdown on what to wear based on the body part/group being tattooed (starting from top to bottom), as well as a brief explanation of why for those of you who like all the info (please note this guide also focuses on coverage of female anatomy for comfort). Cheers!
Ear/Neck: Mostly does not matter, but don’t wear something with a hood because it gets in the way. If you have long hair, bring a hair tie (not a hair clip).
Collarbones/Chest/Shoulders/Shoulder Blades: Either a strapless shirt or a spaghetti tank, and no bra, that way there are no straps or sleeves in the way of the area.
Sternum: Wear a button-up shirt or a zip-up sweater with no bra. This allows me to open your shirt and tape it to your chest to keep you covered while having your sternum exposed. I have nipple pasties available at the studio for extra coverage if wanted.
Rib Cage (front/back/side): You will need to have the arm of that side lifted above your head, so you will want to prioritize a shirt that is loose for movement. This can be anything: a loose t shirt, a loose sweater, etc. and no bra.
Abdomen OR Back/Spine: A button-up shirt or a zip-up sweater. For your abdomen you will wear like normal and I will only expose the working area. For your back, you will wear it backwards, and I will have the entire back exposed. If the tattoo is for the back or spine, no bra.
Upper arm (above elbow): Tank top OR a LOOSE t-shirt (with easily rollable sleeves). If you tend to be cold, bring a zip sweater or cardigan so you can wear half of it to keep warm.
Forearm/Wrist/Hands/Fingers: REMOVE ALL JEWELRY IN THE WORKING AREA. T-shirt or loose t-shirt or long-sleeve (with easily rollable sleeves). If you tend to be cold, bring a zip sweater or cardigan so you can wear half of it to keep warm.
Bum/Groin/Upper hip: Either loose pants that you can fully remove one leg, or a skirt that can be either pulled down or lifted up to expose the work area. Underwear either a thong or string bikini.
Mid-Upper Thighs: Either loose pants that you can fully remove one leg, or a skirt that can be lifted up to expose the work area. Underwear either a thong or string bikini if the tattoo is going high enough.
Lower Thighs/Knees/Upper Calves: Either same as above, or loose shorts are also an option.
Lower Calves/Ankles: Loose pants (please do not wear skinny jeans, for the love of all that’s holy), short socks or no socks. Easily removable footwear.
Foot: In the summer: sandals that will not rub the area being tattooed, or loose sneakers with loose 100% cotton socks. In the winter: LOOSE boots or shoes, and 100% cotton socks. The cotton socks allow for breathing, the footwear needs to be loose or you will literally rub your tattoo off as it heals. You need to continue to wear loose footwear for minimum 2 weeks after.
