If you are thinking of getting a back tattoo congrats! As it allows you to permanently express your unique personality and beliefs through the captivating artistry of ink. From delicate designs that whisper secrets to intricate masterpieces that command attention, back tattoos have the power to evoke emotions and tell stories. But during the excitement of choosing the perfect design, you should not overlook the practical aspects of the tattooing process. Like what to wear on the day of your appointment.
In my tattooing journey of 10 years, I had plenty of clients who came to get a tattoo wearing something cool and fashionable yet totally unpractical for the tattooing procedure. If I had to pick, I would say clients who come to get back tattoos were the ones to wear something that would hinder the tattooing process or make it uncomfortable for me to work on more than other forms of tattoos. Today, I will elaborate on what should you wear especially when getting a back tattoo in this piece.
Key Takeaways
- When getting a back tattoo you can wear a loose-fitting shirt, zip-up or button-up shirt, tank top, etc.
- You should keep in mind the tightness of the clothing, the color of the clothing, jewelry, or accessories you are wearing when getting a back tattoo.
- Try to wear black color clothing when getting a back tattoo.
- It may take 2 to 4 weeks to heal a back tattoo in general.
7 Types Of Clothes to Wear When Getting a Back Tattoo
When getting a back tattoo, it’s important to wear clothing that provides easy access to the area being tattooed. As a tattoo artist, I feel really annoyed when a client’s clothing hinders my work. But of course, you should wear something that will not only provide easy access to your back but also provide you comfort.
Here are some suggestions for what to wear when you go for a back tattoo:
1. Loose-fitting shirt
The loose-fitting shirt is probably the most convenient clothing choice you can go for when getting a back tattoo. Such shirts can give your tattoo artist easy access to your back. You can choose a lightweight and breathable fabric like cotton. You will feel comfortable during the tattooing procedure and will help your artist by giving him easy access to your back, how convenient is that?
If you are a women you may choose to wear the shirt by turning it back side. So that the button side can stay on your back and your tattoo artist can just unbutton the shirt from the back and get the procedure going. And you will have the shirt on your chest while you are laying on the tattoo bed. Or you can just ask your tattoo artist to provide you with tape or pasties to cover the nipple area.
2. Zip-Up shirt
When is the last time you wore a zip-up shirt? Well, this might be the right time to wear one. You can easily wear a zip-up shirt and easily take it off. So wearing a zip-up shirt when getting a back tattoo can be a good idea. As you can wear it after getting a tattoo without damaging the new back tattoo.
3. Button-Up shirt
Yes, a good old button-up shirt can be an excellent choice of clothing when getting a back tattoo. You can simply unbutton the shirt before getting the back tattoo and button up after completing the tattoo. It does not require much movement to wear so your newly done back tattoo won’t get damaged.
4. Tank top
Tank tops are breathable and mostly made of ribbed cotton so you will be comfortable wearing them. You can easily pull the back side of the tank top to give access to your tattoo artist. Try not to get a tight tank top, as tight clothing can cause friction to your newly done back tattoo.
5. Sports bras
Sports bras give good enough access to the back side to make tattoos. It also depends on the size of the back tattoo and the placement of the back tattoo to decide if a sports bra would be the right choice or not. You may talk to your tattoo artist beforehand to be sure if it would be the right choice to wear a sports bra for your back tattoo.
6. Backless dress
Going for a back tattoo session wearing a backless dress is one of the finest things you can do for your tattoo artist and for yourself. As it gives easy access to your back to your tattoo artist and after getting the tattoo you won’t even have the slightest fabric friction on your back as the dress is backless.
7. Low-Back garments
If you do not have any or are not comfortable wearing a backless dress then you can go for low-back clothing. As it is not completely backless so you won’t be feeling uncomfortable yet it has a low back means your tattoo artist will have easy access to your back.
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Things to Keep in Mind When Choosing Clothing to Get a Back Tattoo
There are many crucial things you should keep in mind when choosing clothing to get a back tattoo.
1. Choose loose clothing
Remember, whatever you wear make sure it is loose enough so that your tattoo artist can easily excess your back. A tight-fitting cloth can hinder the artist’s work and also cause fabric friction after getting a tattoo which can damage, fade or distort your newly done tattoo.
2. Avoid jewelry or accessories
It is recommended to remove all sorts of jewelry or accessories during the tattooing procedure. Especially if you are wearing any neck or waist jewelry make sure to take them off before tattooing. And avoid any jewelry that may come in contact with e newly done tattoo. A new tattoo can easily get damaged by friction caused by the jewelry.
3. Avoid wearing expensive clothing
The tattooing procedure can be a bit messy. Your dress may get stained by bodily fluid, ink, or other stuff. So wearing an expensive dress can be a bad idea as there is a chance the dress you wear during tattooing might get ruined. Wear a dress that is on the brink of rejection, meaning a dress that you have used for quite a while and will become unwearable soon, should be the right dress for your to wear before tattooing.
Color of Clothing to Wear When Getting a Back Tattoo
When you go for a tattoo session, remember not to wear your prettiest or most expensive clothing. You might not know but the tattooing procedure is a bit messy. When you get poked by the tattoo needle a few thousand times, you can bet you will bleed and the blood may stain your clothing. Not to mention ink or other fluids may also stain your clothing. So if you wear a light-colored dress and it gets stained, the stain will be easily visible. That is why I recommended wearing black or grey colored clothing to wear when getting a back tattoo. Black is the best color when it comes to choosing a color of clothing to wear to get a tattoo. To explain why I recommend a black color dress when getting a back tattoo or any tattoo in general,
I have made a list of reasoning below:
- Hide stains well
Tattooing involves the use of ink and tattoo needles, which can sometimes result in small amounts of ink or blood staining your dress during the process. Wearing black clothing can help conceal or hide these stains better than lighter-colored clothing, making any minor spills or smudges less noticeable. - Visual contrast
Black clothing can provide a strong visual contrast against the skin, making it easier for the tattoo artist to see and work on the area. It can enhance the visibility of the skin and the tattoo design, allowing the artist to achieve better precision and accuracy. - Comfort and cleanliness
Tattooing can be a messy process, involving the use of ink, ointments, and sometimes even minor bleeding. By wearing black clothing, any potential stains or marks from these substances are less likely to be noticeable, and you can avoid worrying about staining your favorite lighter-colored garments. Additionally, black clothing tends to hide sweat and other minor stains, helping you feel more comfortable during the tattooing session.
What to Wear While Back Tattoo is Healing?
While back tattoo is healing you should be mindful of what clothing you wear.
I have provided some advice regarding the topic here:
1. Breathable fabric
A healing tattoo requires air to heal. Concealearing a healing tattoo for too long and not letting it get air can cause:
- Dampness
- Overmoisturization
- Infection
- Delayed healing
So make sure to choose breathable clothing like cotton to wear when your back tattoo is healing.
2. Loose-Fitting clothing
Opt for loose-fitting shirts or dresses that won’t cling to the tattooed area. Tight clothing can cause friction and irritation, which can slow down the healing process.
3. Avoid rough Or Textured fabrics
Avoid clothing made from rough or textured fabrics that can rub against the tattoo. Clothing or rough clothing creating friction or rubbing on a healing back tattoo can fade or distort the tattoo. Stick to smooth fabrics that won’t cause unnecessary friction.
4. Wear layered clothing
If you’re wearing a shirt or top, consider placing a clean, soft layer of fabric between the tattoo and the clothing. This layered clothing will provide a protective barrier and minimize direct contact with the tattooed area.
5. Avoid direct sunlight
You have to protect your healing back tattoo from direct sunlight. Because it can fade the tattoo and damage the sensitive healing skin. Fortunately, people cover their backs most of the time when they go out. But if you are planning to go for a sunbath or tan with your healing back tattoo then avoid doing so. Avoid wearing a backless dress and wear clothing that covers the back or tattooed area.
6. Loose undergarments
If you have a full back tattoo and it extends to areas covered by undergarments, opt for loose-fitting underwear or bras that won’t rub against or irritate the tattooed skin. Look for seamless options to minimize friction.
How Long Does It Take To Heal Back Tattoos?
Back tattoos are usually larger in size compared to other tattoos. It usually takes around 40 hours to do a back tattoo. If it is a full back tattoo then the time length can go up to 60 hours. And it may take multiple sessions to complete. So you can tell the healing time will be longer than your usual tattoos. You should keep in mind a few factors that can affect how long it would take to heal your back tattoo, such as:
- Size of the tattoo
- The complexity of the tattoo
- Number of sessions required to complete the tattoo
- Skin type
- Strength of the immune system
In general, a back tattoo may take 2 to 4 weeks to heal. But a full-sized back tattoo which requires multiple sessions could take up to a month to heal. Back tattoos are a bit more painful than other tattoos in general. Because there is not much fat in our muscles between the spine and the skin. Going through a more painful tattoo procedure means putting your body and mind through more trauma. So it might take a bit longer to heal back tattoos than your other tattoos.
FAQs
Are Back Tattoos Painful?
Yes, back tattoos can be a bit more painful than other tattoos in general. Because to reduce the pain your body requires a decent amount of fat and muscle as a protective shield between your skin and bones. But the spine and skin have little to no fat or muscle to get protection from the tattoo needle poking into nerves and pain receptors and causing more pain.
What to wear for an upper back tattoo?
You can wear a halter top or just a loose button-up shirt for an upper back tattoo.
What to wear when getting a back tattoo for a male?
Males have tons of choices. They can wear a loose button-up or zip-up shirt, a loose T-shirt, or a tank top or they can just go topless when getting a back tattoo.
Final Thoughts
Getting a back tattoo can be a literal pain in the back. But don’t let the pain of the tattooing procedure discourage you from getting a back tattoo. Back tattoos are not very common, so getting one can definitely set you apart from the norm. A back tattoo can be a bald statement. Just be mindful of what clothing you wear during and after getting a back tattoo. The wrong type of clothing can hinder the tattooing procedure, put you in an uncomfortable spot, cause friction and irritation, etc.
Choosing clothes when getting a back tattoo is not that complex. Just choose a dress that is loose, made of breathable fabric, and can provide easy access to your back to your tattoo artist.
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