What To Wear When Getting A Rib Tattoo – Artist Opinion

Rib tattoos are one of the boldest places to get a tattoo as it hurts a lot when you are getting it. This is because of the ribcage that is present. Anywhere there is a bone, the tattooing process will hurt a lot. That is why it is important that you wear the appropriate clothing when getting a rib tattoo so that it will not interfere with the tattooing process.

So what to wear when getting a rib tattoo? Each tattoo artist will have their own opinion on what to wear when getting a tattoo. But most will agree that you should wear something that you are comfortable with. That is why for a rib tattoo, it is important to know the correct attire that you should have on so that you are at your most comfortable.

Key Takeaways

• There are certain clothes you can wear while getting a rib tattoo that will both cover you and not prevent the tattoo artist’s work
• After getting the tattoo, it is important to wear the appropriate clothing to allow the tattoo to heal properly
• Tight-fitting bras might hinder the healing process of your tattoo but you can wear other types of bras that will not cover or restrict blood flow.
• Having the right preparation for a rib tattoo is important, so be prepared for the pain!

Clothes You can Wear When Getting a Rib Tattoo

A rib tattoo will require loose-fitting clothes so that you are not getting in the way of the tattoo. So here are some clothes that you can wear when getting the rib tattoo.

Loose T-shirt

A loose t-shirt is the most ideal clothing for a rib tattoo. This way, when you are getting your rib tattoo, either on your back or side, you can easily expose your ribs while having everything else covered by lifting up your t-shirt. It has to be loose too! Otherwise, after your tattoo is done, the tattoo will get pressed by your t-shirt, squishing it under the derma wrap. Make sure to fold the shirt up so you don’t have to hold it the whole time you are getting the tattoo!

A button-up shirt

A button-up shirt is the way to go if you don’t want to hold up your t-shirt all the time. With this, you can undo the buttons that cover your chest and rib area and easily lay down to get the tattoo done. Remember that this will also have to be a loose-fitting button-up shirt so that your tattoo is not getting squished underneath the wrap and clothing. Allowing your tattoo to breathe will help the healing process.

Shirts with cutout sides

A top with the sides cutout is probably the best clothing for rib tattoos! The top has the sides exposed, exactly the area where you will be getting the rib tattoo. It covers all the other parts of your torso while exposing your ribs and hips. That way your tattoo artists can work on your tattoo while you don’t have to remove any clothing at all!

Crop tops

A crop top will be another ideal piece of clothing that you can have when getting your rib tattoo, especially the lower ribs. If it has buttons, then it is even better! That way, you can have the buttons open and the crop top to the side while you are getting the tattoo.

Bikinis

As a woman, you might have difficulty with rib tattoos because your chest will be exposed. For that, there is a simple solution: bikinis! A bikini will have your ribs exposed while covering up your chest when you are getting the tattoo. A string bikini will be the most ideal as it will be the least restricting for your tattoo.

Pushup bras

With a push bra, you can have your hips and ribs exposed while covering, your chest. Just remember to have a loose-fitting bra on, otherwise it might be very uncomfortable for you when you are getting tattooed. If you are getting a rib tattoo that is beside your chest, it might not be possible to wear a pushup bra as it will interfere with the tattooing process.

Stick-on bras

You might think of stick-on bras that can only be worn for backless dresses, but you can also wear them for your tattoo appointments! With this, you can have your ribs exposed while also covering your chest in the process. This makes it easy for the tattoo artist to work on your tattoo while not having to completely strip down.

Zip-up Sweatshirts

Most sweatshirts are something that you can easily slip on and be comfortable. But for a rib tattoo, you will have to open it up to expose your sweatshirt by having it be lifted up the whole time. This can be a very daunting task to do the whole time you are getting tattooed. That is why a sweatshirt with a zipper is ideal! You can just have your zipper down enough so your tattoo artist can work on your rib tattoo while you cover the rest of your body.

It is important that whatever you wear is both comfortable and loose. This is to make sure that your clothing will not press against the tattoo as that will hinder the ability of the tattoo to heal. Most tattoo artists will use a derma wrap, a breathable bandage like Saniderm, to cover the new tattoo and it is important that the tattoo is able to breathe properly underneath your clothing.

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What to Wear After Getting the Rib Tattoo?

So with what you are wearing when getting a rib tattoo out of the way, it is time to see what you should be wearing after getting the rib tattoo. With a fresh new rib tattoo, it is important to it is like an open wound so it should be carefully taken care of so it can heal properly.

Between the first 6 to 24-hour period

For the first 24 hours, you should have your tattoo area completely exposed. After taking off the wrap, you should carefully wash it with antibacterial, fragrance-free soap. After that, your tattoo will periodically be bleeding ink and plasma which will be sticky. If it gets stuck on your clothing, then it has the possibility of ruining your tattoo and your clothing.

First few days

After the first day, you can start wearing clothes again. But remember, just like when getting the tattoo, you should be wearing the most loose-fitting clothing that you own so that your clothes don’t press against the tattoo. You can wear much of what was mentioned for getting the tattoo if you like during the first few days.

After the first week

After the first week, your tattoo will more or less stop bleeding. There will be scarring and irritation that will persist after the first week so you should still wear loose-fitting clothing so that your tattoo is allowed to heal properly. Do not wash your clothes with detergents or fabric softeners as it will irritate your tattoo further and might lead to an infectious tattoo!

After the first month

When the first month of your tattoo ends, that is when the top layer of the skin will have completely healed. After this, you can go back to wearing tight-fitted clothing as your tattoo is completely healed at this time.

Will Bras Get in the Way of Rib Tattoo Healing

Bras that get in the way of the rib tattoo would cause it to not heal properly. That is why after getting a rib tattoo, you should avoid wearing tight bras that will restrict blood flow in your ribs. If you want to wear a bra, it should be after the first few days of getting the tattoo.

If you still want to wear a bra, it should be just like when you are getting a tattoo. It should not cover the tattoo and be loose-fitting. Stick-on bras and tie-up bras will be a good idea so you can have your chest not restricted and allow the tattoo to heal on its own. But after the first month, you can start wearing normal bras again as the tattoo will have healed by this point.

Tips to Follow Before Getting a Rib Tattoo

Before you get your rib tattoo, it is important to know some things and tips that you would make your tattooing process as seamless as possible.

1. Mentally prepare for the pain: it will hurt a lot so be prepared for it!
2. Eat and drink: most people pass out from the pain, which is why it is important to have a good meal before the tattoo and drink lots of water from the night before.
3. Avoid alcohol and blood thinning medication: with thin blood vessels, you will bleed a lot more when you are getting the tattoo. So avoid alcohol and medications that have blood thinning properties like ibuprofen and aspirin.
4. Be prepared for the wait: your rib tattoo will take a while, so set yourself up for the wait. Pass the time by talking to your tattoo artist while they are working on your tattoo.
5. Remember to wear or bring appropriate clothing: with the clothing mentioned above, you will be fine for your tattooing process!

FAQs

Do rib tattoos hurt a lot?

Due to the presence of the ribcage, rib tattoos hurt a lot! Tattoos on bony areas hurt more due to less fat present and more nerve endings.

How long will a rib tattoo take?

A rib tattoo will take at least 2 hours, but it will also take longer if you take more breaks during the tattooing and the complexity of the tattoo design.

Can you shower with a rib tattoo?

Yes, you can shower with a rib tattoo! However, you should make sure to shower for only 10 minutes at most and only use unscented soap to wash the tattoo.

Final Thoughts

Getting a rib tattoo will be rough but it is important to be at your most comfortable when getting it. Having the right clothing will not only ease your mind but will also help your tattoo artist work more freely. It will take a while for the tattoo to get done and a lot longer for the tattoo to completely heal, so be prepared for everything. Hopefully, after reading this, you are more prepared to get your rib tattoo!