Figuring Out Where to Get Your Tattoo? Here's What I Wish I Knew

Let’s be real for a sec — getting a tattoo isn’t just about picking the coolest design or scrolling endlessly through Pinterest until something “feels right.” (Although hey, guilty.) One of the biggest things people don’t think enough about? Tattoo placement. Like, where on your body it’s actually going.

When I got my first tattoo — a tiny crescent moon on my ankle — I didn’t put too much thought into it. I just wanted something subtle and easy to hide. And I loved it! But fast-forward a few years (and a few more tattoos later), and I’ve realised how much placement can make or break the vibe of a tattoo. Some spots hurt more. Some fade quicker. Some just look better depending on the shape of your design or the flow of your body.

So, if you’re hovering over the “tattoo shop near me” search and trying to figure out where that dream piece should go, lemme walk you through some things I’ve learned — the fun way and the hard way.

First off, what even is good tattoo placement?

Alright, let’s break it down. Tattoo placement isn’t just about aesthetics (though that’s a big part). It’s also about pain levels, how visible it’ll be, how it’ll age, and sometimes — let’s be honest — how much it’s gonna mess with your job situation (hello, corporate dress codes).

When people ask me for advice, I usually tell them to consider:

• Pain tolerance – Some spots are spicy. Others? Not so bad.

• Lifestyle – Are you in the sun a lot? Do you work a job where visible tattoos are frowned upon?

• Longevity – Certain areas blur faster over time. Think hands, fingers, feet.

• Design fit – A long, vertical piece won’t look great stretched across your back. And tiny designs can get swallowed by big areas like the thigh.

  
  

If you're working with a solid artist at a West London tattoo shop like Under The Needle, they'll walk you through all this. But it helps to go in with a sense of what you want.

Best Places to Put a Tattoo on Your Body (In My Experience)

I’ve chatted with a bunch of folks over the years — other clients, artists, random people who compliment my ink at the pub — and here are the tattoo locations that always seem to come up as favourites:

1. Forearm

Classic. Reliable. Super versatile.

You’ve got room to play here whether you're going for a custom tattoo design or something simple. It’s also one of the less painful tattoo positions, and it ages pretty well if you use sunscreen (which you should).

2. Upper Arm / Bicep

Great for larger designs, portraits, or pieces with bold lines. Plus, if you ever need to cover it up for work, you’ve got that option. One of the best places for a tattoo if you’re still kind of testing the waters but want something visible when you want it to be.

3. Thigh

I feel like thigh tattoos don’t get enough love. They give you loads of space, the pain’s manageable (for most people), and they stay fairly protected from the elements, so they last ages.

4. Back (Upper or Lower)

This one’s for the big-picture thinkers. Back pieces are epic — you can build on them over time or go all-in with something cinematic. Not the easiest to show off on a daily basis, but if you’re in it for the art, it’s one of the best canvas spots.

5. Ribcage

Okay, not gonna sugarcoat this: ribs hurt. Like, they’re top-tier on the pain scale. But they look so clean and elegant when done right. Good spot for script or delicate linework.

6. Hands / Fingers

Trendier than ever, but be warned: they fade fast. If you’re set on visible ink, just know you might need touch-ups down the line. Also, check your workplace vibe — still not accepted everywhere (unfortunately).

7. Neck / Behind the Ear

Super bold, super visible. I love the behind-the-ear spot for small, minimal pieces. Neck tattoos are more commitment-heavy, but they look amazing when paired with clean, sharp designs.

What About Pain? (Let’s Talk Honestly)

This part’s subjective, but here’s a general idea based on what most people say — and what I’ve felt myself:

• Low pain: outer upper arm, thigh, forearm, calf

• Medium pain: shoulder blade, back, chest

• High pain: ribs, inner arm, neck, feet, hands, sternum

Pain shouldn’t be the only factor when choosing a spot, but it’s worth considering — especially for your first piece.

How Tattoo Placement Affects Cost

Ah, yes — the burning question: How much is this gonna cost me?

The tattoo cost depends on a few things:

• Size and complexity

• Artist’s experience

• Time required

• And yep — placement plays a role too

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Some areas are harder to tattoo (think ribs or neck), so they might take longer and cost more. Plus, highly visible areas or places that move/stretch a lot might require more intricate technique.

If you're in West London, Northwest London and trying to budget, hit up a tattoo shop West London like Under The Needle. They're super chill about consultations and can give you an idea of what to expect price-wise.

Final Thoughts: It’s Your Body, Your Canvas

At the end of the day, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to the best place for a tattoo. It’s gonna come down to what feels right for you — your pain threshold, your lifestyle, your vibe.

Just promise me one thing: don’t rush it.

Take your time. Book a consultation. Talk to someone who knows their stuff (like literally anyone at our West London tattoo shop, not even trying to be slick here — they’re that good). Bring your references, your half-baked ideas, even your doodles on napkins. The beauty of a custom tattoo design is that it’s made just for you — and it deserves a home on your body that does it justice.

So whether you’re dreaming of a sleeve, planning your first ink, or mapping out your whole tattoo journey, remember: where you put it matters just as much as what you get.

And hey, if you’re googling “tattoo shop near me” from anywhere in West London, you already know where to go.

Thinking of booking in?Pop into Under The Needle, your go-to for killer design, honest advice, and zero judgement. Whether it’s your first or your fifteenth, we’ve got you.