Sternum tattoos are usually inked directly on the breastbone, except on women, where the tattoo is usually made to flow underneath the breasts and follow the natural curves of the cleavage. Sternum tattoos are eye-catching and attractive, but sometimes painful to endure.
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What is a female chest tattoo called?
Sternum tattoos are usually inked directly on the breastbone, except on women, where the tattoo is usually made to flow underneath the breasts and follow the natural curves of the cleavage. Sternum tattoos are eye-catching and attractive, but sometimes painful to endure.

Do female chest tattoos hurt?
Chest tattoos are a popular choice. But depending on your pain tolerance, your tattoo artist’s schedule, and your patience, they can take years to complete—or they can be artfully inked within a single session. Either way, most chest pieces are going to be painful unless you have lots of body fat or muscle in the area.
How do you make a chest tattoo not hurt?
To reduce tattoo pain, follow these tips before and during your appointment:
- Choose a licensed tattoo artist.
- Pick a less sensitive body part.
- Get enough sleep.
- Avoid pain relievers.
- Don’t get a tattoo when you’re sick.
- Stay hydrated.
- Eat a meal.
- Avoid alcohol.
What is a good size for a chest tattoo?

Tattoo Size Chart
Tattoo Size | Number of Sessions | Good Placements |
---|---|---|
3-4 inches | 2 | Chest, neck, lower arm |
4-5 inches | 2-3 | Shoulder, ribs, lower back, thigh |
5-7 inches | 5 | Half sleeves, upper arm, upper back |
7-10 inches | 7 | Sleeves, hip, thigh |
Do cleavage tattoos hurt?
Yep. The underboob area is a sensitive spot, so you can definitely expect this one to hurt. “Tattoos can vary in pain, depending on the style that you’re getting, the kind of artist that you’re with, and the kind of method that they use,” Roman says.
How do you prep for a chest tattoo?
Here are my tips to help prepare for your tattoo
- Drink plenty of water. It’s important to stay hydrated during the process and you should drink plenty of water beforehand.
- Keep your skin moisturized.
- Shave the area!
- Sleep well the night before.
- Eat Well.
- Wear the Right Clothing.
- Take something to entertain yourself.
What does a chest tattoo symbolize?
Chest tattoos are symbolic for the wearer in that they present themselves “face forward”. For men, a full chest tattoo is a hallmark of masculinity, strength, and power, plus a personal touch in regards to the size and design.
Can you wear a bra after sternum tattoo?
If your tattoo is solely on the sternum, wearing a bra should be fine! If your tattoo is in any way under the breast or positioned in a way that your bra will conceal it, then avoid wearing a bra for the initial tattoo healing period. Wear loose clothing to allow your tattoo to breathe and avoid irritating it.
Is the chest the most painful tattoo?
Pain Level: 10 For many people, the chest is one of the most painful tattoo spots. However, this depends on the person and the specific area of the chest being tattooed. The collarbone area is susceptible, for instance.
Do you have to take your bra off for a chest tattoo?
If your clothing rubs the tattoo, it may damage the skin and cause an infection. After the pain of the tattoo, you don’t want to ruin it straight after it’s completed. Depending on the location, it may be difficult for a woman to wear a bra during this time, so you need to make sure that this is possible.
What is the most painful spot to get a tattoo?
Most painful
- Armpit. The armpit is among the most painful places, if not the most painful place, to get tattooed.
- Rib cage. The rib cage is probably the second most painful place for most people to get tattooed.
- Ankles and shins.
- Nipples and breasts.
- Groin.
- Elbows or kneecap.
- Behind the knees.
- Hips.
Should I use numbing cream for a chest tattoo?
You can use Dr. Numb® numbing cream an hour prior to your tattoo session to minimize pain in your chest tattoos. Start with Small: It is obvious to be tempted for the big and broad designs for your chest.
Which tattoo is best for chest?
A family portrait, quote, or symbol that holds significance is an excellent idea for a chest tattoo. Designs that contain meaning are a great thing to consider when choosing your piece, as you know it will stay close to your heart forever. Opt for something simple in black ink or an intricate and colorful style.
What does a chest tattoo say about you?
How do you sleep with a sternum tattoo?
Here’s how to sleep with a new tattoo:
- TAKE SLEEP SERIOUSLY!
- KEEP THE ADHESIVE WRAP ON OVERNIGHT.
- SHOWERING AND REWRAPPING.
- USE A SPARE BED SHEET.
- ROTATE YOUR BED SHEETS.
- SLEEPING POSITIONS.
- LOOSEN STUCK BEDDING WITH WARM WATER.
- KEEP YOUR PETS AWAY.
What do you wear when getting a chest tattoo?
As with all tattoos, we recommend that you wear loose clothing when getting your tattoo, and this is the same for a chest tattoo. A man can remove their t-shirt or sweatshirt in the tattoo studio with no issues. However, for a woman, it’s slightly more difficult to find clothing to wear when getting a chest tattoo.