What to Wear to a Tattoo Appointment - A Tattoo Artist's Honest Guide
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
This is one of those questions people feel a bit silly asking, but genuinely shouldn't, because the right outfit can make a real difference to how comfortable your tattoo session is, and the wrong one can make things unnecessarily awkward for both of us.
Picture this: you've booked your rib tattoo, you're excited, you're ready, and you've turned up in a brand new fitted white shirt. Or you're booked in for a thigh piece, and you've worn the tightest jeans you own. It happens more than you'd think, and we always figure it out, but a little planning ahead makes the whole day much smoother.
Here's everything you actually need to know.
The Golden Rule: Dress for Access, Not Style
Whatever area is being tattooed needs to be easily reachable without you having to fully undress or contort yourself into unusual positions. That's the main thing.
This sounds obvious, but it's easy to forget when you're getting dressed in the morning and thinking about something else.
The question to ask yourself is: can my artist easily get to this area for several hours without either of us being uncomfortable?
If the answer is yes, you're good. If it involves architectural feats of clothing removal, rethink your fit.
What to Wear for Common Tattoo Placements
Upper Arm and Shoulder
A loose sleeveless top, a strappy vest, or a t-shirt with sleeves that can easily be rolled up is ideal. Avoid anything with tight sleeves that will need to be wrestled over the area - you'll be wearing this for hours, and there is nothing worse than dragging a tight fitting sleeve back down over a fresh tattoo. Trust me.
Forearm and Wrist
Most tops work fine here as long as sleeves can be rolled or pushed up easily. Again, nothing too tight around the sleeve.
Upper Back and Shoulder Blades
A strappy top or a loose top that can be moved aside works well. Some people wear a bikini top or a strapless bra for back work, and some people may wear a buttoned shirt backwards, any of these options are completely fine. I'll always work around what you're comfortable in.
Lower Back
A loose top that can be tucked up, or a top you don't mind lifting. I would recommend to not wear high waisted trousers or anything that comes up too far. Choose something you don't mind pulling down over your hips, maybe leggings, joggers or a loose skirt.
Ribs and Stomach
This is the one where I'd really encourage you to think ahead. Loose clothing that can be moved out of the way easily is important. Then for those of you who prefer or need to keep your chest covered, I find that bikini tops with strings that tie up work really well as we can undo one of the sides or push the string out of the way to access higher up the ribs if needed.
Thigh
Loose shorts or a long skirt that you can hike up on one side. Skinny jeans or tight leggings are not suitable for thigh tattoos, you'll have to pull them down far enough so we can access the thigh - but if you're happy sitting in your pants, that's fine too. Whatever you're most comfortable with.
Calf and Lower Leg
This is an easy one again. Shorts, a skirt, or loose trousers that roll up easily. Leggings can work if they're loose enough to push up without cutting off circulation. No skinny jeans please!
Feet and Ankles
Flip flops or shoes that are easy to slip off. Socks will need to come off, too, so nothing that requires significant effort to remove.
Neck and Chest
A button-up shirt worn open, or a strappy top, depending on the exact placement. For chest work near the collarbone, a very low neck line or a buttoend shirt are best. For neck work, nothing with a high collar.
Comfort Over Everything
You're going to be sitting or lying still for potentially several hours. This is not the day for the cute but uncomfortable jeans, or the dress that seemed fine until you realised you have to sit with your legs in a slightly unusual position for three hours.
Soft, loose, comfortable clothing is always the right answer. Think: clothes you'd be happy to sit on a long train journey in.
Natural fabrics breathe better during longer sessions, which is worth knowing if you tend to run warm or if it's summer. Layers are also a good idea - studios have their own temperature vibe, and you don't always know if you'll be cold or warm until you're there.
What to Avoid
Anything new or expensive. Tattooing involves ink and occasionally a small amount of blood. Both wash out of most fabrics, but why take the risk with something you care about? Wear something you'd be relaxed in, we try to not get anything on your clothes, but it can and does happen!
White or very pale clothing near the tattoo area. Same reason as above. Dark colours are your friend on tattoo day, unless it's some scraggy old shirt you don't care about.
Tight waistbands near the tattoo area. If you're getting anything on your hip, lower back, or stomach, a tight waistband sitting directly on the area afterwards is going to be uncomfortable. Loose waistbands, drawstrings, or high-waisted options you can fold down are much kinder.
Complicated fastenings. If you'd have to undress in any way to access the area, think about whether there's a simpler option. Strapless tops, button-ups worn open, and stretchy fabrics are generally more comfortable for you than structured pieces that need to come off entirely.
A Few Things Worth Bringing Along
While we're on the subject of preparation, clothing isn't the only thing worth thinking about. A few extras that make a real difference:
Snacks and a drink. Getting tattooed takes energy. Your blood sugar dropping mid-session is one of the most common reasons people feel faint or shaky, and it's completely avoidable. Bring something to eat during breaks - nothing too messy, but something substantial. I always welcome a snack break myself, so don't feel like you need to power through.
Headphones. If you'd rather zone out than chat, headphones are absolutely welcome. Bring your comfort playlist, a podcast, an audiobook, whatever helps you settle. No one will take it personally.
A blanket or hoodie. If you run cold, especially during longer sessions, having something warm to pull over the bits that aren't being tattooed is genuinely lovely. Studios aren't always the warmest places, and lying still for hours can make you cooler than you'd expect. (I will say that anyone being tattooed by me, will be in a nice warm room because I cannot stand the cold either!)
Comfort items. This one especially for my anxious or neurodivergent clients - a fidget toy, a plushie, whatever helps you feel settled. Mt. Moon is a judgment-free zone, and we'd rather you have what you need to feel comfortable than suffer in silence trying to seem "normal."
But please have a think about bringing things that won't make you jiggle in the chair.
One Last Thing
If you're ever unsure about what to wear for your specific placement, just ask when you book. I'd genuinely rather answer a quick question beforehand than have you spend your appointment day worrying about it. There are no silly questions - I promise the only thing that matters is that you're comfortable and we can get to the area we're working on.
See you in the studio. 🖤
Tiggy is a colour tattoo artist based at Mt. Moon Tattoo, 4 College Court, Gloucester. Specialising in Pokémon, anime, gaming, nature, and pet portrait tattoos. Booking for Winter 2026 now open.
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