Thigh tattoos are simply gorgeous. The placement alone makes thigh tats one of the more head-turning kinds. Like with the effect had by wearing a garter belt, there's something inherently sexy about having a thigh tattoo. Not to mention that it's a spot where the artist can go bigger in design than on the arms, and so many designs work well in this area. And whatever design we choose to get inked on our thigh — whether it's feminine, classy, edgy, or powerful — it can be easily hidden with a long skirt or pants. All of this makes the thigh an ideal ink area.
But thigh tattoos need to be thought out carefully in term of placement. A good tattoo artist will work with a client on the best spot for that person's thigh tattoo — a certain design may look better on front, side, or back of thigh. A design can completely wrap around or go down the leg. It's a place where creativity can — and should — really shine.
No matter where the piece is placed, it seems the bathtub might just be the best place to take a photo of a thigh tattoo. Seriously — wow! (Although the beach comes in close second!) We were inspired by all the lovely work on these women and their thighs. Read ahead for 50 feminine classy thigh tattoos and prepare to be inspired as well.
Warning: These tattoos will make anyone wish it were forever summer so people can always flaunt their thigh high ink!
Meaningful Saw Thigh Tattoo
Maryrose's saw tattoo on her thigh is inspired by her grandfather's saw, and NBT stands for New Blood Tubs — a club she belongs to, and the saw represents them.
Roses Thigh Tattoo
Roses are already such classy feminine subjects for a piece of ink. These two incredible thigh tattoos are so sexy!
Mandala Thigh Tattoo
This stunning mandala tattoo matches the owner's equally impressive mandala tattoo on the hand. What a gorgeous pair!
Dreamy Deer Thigh Tattoo
This beautifully colored tattoo on Hayleigh's thigh was her first tattoo — it's dreamy and magical.
Cat Portrait Thigh Tattoo
This sweet kitty portrait was done to remember a sweet cat named D'artagnan who passed away. What a beautiful tribute — the framing looks lovely on a thigh.
Flowers Thigh Tattoo
This stunning photo and these lovely tattoos prove how flowers tattooed on the thigh in black and gray may be one of the best designs to get.
Black and Gray Roses Thigh Tattoo
Roses on the side of the thigh is perfection. The bold black shading makes it truly striking.
Bold and Colorful Thigh Tattoos
These bold and bright tattoos on the owner's thighs prove that they're a perfect spot to go big.
Moon and Sun Thigh Tattoo
We love the dots and delicate mehndi design of this mystical tattoo.
Geometric Cat Thigh Tattoo
Geometric cat! This tattoo wins on so many fronts: It's cute and sexy and stylish all at the same time.
Dotwork Garter Thigh Tattoo
Simply stunning and yet full of the finest detailing, this garter tattoo is the perfect choice for the thigh.
Skull and Flowers Thigh Tattoo
This lovely tattoo of a skull and flowers would make Georgia O'Keeffe proud.
Blue Lion Thigh Tattoo
We love the blue, black outline, and pops of white in this lion tattoo just above the knee.
Spiritual Thigh Tattoo
So beautiful — we love how this tattoo is placed on the body, from the thigh on up.
Red Woman Thigh Tattoo
This tattoo is dazzling, with such incredible colors and details. It's big, bold, and so beautiful.
Fox and Bunny Thigh Tattoo
How whimsical are this fox and rabbit? We wouldn't mind having these critters go with us everywhere either.
Dotted Bird Thigh Tattoo
This intricate bird tattoo took about two hours to finish — but it definitely was worth it.
Octopus Thigh Tattoo
From the bold color to the impressive shading, this octopus thigh tattoo is straight-up badass.
Flying Birds Thigh Tattoo
This hand-poked thigh tattoo of six flying birds represents the owner's family, which is a sweet and sentimental tribute.
Poppy Thigh Tattoo
These poppies are undeniably bold and beautiful. We wouldn't mind if they were the centerpiece of our thigh either.
Sailing Ship Thigh Tattoo
This nautical thigh tattoo is done in an American traditional style, making it even more striking.
Dainty Skeletons Thigh Tattoo
Although this back-of-the-thigh tattoo does feature skeletons, its fine lines still make it dainty and feminine.
Orchid Garter Thigh Tattoo
This orchid garter belt-style thigh tattoo is absolutely breathtaking! The detail is impeccable on both the belt and flower.
Botanical Skull Thigh Tattoo
How gorgeous is this skull tattoo? We love how it's surrounded by all sorts of blue flowers.
Red Elephant Thigh Tattoo
This elephant is highlighted by gorgeous red mandalas, adding to its reality.
Traditional Flamingo Thigh Tattoo
We don't typically see fun flamingos done in a American traditional style, but how gorgeous is this one?!
Watercolor Lips Thigh Tattoo
This mash-up watercolor thigh tattoo is giving me Miami Vice vibes.
Rosie-inspired Thigh Tattoo
This empowering tattoo inspired by Rose the Riveter is incredible; we love how it's done in all black and white, except for her eyes, lips, and headband.
Geometric Rose Thigh Tattoo
The bright colors of this thigh tattoo are contrasted by black and white geometric cutouts. Stunning!
No Outlines Thigh Tattoo
A lack of black outlining makes these bright red peonies stand out even more.
Green Gem Thigh Tattoo
How eye-catching is this green jeweled heart? We love how it's accompanied by dotwork and draping fine lines.
Pink Lilies Thigh Tattoo
These pink lilies are bold and beautiful. The way they climb up the owner's torso only adds to their boldness.
Pinup Girl Thigh Tattoo
This pinup girl tattoo is sure to add elegance to any outfit, and sexiness to any thigh.
Watercolor Flower Thigh Tattoo
This watercolor flower tattoo adds a burst of color onto the owner's thigh. We love how the flower is against a heart-shaped background.
Hourglass Thigh Tattoo
This has to be the most philosophical tattoo we've seen yet! Here, the sun and moon are encapsulated in an intricately designed hourglass.
Not Broken Thigh Tattoo
This American traditional thigh tattoo of a hand and rose is accompanied by the words, "not broke, just bent." It's a simple but powerful reminder.
Barn Owl Thigh Tattoo
This colorful nighttime scene with a wise-looking barn owl is an elegant tattoo idea!
Jellyfish Thigh Tattoo
How gorgeous is this jellyfish? We love how it's done in various shades of pink! It must brighten up anyone's day.
Feathered Thigh Tattoo
This tribal feather thigh tattoo gets an A for detail. We can't look away!
Theater Masks Thigh Tattoo
Even folks who don't like the theater will be enchanted by this tattoo.
Bird and Branch Thigh Tattoo
This feminine thigh tattoo of a bird perched on a branch is subtle, yet still stunning.
Snow Tiger Thigh Tattoo
We're not sure which part of this tattoo we like better: the gorgeous cherry blossoms or the majestic white tiger?
Serpent Thigh Tattoo
A serpent is the perfect choice for a thigh tattoo! We love how this one swirls and curls down the leg.
Peacock Thigh Tattoo
For this peacock tattoo, the artist took advantage of the angle of the thigh. It's perfectly angled and placed.
Orange Tulip Thigh Tattoo
Since this orange tulip is done in the watercolor style, it looks incredibly bright and brilliant.
Hot Air Balloon Thigh Tattoo
How stunning is this outline of a hot air ballon? It's perfect for those who love to travel.
Globe Thigh Tattoo
The thigh is one of the few places where all the elements of this tattoo design could fit!
Olive Branch Thigh Tattoo
We love how the artist took advantage of the thigh's shape by having the olive branch run down it.
Honeycomb Thigh Tattoo
How pretty is this bee and honeycomb tattoo? The thick black lines make it so eye-catching!
Swimming Koi Thigh Tattoo
The placement on the thigh really allows for this koi tattoo to shine! We love how the swimming fish are surrounded by pretty flowers.
