Back tattoos on women are simply gorgeous, especially if they are big and bold. There is so much room to work with, and artists are able to really conceptualize a major piece. Back tats often take hours and sometimes even multiple sessions to complete, which attests to the fact that they're truly works of art. We think that a woman's back is one of the most elegant parts of a woman, which makes it a worthy place for a stunning piece of ink.
Backs also allow for some serious versatile tattoos. People can choose between pieces that linger in their upper back or are splayed out across their entire back. Maybe they want a tattoo that runs down their spine, or maybe they would prefer to go for classic lower back tat.
Even more so, when it comes to a canvas as large as our backs, we can decide on really intricate and detailed pieces, or opt for thick and bold minimalist lines. Whatever our style is, there is a back tattoo to fit it! The possibilities are truly endless when it comes to back tats, which, of course, can make the decision a little intimidating and overwhelming!
To usher in some ink inspiration, we scoured the Internet for 50 beautiful female back tattoos. Featuring animals or pirate ships, flowers or intricate patterns, all of these tattoos make a big statement. And all of them will inspire anyone to plan that next tattoo.
Sailor piece
We love the nautical theme of this back tattoo, and how seamless the imagery works with the American traditional style.
Black panther
This absolutely stunning back tattoo looks gorgeous, and the way it is designed fits perfectly with the beautiful curves on a female's body.
Bride & groom
Artist Bob Rob Medina created a print for couple Tim and Cat based on their costume wedding photo. Instead of traditional wedding attire, Cat was a belly dancer and Tim was an astronaut. Cat then had it tattooed on her back. Such love!
Sun & tree
In gorgeous red inks, this tattoo was done by Daemon Rowanchilde at Urban Primitive outside of Toronto and designed in collaboration with Hadley Taylor, who possesses the beautiful art.
Raven lady
This gorgeous art nouveau raven lady is so elegant. We can't take our eyes away from the perfectly done swirls.
Geometic beauty
Tattoo artist Chester of Oracle Tattoo in Singapore is the master behind the creation of this tattoo. It's still a work in progress, but my goodness is that work incredible — and not for the faint of heart.
Seashells & more
This beautifully centered back tattoo features dotwork and that pretty draping jewelry feel we love so much.
Pirate ship
Black and gray and pirates forever! This superb pirate ship with all its incredible details looks like a painting.
Geometric wolf
This geometric wolf has stunning eyes, making it one regal back piece.
Deer antlers
How magical is this back tattoo of a deer and its antlers? We are obsessed with the watercolor blossoms, as well as the flowers and draping jewels.
Climbing tiger
The placement of this dazzling tiger couldn't be any more perfect. It looks like it's climbing right up the owner's back!
Colored rose
This back tattoo of a single rose looks so so magical, especially because of the way the bottom of the stem unravels.
Still life florals
This back tattoo wraps around its owners torso. It was inspired by Dutch still life paintings, hence the muted color palette and bold lines.
Swirling swallows
How gorgeous are these two swallows flying around their owner's back? Since they're done in grayscale, they look even more elegant.
World map
This person took the world map tattoo up a notch by adding a flying plane and some stunning dotwork.
Pointed Mandala
The owner's back and this necklace-like mandala tattoo are a match in heaven. We'd wear halter tops in the winter if we had this piece of ink!
Blue wave
Having this blue wave tattoo done in only watercolor gives it the illusion of movement. It's so captivating.
Geometric rose
Can't decide between intricate dotwork or bold thick lines? This tattoo has the best of both worlds — including a bright splash of color.
Mermaid
This tattoo of crashing waves and a mermaid is absolutely striking. We'd never want to cover up this baby.
Turquoise mandala
Although mandala tats are pretty common, we don't usually see them with such bright and dazzling colors. This pop of turquoise really stands out against the owner's back.
Flying birds
The back is the perfect place to have a flock of flying birds tattooed. It gives us a sense of freedom!
Lotus mandala
The back is the prime spot for a large and complex mandala tattoo, like this lotus-inspired one.
Humpback whale
This humpback whale that goes geometric is the perfect tattoo for ocean-lovers.
Delicate florals
How enchanting is this small bouquet of black and white flowers? They're feminine to begin with, and the center placement makes them even more so.
Blossoming rose
We are in awe of this stunning tattoo of a blossoming rose. Look at how rich and vivid the colors are!
Watercolor koi
Koi fish are a classic tattoo subject, but these are modernized thanks to their watercolor style!
Jeweled
How brilliant is this ornate back tattoo? We love the sapphire jewel in the center; it's stunning.
Watercolor lotus
How striking is this watercolor lotus? The bright reds, pinks, and purples really give it life.
Traveler
This travel-inspired back tattoo is done in fine lines and shading that add to its sense of whimsy.
Magpies
This magpie and botanical tattoo frame the owner's back in the most elegant way.
Olive branches
This person's back is now adorned with two stunning olive branches, which signify peace!
Sketched skull
How cool is this skull and rose tattoo, done in a sketched out style?
Dotwork rose
For someone who wants something less heavy but still striking, check out this geometric rose, which has brilliant dotwork.
Floral wreath
The back is the perfect canvas for a large but still detailed floral wreath tattoo.
Dotted florals
This fern and dandelion are already stunning for their detail, but that dotted swirl really takes things to the next level.
Phoenix
How powerful is this phoenix tattoo? It's adorned by equally stunning lilies.
Moon phases
We love moon phase tattoos, especially when they crawl up and down the back. This tattoo is unique for applying that idea to a floral design.
Cherry blossoms
The black outline of a tree is adorned with pretty cherry blossoms, making this back tattoo absolutely elegant.
Pink lily
The owner of this tattoo cleverly uses their spine as the stem for some stunning watercolor lilies.
Tribal wolf
I think we're all in agreement that this tribal wolf tattoo is incredibly cool, right? We love how there's the addition of the moon too!
Naked tree
This naked black and white tree is the perfect choice for minimalists. It's placed right in the middle of the owner's back, making it quite the centerpiece.
Script
How gorgeous is this tattoo? Having it off to the side makes it subtle but still beautiful!
Black & white floral
This black and white tattoo has so much motion to it, we could stare at it all day.
Old school peacock
The peacock is the perfect subject for the thick lines and vivid colors that come with the old-school tattoo style.
Wolf & flowers
Talk about a stark contrast! The artist for this tattoo balanced bright florals with a dotwork wolf.
Stingray
This tattoos pays the utmost respect to the ocean with a stingray tattoo that has a turtle embedded in it.
Bold ornamental
We're so used to seeing ornamental tattoos done in fine lines and with dotwork, but we are really digging these bold and thick outlines.
Sunflower
This back tattoo of a geometric sunflower is so trippy! We're getting some serious good vibes from it though.
Scorpions
Even non-Scorpios will admire this black and white scorpion and rose tattoo.
Swan
This sweet swan tattoo is so graceful! We love how the wing extends all the way up to their neck.
