There was something to be learned when setting out to find some of the most appealing but small thigh tattoos — "small" tattoos aren't as popular as big works of art when it comes to legs. Many go big with a tattoo design in this area because there is more space to work with, like a larger canvas waiting for a great design. When taking a look at these bold thigh tattoos, it may seduce some into wanting something big. And big is so very beautiful.
However, that doesn't mean that a smaller tattoo on the thigh doesn't work well. In fact, it does and when it does, it looks absolutely stunning.
When perusing these delicate and delightful micro tattoos, it's clear how just a little bit of ink goes a really long way. And in this collection, all of the small tattoos are located on that incredible part of the body — the thigh.
Thigh tattoos can be playful, and many of them are never seen during most daily activities since they are high up and easily hidden. Sometimes, though, the placement of the thigh tattoo allows the design to peek out ever so perfectly when skirts or shorts are worn, making them more visible in the warmer months. Still, other tattoos in this spot may not be noticeable from far away … but when getting closer, the beauty is oh so clear.
This collection of thigh tattoos feature some favorites that are on the smaller side, often easily hidden, yet also can be perfectly visible. All of them are quite inspiring.
Birds in Flight
Bird tattoos will never go out of style. This tiny collection of birds is just darling permanently inked on a thigh.
Gummy Bear
Gummy bears are one of life's most treasured candies. To immortalize these incredible little sweets is just about the cutest thing ever.
Words to Live By
This font is on point. And the saying is oh so true. This tattoo looks stunning perched high on the thigh.
Mountain Range
Seeing the sun set behind any mountain range is a treat. This simple line tattoo captures just that and it also captures our hearts.
Bouquet of Flowers
While it may seem simple to get a tattoo without color, the results are stunning. Flowers, like birds, will never go out of style.
Lily of the Valley
This slightly abstract take on a lily of the valley flower arrangement looks lovely with black line work. The design is unusual and ultra-chic.
Dream Catcher
Nestled just above the knee, in the center of the thigh, is this delightful little dream catcher. Here's proof that this design doesn't have to be big to be beautiful.
Greek Phrase
Not only are these Greek letters so artful, but they mean "together forever." Now that's beautiful.
Game of Cards
This gorgeous tattoo, colored in solid red and black, looks amazing on the thigh. #tattoogoals
Garter Tattoo
Garter belts tend to be an annoying accessory, but if the look is loved, why not a tattoo right in that spot. This gorgeous Mehndi style tattoo is perfect.
Interactive
Tattoos can't exactly be interactive, but when placed like this one, they come close. With one eye closed above one knee and the other open on the other, it's like a wink.
Pretty Poppy
Poppy flowers are always darling and the bright red in this tattoo is a fantastic stand-out. A tattoo like this — though not small, however not big either — looks fab peeking out of a skirt.
Bumblebee
The bee tattoo here is small, but as a whole, the gorgeous garland around it isn't exactly tiny. Still, when we look at the bee and its lovely detailing, that's enough to steal our hearts. Besides, everyone knows it's hard to stop at one when it comes to tattoos.
Abstract Silhouette
The line work here is brilliant. This is also a perfect example on how a tattoo doesn't have to be complex … to be complex.
Anchors & Bows
To capture the coolness of Sailor Jerry style, here are matching anchor and bow tattoos created high on the thigh. This is a great example how matchy-matchy can be supremely supreme.
Ballerina
Tattooing can be about capturing images of things a person loves or love to do. This ballerina with the lovely flower tutu is not only well-crafted but quite creative.
Paw Prints
For animal lovers, these sweet tiny paw print tattoos are a delight. Perhaps they are even real paw prints from a favorite pet, but with slight enhancements.
Celestial
This tattoo also has great placement in the center of the side of a thigh. The wonderful line work gives this celestial-style tattoo major appeal.
High-Heeled Shoe
With a bit of camp and a lot of attitude, we couldn't love this black pump more. The other tattoos are also A++.
Decorative
With tiny dots giving a jewelry vibe, this decorative thigh tattoo is supremely delicate and adorable. It has that barely there feel and yet still makes quite a statement.
Kitty Cat
For the love of cats, many of us would do anything. And that includes getting a tattoo. Could this lounging kitty be any cuter? Answer: No.
Moon Phases
For moon goddesses, this simply lovely tattoo of the lunar phases is just excellent. Crafted in a circle, here is another example on how that shape really looks great in this spot.
Lavender Sprigs
High on the side of the thigh, these lavender sprigs are picture-perfect. In fact, sprig tattoos — which are usually small — are always mighty perfect.
Ouroboros
Circular tattoos forever! And seeing this shape on the legs always looks fantastic. This Ouroboros tattoo does as well and we love the design.
Lemon Wedge
Have a favorite fruit? Why not get a tattoo of it? This lemon wedge is supremely neat.
Little Big Cat
This tiny tiger is big on style. We also love the idea of a tiny animals collection tattooed all over.
Two Butterflies
The detailing in these butterfly tattoos is on point, and so are the dotted halos above them. There are so many ways to design a butterfly, so getting two makes sense.
Mixed Collection
The look of having a collection of smaller tattoos instead of one large piece is appealing. A leg like this makes it an even more tempting idea.
Lovely Leaves
This small branch of leaves is perfectly positioned on the lowermost thigh, wrapping around the knee. Such a great spot.
Tiny Kitten
This lounging kitty seems to be saying hello. So, hello, adorable kitteh!
Candlelight
A bit of magic, a bit of mysticism, and a whole lot of cool — this tattoo is a favorite.
Florals
These folksy-looking florals are arched so perfectly above the knee, working with the natural shape of the body. The colors are lovely, too.
Tiny Flower
From far away, this tattoo may not even look like a tattoo. But up close, it's easy to see the petals.
For the Birds
Nature is beautiful. Nature tattoos are beautiful — and that extends to everything we see in nature. Including birds. This sweet bird tattoo is beautifully detailed and looks so cute perched on the thigh.
Excellent Lettering
Every tattoo has some sort of message — even if it's personal and only the owner of the tattoo knows. With that, fonts carry their own message, as well as wording chosen. When taking all that into consideration, this hellbent tattoo looks really rad.
Phoenix
The power of the phoenix cannot be understated. We love this gorgeous phoenix tattoo and the details within the wings.
Simple Geometric
This is the ultimate in tiny tattoos. Two simple geometric patterns look lovely here.
Colorful Collection
Because every person is different, and bodies are different, it makes sense to work with an artist on what placement is best. This collection of incredibly colorful tattoos is divine and everything is perfectly in place.
Stingray
While this stingray tattoo is gorgeous due to its meticulous detailing on the body, it's that tail that truly captures the eye. It's perfection the way it is tattooed down the leg, working with the contour of the knee.
Death Moth
Never fear the death moth tattoo, for she is quite the beauty. They hover like hummingbirds and have such intricate markings.
