Think aloud
Rib tattoos sound perfect on the surface, but they’re much more than meets the eye. Whether you’re thinking of getting your first ink or willing to push through the pain for a sensual, seductive tattoo placement, a rib tattoo might be the right one for you.
With a rib tattoo, you don’t need to be mindful of the design you opt for. Ribs are big enough to accommodate a statement tattoo that stretches across the entire side of your body, but they’re even better for smaller, simpler tattoos because of the contrast they offer. Without further ado, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite rib tattoos to help you plan a design you’ll love forever.
1. A tiny olive branch tattoo on the rib
Tiny tattoos are gaining traction thanks to celebrities and A-listers who seem to appreciate the smaller, simpler things more than we do! A tiny tattoo of an olive branch can be a great way to express your creativity and channel your inner peace and harmony. And it’s adorable.
2. A filigree rib tattoo
Filigree tattoos are detailed and ornate designs resembling traditional filigree patterns. They’re purely decorative, but they’re a great way to experiment with different styles and symbols to create a design that speaks to you the most. They’re eye-catching and the opposite of ephemeral, too.
3. A Cybersigilism rib tattoo
Cybersigilism tattoos merge the digital realm with the spiritual or metaphysical aspects of human existence. What that means is that Cybersigilism tattoos play with different styles and symbols that are reminiscent of the Y2K technology.
4. A script tattoo on the rib
Scrip tattoos are perfect for everyone, whether you’re getting your first tattoo or working on filling the gaps on bigger, bolder tattoos. A scrip tattoo can consist of a letter, a word, or even a quote that means something to you, and that’s what makes these types of tattoos popular among people looking for meaning.
5. An orchid tattoo on the rib
“Florals for spring? Groundbreaking!”
Miranda Priestly might not have been impressed with the idea of using florals, but we certainly are. Whether you’re looking for ideas for a ribcage tattoo or considering different styles and symbols that would work with your aesthetic, we suggest checking out different floral designs.
6. A fine-line rib tattoo
Fine-line tattoos are becoming more and more popular, and it’s only natural for you to explore the possibility of getting a fine-line rib tattoo ASAP. Fine-line tattoos are perfect for people who prefer delicate and dainty designs because they’re created with thinner needles.
7. A detailed floral rib tattoo
When you’re on the lookout for a tattoo that’s guaranteed to make everyone gasp for air, don’t sleep on floral tattoos. Floral tattoos are far from basic and boring, especially when you opt for a bigger, bolder piece consisting of all your favorite flowers.
8. A koi fish rib tattoo
Koi fish make for perfect tattoo motifs because they’re wearable and versatile, and they’re packed with meaning. Koi fish tattoos represent strength, resilience, and perseverance, and they’re a symbol of good fortune in Japanese culture.
9. A scorpion rib tattoo
Scorpions make for great rib tattoo motifs, too! Scorpions represent rebirth, resilience, and a fighting spirit and they’re oftentimes used for tattoos that commemorate failed relationships or failed career paths.
10. A red ink rib tattoo
Rib tattoos are typically black and gray, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t experiment with whatever color ink works with your aesthetic. Red ink tattoos can be such a great way for you to commemorate your passion, strength, and power, as well as all the intense emotions you deal with every single day.
11. A scrip tattoo with a flower on the rib
Scrip tattoos are awesome because you can make them your own with a few simple tips and tricks. Whether you play with different styles and symbols or opt for a font that means something to you, you can truly make a world of difference in the way your rib tattoo makes you feel.
12. A wave tattoo on the rib
What better way to pay homage to your love of all things ocean than with a wave rib tattoo? A wave can represent many things, but waves are typically seen as symbols of the soul, the subconsciousness, emotion, and of course, nature.
13. A tiny lavender tattoo on the rib
We’re obsessed with tiny rib tattoos! A lavender tattoo can be your way of celebrating your purity, serenity, and devotion. Whatever the case might be, these adorable little branches can be a great tattoo motif to consider when you’re out of ink ideas.
14. A linework tattoo on the rib
What about a linework tattoo? If you’re a fan of abstract tattoos, you’re going to love linework tattoos, too! Linework tattoos are made with a lining needle and a single line (or a couple of lines) that make the desired image.
15. A lotus flower rib tattoo
Lotus flower tattoos are all the rage these days, aren’t they? Whether you opt for an ornamental tattoo or a simple, subtle lotus flower tattoo, your ribs are going to look remarkable by the end of your tattoo appointment.
16. A skeleton hand rib tattoo
Skeleton tattoos might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but we couldn’t pass on the opportunity to rave about them. Whether you want to celebrate your odd sense of humor or the fact that you’ve managed to overcome quite a few of life’s obstacles, we salute your decision to get a skeleton hand tattoo on your ribs.
17. Another script tattoo on the rib
Script tattoos are made for your ribs, there’s no question about that. Whenever you’re struggling to come up with a creative tattoo design to use on your ribcage, consider getting a script tattoo of something that evokes your emotions.
18. A tiger rib tattoo
What about a tiger tattoo? Tigers represent different things in different cultures, but there’s no denying that they’re some of the most popular, prominent tattoo motifs in the world. Tigers are all about strength, power, and pride, and that’s why they’re perfect for rib tattoos.
19. A snake rib tattoo
We can say the same thing about a snake tattoo! Snake tattoos are awesome for a few reasons – not only do they move with your body, but they represent a personal path toward transformation, a commitment to knowledge or healing, or a connection to divine power.
20. A butterfly rib tattoo
Butterfly tattoos are the OG tattoo motifs which means you can’t go wrong with a tiny butterfly on your ribs! Butterfly tattoos represent transformation, freedom, and even mental health, which might be something you want to pay homage to.
21. A matching rib tattoo
Matching rib tattoos with your BFF? Yes, yes, and once again yes!
Whether you’re thinking of surprising your bestie with matching rib tattoos for your friendversary or working together on a design that represents your friendship, the two of you have all the freedom you need with a rib tattoo.
22. A rose tattoo on the rib
A single rose on your ribcage can pack a punch, right? Roses represent love and romance which means they’re the perfect way to celebrate your relationship, surprise your partner with a tattoo devoted to the connection the two of you share, or even a way for you to celebrate yourself.
23. A sword tattoo on the rib
When you’re on the hunt for a tattoo that represents strength, courage, and protection, opt for a sword tattoo on your ribcage. Ribcage tattoos require quite a lot of patience and perseverance, and that’s why a sword tattoo might be the perfect motif for you.
24. A lightning tattoo on the rib
Lightning tattoos are making a comeback, and they’re cuter than ever! With a lightning tattoo on your ribcage, you can make sure everyone knows you’re a force to be reckoned with!
25. A dotwork flower tattoo on the rib
We’re ending the article with a dotwork rib tattoo! Dotwork tattoos are great for people who prefer simple, subtle tattoos rather than statement ones. Dotwork tattoos are wearable and versatile, too, and they’re definitely worth your while.
