Your Guide To Dressing For A Tattoo Appointment

Getting a new tattoo means lots of preparation. Not only is it essential to eat and stay hydrated before your appointment (via Allure), there are many things to consider when it comes to how you're dressed before the session as well.

You may be wondering what exactly to wear to your tattoo appointment. The most important thing to note is that when getting a new tattoo, loose-fitting, non-restricting clothing is a must. "Your body will be in distress, so wearing comfortable clothing is key," advised Monikka Velvet, co-founder of High Hopes Tattoo Shop to PopSugar.

Something else to keep in mind is that you may get ink on your clothing during your session, so unless you're alright with that, you should opt for darker garments where the stains won't show up.

Other than these key universal rules, what you should or shouldn't wear to your tattoo appointment depends on the area where you're getting inked. Here is everything you need to know about what to wear for a tattoo appointment for your designated ink destination.

When it comes to getting your back tattooed, opt for a bikini top that you can remove with ease, especially if it's your full back. A chest or sternum tattoo requires similar attire, as you cannot wear a bra during this session. For shoulder tattoos, it is also better to avoid bras, and you can simply wear any type of tank top that exposes the shoulder and moves completely out of the way for your artists to access). Bras are also a no-no when it comes to getting a ribcage tattoo, so a bikini top is the way to go again. If you're not comfortable revealing too much skin, you can always bring some pasties to keep things covered.

"No tattoo artist should ask you to be topless — make sure your boundaries are respected," tattoo artist Sarah of Big Bird Tattoo told Stories and Ink.

For a stomach tattoo, make sure to wear something baggy that doesn't press against the skin so it won't interfere with healing. Arm tattoos are simple — short sleeves or tank tops are the way to go.

For a hip tattoo, anything that you can move out of the way for accessibility is key. A flowy skirt, maxi dress, or bikini bottom is recommended by tattoo artist Debbi Snax (via PopSugar).

Thigh and calf tattoos are also easy to figure out — just make sure to wear shorts or a skirt that is high enough to not rub against the area.

For a booty tattoo, opt for swimsuit bottoms to give your artist as much free access as possible, depending on your comfort. A loose skirt or even a beach wrap could also be a wise addition.

As for a foot tattoo, while you'll take your shoe off for the appointment, you ideally won't be walking around barefoot when it's done. That's why for optimal healing it's best to wear some sort of open-toed sandal, such as a flip-flop.