Why Lower Back Tattoos Are So Popular

Since the late 1990s, lower back tattoos have become increasingly popular, almost exclusively among young women. At first glance, this may seem like an odd choice?it's in a place where the woman can't see it without the aid of a large mirror, and a location that is covered up by all but the most revealing of clothing. Why, then, are lower back tattoos so popular? This article will attempt to explain this mystery.

LOCATION

First of all, unlike the abdomen, the center of the lower back does not stretch significantly during pregnancy or as one gains weight. This makes it a relatively stable patch of skin for tattoos, especially smaller ones. The lower back is also a good "canvas", providing lots of space for large, horizontal designs. Finally, the lower back is a place that can easily be covered by more conservative clothing during formal or professional situations, but easily revealed by different clothing (such as half shirts and low-rise jeans) for more causal or intimate situations.

SENSUALITY

The graceful curves of the feminine form converge on the lower back. Lower back tattoos are designed to follow the curvature of the woman's back, hips, and bottom, accentuating and flattering the hourglass shape of a young woman's figure. Consequently, lower back tattoos are considered sensual, suggestive, and erotic. They communicate confidence and emphasize sexual attractiveness.

DEGREES OF SENSUALITY

The degree of suggestive sexuality can be controlled by the size, shape, location, and color of the lower back tattoo. A relatively small tattoo, such as a butterfly, will follow and accentuate fewer curves. Color draws more attention, so stick with black ink designs if you want a low profile. In can also be placed high up in the small of the back where it can be seen easily, in its entirety, without overly revealing clothing (such as regular rise jeans). Such a tattoo suggests more innocent playfulness than a sexual invitation.

At the other end of the scale, a larger, more prominent tattoo will accentuate a woman's curves even more. Wide designs reach to either side of her hips, following every curve along the way. An accentuated V-shape that dips below the waistline on ANY pant or skirt suggests it is pointing at something. Placing the tattoo further down on the body, so that the centerpiece of the design rests on the tailbone right above the gluteal cleft, is more overtly sexual. First, the tattoo can only be seen while wearing revealing, low-rise jeans, which often exposes a woman's underwear or thong as well. Even then, the entire tattoo can't be seen, making it more suggestive and giving it an air of mystery. It gives men the impression that they're getting a naughty peek at something forbidden, which arouses their interest. It makes them wonder what the bottom half of the tattoo looks like, which naturally leads them to envision the woman pantless or even naked?which, of course, is sexually stimulating. Finally, bright colors such as reds and yellows will make the tattoo more noticeable and attract more attention.

BEWARE! If you are thinking about getting a lower back tattoo, be aware that not everyone approves of the suggestive sensuality of such tattoos. The older generation may consider the location and design (and the revealing clothing required to expose them) to be inappropriate, especially in public. Feminists may disapprove of the tattoo's implications that the woman is sexually objectifying herself for the purpose of attracting men. Conservatives may consider lower back tattoos to me a mark of promiscuity and immorality. Consequently, a lot of derogatory terms have evolved for lower back tattoos among people who consider them "trashy". Such terms include "Tramp Stamps", "Slag Tags", "Ass Antlers", and "Trailer Park License Plates", among others. If you chose to get a lower back tattoo, be aware and prepared for some people to judge or make assumptions about you based solely on your tattoo. If you're not sure you want to deal with this, try a "trial run" with a temporary lower back tattoo for a few days, and see what happens.