Sternum Tattoo Guide: 50+ Best Design Ideas

The sternum is the area in the middle of your chest. This is a popular place for women who want a sexy tattoo that can be easily hidden, or for men who want to show off their body.

The sternum is the long, narrow sternum connecting the rib cage, which covers the rib cage and protects the vital organs. The sternum is between the collarbones and runs between the breasts, all the way to the area where the ribs meet above the stomach. This important bone protects the heart and is the main part of the upper skeleton.

Tattoos on the sternum are usually applied to the sternum in men or on the décolleté in women. This is a versatile tattoo meaning they can be as big or as small as you like. You can have a small, thin paint job or a big, bold design. Depending on how big you want your piece to be, you can expect a lot of creative freedom when getting a chest tattoo.

50+ Best Sternum Tattoo Design Ideas

lotus tattoo on chest

Lotus flowers symbolize enlightenment. They are associated with both Hinduism and Buddhism, and Christians also use it in their faith. A blossoming lotus bud symbolizes awareness and openness. White symbolizes purity of heart and the ability to be faithful.

mandala tattoo on chest

Mandalas come in different shapes and sizes. A series of concentric figures is popular in Eastern religions. The symbol is used to remind us of the concept of unity. Before getting a mandala tattoo, you should study the symbolism and meaning of the design, because each mandala corresponds to a different chakra and energy center.

rose tattoo on chest

Roses are the most iconic flowers in tattooing. The blooming of rose petals is often compared to the emotional opening of the heart. Choose from a realistic colored rose, a traditional wand design, or a more minimalist black tattoo with thin lines. Roses are especially common in American traditional, subtle and realistic tattoos.

Geometric sternum tattoo

Geometric tattoos are incredibly versatile and can be adapted to many different shapes. They can be designed to wrap around the body and accentuate your figure. Geometric shapes can be used to create a recognizable design or create something more abstract.

Butterfly tattoo on chest

Butterflies are shaped like a ribcage, so they make the perfect chest tattoo. Attractive and widely used in traditional tattooing, they are attractive and versatile. Butterflies are often painted to remind the wearer that everything is temporary and it is never too late to change or evolve.

dragon chest tattoo

Dragon tattoos are a symbol of mystical power, but are also agents of chaos. Dragons are popular in many cultures and art styles. The ferocious mythological creature has many positive meanings, in many cultures they symbolize good luck and will bring good luck to the owner. Dragon tattoos can be done in a variety of styles and colors, each with its own special symbolism.

snake tattoo on chest

The long, thin snake shape is a natural fit for a sternum tattoo. The shedding snakes symbolize the new cycle. In the Bible, the snake represented temptation. They can also symbolize transformation, renewal, and eternal life.

Moon tattoo on chest

The moon is a symbol of feminine strength, creativity and growth. People are attracted to images of the moon and stars as they represent independence, hopes and dreams. There are many moon and constellation tattoos and all of them can be tailored to fit your body. Choose from a full moon, a crescent, a full lunar cycle, or a constellation of stars.

American Traditional Sternum Tattoo

American traditional tattoos look fantastic on any part of the body. Reminiscent of old school sailor tattoos, they have a 2D stick effect that makes an impression. Using classic images such as daggers, roses and pin-ups, they are painted in rich colors for lasting boldness.

Medallion chest tattoo

Place your heart under the locket with a locket tattoo. Incorporate it into other designs including hearts, jewels and geometric shapes. Because of the location, it will look like you are wearing jewelry.

wolf tattoo on chest

A wolf chest tattoo is a fantastic way to show loyalty and devotion to family. They are often associated with strength and courage, as well as hunting and loyalty. Native Americans consider this tattoo an honor, often paired with tribal symbols such as feathers, the sun, and the moon.

Watercolor tattoos of the sternum

The watercolor tattoo is bright and lively. This style of tattoo uses a technique that creates a more gradual fade in color. This style imitates classic watercolor painting techniques, creating beautiful and bold designs. The watercolor tattoo style can be added to any designs from flowers to plants to geometric shapes.

Bat chest tattoo

The winged bat is the perfect shape to place on the sternum. Placing it upside down on the sternum allows perfect use of the area. Bats symbolize darkness and nighttime, loved by people who follow the gothic culture. As a rule, they are painted in black and gray colors, just like real animals!

skull tattoo on chest

Skull tattoos are one of the most popular design styles in the industry. Loved by alternative music fans and those who love the dark, this is a versatile design that suits all shapes and body types. From small sugar skills to large realistic figures, the skull can be tailored to your personal tastes.

bird chest tattoo

Birds with open wings are the perfect shape for a tattoo on the sternum. From wise owls to cute hummingbirds, there are plenty of bird designs to put on the area. Birds represent our desire to be spiritually free and independent. In some cultures, birds represent eternal life and the connection between heaven and earth.

bee tattoo on chest

Bees are a popular tattoo image for earth lovers and environmentalists. Any beetle with outstretched wings is well suited to this part of the body. A bee can look light and graceful, or it can be more ornate and detailed. A longtime symbol of the city of Manchester in the United Kingdom, the Manchester bee tattoo has become a way to commemorate those who died in the Ariana Grande concert bombing.

Ornamental tattoo on the chest

Your chest tattoo doesn't have to have a deep meaning. You can choose the design you like, which looks attractive and emphasizes the natural curves of your body. Chandeliers and bold gemstone tattoos have become incredibly popular because they can be as bold and colorful as you like. It's like wearing a stunning piece of jewelry that you never have to take off!

small chest tattoo

Tattoos on the sternum do not have to be large and occupy the entire chest. They can also be small and delicate. The small tattoo can be as large as your palm and can be placed on the top of your sternum or below your breasts. If you decide you need a larger design, you can always add a sternum tattoo.

Fineline chest tattoo

Thin line tattoos are one of the most popular tattoo trends at the moment. Mostly black and gray, they are created using thin lines and soft shading. While tattoos with thin sternum lines can come in any size, micro tattoos are a popular trend. Small thin liners will allow you to get a tattoo with fantastic detail. This is ideal if you want a subtle sternum tattoo that can be easily hidden.

Tribal sternum tattoo

Tribal tattoos have a long history in various cultures. They were often tattooed on warriors to give them a more intimidating look in battle. Tribal tattoos are a rite of passage in many cultures. Consider a tribal sternum tattoo from your culture to emphasize the shape of the chest. If you are interested in a tribal tattoo from another culture, consider talking to someone from that culture first.

Sternum tattoo writing

The flat plane of the sternum makes a good canvas for tattoos. Remember someone important, get a tattoo with your motto or favorite lyrics on your chest. There are many fonts and styles, from large graffiti-inspired designs to subtle handwritten cursive. It's just important that your written tattoo is written correctly.

Chest Tattoos: More FAQs

Does it hurt to get tattoos on your chest?

Yes, chest tattoos are known for being very painful. This is because there is not much fat in the area. Bone tattoos are painful, and the tattoo needle can cause the bones to vibrate unpleasantly.

Chest tattoos will be less painful if you are curvier. This will add more padding and soften your bones from shaking. The less muscle or fat around the chest, the more it will hurt.

Chest tattoos for men or women?

Chest tattoos tend to be more popular on women, but they can also look fantastic on men's bodies. In fact, since men have flatter chests, the tattooing process is easier. Tattoos on the sternum for men can accentuate the pectoral muscles and accentuate the chest.

Chest tattoos are popular with women because they can look incredibly sexy, especially when the bottom of a crop top or cutout dress sticks out.

What to wear when getting a chest tattoo?

Chest tattoos are an intimate tattoo for women. You will have to be topless, which can make you feel uncomfortable. You will not be able to wear a bra during or after the meeting. It is recommended to wear darker colors to the meeting. The ink may stain lighter colors. For the same reason, you can use darker sheets.

Tattoo artists recommend not wearing a bra for two weeks after a chest tattoo. Friction can affect the healing process, so it's important to avoid underwired bras. People with smaller breasts could wear pasties or sticky cupless bras.

Which celebrity has chest tattoos?

Many male and female celebrities have chest tattoos. They look amazing paired with crop tops and plunging necklines that reveal the navel.

Rihanna has perhaps the most famous tattoo on her sternum. A large tattoo of the goddess Isis was made in honor of her late grandmother. Ruby Rose has a tattoo of Jean-Michel Basquiat's cartoon crown on her chest.

Paris Jackson has a tattoo depicting seven chakras, each with a different color of the rainbow. Lena Dunham has a chandelier tattoo on her chest inspired by Rihanna's design.

Lead Ink Master and guitarist Dave Navarro has a huge selection of tattoos. This includes the traditional sacred heart on his sternum, surrounded by spikes, dripping blood and overturned in flames. Justin Bieber has a large cross on his chest next to the words "Son of God" under his chest. Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine has added an eagle chest tattoo to his large collection of designs.

Harry Styles is known for his butterfly tattoo on his chest, which often appears in magazine photo shoots. Rock icon Joan Jett has a V tattoo on her chest, which she often shows off with low-cut vests.

How much do chest tattoos cost?

The cost of a sternum tattoo can vary widely. There are a number of factors that affect the price. It can cost more to get a sternum tattoo because the skin is thin and they may have to work slowly and carefully. Contact your tattoo artist for pricing, each artist and studio will have their own price list.

What do chest tattoos mean?

There is no real meaning to chest tattoos. They can highlight an area and make a bold impact on the beach. You can choose a tattoo that means a lot to you or symbolizes a special part of your life.

Will chest tattoos stretch during pregnancy?

Yes, pregnancy will affect your sternum tattoo as your skin will stretch. Tattoo artists advise getting tattoos in areas such as the sternum after having children. Due to where women place tattoos on their sternum, under the breasts, the area will change as the area changes during pregnancy. The sternum tattoo can also be affected by age and weight gain.

How to care for a chest tattoo?

Tattoo artists recommend doing without a bandage after the first day. This will allow the skin to heal. Avoid soaking immediately after a tattoo session as this will slow down the healing process. Keep your tattoo clean by washing it with warm water and fragrance-free soap. Always blot the area, never dry it clean. Avoid abrasive items such as sponges and washcloths.

Sleep is one of the best things to do with the new healing tattoo. Avoid sleeping in this area and don't put extra pressure on it. Be careful with sheets, new tattoos can sometimes bleed and stain lighter colored sheets. Flip sheets to avoid sleeping on old dirty sheets filled with germs.

You will have to wait to show off your new chest tattoo. Sun exposure and chlorine from swimming pools can seriously affect the healing process. This can not only damage the tattoo, but also put you at risk of contracting a bacterial infection. Keep new paint covered until it heals.