25 Elegant Back Tattoos for Women

Your back is like a canvas that’s primed and ready for some body art. Back tattoos for women come in all shapes and sizes ranging from a small tattoo on the shoulder to entire back pieces that cover the whole of the back. It’s a popular spot for tattoos because they can easily be hidden under clothes should the need arise or shown off as a sort of peek-a-boo tattoo.

Back tattoos for women are often sexy and elegant as they complement the body’s natural shape. For instance, a vertical design that stretches down the spine is going to look fantastic as will any sort of balanced design that radiates from it. We wanted to get an idea of the latest and greatest back tattoos for women so we turned to social media to discover what sorts of designs are moving the needle. Take a look at our inspired finds to get an idea for your very own tattoo.

Take a Look at These Show-Stopping Back Tattoos for Women.

Understated and Ornamental

Some of the most popular back tattoos for women are ornamental in nature and it’s easy to see why. They are sophisticated and beautiful.

Florals on the Blade

Back tattoos for women on the shoulder blade aren’t as popular as you might expect. We think the placement is underrated and it looks feminine with florals and other organic designs.

With Wings

Another popular choice among back tattoos for women are balanced designs that are symmetrical. Thus, anything with wings is going to be a winner in the middle of the back placement.

Big and Bold

We imagine a giant back tattoo that takes up the entire back is not going to be for everyone. But, if you’re looking for large back tattoos for women, you could do no better than this ornamental design done with just black ink.

A Gentle Reminder

“Follow your heart,” this tattoo says. Flower tattoos with names and words in the place of a stem are very popular today. We especially like the way the blossom has been tattooed in the above design. How haunting!

Watercolor Rose

Here’s a similar design that finds a rose tattooed in a watercolor effect. Notice how the two “stems” above flank either side of the spine? That’s a great idea that we think you should keep in your back pocket.

Abstract

Here’s another one of the bold back tattoos for women that’s been completed in black and grey. If you’re not married to the idea of a figurative design, it’s clear that abstract ones are having a moment and you might want to join the trend.

Still Life

Simplicity is bliss and this back tattoo has peeled away any superfluous elements for a straightforward still life that looks completely modern. An understated design like this one is a great idea for any part of the back.

A Scene From Nature

We find a canary and peony flower in this delicate scene. Take a look at all of those lines used to give texture and dimension to the design.

Phases of the Moon

We find a tattoo that appears ethereal and haunting in these phases of the moon that climb the spine. Looking to the stars is always a great place to turn for inspiration. Further, these phases hold symbolic meaning.

Floral Mandala

Mandala tattoos are exceedingly popular these days for any part of the body. This fabulously colored design is placed in the center of the back. Again, we find shapes that radiate out from the center that takes advantage of the back’s special shape.

Darwin’s Moth

Madagascan star orchid and Darwin’s moth are the subject matter of this mesmerizing tattoo. Organic shapes and elements from nature are always a good idea for back tattoos for women.

The Phoenix

For a meaningful tattoo, turn to mythology for added weight. The mythical Phoenix symbolizes rebirth and resilience.

On the Line

There’s a thin line at the center of this tattoo that extends from the hairline all the way down to the waste. There’s a sort of abstract shape that arrests the eyes that looks like a blossom of an orchid.

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Coneflower

We’ve seen a few examples of flowers that climb the spine up to this point and it’s clear that they represent a very good idea for back tattoos for women. Here’s a coneflower that offers even more proof that this is the type of tattoo beat.

Like Jewelry

Wow! We find a gorgeous tattoo here that looks like a piece of art deco ornamentation. It’s like a handsome piece of jewelry for the back. What a stunner!

Smoke

If you’re not getting a flower down your spine, abstract designs are second in popularity. The above tattoo looks like ink in water or smoke rising. It’s a gorgeous tattoo that we think many would also love.

A Portrait

Find yourself a tattoo artist with a point of view and you could walk away with a tattoo as equally evocative and singular. This sort of landscape shape works well for the upper back while something more portrait will look good lower.

Pure Sophistication

Flowers meet ornamental shapes in this attractive tattoo that perfectly captures the back’s natural shape and beauty. Anything in a sort of upside-down triangle shape will look fantastic falling from your shoulders to the middle of the back.

‘Jagged Spirit’

Abstract back tattoos for women really are doing the most on this list. The artist who shared the above image titled it “Jagged Spirit.” The varying thickness of the lines offers visual interest while still remaining understated.

Antlers

Wow! This pair of antlers look ghostly in this placement. Delicate lines help to add to the mystery and mystique.

Tiger, Tiger

Here’s that shoulder blade placement that we love again. We find a fierce tiger on it that sits square on the blade for a cool effect.

Simple Scene

One of our favorite back tattoos for women on this list finds a circular design with a very 2D flatness to it. It inhabits both abstract and figurative spaces which makes it truly stand out.

Dragon and Flowers

We find a dragon flying through a sea of blossoms in this large back tattoo. Designs of this size look best when they are wider at the top and taper in as they get to the lower back. This person’s tattoo is a perfect example.

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Little Sharks

We leave you with a pack of sharks that will take your breath away. Take a look at all the dots used to add texture and depth. What a dreamy design that’s been masterfully executed.

There you go! We hope you found these back tattoos for women inspiring and that you got some great ideas for your own ink. Whether you go big or small, an appealing placement on your back is easy to achieve. Just work with an artist who will make the design accentuate the body’s natural shape. Happy tattooing!