10 Best Side Tattoos: Best Ideas for Side tattoos

Do you want to get tattooed in arguably the most  painful tattoo location? Then side or rib tattoos are for you! Don’t let the idea of agonizing pain dissuade you, it will all be worth it when you see how cool your new side tattoo looks.  The high pain level also makes a side tattoo ideal for a first tattoo, that way each following tattoo seems easy.

All pain talk aside, the side is one of the best locations to get a tattoo. The barrier to entry is well worth the cost, as side tattoos make some of the most aesthetically pleasing tattoos. That is why we put together our list of the 10 Best Side and Rib Tattoo Ideas. For those brave enough to sacrifice their bodies to glorify their souls.

Sit back, relax, be grateful you are not currently getting your side tattooed, and gaze in awe at the beauty that can only be born from pain, in our 10 Best Side Tattoo Ideas List.

#10: Small Side Tattoos

Small side tattoos, like the rose below, are the perfect way to try out side tattoos. The fact that the tattoos are small means that the pain won't last long when getting them. Plus, as you can see from the small rib tattoo below, they look amazing.

Tattoo done by Devon

#9: Script Side Tattoos

Script tattoos look great tattooed on the side, the curve of the letters in the tattoos goes great with the curves of the side of the body. Script rib tattoos can be single words, or phrases, and can look good tattooed any place on the side, top, bottom, or middle.

Tattoos done by Sarah

#8: Traditional Style Side Tattoos

Coming in our 8th spot on our Best Side Tattoos Ideas list is Traditional side tattoos. The classic traditional tattoo looks amazing placed in a modern location like the ribs. It creates the perfect mix of new and old, giving traditional style side tattoos an uncanny look and feel.

Tattoos done by Sarah

#7: Scales Side Tattoos

When "weighing" your options for a good side tattoo idea, a scales tattoo is always a well "balanced" decision. The fact that scale tattoos fit the side and ribs so well, just adds "weight" to scale tattoo argument. But just words doesn't do scale side tattoos "justice", they need to be seen to be appreciated. 

Tattoos done by Sarah

#6: Large Side Tattoos

Go big or go home, prove you have what it takes to endure a large side / rib tattoo. I promise the pain will be worth it, as you can see from this stunning large flower side tattoo. The tattoos looks incredible as it rises from the hip, across, the side, and ending on the back.

Tattoo done by Sara

#5: Spider Side Tattoos

Spider tattoos have lots of meaning behind them, they can mean, wisdom, fertility, harmony, or balance. But more importantly, spider tattoos look really cool, this is even more evident in spider side tattoos. As you can see in the spider side rib tattoo below, the way the spider flows down the side looks eerie and beautiful at the same time.

Tattoo done by Devon

#4: Side Back Tattoos

don't forget the back of the ribs when it comes to side tattoos, as you can see from the cherry blossom tattoo below, they can be some of the most dramatic looking side tattoos. Side back tattoos will have you sleeping on your stomach for a few days, but the pain of getting the tattoo will be worth it for the pleasure of knowing you have such a great tattoo.

Tattoo done by Summer

#3: Upper Ribs Side Tattoos

The upper ribs is one the best locations for a side tattoo, tattoos of any shape and size work in this location, but more rectangular shaped tattoos seem to look best. Upper rib side tattoos are a great way to accentuate the natural curves of your body, and give the tattoo and body a very aesthetically pleasing look.

Tattoos done by Sarah

#2: Butterfly Side Tattoos

Butterflies are perfect for side tattoos because they are so versatile. They can be tattooed big or small, a single Butterfly or many, and arranged wherever, doing whatever. The side tattoo below shows them flying up from the hip line with sparkles, giving them a very whimsical feeling.

Tattoo done by Summer

#1: Snake Side Tattoos

The snake side tattoo is number one on our Best Side Tattoos Ideas list, and when you see the tattoo below it's easy to see why. The snakes long, cylindrical shape lends itself perfect to the shape of the human side. The snakes body can be tattooed to fit any shape, again this can be seen in the tattoo upper rib tattoo below, where the snakes outline the chest on both side, giving the dueling snakes a very clean, symmetrical look. 

Tattoo done by Devon

We hope you enjoyed our Best Side Tattoo Ideas list. What were your favorite side tattoo ideas? Were there any side tattoos ideas we should have included but didn't?  Let us know in the comments below.

 If this side tattoo list persuaded you to endure some pain for beauty, then book your tattoo today at Mr. Inkwells tattoo shop, where one of our amazing tattoo artists can make the process of getting a side tattoo as painless as possible.

See you soon!