The artists provide pasties or stickers to put on top of your nipples. You would not want to wear a bra unless you have a loose-fitting piece or a bralette.
You don't want to be wearing restrictive jeans or a dress shirt while you're getting tattooed. Loose clothing will help make sure that you aren't randomly getting itchy, overheated and it will allow you to easily re-adjust your positioning in case you become uncomfortable.
A loose crop top is ideal as you can lift it to give the tattoo artist access without getting everything out on show. If you need to lift your top further to give the tattoo artist access around your cleavage, you can always use pasties to cover your nipples.
You'll want to go braless for a sternum or chest tattoo appointment and may be asked to put pasties over your nipples for additional coverage. "You could also go with either a spaghetti bikini top or a rolled-up bandeau," Caranfa says.
A woman will need to wear a bra that may rub on the tattoo. If you can go without a bra, this would be ideal. However, if you can't for obvious reasons, try a bikini top with thinner straps that can be moved to avoid the tattoo or even a stick-on bra as this will avoid your ribs.
Ribs: When tattooing a ribcage you will be unable to wear a bra during the process, and you likely will not want to wear one afterwards. I would recommend wearing a tank top, I also have pasties available for those getting tattoos in more sensitive situations such as under bust pieces. Legs: Bring a pair of shorts.
The problem with wearing a bra that is directly on the skin (where you have the tattoo!) is that it could rub these scabs and even knock them off. It might sound a little gross, but it's true! Any good tattoo artist will warn you against picking the scabs as it can ruin the design.
Basically, fabrics rubbing against the new tattoo can not only hurt, but also delay optimal healing. However, once your tattoo is scab-free, wearing a bra shouldn't pose any problems. If you absolutely must wear a bra, we recommend wearing plastic wrap or a non-adherent, soft medical bandage under your bra.
Shaving before a tattoo is essential – it's important to make sure there are no hairs in the way to guarantee a smooth finish and to help prevent the tattoo from becoming infected. Tattoo artists will usually shave your chest, back, or wherever else you're getting tattooed, before inking you.
You should wear a shirt that easily zips or buttons up the front. If you are a female client planning on getting a tattoo, you might need to take off some of your clothes to do so. In most cases, the artist would give you pieces of tape to cover your nipples for the duration of the tattoo.
Many people choose to wear a sports bra or bralette to their tattoo appointment, as these types of bras tend to be less restrictive than traditional bras. You may also want to consider wearing a loose-fitting shirt or tank top that can be easily lifted or removed if necessary.
Sternum tattoos sit on a bony area with thinner skin and little to no fat or muscle. So, while they hurt less than some placements like the ribcage, sternum tattoos are among the most painful spots to get a tattoo that still teeters on the edge of a moderate tattoo pain level.
3 Its Entirely Safe to Tattoo the Areola and Nipple
You may wonder if it is safe to tattoo around the areola. Tattooing the areola and nipple is very safe. You will be given pretreatment and post care instructions to insure the best and healthiest result.
Drink a lot of water during the week; avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before getting tattooed. Please do not shave the area; we will do it for you at your appointment. Avoid aspirin or blood thinning medication at least 24 hours before your tattoo; ibuprofen, acetaminophen, & other NSAID pain relievers are OK.
No. We don't recommend taking a shower within one hour of getting a tattoo. Even with a Saniderm bandage on, it's wise to let the ink settle for several hours before getting your tattoo wet. In many cases, the plastic wrap, bandage or covering on your tattoo will be required to stay on for much longer than an hour.
Go Braless If Possible
Avoid wearing bras that will clamp down on the tattooed area tightly. Where possible, wear a bra that will not touch the tattoo at all. Don't forget to avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing.
Hair prevents the needle from properly penetrating the required layers of your skin. If you don't shave the area, the tattoo may not take. And if hair is thick, the design will be compromised. However, don't shave until after you've had your initial consultation with your tattooist.
Expect about half an hour to an hour for a simple, small tattoo. Keep in mind, however, a small tattoo with lots of color, line work, details, or a tricky placement could take several hours. Small tattoos are great for people who don't want to go through a lengthy tattoo process, but still want some cool ink.
Once you're sure you've found a professional tattoo artist, the next best way to prevent blowout is to follow aftercare directions closely and pay attention to your ink during the healing process. Make sure you're cleaning your tattoo twice a day and keeping it moist until it's fully healed, at least two weeks.
If wearing tight-fitting clothes is your style, you'll have to give it up for the next couple of weeks. Instead, wear loose-fitting clothes that are comfortable to cover new tattoos fully. Tight clothes will constantly rub against your tattoo, potentially damaging any new protective layer your skin has grown.
And for at least the first couple of nights, you shouldn't cuddle with your significant other – it will increase the chance of friction and infection. The same goes for pets; keep them off the bed for at least the first 4-5 nights.
Avoid wearing a bra that covers the tattoo. If you have to, place plastic wrap between the bra and your skin to avoid irritating the ink. Clean & moisturize the area before and immediately afterwards as well. Then, make sure to let it breathe after taking off your bra.