Throwback to the ’90s with These Ankle Tattoos for Women

In the 1990s, ankle tattoos were one of the tattoos for women to get. Placed well below human eye level, they were a subtle yet unhidden option, especially as a first tattoo. Like many ‘90s trends, ankle tattoos for women faded from popularity for a while. However, fads have a way of popping back up every 20 years or so, making the ankle tattoo’s recent return (along with bike shorts, slide sandals, and the TV show Friends) seem right on time.

Why Ankle Tattoos for Women are Awesome

Two Things to Consider Before You Get an Ankle Tattoo

Ankle Tattoos Can Hurt. A Lot.

First, the honest truth: ankle tattoos hurt. The foot and ankle are considered some of the worst places to get a tattoo. It’s because the skin is thin, stretched over the foot and ankle bones. The good news is that your pain level depends on a few factors: your pain tolerance, exactly where you place your tattoo (the inside is fleshier and less painful), and the size and complexity of the design. Plus, a great tattoo just might be worth the pain.

Ankle Tattoos Might Fade

Tattoos are more likely to fade in spots with a lot of friction. This includes hands, along the bra line, and, yes, ankles and feet. Every time you put on shoes or socks or even a pair of jeans, you’ll rub the tattoo. You can always get a faded tattoo touched up down the road. Just make sure you’re okay with the possibility of fading before you commit.

Ankle Tattoos to Inspire You

Celebrity Ankle Tattoos

Singer Halsey is always ready for the fight with this blade strapped to her ankle.

American actress Ronni Hawk has a tiny Queen of Hearts inked in the spot.

Always ahead of the trend, Rihanna got 1988, her birth year, inked in 2015.

When their daughter was born, Kylie Jenner and Travis Scott got matching butterfly tattoos to mark the occasion.

Actress Busy Phillips got this illustration from her book inked on her ankle in 2019.

Billie Lourd, daughter of Carrie Fisher and an actress in her own right, got this galaxy tattoo in memory of her late mom, who also had her own space-themed tattoo.

Ankle Tattoos for Women Who Rock

The addition of long black nails takes this rock-inspired tattoo to the next level.

And this one is a perfect combination of sweet and macabre, with flowers and bones.

Botanical Tattoos

Botanical tattoos are super popular, and they can fit anywhere on the body – including the ankle, like this beautiful floral piece.

And how cute are these mushrooms?

If black and grey isn’t your thing, you can always add color to your botanical tattoos for a totally different effect.