Even if your body is already covered in tattoos from head to toe, there's something fun and rebellious about secret ink. On the flip side, if you're still easing into the idea of your first small design, getting something etched on one of the best places to hide tattoos can make it all seem less stressful.
No matter your reasoning, hidden tattoos are a great way to ink your body just for you (though don't be surprised if you suddenly feel the need to post it all over Instagram). Some of the best hidden places for a tattoo are your rib cage, sternum, stomach, and back. You also can't go wrong with hidden small hip tattoos; they're a classic. Depending on the placement you choose, you can play peekaboo or let it be your own little secret.
The best hiding places for tattoos come with different pain levels. A rib or neck tattoo might be a little more painful than a design on your thighs. Luckily, these types of designs are typically tiny with fine lines and little to no shading, so they're relatively quick and easy.
Whether you're a tattoo newbie or this isn't your first rodeo, we rounded up some of the best hidden tattoo places for you to peruse ahead. Keep scrolling to see how to hide a tattoo like a pro.
— Additional reporting by Haley Lyndes, Clara Amelia, and Jessica Harrington
The hips are a great hiding place for tattoos. This area makes the design only visible when you're wearing a cropped top or swimsuit.
This gorgeous tattoo is placed on the ear, hiding it in plain sight.
This hidden tattoo features a delicate branch.
This hidden tattoo of a seashell is placed on the ribs.
Angel-number tattoos are small, easy to hide, and super cute.
You can get an entire space scene behind your ear as a hidden tattoo if you make it small enough.
Pay tribute to your furry friend with a paw-print tattoo on your foot or toe.
The rib cage is one of the most popular places to hide tattoos.
The back of your ear is a great spot for minimalist hidden tattoos.
The back of the ear is one of the best and cutest hiding places for a tattoo.
The inside of your fingers is a good spot for hidden tattoos.
A small, red heart around the ribs is an excellent first tattoo.
Hide your tattoo in plain sight with a delicate fine-line design.
Your big toe is a good place to hide a cute, silly tattoo.
This hidden tattoo features the word "happiness" in a dainty cursive font.
The shoulders are a great place for a hidden tattoo of a quote.
The back of the arm holds many possibilities for different kinds of tattoos like quotes and lettering.
This hidden tattoo features a cute, dainty butterfly right on the hipbone.
This hidden tattoo features a beautiful olive branch.
Tattoos located on the upper thigh and hip area are pretty easy to hide and make for a super-sexy placement.
The feet are another cool hidden spot for tattoos, like this beautiful monarch butterfly.
A tiny ellipsis around the collarbone is another good first hidden tattoo idea if you're still unsure what to get.
Hello Kitty fits perfectly in this hidden small hip tattoo.
Astrological symbols are small, making them really easy to hide.
A small, colorful constellation on the inside of the arm is an excellent idea for a hidden tattoo.
This hidden tattoo features a gorgeous, dainty dragonfly.
Hidden small hip tattoos are super cool and mysterious.
Hip tattoos don't have to be small to stay hidden.
This tattoo features the quote "love yourself" in a gorgeous cursive font around the back.
Subtle lettering on the back of your arm is an amazing idea for a hidden tattoo.
The rib cage is the best spot if you want a quote tattoo that's private.
If you want to get a quote tattoo but don't want to keep it hidden all the time, the back of the shoulder is a good placement option.
The sternum is one of the coolest hidden tattoo spots.
This happy-and-sad-face tattoo proves once again the feet are a great spot to hide tattoos.
An inner-lip tattoo is a great option if you want to keep it hidden while showing off your rebellious side.
This chic hidden tattoo is a fine-line heart placed on the back of the shoulder.
A number tattoo like this one would be very easy to hide because of how small and delicate it is.
You can get symbols tattooed on your fingers, like these cloud and rain tattoos.
Put the peace in your peace sign by getting a hidden tattoo of the symbol on the inside of a finger.
The ankle is another amazing spot to hide a tattoo.
This cute hidden tattoo features a tiny shark located on the rib cage.
"Girl power" is shortened in this adorable hidden hip tattoo.
The inside of your finger is another great spot to hide tattoos.
This hidden tattoo features an evil eye colored on the inside of a finger.
This small hidden tattoo is located on the lower stomach and concealed by the waistband.
This tattoo features an extra-tiny heart on the hand.
This hidden tattoo features the word "baby steps" in a cute, minimalist font.
This hidden tattoo features a colored red rose on the shoulder.
This gorgeous hidden tattoo on the back depicts the contrast between day and night.
This hidden tattoo of a small diamond is placed on the inside of a finger.
If you want your hidden quote tattoo to be a little different, try using red ink.
Your ankle is a great spot for dramatic tattoos. What you're wearing will affect whether it's visible or not.
The butt makes for an amazing and sexy hidden tattoo spot.
Your hidden butt tattoo can also include a cheeky quote — no one will know it's there.