6 Tattoo Trends That Will Be Everywhere This Summer

Getty/ Stevica Mrdja | EyeEm

Summer is the perfect time, as Drake would say, to start wearing less and going out more. With that often comes a spike in interest when it comes to body art. "Although it's not recommended to get tattooed around a time where you will be heavily exposed to the sun or submerged in water for long periods of time, people love to get tattooed in the summertime," Jazmin Paulino, tattoo artist at Fleur Noire Tattoo in Brooklyn, NY, tells POPSUGAR. "Minimal clothing is the move if you want to show off your new ink. What better time to do that than the summer?"

Not only do people want to show off their new ink, but they could be inspired by their summer travels. "It's possible people are inspired by other collectors' tattoos and might want to switch it up for summer," Paulino says. "Summertime is also prime travel season, and tourists might want to switch up what they get during the summer to commemorate their experiences."

Whatever your reason for wanting a new tattoo, if you're thinking of adding to your collection, there are a few designs the pros think will be trending for summer. From "tail tats" to fruits and other greenery, read ahead for some inspiration before you make that appointment.

2023 Summer Tattoo Trend: “Tail Tats”

"Tail tats" are exactly what they sound like: tattoos on your lower back closer to your tailbone. With the Y2K aesthetic still going strong, Paulino says that the popular '90s style will also make a grand return.

"Lower back tattoos, aka tail tats, are already making a comeback along with this Y2K era," Paulino says. "The '90s resurgence is not only limited to fashion; the aesthetic is influencing tattoo decisions too."

The lower back allows for absolute creative freedom, so if you're considering this location, you can get everything from minimal, dainty designs, floral tattoos, or even more intricate and ornate designs.

2023 Summer Tattoo Trend: “Tail Tats”

2023 Summer Tattoo Trend:“Tail Tats”

2023 Summer Tattoo Trend: “Tail Tats”

2023 Summer Tattoo Trend: Butterflies

Another '90s tattoo trend making a resurgence? Butterfly tattoos.

"Butterflies are so timeless and beautiful, yet they fell out of popularity after being deemed too common or 'basic,'" Paulino says. "However, people are starting to re-recognized them for what they are — a classic."

If you want your own butterfly tattoo but want to stand out from the crowd, add a touch of personality to your design. Everything from using a different ink color to making the tattoo more abstract in design can add a more unique finish to the tattoo.

2023 Summer Tattoo Trend: Butterflies

2023 Summer Tattoo Trend: Butterflies

2023 Summer Tattoo Trend: Fruit and Plants

Flowers are one of the more popular botanical tattoo types, but Paulino thinks there may be a shift this summer.

"Fruit and plants are another trend I predict will be hits this summer," Paulino says. "We are used to seeing florals done in so many different ways. Although beautiful, now it's time for the less appreciated (and more tropical) greenery to step into the limelight."

Greenery tattoos are particularly perfect for the summer, as plants have an integral relationship with the sun — these tattoos embody summer almost in a literal way. Have some fun with these designs by making them hyper realistic or adding color for a tattoo that looks good enough to eat.

2023 Summer Tattoo Trend: Fruit and Plants

2023 Summer Tattoo Trend: Fruit and Plants

2023 Summer Tattoo Trend: Fruit and Plants

2023 Summer Tattoo Trend: Ornamental Tattoos

Ornamental tattoos, the style of tattooing that imitates wood carvings, are also expected to make a splash this summer.

"Ornamental tattoos are just so lovely to look at," Paulino says. "They're another timeless classic being adapted and innovated to look extremely modern and cool."

Ornamental tattoos are typically done in black ink, so play with negative space, color, and location when brainstorming your design.

2023 Summer Tattoo Trend: Ornamental Tattoos

2023 Summer Tattoo Trend: Ornamental Tattoos

2023 Summer Tattoo Trend: "Sticker" Hand Tattoos

"Multiple small tattoos on the back are going to be a trend for this summer due to their versatility and ability to create a story or theme," tattoo artist Sydney Smith tells POPSUGAR. "Essentially, people have been opting for small tattoos that can be placed together to form a larger cohesive design or can be stand-alone pieces that complement each other."

This trend allows for more creativity and personalization, given that you can choose multiple designs that hold special meaning or significance.

2023 Summer Tattoo Trend: "Sticker" Hand Tattoos

2023 Summer Tattoo Trend: "Sticker" Hand Tattoos

2023 Summer Tattoo Trend: Western Themes

"Everything western has definitely been trending this last year," tattoo artist Wesley Austin tells POPSUGAR. "Cowboy boots, horses, hats — you name it. This theme is definitely going to be a hit this summer."

2023 Summer Tattoo Trend: Western Themes

2023 Summer Tattoo Trend: Western Themes