165+ Rib Tattoos for Women to Stir Your Imagination!

As it's so close to your heart, a rib tattoo can make quite a statement. From flowers and butterflies to dragons and hearts, you need to figure out which tattoo is right for you.

As an artist, I have designed hundreds of rib tattoos for women and know just what designs and styles you can get.

In this post, I will introduce to the most stunning tattoo ideas, ensuring that your choice is an easy one.

The Top Rib Tattoo Ideas for Women

Here are the rib tattoos for women that you can draw inspiration from:

Floral Rib Tattoos

Flowers are an incredibly feminine symbol. They are often used to depict womanhood or femininity.

When choosing a rib tattoo for women, your first move is to decide which flower to go with for your tattoo. The flower for your tattoo can be a depiction of your personality. Or, it can be one that has a special meaning for you.

Of course, the tattoo can also be a flower that you simply think is pretty!

A rose tattoo is one of the most common options for a rib tattoo. It is beautiful and a symbol of love. A black rose rib tattoo, on the other hand, can be a symbol of sorrow.

If you want something subtle yet sensual for your rib tattoo, consider getting something like these fine line tattoos:

Blossoms aren't just beautiful and delicate, they also hold a particular meaning for some. These are usually seen as symbols for a new beginning, making them the perfect design for your tattoo.

Here are some other examples of the floral rib tattoos for women that you can get:

There is nothing quite as beautiful as a bouquet of flowers. With this rib tattoo idea, you can add flowers based on similarity, design, or any other design that you choose.

Are you all about going big, bold, and colorful with your tattoo? Then these are the rib tattoo ideas you are sure to love:

Plant Rib Tattoos

Floral tattoos can seem too common of a rib tattoo design. If you are looking for something a little different, why not consider a plant rib tattoo?

As with flowers, plants hold just as much meaning. They can also be beautiful in their own, distinct way. This is why they work so well as inspiration for your tattoo.

Here are some side tattoo ideas to inspire you:

Butterfly Rib Tattoos

Butterfly rib tattoos for women are pretty popular and it isn't difficult to see why. Butterflies are beautiful and delicate - there is something undeniably feminine about them.

At the same time, a tattoo with a butterfly can be a wonderful symbol for change or transition as well. So, if you feel like you have gone through some important changes in your life, then here are some rib tattoo ideas that you can consider:

These rib cage designs proves that small tattoos can be both complex and beautiful:

This exquisite rib tattoo design isn't just delicate - one of the wings are also made up of roses. The tattoo is hauntingly lovely.

In case you want a rib tattoo that stands out from the crowd, look at how the 3D design of this tattoo makes it look like the butterfly is actually taking flight.

Looking for an abstract tattoo? Check out this awesome design for your rib tattoo:

Bird Rib Tattoos

Bird tattoos have been gaining popularity over the last few years as they are often symbols of freedom.

As far as rib tattoo ideas go, birds can be a great opportunity for creativity. The birds for the tattoo can be done in incredible detail. Of course, keep in mind that you are going to need a great tattoo artist for this kind of rib tattoo.

Hummingbird tattoos are a fairly common option for a side tattoo. For one, they are delicate and adorable. For another, the bird in the tattoos are also symbols for perseverance, dedication, and hard work.

Of course, there are other bird tattoos you can get:

This tattoo design, in particular, is a truly wonderful choice. Not only is it bold and colorful but the side tattoo has been designed to hug the natural curves of the female form too.

Koi Fish Rib Tattoos

Koi fish tattoos are an interesting idea for rib tattoos for women. If you are a fan of Eastern cultures, particularly Japanese, you will know that koi fish represent love and friendship. This is why you will often find two fish in a single side tattoo.

If you choose to have just one koi fish for your rib tattoo, this could indicate strength and endurance.

Here are some koi fish rib tattoo ideas:

Snake Rib Tattoos

On the surface, this can seem like a rather odd rib tattoo to get but it is surprisingly popular among tattoos for women.

For the longest time, snakes have had a rather negative meaning in western culture. However, in certain cultures, the serpent can be a positive symbol as well.

Due to their ability to shed their skin, they are a symbol for transformation, rebirth, or renewal. Since they are associated with the earth, they are also linked to wisdom.

As this rib tattoo for women is so unique, it is a great opportunity for self expression too. If this is a rib tattoo idea that intrigues you, here are some options to consider:

Dragon Rib Tattoos

Looking for strong and powerful rib tattoo ideas? Then, look no further than a dragon! They are symbols of strength, protection, and wisdom. What's more, the curving design fits in perfectly with the curves of the waist and hips.

Before you get a dragon side tattoo, I suggest doing some research on the topic first. What a lot of people don't realize is that there are different types of dragons.

Not only are they found in various cultures, but they have different styles as well. Some have smooth curves and clean lines but others may be a bit more dramatic or abstract.

So, make sure to look up the various styles used in tattoos to determine which one is best suited to you.

Mountain Range Rib Tattoos

Getting a mountain range tattoo on your ribs can have a variety of meanings. For some, this tattoo indicates nature or a love for travel.

For others, this tattoo is about overcoming a significant hurdle or moment in their life. Mountains can also be a symbol of strength and an unchanging landscape.

If you like a more impressive piece of body art for your rib tattoo, you may want to consider the following scenes:

Sun and Moon Rib Tattoos

If you're looking for a rib tattoo with a lot of depth and meaning, then the sun and moon design is a good one to consider.

There are a few different meanings to this rib cage tattoo. The first is a depiction of two opposing forces. This can be used to show how most people have two sides to their nature.

It is also a good way to describe how opposites attract. A sun and moon rib tattoo shows balance.

Space Rib Tattoos

If you are looking for a rather unusual rib tattoo, a space tattoo is a good idea. This also works for anyone who is fascinated by moons, stars, galaxies, planets, and the cosmos in general.

One of the great things about this side tattoo is that there are lots of way to get creative with it. Here are some images to help narrow down the kind of rib tattoo you can get:

Creation of Adam Rib Tattoos

If you're someone who enjoys classical art, this could be the perfect rib tattoo for you.

The Creation of Adam by Michelangelo is essentially God giving the spark of life to Adam. It depicts the beginning of humanity.

Of course, even if you aren't an art enthusiast, it is still a beautiful side tattoo to get.

While you can choose to stay true to the original artwork with your rib tattoo, there are lots of way to expand on this idea. You can put your own spin on it, if you choose, like this side tattoo here:

Heart Rib Tattoos

This may seem like an obvious rib tattoo idea, but you will be pleasantly surprised by just how many different designs you can get.

There is no need for it to be boring or a copy of what someone else has done. Instead, check out just how much fun you can have with this rib tattoo idea.

Rib Tattoos with Sayings

It isn't surprising that so many people get special phrases, poems, or sayings as a rib tattoo.

A side tattoo keeps the words close to your heart, helping you to remember them every day.

Memorial Rib Tattoos

If you want to pay tribute to someone you have loved and lost, a memorial rib tattoo on your rib cage is a great idea.

This particular rib tattoo pays tribute to a grandmother. Not only is it beautiful and sad, but the runes add a touch of personalization too.

Matching Rib Tattoos

Matching rib tattoos can seem more meaningful. This is probably because they are situated in such a central place on your body.

Here are the side tattoo ideas you can get with a loved one:

Are Rib Tattoos Feminine?

Yes, rib tattoos and body art can be incredibly feminine. You are most likely to see women get these tattoos than men.

The area around the ribs can be quite a sensual section to get a tattoo as well. You can look incredibly sexy after getting a tattoo here.

How Painful is a Tattoo on Your Ribs?

Here is some bad news - a rib tattoo is one of the most painful tattoos you are likely to get.

There isn't much fat on this part of the body. Not to mention, the skin is quite thin here too. Therefore, it can often feel like the bones beneath are being tattooed.

To add to this, whenever you take a breath, you are moving the skin and bone upwards and this can make it even more painful.

This doesn't mean that you shouldn't go ahead with your tattoo, though. Instead, opt for something simple - this way the tattoo will not take as much time.

That being said, always consider your decision about getting a tattoo on such a sensitive area. Make sure that this is a level of discomfort you can tolerate. If you have never gotten any ink done before, this may not be the best part of the body for your first tattoo.

Do Rib Tattoos Take Longer to Heal?

Here's some good news - tattoos around the rib cage heal at the same rate as tattoos on other parts of the body. It will usually take about two to three weeks for the tattoo to completely heal.

To help the process along, make sure to keep the area clean and follow any after care instructions that our artist has given you.

What Should a Girl Wear to Get a Rib Tattoo?

This depends on the exact spot that you are getting a rib tattoo. If it is lower down, you can get away with wearing a crop top. This will give the tattoo artist easy access to the spot and you don't have to worry about hiking your shirt up during the process.

If your rib tattoo is higher up near the bra line, consider a loose muscle tee. These have low, open sides, giving the artist access to the upper portion of your ribs.

You may not be able to wear a bra to get this kind of tattoo. If you can't go without one, wear a string bikini. Once your top is removed, the artist can ink a side tattoo down your entire side if needed.

You could also consider a paste on bra as it will leave the sides free.

Phew! That was quite a list but now you know all your options. It's time to figure out which of these rib tattoo designs really speaks to you. Happy searching.