Armpit Tattoos Are the Hottest (and Maybe Sweatiest) Trend in Ink

We really see our armpits only during our daily deodorant application (or whilst shaving in the shower, if that's your thing), but some are jazzing up their underarms via armpit tattoos — yes, tattoos located in the armpit. The ink trend is cropping up all over Instagram, as Elle UK first reported, but don't turn your nose up at this ink trend just yet. The tats are really pretty.

Of course, armpit tattoos aren't exactly an entirely new concept. A few designs on social media seem to be rib-cage tattoos that merely extend upward into the armpit region. And it's not unusual for someone who opts for ink sleeves that cover the entirety of their arm or arms to also have some of that body art in their armpit. But now, it seems ink centered directly in the underarm is gaining momentum.

A search of the hashtag "#armpit tattoos" on Instagram yields more than 7,000 results. According to HuffPost UK, who spoke with a tattoo artist, the area can be one of the most sensitive — and painful — parts of the body to ink, and having an armpit tattoo still allows for a person to shave as they normally would.

It seems that intricate floral designs are particularly popular when it comes to underarm ink, but some have chosen other scenes from nature, like spiderwebs, birds, and even strawberries. And, hey, if you're looking for subtlety, hiding a tat right under your arm might be the perfect spot. Check out some armpit tattoo inspiration, below: