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Tattoo Ideas → Rib Tattoos

Rib Tattoo Ideas

Find 300+ meaningful rib tattoo ideas. Explore poetic, subtle, and deeply personal designs. Pain management and healing tips for this sensitive area.

Pain Level: Very High
Duration: 1-4 hours
From $200-500

Rib Tattoo Placement Guide

Placement Characteristics

  • • Curved surface excellent for flowing designs
  • • Great for ribcage pieces and side artwork

Important Considerations

  • • High pain area
  • • Breathing makes process more complex
  • • Careful aftercare and sleeping positions

Price Guide

Small (2-8cm) $200-500
Medium (8-20cm) $500-1200
Large (20cm+) $1200-3000

Find Rib Tattoo Artists Near You

Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Perth Adelaide Canberra Gold Coast

Rib Tattoo Ideas Gallery

77 designs found

Large colorful koi fish tattoo on chest and rib.
View Design
IllustrativeTraditional
Charlieby Charlie Darling · Brisbane
Realistic black-and-grey tattoo of two whales on rib.
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Black And GreyRealism
Sydney Tattooistby Sydney Tattooist Olivia · Sydney
Medium black-and-grey floral tattoo on rib.
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Black And GreyIllustrative
Tsuroiby Tsuroi · Sydney
Large black-and-grey tattoo of roses and a snake on rib.
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Black And GreyRealism
Shaunby Shaun Bones · Brisbane
Detailed blackwork tattoo of a skeletonized animal on rib.
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BlackworkIllustrative
Michaelby Michael Banting · Perth
Large blackwork tattoo with floral and tribal designs on hip and thigh.
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BlackworkIllustrative
Kiri-Summerby Kiri-Summer Arnfield · Sydney
Detailed black-and-grey skull tattoo on rib.
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Black And GreyRealism
Jacintaby Jacinta minahan · Sydney
Black-and-grey skull and crab tattoo on rib.
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Black And GreyIllustrative
Samby Sam Smyth · Perth
Realistic tattoo of a cat holding a whiskey bottle on rib.
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Realism
Sydney Tattooistby Sydney Tattooist Olivia · Sydney
Tattoo of three horses and a flower on rib.
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Black And GreyIllustrative
Samby Sam Smyth · Perth
Realistic black-and-grey whale tattoo on rib.
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Black And GreyRealism
Irinaby Irina Vlachoulis · Sydney
Colorful lion tattoo on chest and rib area.
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IllustrativeWatercolor
Charlieby Charlie Darling · Brisbane
Large traditional tattoo of an eagle and snakes on the chest.
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TraditionalIllustrative
Henriby Henri Howard · Gold Coast
Large black-and-grey geometric tattoo on chest and rib.
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Black And GreyGeometric
Jakeby Jake Glover · Sydney
Large realistic rose tattoo on chest and rib.
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Realism
Joshuaby Joshua Davis · Sydney
Blackwork butterfly tattoo on rib with floral elements.
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BlackworkIllustrative
Jakeby Jake Guad · Perth
Medium black-and-grey cherub tattoo on rib.
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Black And GreyIllustrative
Travisby Travis sallaway · Sydney
Illustrative cowboy tattoo on rib with horse rearing.
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IllustrativeBlack And Grey
Kaya Kyoungseoby Kaya Kyoungseo Min · Sydney
Large blackwork tattoo of a dragon and eagle on chest.
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BlackworkIllustrative
Courtneyby Courtney Anderson · Fitzroy
Large black-and-grey comedy and tragedy masks tattoo on rib.
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Black And GreyIllustrative
Martyby Marty Payne · Brisbane
Large blackwork floral tattoo on chest and rib area.
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BlackworkIllustrative
Millyby Milly Weber · Sydney
Illustrative tattoo of a pin-up girl with flowers and a frog.
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IllustrativeBlackwork
Timmyby Timmy Greer · Sydney
Delicate fine-line leaf tattoo on rib and hip.
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Fine Line
Splatmanby Splatman · Adelaide
Medium black-grey illustrative tattoo of a woman on rib.
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IllustrativeBlack And Grey
Sebastianby Sebastian Calderon · Sydney
Blackwork tattoo of hands holding an abstract shell on rib.
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BlackworkIllustrative
Khrysby Khrys · Melbourne
Realistic black and grey tattoo of two foxes on rib.
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Realism
Peterby Peter Scrivener · Melbourne
Delicate floral tattoo on chest and rib area.
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Fine LineBlackwork
Skyeby Skye Rose · Brisbane
Fine-line butterfly tattoo on a woman's rib.
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Fine LineIllustrative
Shellby Shell · Sydney
Black-and-grey snake and flower tattoo on rib.
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Black And GreyIllustrative
Iceby Ice Anstis · Brisbane
Realistic black-and-grey tattoo of a religious figure on chest.
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Black And GreyRealism
Vesnaby Vesna Vojvodić · Perth
Abstract blackwork tattoo on chest and rib area.
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BlackworkDotwork
Mariusby Marius · Brisbane
Large black-and-grey Japanese dragon tattoo on rib.
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JapaneseBlack And Grey
Lozby Loz · Sydney

Showing 32 of 77 designs

Popular Styles for Rib Tattoos

Explore these popular tattoo styles perfect for rib placement

Realism Script Floral

Rib Tattoo Aftercare Guide

Before Your Appointment

  • • Research artists experienced with rib tattoos
  • • Discuss sizing and placement options thoroughly
  • • Stay hydrated and get adequate sleep
  • • Avoid alcohol 24 hours beforehand
  • • Wear comfortable, appropriate clothing
  • • Bring reference images and ideas

Healing & Aftercare

  • • Follow standard tattoo aftercare guidelines
  • • Apply thin layers of healing balm 2-3 times daily
  • • Avoid swimming, soaking, and direct sunlight
  • • Don't pick at scabs or peeling skin
  • • Keep the area clean and dry
  • • Contact your artist with any concerns

Important Note

Healing time for rib tattoos typically ranges from 2-4 weeks for surface healing, with complete healing taking 2-3 months. Follow your artist's specific aftercare instructions.

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Ready for Your Rib Tattoo?

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