One of the women’s most popular tattoo options is small rib tattoos, also known as side tattoos. Each tattoo idea lies delicately along the ribs, creating a charming and unique look for women.
This rib position is right next to the most important parts of the body, so sometimes rib tattoos carry the meaning of protection. With tattoos that have many special meanings, people often choose to tattoo in this position to keep it close to the heart.
Let’s take a look at some small rib tattoos with beautiful designs to get inspiration for your new tattoo.
#1. Floral Outline Tattoos
Floral outline small rib tattoos are like a secret garden you can carry wherever you go. These delicate designs are perfect for the rib area where they can be both subtle and super stylish.
You can go for a single simple bloom if you’re into that less-is-more vibe or mix it up with a series of flowers for a more detailed look. And because it’s just small and cute, the tattoo feels light and airy, almost like it’s just a playful doodle on your skin.
These small rib tattoos also have a timeless appeal that’s hard to beat. The clean lines of a floral outline stay crisp and fresh so your tattoo looks fab for years to come.
If you want to add a little bit of nature’s magic to your body art collection, add some colors to the design to make the flowers look more natural. Whether it’s your first tattoo or an addition to your growing ink family, it’s just so effortlessly cool. What’s not to love?
These small rib tattoos are the perfect way to express your love for all things floral in a fun, fresh, and stylish way. They’re simple yet so beautiful on your skin.
#2. Constellation Small Rib Tattoos
Constellation small rib tattoos are like a piece of the night sky right on your skin. Whether it’s your favorite constellation or the one that aligns with your zodiac sign, they bring a touch of celestial magic to your look.
Those tiny stars form the perfect pattern that is delicately traced along the curves of your ribs. It’s a subtle yet captivating way to connect with the cosmos.
The beauty of constellation tattoos lies in their simplicity and meaning. Each star holds a story, whether it’s a tale from mythology or a personal connection to your astrological sign.
And because these small rib tattoos are often just small dots connected by fine lines, they have a minimalist charm that feels both modern and timeless.
One of the coolest things about constellation tattoos is how customizable they are. You can keep it classic with a well-known constellation or go for something more personal like the stars that align with your birthdate.
You can even add a little extra flair like a tiny planet or turn each tiny star dot into a flower to make the design uniquely yours. It’s all about making the stars align in a way that feels special to you.
A constellation on the ribs is a stellar choice for your next ink. It’s a design that feels personal and profound, yet still light and airy. This tattoo is sure to shine bright on your skin.
#3. Script Tattoos
Script tattoos on the rib are literally like wearing your favorite words close to your heart. It can be a meaningful quote, a significant date, or just a word that resonates with you. These small rib tattoos carry a personal story that’s uniquely yours.
The ribcage is the perfect spot for script tattoos. It offers a sleek elongated canvas where the lettering can flow naturally along your body’s curves.
These small rib tattoos can express something deeply personal in a simple elegant way. You can choose a font that matches the vibe you’re going for. The placement makes it something you can share or keep just for yourself.
Script tattoos on the ribs are easy to conceal if you want to keep them private but they can also be revealed with the right outfit. It’s like having a secret message that only you and those close to you know about.
The design can be as simple or as detailed as you like. You can even play around with the placement like horizontal, vertical, or even wrapping around the ribcage for a look that’s totally your own.
These small rib tattoos are how you can carry your most cherished words. They’re a subtle yet powerful way to wear your heart on your sleeve or in this case, your ribs.
#4. Heart Inks On Rib
Heart inks on the rib can be incredibly meaningful whether you’re going for the anatomical accuracy of a human heart outline or the simplicity of a cute heart icon. Both styles offer a unique way to wear your emotions right on your skin.
An outline of a human heart on the rib has a raw powerful vibe. It’s a representation of life, love, and everything that makes you who you are. These small rib tattoos feel both realistic and deeply symbolic.
On the flip side, a cute heart icon on the rib is all about keeping things sweet and simple. This tiny classic symbol of love can be as minimal as a small outline or filled in for a pop of color.
It’s a subtle way to show off a big emotion without going over the top. The rib placement adds a touch of intimacy to this design. You can also use other subjects forming the heart shape for these tattoo designs.
Both styles of heart inks on the rib have their own charm. These small rib tattoos are versatile enough to stand alone or be combined with other elements, like flowers, names, or meaningful dates.
#5. Little Animal Rib Tattoo Ideas
Little animal rib tattoos are a charming way to add a touch of nature to your ink collection, all while keeping it small and stylish. These tiny designs bring a bit of the wild to your skin in the most delightful way.
What’s great about little animal tattoos on the ribs is how they can capture so much personality in such a small space. A bunny might represent playfulness, a koi fish could symbolize perseverance, while a butterfly brings a sense of freedom and transformation.
These tattoos are all about subtlety and meaning, making them perfect for anyone who loves nature. Each animal tattoo design can be expressed realistically or cutely.
The beauty of these designs lies in their simplicity. Because they’re small, the details have to be just right and that’s what makes them so special. Each tiny tattoo tells a story in its own way.
These small rib tattoos are just so cute and fun to carry a bit of nature on your skin. They’re perfect for anyone who loves the idea of wearing their favorite animal close to their heart.
#6. Moon Phase Rib Inks
Moon phase rib inks are a celestial way to connect with the cosmos while keeping your tattoo subtle and stylish. These designs capture the beauty and mystery of the moon’s different phases from the delicate crescent to the full glowing orb.
Positioned along the ribs, these tattoos align perfectly with the natural curves of the body. You will be amazed by how these small rib tattoos feel so elegant and mystical.
The appeal of moon phase tattoos lies in their symbolism and simplicity. Each phase of the moon can represent different aspects of life from growth, change, and renewal.
This tattoo is a meaningful choice for those who feel a deep connection to the lunar cycle. Whether you opt for a full series of phases or just your favorite one, these designs bring a sense of calm and reflection.
The moon phase rib tattoos can be designed in a minimalist style with just the basic outlines or with more detail like shading to add depth and dimension. This flexibility allows you to tailor the tattoo perfectly.
These small rib tattoos are for those who want to carry a piece of the night sky forever. They’re a beautiful blend of simplicity and symbolism to make you look more charming when revealing the ink.
#7. Sea Wave Tattoos On Rib
Having sea wave tattoos on the rib is like carrying a piece of the ocean vibe on your body. These designs capture the fluidity and power of the sea in a dynamic and calming tattoo.
These small rib tattoos can be a single line that hints at the ocean’s gentle roll or a more detailed design that showcases the waves crashing with energy and life. Either way, the tattoo carries a sense of freedom and adventure.
The symbolism behind sea wave tattoos is also pretty powerful. Waves can represent the ups and downs of life, the constant flow of change, or the strength needed to overcome challenges.
What’s great about placing a wave tattoo on the ribs is the element of surprise it brings. It’s a tattoo that can be easily hidden or shown off depending on your outfit.
You can express your love for the ocean and all it symbolizes through these adorable small rib tattoos. Whether you’re a beach lover or just drawn to the calming power of the waves, this tattoo idea is sure to make a splash.
#8. Sun Rib Tattoos
Sun tattoos on the rib carry a deep and powerful meaning, making them more than just a stylish design. The sun has long been a symbol of life, energy, and renewal across various cultures.
When placed on the ribs, a sun tattoo can be a representation of inner strength and the vital force that keeps you going through life’s challenges.
The ribcage is a significant spot for a sun tattoo because it’s close to the heart, where we often associate warmth, love, and life itself. Having the sun inked in this area can symbolize the core of who you are.
These small rib tattoos are a source of light and positivity that radiates from within. It’s a reminder that no matter how dark things may get, there’s always a light inside you that can shine through.
A sun tattoo on your ribs might be a personal symbol of your quest for truth, understanding, and the pursuit of your inner light. It’s about embracing who you are with all your strengths and imperfections.
Pin these small rib tattoos on your board to be ready for the next stunning meaningful ink!
