On the lookout for a new tattoo? Say no more. I’ve curated a list of 38 of the chicest shoulder tattoos for women.
I personally think shoulder tattoos are a genius move. They’re easy to conceal but also look amazing when you want them to be seen. And the potential to add on later and create a sleeve or back piece is a huge plus.
I’m sure you’ll find something to screenshot for your next appointment!
1. Watercolor, Cherry Blossom Shoulder Tattoo
Source: @dopeindulgence
I am completely obsessed with the watercolor tattoo trend. I mean, they look like literal paintings on the skin, which is just so cool. This piece showcases some gorgeous cherry blossoms.
I love how the design kicks off on the shoulder and flows right onto the chest. It’s such a stunning look that I think would be a total home run for anyone.
2. Rose Shoulder Tattoo
Source: @goodtattooclub
I feel like tattoos on the shoulder joint always look so chic and cool. You just have to check out this next design. Here we have a beautiful black ink rose tattooed right on the joint.
The flower still has that pretty and feminine feel, but the placement gives it a bit of an edgy vibe. You could totally go for a rose like this or pick a different flower that you love.
3. Pretty Floral Moon
Source: @aeri_tattoo
Hoping for a tattoo that’s both cool and pretty? Then this idea is definitely for you. A half moon is inked on the back of the shoulder, and inside there’s a gorgeous floral design.
You could get a more realistic moon or try this floral take on it. Maybe even customize a floral moon with your favorite flowers or colors.
4. Plane and Compass Tattoo Design
Source: @renan.sampaio
If you’re a big fan of traveling, then this next tattoo is calling your name. The design features a small compass and a plane, with some tiny stars in the background.
It’s such a stylish tattoo, and the compass is a symbol for always moving in the right direction and finding your way home. You can recreate this look or just opt for the compass on its own.
5. Floral Shoulder Tattoo for Women
Source: @sophiabaughan
The first tattoo idea I have to show you is this absolutely beautiful floral shoulder piece. This design has peony flowers, little yellow flowers, and other plants.
You could have something similar done with peonies or choose your own favorite flower for the design. No matter what, floral art like this is a perfect match for the shoulder area.
6. Pretty Red Flower Design
Source: @zihee_tattoo
Want a tattoo that’s small but makes a statement? Then this next one is for you. This shoulder tattoo features a little red flower.
It’s a really cute piece that would be a great choice for a first tattoo. You could get a red flower like this one or pick your own vibrant bloom.
7. Infinity Family Tattoo
Source: @goodtattooclub
The infinity symbol can stand for so many things, including love and friendship that will last forever. With such a powerful meaning, it’s no shock that these tattoos have gotten so popular.
This is a really beautiful example of an infinity tattoo. The symbol is on the shoulder and has the words family and love. A tattoo like this is perfect for someone who wants to show the world how much they care.
You could also choose a simple infinity symbol without any words.
8. Live, Love, Laugh Shoulder Tattoo
Source: @jorgemcarvalho
You don’t have to go all in and get a big, detailed design. You can pick something simple and stylish like this next idea. This tattoo has the words live, love, laugh.
The positive quote would look amazing on anyone, and you could even play around with the font. Maybe try getting your own favorite quote or saying tattooed instead.
9. Shoulder and Collar Bone Floral Tattoo
Source: @goodtattooclub
Next up, I have a gorgeous floral tattoo. This design has flowers on the shoulder that continue onto the collar bone.
Since the tattoo is on both the collar bone and the shoulder, it really catches your eye and makes a statement. You could try peony flowers like these or go for different flowers for your design.
You could also brighten up the flowers by adding a pop of color.
10. Feather Tattoo Idea
Source: @goodtattooclub
The next tattoo I have to show you is so trendy and bold. Here we have a black ink feather tattoo that’s placed on the shoulder and arm. It’s a really gorgeous tattoo that will look stylish on everyone.
You can recreate this design or choose a different feather; a peacock feather would be amazing. You could also get it tattooed in the same spot or move it up onto the shoulder joint.
11. Four Leaf Clover Design
Source: @jorgemcarvalho
My next tattoo idea showcases a four leaf clover. I absolutely love this design because it looks like a clover, but it also looks like little hearts. You kind of get two designs in one with this.
A four leaf clover is a symbol of good luck and fortune, so not only will it look great, but it might bring you some luck, too. You can choose a creative pattern like the one featured or maybe try the classic green clover.
12. Intricate Shoulder Tattoo
Source: @iliana_rose
If you’re looking for a tattoo that will grab everyone’s attention, this next idea is for you. The arm and the entire shoulder have been covered in detailed mandala patterns.
This is a stunning piece of art that would look incredible on anyone. You can get a ton of inspiration from this to create your own design, so you can have a tattoo that’s uniquely yours.
13. Beautiful Flower Tattoo
Source: @renan.sampaio
My next shoulder tattoo features a really pretty floral design. There’s one beautiful flower with a leafy pattern all around it. This is a gorgeous tattoo that will look great on anyone.
You can recreate this design or have it moved over a bit onto the shoulder joint. You could also add some color to the flower, which will give the tattoo a bolder look.
14. Beautiful Orchid Shoulder Tattoo
Source: @lucasmilk
Next up, I have another beautiful floral design. This tattoo has two stunning orchids that start on the shoulder and end on the arms.
An orchid symbolizes a lot of things, including beauty, love, and femininity, so it’s no wonder they’ve become so popular. A tattoo like this is so pretty and stylish, and it will look great on everyone.
15. Rose Shoulder Tattoo
Source: @chik.tattoo
Roses symbolize love, beauty, and so much more. Besides that, roses also look beautiful as tattoos. Here we have a gorgeous rose shoulder tattoo.
If you want a bold piece, you can get a similar design created, or if you’re looking for a more subtle tattoo, you could try a smaller rose without the two side roses.
16. Cute Botanical Shoulder Tattoo
Source: @lena_fedchenko
If pretty flowers aren’t really your thing, why not try a botanical tattoo? You’ll still get that natural, plant-based look, but it’s a little different from the more popular floral pieces.
This shoulder tattoo showcases a cute berry design. I love this unique tattoo and the colors used in it, too. It’s an unusual idea that’s perfect for someone who wants a tattoo that stands out from the rest.
17. Artistic Waves Shoulder Tattoo
Source: @zihee_tattoo
Wave tattoos are so beautiful and can have a lot of different meanings.
Like any tattoo, the meaning can be personal to you, but generally, waves can symbolize a love for the ocean, a connection to the sea, or they can be about getting through tough times.
This wave tattoo is really unique and artistic. The colors in the design are just beautiful. If you love this, you can get a similar design or choose a more realistic one. Either way, you’ll end up with an awesome tattoo.
18. Pretty Shoulder Tattoo Design
Source: @anais_chabane
When you’re picking a shoulder tattoo, you don’t have to stick to just one design. You can mix a few together, just like this one.
This shoulder tattoo combines a flower, a mandala, and a decorative jewelry feature. Even though all three designs are different, they go together beautifully and create one stunning tattoo.
You can try something like this or create your own unique design.
19. Koi Fish Tattoo
Source: @nastyafox
Searching for a unique tattoo design? Then this next one is for you. Here we have a koi fish that has been tattooed in a circular shape on the shoulder.
Koi fish tattoos can have different meanings, but some common ones are wealth, ambition, patience, strength, wisdom, and good fortune. If you like this design, you can get something similar or pick your own favorite fish.
20. Flower Shoulder Tattoo
Source: @tattooist_silo
My next tattoo idea is super unique and really makes a statement. This design has beautiful flowers that start on the neck and end on the shoulders.
There are three flowers in total, with the first one closed and the last one large and open. It’s a stunning design and it’s perfect for anyone who wants a bold tattoo.
You can recreate this with any flowers and add some color, too.
21. Patterned Shoulder Piece
Source: @iliana_rose
You can use patterns to create amazing tattoos of any size. Here’s a shoulder tattoo that goes down the arm.
Not only does this design have detailed patterns, but it also has a jewelry feature. You can get a design similar to this one or have your own unique pattern created.
22. Stunning Peony Shoulder Tattoo
Source: @lena_fedchenko
On the hunt for an elegant tattoo? Then you really need to see this next design. Here we have a peony flower tattooed on the shoulder.
The colors and shading used are just stunning. It captures the beauty of a real peony perfectly. This is a total work of art and it will look gorgeous on anyone.
23. Beautiful Heart Shoulder Tattoo
Source: @mardenanquim
My next idea is a heart shoulder tattoo. This heart has a floral and jewelry design and has been placed on the back of the shoulder.
Tattoos on the back of the shoulder are so stylish and will look great on everyone. There are a few ways you can go with a heart tattoo.
You could get a design like this, a heart with your own patterns, or even a cute colored heart, maybe pink or red.
24. Unique Olive Branch Tattoo Idea
Source: @sophiabaughan
My next idea is so creative and unique. Here we have an olive branch that has been tattooed on the top of the shoulder.
Olive branches look stylish as tattoos but are also a symbol of peace and fertility. This would be a perfect choice for someone who wants an unusual tattoo with some meaning behind it.
25. Matching Shoulder Tattoos
Source: @ira_shmarinova
Instead of just getting one shoulder tattooed, why not try getting a tattoo on both? Here we have a beautiful floral design that has been placed on each shoulder, creating a stylish, matching look.
You can try similar tattoos to these or choose your own unique design. Flowers and mandalas are perfect for matching tattoos.
26. Unique Shoulder Tattoo Idea
The next tattoo idea I wanted to share with you is pretty unique. The tattoo is a circle with a botanical design inside.
I love how the circle sits on the shoulder; it just looks so creative and stylish. You can take some inspiration from this and get a circle like this with flowers or other patterns.
27. Big Floral Shoulder Tattoo
Source: @anna_bravo_
Are you a big fan of floral tattoos? Then you need to see this next idea! The design has stunning flowers that cover the shoulder joint and continue onto the arm.
It’s a trendy, edgy, and bold tattoo that will definitely make you stand out. You can try a similar tattoo to this or pick different flowers.
If you want a full sleeve tattoo, you could also have the flowers go from the shoulder all the way to the wrist.
28. Floral Shoulder and Arm Tattoo
Source: @lucasmilk
When you’re choosing a shoulder tattoo, you don’t have to limit it to just that area. If you want a larger piece, you can have the design start on the shoulder and continue onto the arm, back, or chest.
Here we have a stunning example of a shoulder and arm tattoo. The shoulder has flowers and the arm features a mandala. I love this; it would look amazing on anyone.
29. Bold Poppy Flower Tattoo
Do you love vibrant tattoos? Then this idea could be a perfect fit for you. Here we have a shoulder design that features two beautiful, bright red poppy flowers.
If you’re a fan of red, you can get a similar tattoo to this one, or you can have a flower created in any color you like. Maybe pick your favorite flower so the tattoo really represents you.
30. Flower and Name Tattoo Idea
Source: @americandebbie
Quotes and names are super popular choices for tattoos. Here’s a gorgeous example of this type of tattoo on the shoulder.
The tattoo starts as a pretty purple flower on the shoulder, and the stem ends around the collarbone. But this stem is unique because it has a name in the design.
You could get a tattoo like this for a loved one, or you can swap out the name for a quote.
31. Beautiful Watercolor Tattoo
Source: @graffittoo
Watercolor tattoos are just so beautiful. When a tattoo uses this technique, it actually looks like it was hand painted on the skin with watercolor paints.
It’s a gorgeous way to get a tattoo and it creates such elegant works of art. Here’s a stunning example. This tattoo features orchids in pink and purple tones. It’s a really pretty tattoo that will look amazing on anyone.
32. Mandala Shoulder Tattoo
Source: @tattooist_silo
Next up, I have a mandala design. Mandalas have detailed patterns and are circular in shape. That shape makes them perfect for shoulder tattoos.
This tattoo has a black ink mandala that looks floral. You can get inspiration from this or create your own mandala with unique patterns.
33. Stunning Hummingbird Tattoo Idea
Source: @lucasmilk
Looking for a tattoo that’s both bold and unique? Then this idea is for you. Here we have a stunning hummingbird.
The bird is pretty big and is decorated with beautiful patterns, including hearts, geometric designs, and more. You can draw inspiration from this and create something similar, or use a different bird with different patterns.
34. Large Peony Shoulder Tattoo
Source: @Ira_shmarinova
Peonies have become super popular in tattoo designs. Earlier in this post, I featured a vibrant peony shoulder tattoo.
The tattoo below shows how you can design a peony in a different way. This one is black ink and starts on the shoulder and ends on the arm. You can choose one peony or get a design like this one with patterns, too.
35. ‘Focus on the Good’ Shoulder Tattoo
Do you have a favorite quote that inspires you? Then why not get it tattooed on your shoulder like this? This design has the words “focus on the good.”
As you can see, it’s a positive and empowering message, and it also makes for a trendy shoulder tattoo. You can get any quote or inspiring words tattooed on your shoulder.
36. Colorful Rose Tattoo
Source: @tattooist_silo
Are you a big fan of roses? Then this tattoo design is for you! Here we have a stunning shoulder piece that has three beautiful roses.
The roses are also surrounded by a gorgeous leafy pattern. You can go for a multi color design like this one, or you can pick rose colors that you like or that represent you.
Maybe look into the language of flowers to see what color meanings you should choose.
37. Feijoa Flower Tattoo Idea
Source: @sophiabaughan
Next, I have another floral shoulder design to share with you. This tattoo features a Feijoa flower. These are such pretty flowers and can be white or pink with vibrant red centers.
I love this design because it sits so beautifully around the shoulder. You could have your own flower design draped over your shoulder just like this, too.
38. Flower Shoulder Tattoo Design
Source: @anna_bravo_
The next shoulder design I have for you is this floral piece. It has beautiful large flowers along with smaller flowers and plants.
You can get a black ink design like this one or add some color. A design like this would look amazing with the watercolor technique.
We hope you have found some awesome shoulder tattoos for women and got inspired for your next tattoo!