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One woman’s trashy is another woman’s trendy — at least, when it comes to tattoos.
The once-taboo “tramp stamp” — a derogatory term referring to a tattoo on a woman’s lower back that was popularized in the ’90s — is now stylish, according to ink experts.
“Women are reclaiming negative stereotypes, which were once used to disparage them, as a form of empowerment,” Cleveland-based tattoo artist Melissa Martell, who has seen an uptick in requests for the ink, told Allure, adding that the lower back is “the perfect spot” for a decorative piece of body art.
Coinciding with the ongoing Y2K revival, the aforementioned “tramp stamp” has gotten a second life on the skin of Gen Z, who previously said the style was making a “comeback.”
“The lower-back tattoo was used in the past to highlight the lower back and mark seductive, feminine power,” tattoo artist Alessandro Melas told PopSugar.
At the time, lower back tattoos were “a great way to have a tattoo that you could still show off in a fun, sexy way or easily hide it,” added Iron & Ink founder and owner Hawaro Juul Petersen.
“Back then, a lot of people were getting it done, but I saw requests for the lower-back tattoo vanish,” Body Electric owner Brian Keith Thompson told PopSugar. “No one was getting them anymore by, I’d say, 2008 to 2010.”
But 15 years later, they’re back — along with eight other tattoo trends that artists swear will dominate 2025.
“Gen Z will be continuing to adorn their bodies in this style that combines ancient spiritual practices with tech-inspired designs,” LA-based tattoo artist Annie Motel told Allure, referencing the uptick in “cybercigilism” ink as seen on celebrities like Billie Eilish and Supa Lipa.
Experts told the outlet that the designs can either have a personal meaning, or just look downright cool — although, the fad is slightly controversial in that it is closely related to tribal tattoos.
“When an artist draws influence from traditional, spiritual, or religious symbols — without careful contextualization — cultural appropriation is highly likely,” Motel warned.
Other trends noted by artists are neo-traditional, nostalgic realism, “timeless” fine script, traditional florals and the retro aesthetic.
Tiny tattoos have also reigned in recent years, such as micro-realism, or small pieces of art that mimic pets, landmarks and other objects.
“The phenomenal work we are seeing a lot of from artists in Asia has had a major influence here,” explained the Canadian tattoo artist Lynnea.
In addition, “charm” tattoos — or small, sticker-like art — have also become popular.
“When done small, these tattoos can be collected like stickers on arms and legs — a trend that will continue into 2025,” said Martell, adding that this kind of ink is often done at parties, pop-ups and other events as an eclectic keepsake.
“I see [getting these impromptu tattoos] becoming more common because it’s an easy way to add to your collection — usually at a lower price point due to the size and simplicity,” she noted.
