5 Strong Feminist Tattoos That Make a Statement | Female Tattooers (2024)

By Deidre Grieves

Via Britt Whitman on Instagram

2018 was a year of change—due, in large part, to the #MeToo movement that swept the nation. Women all over the country came forward and banned together to speak out about sexual harassment, rape culture, and inequality for women.

Hollywood made waves by launching Time’s Up,calls to sexual harassment hotlines were up, and females in the tattoo industry continued to speak up against assault allegations and be vocal about safeguarding clients and women tattoo artists.

The new wave of feminism in the U.S. emboldened women to ink permanent, female-focused art, symbols, and sayings on their bodies as a way to take ownership of their bodies and make a statement.

Here are five of our favorite feminist tattoos:

Girl Power by Patrycja Zofia

Artist Patrycja Zofia, based at Matuszka Tattoo in Poland, inked a strong, statement-making “Girl Power” tattoo in the middle of her client’s back. The floral-framed glasses, rosy cheeks, and cat collar really create a classic, bold design.

No Means No by Niki Hughes

Taking the trendy, 90s barbed-wire tattoo trend to a modern-day feminist place, Niki Hughes did this badass design at Bee Ink Tattoo. That wire looks razor-sharp, and you’ve got to love the little hearts in the word “no.”

Don’t Tell Me to Smile by Natalie Schultz

We’ve got to give it to Natalie Schultz, who works at Kustom Tattoo Club in Oklahoma. She really captured that feeling that women get when some random stranger tells us to smile. I’ve often wanted to turn into a dinosaur when asked to flash my pearly whites for no discernible reason.

Burning Bra by Kristine Tran

If our mothers and grandmothers were advocating for women’s equality and right by burning their bras, our generation is inking on our bodies with feminist tattoos of those burning bras. This one by San Diego Tattooer, Kristine Tran, is a nice traditional take.

Not Your Doll by Britt Whitman

View this post on Instagram

I’ve always seen broken dolls as a great symbol of destroying gender roles and the expectations or both perfection and motherhood placed on girls at a young age. The first tattoo I ever got was a beat up babydoll, and the first tattoo @kellydotylovessoup ever did on me (and how we met) was a one eyed broken doll, so it was fitting that today I got to do this one eyed patriarchy annihilator on the very awesome Michaela for her first tattoo. You go, universe. I have openings next week! Email me to book! #salem #salemma #salemmass #salemmassachusetts #doll #dolltattoo #riotgirl #riotgrrrl #riotgirltattoo #riotgrrrltattoo #feminist #feminism #feministtattoo #feminismtattoo #neotrad #neotraditional #neotradtattoo #neotradtattoos #neotraddagger #daggertattoo #meotraditionaltattoo #neotraditionaltattooers @helheimgallery

A post shared by Britt Whitman (@brittxwhitman) on

Last but not least, you’ve got to love the sentiment of this feminist tattoo by artist Britt Whitman, who works as part of the tattoo team at Kelly Doty’s Helheim Gallery in Salem, Massachusetts.

In her post, Whitman explains that her first tattoo was of a beat-up doll and that she enjoyed doing this “patriarchy annihilator” on a very cool client. Whitman writes that she sees broken dolls as a symbol of breaking gender roles.

5 Strong Feminist Tattoos That Make a Statement | Female Tattooers (2024)

FAQs

What tattoos represent femininity? ›

Moon, sun and lotus

These designs are perfect for those looking to add a touch of elegance and spirituality to their tattoo. The lotus represents purity, the sun symbolizes vitality and strength, and the moon signifies wisdom, intuition and feminine energy.

What is the most popular female tattoo with meaning? ›

1, Butterfly Tattoo

Butterfly tattoo meaning is the desire for freedom, beauty, and a future. As a beautiful insect born from a caterpillar, it also symbolizes the transformation of life.

Which tattoo is lucky for ladies? ›

However, finding a rare four-leaf clover is considered extremely lucky. Each leaf of the four-leaf clover carries a symbolic meaning: faith, hope, love, and luck. The four-leaf clover tattoo is for those seeking positive energy and prosperity in life.

What is the powerful feminine symbol? ›

In Hinduism, the lotus is often associated with the divine feminine and is also a symbol of the creative power of the goddess Shakti. In Hinduism, pink lotuses symbolize delicate feminine energy, while red lotuses in Buddhism represent the fiery passion of Padma, one of the five Buddha families.

What is the ultimate symbol of femininity? ›

The Triple Moon is one of the most well-known feminine symbols, representing femininity, female energy, fertility, wisdom, intuition, and strength. The three phases of the moon (waxing, complete, and waning) depict the three stages of a woman's life: the Maiden, the Mother, and the Crone.

What does a butterfly tattoo symbolize? ›

Butterfly Tattoo Meaning & Symbolism

In many cultures, these delicate insects represent transformation, freedom, and new life. Think about it—they start as tiny caterpillars, cocoon themselves, and emerge as stunning butterflies. They're a symbol of life's cycles, hope, and the soul's rebirth.

What tattoo for overcoming struggle? ›

"Spiritual tattoos — mandala, hamsa, chakra, tree of life, Budha, lotus, etc. — are common for battling anxiety. They symbolize the overcoming of struggle, protection, self care, rebirth, the circle of life, kindness, strength, new challenges, and new beginnings."

What does the tattoo 777 mean? ›

But when you triple that magic number, you're stepping into a whole new realm of significance. In many traditions, including Judeo-Christian lore, the number 7 represents perfection, completeness. So, amplify that by three, and '777' becomes a symbol of amplified perfection or the ultimate completeness.

Which tattoo gives positive energy? ›

Animals: Dolphins (joy), elephants (wisdom and strength), butterflies (transformation and hope). Symbols: Sun (light and energy), lotus flower (purity and enlightenment), infinity symbol (eternity and possibility). Nature: Mountains (stability and grounding), trees (growth and resilience), oceans (peace and vastness).

Which tattoo attracts money? ›

A tattoo of a flourishing tree or a lotus flower mirrors Taurus's connection with growth and abundance. This ink can attract prosperity and opportunities, enhancing Taurus's innate sense of security. So, if you've been wondering, "What tattoo symbolizes good fortune?" Lotus and nature-themed inks can be your ally.

What does the tattoo with 3 dots mean? ›

Meaning of Three Dot Tattoos

Traditionally, three dot tattoos symbolize “Mi Vida Loca” or “my crazy life.” They are commonly used to represent struggle and appreciation of life. For example, three-dot tattoos can communicate an intention to move forward after unfortunate circ*mstances.

What is a classy tattoo? ›

The criteria for a tattoo to be deemed “classy” is highly subjective. However, there are styles that are more aesthetically pleasing to even the most highfalutin eye. You will want an artist that specializes in black and grey styles, and/or a tattooist with a penchant for clean minimalist lines.

What tattoos look better as they age? ›

Larger tattoos are more likely to age well compared to smaller tattoos. Certain tattoo styles that feature bolder linework stay looking vibrant for longer. Highly-detailed pieces retain the original style's design integrity more easily over the years compared to minimalist style tattooing.

What symbolizes divine feminine? ›

Trees, water, serpents, and bees are just four symbols of the Feminine Divine. Recognizing these and other symbols can enrich personal efforts to connect with the Feminine Divine.

What is the symbol of beauty and femininity? ›

Pink Roses. The rose, an enduring classic in the botanical realm, stands as a poignant symbol of both love and femininity, especially the pink rose. Its velvety petals and intoxicating fragrance have made it an emblematic representation of the delicate yet resilient nature of femininity.

Can tattoos be feminine? ›

Tattoos are personal to someone's identity and personality. It should not matter if they are “feminine” or “masculine.” In the 19th century, tattoos were popular for wealthy socialites, including women. This trend then died down in the 20th century when body ink emerged as a symbol of masculinity.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Stevie Stamm

Last Updated:

Views: 6416

Rating: 5 / 5 (80 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Stevie Stamm

Birthday: 1996-06-22

Address: Apt. 419 4200 Sipes Estate, East Delmerview, WY 05617

Phone: +342332224300

Job: Future Advertising Analyst

Hobby: Leather crafting, Puzzles, Leather crafting, scrapbook, Urban exploration, Cabaret, Skateboarding

Introduction: My name is Stevie Stamm, I am a colorful, sparkling, splendid, vast, open, hilarious, tender person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.