Photo Gallery of Women's Back Tattoos

The back is one of the largest areas of canvas on the body. It can accommodate a single tat sized small to large, or a variety of images. Plan this prime piece of tattoo real estate carefully and you will show off the best results.

The back is divided neatly into two halves. Capitalize on this by using a symmetrical tattoo that spans both halves. In addition to most tribal designs, butterflies, birds and angel wings all make excellent designs that take advantage of this design feature.

With the size and expanse of skin on the back, this is the perfect place for a large scale, heavily detailed tattoo. Fantasy scenes, portraits, deep woods or ocean designs can all be inked here in great detail.

While symmetry is pleasing to the eye, sometimes asymmetry works even better. For long, delicate, feminine tattoo designs, consider using only one half of the back, rather than the full canvas. The result is a unique tattoo that draws the eye.

Use the spinal column to create a vertical tattoo image that draws the eye lengthwise. Written characters are perfect for this, simply arrange them vertically to spell out your message. Let the top characters peek out at the back of the neck to keep viewers wanting more.

Even if a scenic depiction isn't your choice, you can still take advantage of the size of the back by placing a single tattoo drawn to larger proportions than it would be anywhere else on the body. Stretching from shoulders downward or across, it's possible to get a lot of detail into a back tattoo.

Tattoos that travel across or around the body take the eye with them, adding interest, intrigue and a hint of sex appeal. Consider wrapping one or a series of tattoos from one side of the back to another to emphasize your curves.

While the lower back and the lower neck get the most use for single back tattoos, there is something to be said for a single tattoo in the center of the back. A floral tattoo like an orchid can bloom beautifully on the spine, becoming the focal point of the entire area, yet hidden from view easily beneath clothing.

For more female back tattoo inspirations, be sure to check out these lower back tattoos.