NWMR: tattoos in the workplace

sapphirebride06 · May 2013

I WFH most days but my current job is considered contract work and my "boss" couldn't care less. Months go by I don't see him and the public I interact with is not clients so it is not an issue as of now but of course down the road I might be in a more corporate setting so I want to consider all that I can.

I do not have any tattoos now but I want one and I keep thinking my foot but I am also thinking my inner forearm. I want something I can show when I want to but that can be hidden if necessary.

Do you have tattoos visible in normal situations? Where are they? How big is the piece? Do you regret it? If you cover it how? Thanks so much!

Mustardseed2007 · May 2013

I'm a lawyer and I have a tattoo; it's a large one on my back. I never ever wear anything that shows it at work. Ever. I don't regret it, but it doens't look right to sport a tattoo in the office. It's as wrong as wearing a pant suit to a rock concert. KWIM.

If I were to pick a place for a tattoo today I would go with my back again or some place else that could be 100% covered by clothing every day, 5 days per week without any problems.

Brit's Luna154 · May 2013

I don't have any tattoos, but I see some in my workplace and I think it looks really unprofessional to have a tattoo showing when you are dressed up. Perhaps I'm just stodgy and no fun. The ones I am thinking of are mainly on women's ankles and feet or men's forearms. I am in a business casual work environment, but not casual enough that it doesn't look out of place to show a tattoo.

My H has a (non-contraversial) tattoo just above his knee and he is pretty conscious of keeping it hidden from his coworkers. He will wear long pants to company picnics, team outings to baseball games, etc. so that people don't see it.

Edit: I lied. I forgot that I have four tattoos, one of which is visible at work. I think I get a pass though. Stick out tongue

salt78 · May 2013

I have several that are tough to cover, especially in the summer time (3 on my arms and one on back of my neck if I wear my hair up). The one on my upper arm/shoulder, which is my favorite one, is pretty big. I sort of regret the one on my neck, but not because I don't like the placement of it. I think I may get it covered with something else.

I just have to wear sleeves and my hair down if I want to cover them, but even then I have one on my wrist that is almost always visible.

I work in a very corporate environment, but I'm the creative director here so I think I pretty much get a pass because of that.

Helenahhandbasket · May 2013

I have none, but many of my co-workers do. Many of them are visible. I don't think anyone bats an eye.

FWIW, I work for a large international corporation, but in a "creative" field, so I think that's what makes the diff.

sapphirebride06 · May 2013

I don't want one on my back because for myself I want to see what I want bad enough to have on my skin forever - and I don't want to have to use a mirror in order to do so. For me, I want to see the piece every day - easily. That's why I was thinking foot, wrist or forearm.

I understand the back is super easy to cover up, but then it would never show. And for me that doesn't make sense.

Iblamethebeer · May 2013

I would not get a tattoo on your wrist if you ever plan to be in a professional setting.

thedash · May 2013

Don't do foot or wrist. Way too hard to cover. Forearm is usually easy to cover in formal situations but not always for women. Are you fine with an image of yourself at your daughter's wedding when you're 65 years old with a sparkly old lady dress on and a visible tattoo on your forearm?

I have two but they are only exposed in a bikini.

sapphirebride06 · May 2013

When I'm older I imagine I will want to wear a jacket thing over anything formal anyway, my arm jiggle isn't cute as a 30 year old, I'm thinking as a 60 year old it won't be much better!

But in all seriousness, I like the opinions I am getting, it makes me think of settings and situations I might not otherwise, and that is why I posted - to think outside of typical daily life.

salt78 · May 2013

Iblamethebeer:
I would not get a tattoo on your wrist if you ever plan to be in a professional setting.

I disagree. I think it largely depends on what field you work in.

SummerOH · May 2013

salt78:
Iblamethebeer:

I would not get a tattoo on your wrist if you ever plan to be in a professional setting.

I disagree. I think it largely depends on what field you work in.

I'm a CPA/CFP. I work in a fairly conservative financial field. I have three tattoos - back, stomach, and inner forearm close to my wrist. My co-workers have never batted an eye, even the older ones who I thought would. It doesn't seem to be as taboo with our generation. I can't tell you how many attorneys, doctors, pharmacists, and accountants I've met with visible tattoos. Tattoos =/= professional is antiquated.

I love my tattoo. It's very pretty, tasteful, and meaningful. I think it all depends on what it is and how well it is done. Tweety on your ankle? Yeah, you'll probably regret that. Something that means a lot to you and is well done? Probably not.

FWIW, I had a traditional, beautiful wedding that was featured in a bridal magazine. My tattoo was clearly visible and the editors didn't airbrush it out. I didn't feel self-conscious then, so I doubt I will when I'm 65 at my daughter's wedding. Just be careful to pick a respected artist and think long and hard about what you want.

If I am meeting with a new client or have an important meeting, I wear a jacket. But I wear suits to those meetings, anyway, so that's nothing new.

DaisyJanie · May 2013

I don't have a tattoo, and they've never particularly interested me, but I'm surprised by the responses. I am a librarian and several of my coworkers have small but visible tattoos on their wrists or ankles. No one bats an eye, as far as I know. Obviously attitudes are different in other professional settings.

sapphirebride06 · May 2013

SummerOH:
salt78:
Iblamethebeer:

I would not get a tattoo on your wrist if you ever plan to be in a professional setting.

I disagree. I think it largely depends on what field you work in.

I'm a CPA/CFP. I work in a fairly conservative financial field. I have three tattoos - back, stomach, and inner forearm close to my wrist. My co-workers have never batted an eye, even the older ones who I thought would. It doesn't seem to be as taboo with our generation. I can't tell you how many attorneys, doctors, pharmacists, and accountants I've met with visible tattoos. Tattoos =/= professional is antiquated.

I love my tattoo. It's very pretty, tasteful, and meaningful. I think it all depends on what it is and how well it is done. Tweety on your ankle? Yeah, you'll probably regret that. Something that means a lot to you and is well done? Probably not.

FWIW, I had a traditional, beautiful wedding that was featured in a bridal magazine. My tattoo was clearly visible and the editors didn't airbrush it out. I didn't feel self-conscious then, so I doubt I will when I'm 65 at my daughter's wedding. Just be careful to pick a respected artist and think long and hard about what you want.

If I am meeting with a new client or have an important meeting, I wear a jacket. But I wear suits to those meetings, anyway, so that's nothing new.

Could you PIP the one on your inner forearm? That's the spot I'm more leaning towards. I wear cardigans all the time anyway so it isn't like I'd have to buy a new wardrobe to cover it if necessary.

kristennd · May 2013

DaisyJanie:
I don't have a tattoo, and they've never particularly interested me, but I'm surprised by the responses. I am a librarian and several of my coworkers have small but visible tattoos on their wrists or ankles. No one bats an eye, as far as I know. Obviously attitudes are different in other professional settings.

Yep. I'm also a librarian and it's practically required these days. To counteract the bunhead stereotype. I actually don't have any myself but most coworkers do.

sapphirebride06 · May 2013

I am definitely not getting tweety regardless of where! I am 30 years old and have 2 degrees so I'm not doing something stupid (although some people think tattoos in general are stupid and that is their deal not mine).

I am not getting a tramp stamp of tweety bird being chased by sylvester the cat. I will get something that means something to me as a mom and it will be personal to me and will be applicable my entire life.

My theory on placement is that I am 30 now, when I am 60 I won't be wearing some style clothes anyway. Like tank tops, I will dress more conservatively than I already do and I'm a conservative woman anyway (fashionably I mean not thinking).

bearfootz · May 2013

I work in an office and see quite a few tattoos, especially foot/ankle ones now that it's warming up. I think a lot really depends on what it is and the size of the tattoo. Normally I loathe neck tattoos but there's a lady here with a small feminine one that is actually very pretty and she can cover it with her hair when needed.

I'm having the same debate as you with myself. Personally, I'm not a fan of arm/wrist tattoos but am thinking of getting one on my foot as I don't consider myself skinny enough for one on my stomach and want to be able to see it myself, so back is out. I just can't make up my mind.

sapphirebride06 · May 2013

I think one on my wrist would be easier to hide for a conservative or dressy situation because I could wear a cardigan, bracelet, watch, etc. while one on my foot would be far more visible if I have to wear heels or flats, even if I am wearing hose or something. How would I hide one on the top of my foot if I'm wearing high heels unless I wear boots which in the Texas heat is next to unbearable all the time.

SPIJaimie · May 2013

I have a very small tattoo of our wedding date (think smaller than a quarter) on my wrist and it is in white. I always wear a watch to work and keep a back up one at my desk. I plan on adding my son's birth date once I'm done nursing. I have not had an issue with mine in the year I have had it.

MammaBear81 · May 2013

I have one on my lower back (yes, a "tramp stamp") and I still love it. I don't have the body to "show it off" anymore, but if I did, I would. It is very easy to cover while at work.

I'm considering another tattoo with all of my kids names on it, but I will definitely think about placement before I get one. I don't think it's professional to show tattoos of any kind in the work place.

Reilly626 · May 2013

It's not my thing but nowadays it's definitely more acceptable. My husband and I both teach and when I first started over 10 years ago no one had tattoos that showed, now many teachers have them visibly on their wrists, behind ears, and legs. My husband has an arm one he always where's a short sleeve that covers it bc he doesn't want to show it, but in today's world I think it's acceptable. A woman at a daycare tour was covered in them, like prison Tats and frankly it turned us off to the place.

sapphirebride06 · May 2013

I think of tattoos in the workplace the way I think of hose - they used to be a requirement in so many places - that was the "norm". But now how many people have to wear hose to work? The industry I am in it isn't an issue, but if I had to fall back on my degree it would be in the marketing/business industry and that is hit or miss with conservative workplaces. Some are more so some are less. I don't think I would go for a place that is too conservative (if I had a choice) based on my personality. There are a lot of what-ifs and I know that.

laurakaz13 · May 2013

I don't think tattoos should ever show in work attire. Clearly, this depends on what you do, but definitely not in a professional environment. I have two tattoos on my lower back and stomach and I do regret them. They never show unless I'm in a bikini.

LoCarb · May 2013

I have a visible tattoo ; an anklet. I don't regret and have never had a work issue. I also have a birthmark on my arm. It's ugly. Because they are both permanent I like to lump them together even tho one was elective.

mittensonkittens · May 2013

I have one on my back that is only exposed when I'm wearing a bikini. Last year, at age 31, I got one on my ankle that extends onto my foot a little. I specifically got it there so it would be visible. It is a black floral scrollwork design, and a little bit peeks out from under my pant leg when I wear dress shoes and no socks. I think it's very tasteful. If I wanted to cover it up I would just need to wear black hose or different shoes. I'm an engineer and I never wear dresses or skirts to the office, so my legs are never exposed.

SheLovesMrHip · May 2013

I am new to this board so I will make an intro but I have several tattoos and work in healthcare. I only have one that is visable in my scrubs and its on my neck. I have worn shorts while coming in before I change out and all the ones on my legs clearly show. I dont feel that they should ever judge for what we do to our bodies, unless offensive them we all have a right to express ourselves. Tattoos do not make me any less of an excellent and professional employee.....

littlestjerry · May 2013

I'm an attorney, and I have a very small tattoo on the top of my foot. It's maybe the size of a penny. I've never covered it up for work even though it's definitely visible everyday.

I do really want one on the inside of my wrist, but I probably won't get it because of my job. I probably wouldn't get one on my forearm, but, if you really want to, go for it. You can just use that cover-up makeup for tattoos if you need to. I have a friend who uses it daily on a large tattoo on her ankle. I wouldn't really worry about what it looks like when you're 60, unless you think old people with tattoos are weird. I just don't.

azarianjess · May 2013

I have 3 tattoos-foot shoulder blade and on my stomach. I work in a hospital and wear scrubs and they are all covered completely. Although some coworkers have tattoos on their inner wrists and no one bats an eye at them. I personally like to keep them covered at work.

sapphirebride06 · May 2013

Thanks everyone. I am narrowing it down to what I want and where. I have a few options and once I talk to an artist (once I find one I am comfortable with) I will go from there. I am still doing my research but appreciate everyone replying. I don't want to just jump in without thinking. I do appreciate everyone replying though and want to talk to my H some more too thanks!

jnealet · May 2013

I have a tattoo on my chest, its covered at work but I'm sure people have seen glimpses of it if I bend over in a loose shirt.

I work in a corp environment, healthcare/IT and I see them around me. Shoot, our VP got a tiger on his arm and is quite proud of it's also covered on a day to day basis.

I think they're pretty acceptable these days.

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