Over the years, tattoos have grown increasingly popular. You can blame it on celebrities and influencers who have normalized these permanent accessories, or the rise of dainty, thinly-lined tatts Korean tattoo artists have mastered. But whatever your reason is for succumbing to the trend, it’s undeniable that the hardest part about getting inked is actually picking the right design.
From massive artworks you can get on your chest or shoulder to minimalist and barely-there ink that sits on your wrist or in-between your fingers, placement and design go hand-in-hand to assure that your tatt looks timeless even years from getting it done. When in doubt, it’s best to go with something simple—and there’s nothing more straightforward and classy than a line.
But don’t fret! A plain stroke doesn’t need to be boring. With the right length, thickness or thinness, shape, color, and placement a dashed line can look interesting as a tattoo. The best part, it’s uncomplicated and discreet enough to be your first ink. Below, we round up a list of designs that’ll convince you to get a line tattoo, stat!
12 Chic and Minimalist Line Tattoo Designs
1. A simple line on your wrist
A basic thinly done dash around your wrist is an elegant choice if you’d like a tattoo that’ll complement your arm party! Have it done in plain black, white, or a striking red hue if you’re feeling bold.
2. A cross
Two lines put together can symbolize something meaningful like a cross. The beauty of this designs is that you can have it drawn in different sizes—you can have it done as tiny as a thumbnail or palm-sized. This is the perfect design to get if you want to flaunt your faith or spirituality.
3. A signature
This dainty design is a discreet way of flaunting a word or phrase that resonates with you. The subtle cursive also dresses up the plain dashed line.
4. A line across your hand
If you’re looking for something graphic, have a distinct line run across your hand or fingers. You can opt for this abstract ink if you’d like something a minimalist but eye-catching. You can even have it done in a thinner stroke if you’d like it be look subtler.
5. A simple shape
An outline of a circle, triangle, or square actually looks pretty cool as a tattoo! They’re also neither feminine or masculine, so these designs would match a variety of personal styles and expressions.
6. Numbered lines
You can even translate your favorite number as a series of lines! We suggest you put this in discreet areas like your fingers or even behind your ear if you want to play coy. This is a cute tatt that’s both playful and interesting.
7. Something abstract
If your artist is feeling creative, maybe you can even have them design a geometric artwork made up of simple lines and shapes. This is a great option to get if you’d like something more intricate.
8. A silhouette of a flower
Flowers will never go out of style. If you’re looking for something a little more deconstructed or abstract, opt for a floral design that’s drawn with a thin outline. This will look undeniably feminine and soft on your skin.
9. A simple wave
Are you a beach girl at heart? Then have a symbol of the ocean inked on your skin! A wave design is subtle but cool and is easily understood by fellow beach lovers.
10. A ring
A line tattoo wrapped around your finger is actually perfect for couples who’d like a matching tatt but don’t want artwork that’s overtly cheesy. Some people even get this done as an alternative to wearing a wedding ring! So cute!
11. A human silhoouette
Lines drawn with a freehand are simply beautiful as a tattoo. Opt for human silhouette inked with a single line if you're looking for something unique and free-spirited.
12. A colored dash
Capping off this list is the plain and simple dashed line. There’s nothing wrong having it done in black, but it’s made even better in full color or painted in a gradient hue.
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