49+ Beautiful Leg Tattoo Ideas for Women

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Published on May 10, 2023

Want to ink your legs but don’t know what tattoo designs to choose? If that is so, then you have landed at the right place. This blog will share 39+ beautiful leg tattoo ideas for women and their significance.

With thousands of tattoo designs available, choosing the right leg tattoo isn’t an easy task. Before you choose a tattoo design for your leg, you must know its value and, most importantly, its pattern. So, without further ado, let’s start our list.


Table of Contents



50 Best Leg Tattoo Ideas for Women

1. Patterned Leg Tattoo Ideas For Women

Patterned Leg Tattoo Ideas For Women

Photo credit: stayglam.com

Patterned tattoos can be inked on almost every part of the body. If you’d love to have beautiful patterns extended all over the leg, go for these elegant leg tattoos. Additionally, if you want, you can have your toes and feet inked in the same design for an amazing-looking full-leg pattern.

Patterned tattoos on the leg are a symbol of elegance. You can try recreating these leg tattoos while experimenting with different tattoo designs on your legs and feet. These tattoos cover the whole leg, similarly to a full-leg sleeve tattoo.

2. Bright Floral Tattoo

Bright Floral Tattoo

Photo credit: twitter.com

If you are a huge fan of flowers and colors, you must go for a bright floral leg tattoo. The pattern here is not your ordinary black and white florals. Instead, a floral tattoo features a burst of colorful flowers, most usually carved on the calf but can go anywhere on the leg that you please.

Those who don't want leg tattoos on their calf can also have these bright floral leg tattoos as thigh tattoos. Also, ensure you have enough space before going for these bright floral tattoos.

3. Cool Parrot Leg Tattoo

Cool Parrot tattoo ideas on leg

Photo credit: pinterest.ph

If there are ornithologists reading, then check this idea out. A cool parrot leg tattoo can cover a significant portion of the leg, especially the upper thigh. This Makaw tattoo is bursting with colors from the most famous of all the parrot species and will add a vibrant hue to your bodily canvas.

You can also try encircling the parrot with flowers, tropical plants, and other things to have something more fun.

Keep it low-key with black shades, or you can always add some bold shades parrots are known for.

4. Minimalist Leg Tattoos

Minimalist Leg Tattoos

Photo credit: preview.ph

Minimalist leg tattoos will never go out of fashion. You can have these simple leg tattoos on any part of your body and let it speak for itself. Try this simple yet graceful butterfly tattoo

You can leave it simple, as shown for the more humble type, or you can add a dash of color to add more vibrancy. 

Apart from looking elegant, the best thing about these minimalist leg tattoos is that you can position them anywhere on the leg.

The plus point about these simple thigh tattoos for women is that they are rated low on a pain scale.

5. Magnolia Flower Tattoo

Magnolia Flower tattoo ideas for women

Photo credit: pinterest.ph

The magnolia flower leg tattoos offer various meanings based on their colors, according to Chinese and Japanese tradition.

There are various forms of magnolia flowers, and each has a different meaning, but mostly they are associated with innocence, simplicity, and love.

Generally, magnolia flower leg tattoos for women with sketches are more popular than those with colors. You can extend this botanical tattoo all over the leg or have one tiny flower on the calf.

6. Lion And Flowers Thigh Tattoo

Lion And Flowers Thigh Tattoo

Photo credit: pinterest.ph

This lion, surrounded by surreal flowers and garlands, is among other amazing leg tattoos.

The lion and flower leg tattoos for women are beautiful tattoo designs that stand for courage, power, loyalty, and other fierce traits.

Either go with a simple lion design or pick a trendy lion with any flower or decoration of your choice. Regardless, it will look fantastic.

7. Water Colored Flowers

Water Colored Flowers tattoo on leg

Photo credit: pinterest.ph

Water-colored flower tattoos can be your new best friend if you are searching for colorful women's leg tattoo ideas.

These gorgeous leg tattoos will stand out in the crowd due to their refreshing hues.

You can get this leg tattoo with a single water-colored flower that seems like a canvas filled with lovely pink flowers. People usually like a single thigh tattoo ideas for the watercolor magnolia flower tattoos.

A bunch of water-colored flower leg tattoos will stand out in the crowd due to their refreshing hues.

8. Leg Sleeve Tattoo Designs

Leg Sleeve tattoo ideas

Photo credit: savedtattoo.com

Leg sleeve leg tattoos are stylish and eye-catching and a good way to express your creativity.

Here the best suggestion is to stick to a particular theme or style to make the artwork appear neat and organized.

However, full-leg tattoos have some drawbacks, including the time-consuming process that requires you to be seated for hours, and they are obviously expensive.

9. Black Rose Thigh Tattoos

Black Rose Thigh Tattoos

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A black rose leg tattoo is perfect for the summer because it will elevate your beach outfit. It is another famous thigh tattoo for women.

You can place these leg tattoos just above the ankle or at the side of your thigh, and it would look regardless of your chosen position. As a side thigh tattoo, this pattern will not require extensive space.

You can choose among rose patterns, from dot work to block color or any statement-making design. A sketchy black rose is usually preferred with light shading, and it looks elegant too.

10. Black Mandala Tattoo

Black Mandala leg tattoo ideas for women

Photo credit: pinterest.ph

If you enjoy mandala tattoos then check this design out. Many cultures use Mandala tattoo designs to symbolize perfection, balance, and eternity.

You can rock these huge, stunning mandala leg tattoos on the thigh or have them run down the calve.

If you don't prefer a simple mandala pattern, try adorning it with dangling charms. Mandala patterns can also be tattooed using white ink, which gives the pattern a chic and bold design.

Mandala leg tattoos can also be inked on the back of the leg or at the side of your upper thigh by a tattoo artist.

Because mandala leg tattoos are known to extend a bit, they are not suggested as an ankle or shin tattoo. Additionally, remember that beautiful tattoos with mandalas are rated as high on a pain scale.

11. Phoenix Tattoos

Phoenix tattoo on leg for women

Photo credit: Pinterest

A phoenix tattoo symbolizes the cycles of life and death. Tattoo artists believe that a phoenix rises from the ashes of its predecessor, connecting it to rebirth, new beginnings, and renewal.

Your phoenix tattoo can start from the upper leg and extend to the ankle's end. This full-leg tattoo is a way to show that you have been through a difficult time in your life and have come out as a stronger person.

12. Scattered Birds Tattoo

Scattered Birds tattoo design

Photo credit: pinterest.ph

A pattern having a tree branch with tiny birds scattered around at the side of the leg would seem wonderful if you are into simple leg tattoos or simple thigh tattoos.

For this pattern, you must use shades of black to achieve that delicate look. Such leg tattoos are mostly accompanied by line work that usually lacks color.

13. Knee Area Pattern

Knee Area Pattern tattoo

Photo credit: cafemom.com

If you are into something unique, you can go for the knee-patterned tattoo. You can try inking either one or both knees. 

While this design has great depth and detail, you can equally choose a style that takes advantage of the shape of the knee to add 3D-type effects to your ink. 

But you should be aware that this part of your leg hurts a lot more than others because of the structure of the leg bones, so be mentally and physically prepared before going under the pen.

14. Wings Tattoo On The Back Of Leg

Wings Tattoo On The Back Of Leg

Photo credit: pinterest.ph

Wing tattoos are both elegant and sexy, depending on where you choose to place them on the body. 

Getting inked on the thigh with the cushioning effects from the thick skin, fat, and muscle, pain levels here might be a bit lower for those who have a fear of pain.

The side of the leg is a great place for those who love to show their ink off in their bikini at the beach, while other places like the backs of the legs or on the ankle can make your legs look like they’re talking flight with each stride.

15. Geometric Patterns for Leg Tattoos

Geometric Patterns leg tattoo

Photo credit: tattoogrid.net

Want an expressive and contemporary leg design? Then, you should consider getting a geometric leg tattoo.

These pieces concentrate on lines and shapes produce an eye-catching pattern that evokes serenity and symmetry through basic geometric shapes being combined and repeated. 

These pieces are usually made using black ink and can be large or small, depending on how detailed you want them to be.

16. Tree Forest Tattoo Ideas

Tree Forest leg tattoo ideas

Photo credit: pinterest.ph

If you are a nature lover, what could be a better leg tattoo design than a tree forest? Your artwork can depict anything, such as a grouping of your favorite plants and trees or a scene from a campground you enjoyed visiting.

The plus point of a tree life leg tattoo is that it can be easily concealed or flaunted and is low to moderately painful.

Trees can symbolize a range of things, from Life, Growth, Wisdom, Tranquility, and Peace.

17. Full Leg Pattern Tattoo

Full Leg Pattern tattoo

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How about throwing caution to the wind and considering getting your entire leg inked.

You can make fantastic illustrations using a full-leg pattern tattoo. There are countless designs to choose from, from the aforementioned geometric and sleeve designs to just about anything. Full-leg patterns are one of the quintessential ways to show off your creativity and style. 

But keep in mind your artist might recommend that this tattoo is only for those prepared for the long-term commitment these tattoos require. 

18. Mandala Owl

Mandala Owl tattoo ideas

Photo credit: pinterest.ph

Owls symbolize knowledge, wisdom, magic, and mysticism. Moreover, some people also believe it to be a lucky charm. The species you decide to draw can also slightly change the meaning of your tattoo.

You can choose a realistic Owl or choose anything from a watercolour to a geometric style, it’s always up to you. 

19. Leg Vine Tattoo Ideas

Leg Vine Tattoo Ideas

Photo credit: TattooNOW

Vine tattoos are an incredible choice particularly because of how their anatomy has incredible synergy with your leg. While you can have a vine tattoo running straight down your leg you would be doing the design a disservice. 

The quintessential way to ink a vine tattoo is using its anatomy to have it coil around your leg almost as if its growing up your body. You can choose to add flowers for extra beauty or add thorns to show your more prickly side. 

20. Bright Sunflower Tattoo

Bright Sunflower tattoo on leg

Photo credit: inkme.tattoo

You could never go wrong with a bright sunflower tattoo on your leg. A bright sunflower leg tattoo gives your leg a bold and sophisticated look.

A sunflower and butterfly tattoo, while not a necessity, is highly recommended to be done in color to really pop. 

Symbolically, a sunflower is connected to optimism, hope, and eternal love.

21. Colorful Tiny Roses

Colorful Tiny Roses tattoo on leg women

Photo credit: th-ink.co.uk

Earlier, we looked at black rose leg tattoos, but this is another amazing small leg tattoo.

Even though the black rose has its own charm, if you are into something colorful, try having a bunch of tiny red roses tattoo at the side of your leg.

You can experiment with shades of pink and red and create a beautiful and delicate masterpiece.

22. Colorful Butterfly Tattoo

Beautiful Butterfly leg tattoo women

Photo credit: theyou.com

Colorful butterfly tattoos are among the most popular choices for women to get inked because of their attractiveness and wholesomeness. Symbolically, a butterfly tattoo represents joy, renewal, and life's fleeting moments.

People also get butterfly leg tattoos to represent a time of change or transition in their lives or to remind them that they can achieve anything constantly.

There’s a lot of flexibility in choosing the design and the number of butterflies you want to have.

23. Pretty Cat Tattoo Design

Pretty Cat Tattoo tattoo on leg

Photo credit: pinterest.ph

If you love cats and want to incorporate them into your leg tattoo pattern, then go for this pretty cat leg tattoo.

You can think of this pattern for shin as a combination of various patterns and a cute winking cat.

It's a cool tattoo, and the cat has a mystical touch to it. 

24. Mini Dream Catcher Tattoo

Mini Dream Catcher

Photo credit: tattooeasily.com

A dreamcatcher serves a symbolic purpose in addition to just being a lovely object.

Dreamcatcher tattoos are there to protect the wearer from bad luck and negative vibes.

Because the details are carved artfully, it works best in areas that are big enough, like the thighs or shin. You can try personalizing your artwork with feathers, flowers, birds, and colors.

25. Daring Wolf Tattoo Ideas

Daring Wolf tattoo ideas

Photo credit: Glaminati website

A wolf tattoo is always stylish. Wolves are ferocious yet elegant-looking creatures, and being related to dogs, they give off a guardian-type vibe.

While most would go for a standard wolf tattoo, why not try this style with one half having elegant, ethereal flowers symbolizing the wolf's connection to nature, death, and renewal. 

You can adorn this beautiful wolf tattoo on the thigh to represent your feminine and joyful side while also depicting your strength and independence.

26. Sexy Leg Tattoos

Sexy Leg tattoo ideas

Photo credit: stayglam.com

 If you are searching for a seductive pattern around your upper legs, go for a sexy leg tattoo that includes several extensive patterns. Get a tattoo that complements your body's natural curves.

You might even think about going for a leg or thigh-to-butt tattoo. Add hanging details to the tattoo to make it stand out and stick to the black ink.

27. Snake Leg Tattoo Ideas

Snake Leg Tattoo Ideas

Photo credit: Tattoodo

Snakes can represent sin, temptation, and evil, but at the same time, they are connected to rebirth and change.

Like the vine tattoos mentioned previously, using the snake's anatomy is the best way to get the most out of this tattoo style. Think about having the snake coil around your calve or thigh, making it look like the snake is slithering up toward your torso or down toward your foot. 

You can add a number of elements to your piece, including flowers, vines, and blades. Equally, you can choose whatever type of snake you love best, from cobras to pythons to water boas.

28. Flower Anklet Tattoo

Flower Anklet tattoo ideas

Photo credit: stayglam.com

Flower ankles can be perfect for subtle yet elegant tattoo designs.

You can play with tiny flowers linked with garlands and leaves wrapped around the ankle. Here you can use black ink or be creative and use colored ink to make it appear as a floral loop.

These tattoos are great for those who are conscious about employment and want to keep their ink covered during working hours. 

29. Tiny Daisy Tattoo Ideas

Tiny Daisy tattoo on women leg

Photo credit: pinterest.ph

A tiny daisy leg is yet another small tattoo design if you are fond of hidden leg tattoos. This type of tattoo is usually inked on the back of the calf or just above the ankle.

To make these ankle tattoos appear simple and elegant, have a simple daisy flower with black ink.

You can also experiment with colors, but this tiny daisy is associated with simplicity, so try not to overdo it.

30. Horse Tattoo Ideas

horse tattoo ideas

Photo credit: Pinterest

Those into equestrian sports try a horse tattoo out. Horses represent bravery, freedom, and heroism so it’s perfect for someone who lives life to the fullest. 

You can try different themed-inspired styles, from Westerns, fantasy, cartoons, etc. 

It also doesn't have to be a regular Horse. For the dreamers out there, why not try a pegasus or a unicorn?

31. Horizontal Landscape Tattoo Designs

Horizontal Landscape tattoo

Photo credit: thestyleup.com

A horizontal landscape tattoo for the leg is another minimal and intricate idea for the leg area. Get a horizontal tattoo to alter the shape of the leg drastically.

With its medium-thin black lines and straightforward shapes, this one-of-a-kind landscape design keeps things very simple yet exciting.

A horizontal landscape tattoo can represent a place you hold dear or have always dreamed of visiting. You don't have to settle for realism; why not ink yourself in a landscape from your favorite video game or film series?

32.  Japanese Leg Tattoo

Japanese Leg Tattoo

Photo credit: tattoo-ideas.com

The appearance of the Japanese tattoo design is very distinctive. It is known as irezumi and features strong, vivid colors with traditional or folkloric themes. These patterns are attention-grabbing and will result in an eye-catching tattoo.

Koi fish tattoo, which stands for perseverance, floral artwork like the cherry blossom, and mythical creatures like the Japanese dragon tattoos are examples of popular tattoo images. You can combine several images or concentrate on just one to create a full-leg sleeve.

33. Sexy Chandelier Tattoo

Sexy Chandelier tattoo ideas

Photo credit: nextluxury.com

One of the most intricate and well-detailed leg tattoos is this sexy chandelier thigh tattoo. A sexy chandelier leg tattoo represents elegance and purity.

You can try experimenting with a large, exquisite chandelier that supports candles or light bulbs and other decorative elements like chains, crystals, and pearls.

34. Beauty And The Beast Tattoo

Beauty And The Beast leg tattoo

Photo credit: pinterest.ph

Disney fans must get these beauty and the beast leg tattoos. This is such a great tattoo idea for the lower leg. You can experiment with an enchanted mirror having a picture of the Beast and Belle.

To make it appealing, you can add roses all around the exterior. Remember one thing: that beast and the beauty leg tattoo is time-consuming body art and is most suitable as a thigh tattoo or lower leg tattoo.

35. Floral Skull Tattoo

Floral Skull tattoo

Photo credit: Pinterest

A skull tattoo often symbolizes mortality, death, and the passage of time, serving as a reminder of life's transience. However, it can also represent change, transformation, or a significant life event. The meaning can vary greatly depending on the design and personal significance to the wearer.

This tattoo that showcases intricate floral designs, given its placement and detail might suggest themes of femininity, nature, or personal significance to the wearer. Thigh tattoos like this can offer a large canvas for elaborate art, allowing for personal expression and creativity.

36. Corpse Bride Sleeve Tattoo Ideas

Corpse Bride Sleeve tattoo

Photo credit: Pinterest

For lovers of the Corpse Bride, this beautiful leg sleeve is perfect to show off your love of the franchise. 

The themes of "Corpse Bride" include love and heartbreak, the contrast between the worlds of the living and the dead, and the idea of finding true self and redemption. The film explores how love can transcend the boundaries of life and death, and it challenges the notions of societal expectations and arranged marriages. It also delves into themes of personal growth and the importance of making choices that align with one's true desires and values.

37. Water Colour Mermaid Tattoo

Water Colour Mermaid tattoo

Photo credit: Pinterest

A mermaid tattoo can symbolize mystery, beauty, and allure, often associated with femininity and the power of the sea. It may also represent freedom, exploration, and a deep connection to nature or the unknown. Mermaids are mythical creatures that embody both enchantment and danger, so a tattoo of one might also hint at a complex or dual nature.

Mermaids being from the sea would be percfectly suited for getting inked in watercolour to accentuated its underwater features and coloures.

38. Dragon Cherry Blossom Tattoo

pink dragon tattoo

Photo credit: Panumart Tattoo

Dragon cherry blossom tattoos can symbolize strength, wisdom, and freedom. They can also represent a protector or guardian spirit, embodying power and resilience. This ink showcases a dragon tattoo with a detailed flowing and floral design, which adds elements of grace and movement, emphasizing the balance between power and femininity.

39. Viking Tattoos

Viking tattoo on leg ideas

Photo credit: @isar.oakmund

For lovers of the seafaring Scandinavians or just fans of the television show Vikings, a Viking tattoo is a great way to show your love for the series. There are a hundreds of ideas to choose from such as Viking weaponry, armour, people, ships etc. But also a simple pattern shape is ideal for someone looking for something a little more simplistic and elegant.

40. Pocketwatch or Clock Tattoo

pocketwatch tattoo

Photo credit: Pinterest

If you have a fondness for a particular time of your life, then a pocket watch or clock can be an excellent way of commemorating that time you cherish so dearly. While you can add just about anything to your clock tattoo idea, a Rose can represent that special someone who you never want to forget, be it a lover, best friend, family, or child.

41. Cherished Friend Tattoo Ideas

Cherished Friend tattoo

Photo credit: Pinterest

Whether your best friend is still with you or, like all dogs, will and has already gone to heaven. Then take your friend with you wherever you go with a commemorative ink. If a full ink tattoo of your dog's (or cat's) likeness isn't what you’re ready for, then an imprint of their little feet is more subtle.

42. Egyptian Tattoo

Egyptian Tattoo

Photo credit: Pinterest

Lovers of Ancient Egypt have no shortage of ink possibilities from the pyramids, Gods, Hieroglyphs, and Pharaohs. While Ancient Egypt had many Queens to choose from, here we have Queen Nefertiti, whose bust is the most works of art from Ancient Egypt. 

43. Video Game Tattoo Ideas for Women

Video Game tattoo

Photo credit: Pinterest

There’s absolutely no shortage of designs for someone who loves the art of video games. In its long history, there have been countless characters, symbolism, and experiences since the first video game was designed in the 1950s. Here, we have a beautiful sleeve tattoo of Iconic Nintendo and Sega characters, such as Donkey Kong, Sonic, and Mario.

44. Medusa Tattoo Designs

Medusa tattoo ideas

Photo credit: Pinterest

The Medusa is a mythological Ancient Greek creature who was so hideous it turned anyone who dared look at it to stone. More modern interpretations depict Medusa tattoo as a beautiful female, probably as an allegory for a beautiful woman being potentially dangerous. 

45. Hummingbird Tattoos

Hummingbird tattoo ideas

Photo credit: Pinterest

A Hummingbird is often associated with joy, happiness, and the lightness of being. They're known for their playful behavior and seemingly endless energy, making a hummingbird tattoo a representation of a positive outlook on life. Due to their small size a hummingbird can fit elegantly on the ankle as shown.

46. Love Tattoo Ideas

love tattoo ideas

Photo credit: @liezylblairtattoos

How you choose to represent love is entirely up to you. There is an almost infinite amount of possibilities when it comes to depicting love, but how about a cool tattoo design of two cheetahs having a tender moment, almost making the shape of a love heart. 

47. Butterfly Flower Tattoo

butterfly flower tattoo designs

Photo credit: Pinterest

With their grace and beauty, butterflies are sometimes associated with femininity and feminine energy, making butterfly flower tattoo a popular choice for women looking to celebrate their femininity.

48. Snowflake Tattoo Ideas

Snowflake tattoos

Photo credit: Pinterest

Snowflakes are delicate and ephemeral, meaning they melt away upon being touched. They can symbolize life's fragility and the transient nature of beauty and existence, or they can represent fresh beginnings. Just as a fresh snowfall can cover everything in a blanket of white, creating a sense of newness, a snowflake tattoo can represent a fresh start, new beginnings, or a desire to wipe the slate clean.

49. Dolphin tattoos

Dolphin tattoo ideas

Photo credit: Pinterest

Dolphins, with their intelligence, agility, and playful nature are an excellent tattoo choice for those who have a love of life, playfulness, and a positive outlook. Dolphin tattoo can also represent freedom, adventure, and exploration for those who have a free-spirited nature or a love for adventure.

50. Music Note Tattoo

Music note tattoos

Photo credit: Pinterest

For those who are musical artists or just fans of music, why not get a musically inspired tattoo? A musical tattoo can include favorite artists, instruments, CDs, etc., Or you can go for this beautiful musical note-inspired piece. 

Frequently Asked Questions Related to Best Leg Tattoo Ideas for Women

Where is the best place to tattoo your legs?

The thigh is an ideal location for a leg tattoo, particularly for those who prefer discretion in professional settings where tattoos might not be widely accepted.

It offers ample space for larger designs, allowing for intricate and detailed artwork. The thigh area's relatively larger canvas makes it versatile for various tattoo styles and sizes, catering to personal preferences and artistic expressions.

Do leg tattoos hurt?

Leg tattoos, especially around the ankle and shin areas, can be quite painful due to the proximity of bone to the skin surface.

These areas have less flesh to cushion the impact of the tattoo needle, making the sensation similar to tattooing over other bony areas like the rib cage.

The level of pain experienced can vary from person to person, but it's generally considered to be on the higher end of the pain scale for tattoos.

Do leg tattoos last?

Leg tattoos, like all tattoos, can fade over time due to various factors such as friction from clothing and sun exposure.

Areas that experience frequent rubbing against clothes might see faster fading. 

Proper aftercare and maintenance, such as regular moisturizing and protecting the tattoo from the sun, can help in preserving the vibrancy and longevity of leg tattoos.

Will leg tattoos stretch?

Tattoos on the calf might stretch if there is significant muscle growth, but the distortion is usually minimal.

Unless there is extreme muscle enlargement, which is uncommon for most individuals, the changes to the tattoo's appearance are typically subtle.

It's essential to consider potential body changes when choosing a tattoo location, but moderate changes in muscle size shouldn't drastically affect a calf tattoo's aesthetics.

Bottom Line

And there you have it, the grand tour of leg tattoo ideas just for the ladies! We've strutted through the garden of designs, tiptoed around the topic of pain (ouch!), and even danced through the nitty-gritty of aftercare.

Remember, whether it's a tiny tat or a leg-encompassing masterpiece, your tattoo is your personal story inked in the language of art.

Now, don't just stand there on those soon-to-be-inked legs of yours. Hop, skip, or jump over to our tattoo gallery where even more dazzling ideas await. 

Who knows? Your perfect tattoo might just be a click away, winking at you from our collection. 

Ryan S. Mills
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