Are you looking to get yourself a brand new or cover-up Leg Tattoo? Legs are a popular place to get your tattoo due to it being easily shown off or covered easily by your apparel.
So, if you’re looking for some fresh inspiration, we’re about to show you some of the very best Leg Tattoos from some of the best tattooists on the internet.
Do Leg Tattoos Hurt
Leg Tattoos can vary in discomfort depending on exactly where on the body you are being inked.
The calf, for example, is one of the least painful places to get tattooed due to its large muscle mass; likewise, the thigh.
However, places such as behind the knee and the knee itself have thinner skin and are close to the bone, which, when coming in contact with the tattoo needle, will cause a lot of discomfort with the reverberations against the bone.
40 Leg Tatto Designs
Now that we know a little about Leg Tattoo ideas let’s take a look at some of the best Tattoo Designs on the internet.
1. Centipede Tattoo
Centipedes are known for their elongated bodies, which are composed of many segments.
Each segment typically bears one pair of legs, distinguishing them from their close relatives, the millipedes, who have two pairs per segment.
In some cultures, centipedes are seen as powerful creatures that can ward off evil spirits, making their tattoos symbolic of protection and strength.
2. Fine-Line Leg Tattoo
Fine-Line Tattoos are known for their precise and intricate detailing by the way of thin, crisp lines.
Many fine-line tattoos lean towards a minimalist style, often lacking heavy shading or color fill, relying instead on the simplicity and elegance of the lines themselves.
This lovely Fine-Line Tattoo is of a lotus flower, symbolizing purity and enlightenment.
3. Snake Tattoo On Leg Design
Many people fear snakes due to their scary appearance and some species' lethal venom, but Snake Tattoos actually have a lot of positive symbolism.
This includes transformation and renewal due to the way snakes shed their skin, wisdom, and knowledge, which are seen in some cultures as symbols used in medicine.
However, snakes can also have negative symbolism, such as temptation and sin, thanks to their association with the tale of The Garden of Eden.
4. Dragon Tattoo On Leg Idea
Dragon Tattoos, are one of the most popular Tattoo designs.
The symbolism of these tattoos can vary based on the type of Dragon you choose to adorn yourself with and also its color.
Different Dragon variants consist of Asian Dragons, such as Japanese, Korean, and Chinese Dragons, and European and Celtic Dragons.
You can check out different types of Dragon variants and colored Dragons by checking out our Dragon Tattoo Gallery.
5. Beauty And The Beast Tattoo
If you are a lover of Disney Tattoos, then check out this lovely Beauty and the Beast Leg Tattoo based on the 2017 live-action remake featuring Emma Watson.
Beauty and the Beast is a fairy tale written by French novelist Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve that was published in 1740 in La Jeune Américaine et les contes marins.
6. Japanese Mask Tattoo On Leg Idea
Japanese Mask Tattoos are a rising trend in the Tattooing World.
The meaning of these tattoos will differ based on which type of Japanese mask you choose to ink yourself with.
This includes protection, good luck, the complexity of human emotions, or can just be because of your admiration for Japanese theater.
7. Rose Tattoo On Leg Design
Rose Tattoos are the embodiment of love and romance when it comes to Floral Tattoos.
Roses are associated with themes of love due to their association with the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite.
According to legend, Aphrodite created the red rose after accidentally pricking herself on a white rose while trying to help her injured lover, Adonis.
8. Day Of The Dead Tattoo
The Día de los Muertos is a festival celebrated primarily on November 1st and 2nd.
The tradition has pre-Hispanic roots, having origins among indigenous groups such as the Aztecs and Mayan civilizations.
These cultures had specific times when they commemorated their deceased ancestors with rituals and offerings, but after the Spanish colonization of Mexico, these practices were intertwined with Christian beliefs, leading to the contemporary Día de Muertos celebrations.
9. Shark Tattoo On Leg Idea
Shark Tattoos are symbols of strength due to their dominance in the ocean.
Getting a Shark Tattoo can represent endurance and the ability to thrive in various conditions.
With over 500 species of sharks, ranging from the small dwarf lantern shark to the massive whale shark, you shouldn’t have much trouble finding a Shark Tattoo that suits you.
However, different sharks may symbolize different things based on their habitats and diets.
10. Cthulu Leg Tattoo
Cthulhu is a fictional cosmic entity created by writer H.P. Lovecraft.
It was first introduced in the short story "The Call of Cthulhu," published in 1928.
Cthulhu is one of Lovecraft's most famous creations that has become a symbol of cosmic horror, representing humanity's insignificance in the broader cosmos.
11. Sword Tattoo On Leg Idea
If you’re looking to add an edge to your Leg Tattoos, then try out a Sword Tattoo.
Sword Tattoos symbolize themes of strength, protection, authority, justice, honor, and valor, to name a few.
This gorgeous Sword Tattoo comes with some added flowers, but the reflection effects on the blade are particularly outstanding.
12. Mayan Leg Tattoo
The Maya civilization was one of the most prominent and advanced ancient cultures in Mesoamerica, known for its sophisticated art, architecture, mathematical and astronomical systems, and complex societal structures.
Maya society was highly stratified. At the top was the king, followed by nobles, priests, warriors, merchants, and artisans. The majority were peasants who worked the lands controlled by their rulers.
13. Frankenstein’s Monster Tattoo
If you love Halloween and are looking for a Halloween Tattoo, then what could be better than one of the most iconic Halloween monsters, Frankenstein’s Monster?
A Frankenstein Tattoo can symbolize themes of isolation and loneliness, as the story ‘Frankenstein’ is about a creature brought to life yet rejected by society, even though it exhibits more humanity (compassion, capacity for reflection) than its creator and other humans.
14. Dragon Ball Leg Tattoo
Lovers of the Dragon Ball franchise will love this Dragon Ball Tattoo.
Dragon Ball is a series that follows the adventures of Goku, an alien from the planet Vegeta who crash lands on Earth before the destruction of his home world.
After knocking his head, Gokus suffers from memory loss and starts his new life under the care of his adoptive Grandpa Gohan.
Throughout the series, Goku learns to become stronger through martial arts, saving planet Earth, Galaxies, and even Universes.
15. Buddha Tattoo
For our Buddhist readers, why not show your faith with this Buddha Tattoo?
Buddha, also known as Siddhartha Gautama, is the founder of Buddhism and is regarded as a supreme Buddha (meaning "awakened one" or "enlightened one") by followers of Buddhist traditions. Realizing that neither luxury nor extreme asceticism was the path to inner peace, he adopted a path of moderation, later known as the "Middle Way."
16. Traditional Leg Tattoo
Traditional Tattoos are a Tattoo style popularized by Sailor Jerry.
These tattoos are a classic style characterized by bold lines, bright colors, and iconic designs that originate from the early tattooing practices in the West.
The color palette is typically limited to a few basic colors like red, green, blue, and yellow, with occasional use of purple or brown.
17. Spiderman Tattoo On Leg
Spiderman is one of the most iconic superheroes coming from Marvel comic books created by the legendary Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko.
He first appeared in "Amazing Fantasy" #15, published by Marvel Comics in 1962.
Since then, Spiderman has become one of the most commercially successful and enduring comic book characters of all time, having a significant impact on Marvel's popularity and financial success.
18. Crane Tattoo On Leg
Cranes can be found on every continent except Antarctica and South America and are celebrated in many cultures for their beauty and significance.
There are about 15 species of cranes that vary in size and color but generally share similar physical characteristics.
In many Asian cultures, especially in Japan and China, cranes are symbols of longevity and immortality.
This is partly due to their long lifespans and their presence in various mythological tales.
19. Athena Tattoo
Athena is the goddess of wisdom, warfare, and craftsmanship.
She is said to have been born from the forehead of Zeus, fully armoured, after Zeus swallowed her pregnant mother after a prophecy that their child would be extraordinarily powerful.
Unlike Ares, known for his brute force and chaotic nature in war, Athena is primarily associated with wisdom and intellect.
20. Tiger Leg Tattoo
Tiger Tattoos are a popular design in the tattooing world.
These wild animals are associated with strength, power, royalty, and nobility due to them being the true King of the Jungle.
Tiger Tattoos also symbolize freedom and independence, as Tigers are solitary creatures in the Wild, only coming together to mate or battle over territory.
21. Cyber Punk Tattoo
I'm not 100% certain this is a Cyberpunk Tattoo, but it does certainly give off that Cyberpunk futuristic style and I liked it too much not to share.
Cyberpunk is a subgenre of science fiction that emerged in the early 1980s, known for its focus on "high tech and low life" in a near-future setting.
The genre blends advanced technological and scientific achievements, such as artificial intelligence and cybernetics, with a degree of breakdown or radical change in the social order.
22. Star Wars Tattoo On Leg
Surely everyone who loves science fiction will love a Star Wars Tattoo?
Star Wars is one of, if not the most influential, pieces of science fiction created by George Lucas.
His first film in the franchise was released in 1977 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon.
This Black and Grey Tattoo features a Stormtrooper, the Galatic Republic symbol, an AT-ST, and a Leopard or Tiger at the bottom just for fun (I’m sure it was there before the Star Wars piece).
23. Ganesha Tattoo
Ganesha is one of the best-known and most worshipped deities in the Hindu pantheon.
Ganesha’s Elephant head symbolizes wisdom, understanding, and a discriminating intellect that one must possess to attain perfection in life.
Ganesha’s large belly represents generosity and total acceptance, which will be my excuse for being overweight from now on.
24. Flamingo Tattoo On Leg
There are six known species of Flamingos found in various habitats, ranging from large alkaline or saline lakes and estuarine lagoons to mudflats and sandy islands in Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Europe.
Did you know that Flamingos aren’t actually Pink by nature and that their feathers become pink due to beta-carotene, a red-orange pigment found in high concentrations in their diet?
25. Landscape Tattoo
For something a little different, try out this gorgeous landscape tattoo.
This lovely Tattoo depicts the landscape of the African savannah, including images of Elephants, birds, a Leopard, and a Tiger (which isn’t native to Africa).
26. Naruto Leg Tattoo
If you’re a fan of Naruto, then check out this super cool Naruto Tattoo.
Naruto is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Masashi Kishimoto.
Naruto follows the story of the titular character, Naruto Uzumaki, as he seeks recognition from his peers and attempts to make his dream of becoming his village’s Hokage real.
27. Octopus Tattoo
Octopuses are among the most intelligent invertebrates, with abilities to solve puzzles, use tools, and escape from enclosures.
Due to their extreme intellect, an octopus tattoo can represent wisdom, intelligence, and strategic thinking, reflecting the creature's problem-solving abilities and adaptability.
28. Paper Nautilus Leg Tattoo
The paper nautilus is a type of Octopus belonging to the genus Argonauta.
This species is known for the distinctive paper-thin egg case that females secrete, which resembles the shells of nautiluses.
29. Solo Leveling Tattoo
Solo Levelling is a South Korean web novel written by Chugong.
Solo Levelling takes place in a world where hunters with supernatural abilities must fight monsters to protect the world from annihilation.
Sung Jinwoo, one of the weakest Hunters, is chosen by a mysterious program called the System, which allows him to level up in strength.
Now, he sets out to discover the secrets of the dungeons and the true source of his powers.
30. Witch Leg Tattoo
Tales of witches can be traced back to ancient civilizations and societies, which viewed witches as wise women or men who could use herbs, spells, and magic for healing or divination.
With the introduction of Christianity into Europe, the perception of witches began to shift during the Middle Ages as Christianity associated witchcraft with evil and the devil.
31. Phoenix Tattoo On Leg Design
Phoenix Tattoos symbolize rebirth, renewal, transformation, immortality, longevity, hope, and vitality.
The phoenix was first associated with the Bennu, a mythological bird in Egyptian mythology that is said to be the soul of the sun-god Ra.
The Bennu was known to burst into flames and be reborn from its ashes, symbolizing the daily sunrise and the sun's eternal renewal.
32. Toucan Tattoo
If you’re looking for a colorful Animal Tattoo, then try out a Toucan Tattoo.
Toucans are native to the tropical forests of Central and South America, with habitats ranging from the rainforests of the Amazon to the cloud forests of Central America.
A toucan tattoo can symbolize beauty and the allure of the exotic, reflecting the bird’s striking appearance and the vibrant natural settings in which it lives.
33. Death Tattoo On Leg
Death, or the Grim Reaper, is a personification of death that has appeared in folklore and popular culture across various cultures and time periods.
Despite his fearsome appearance, The Grim Reaper's job is to lead souls into the afterlife.
A Grim Reaper Tattoo is a symbol of death and mortality, representing that life is transient and that death is an inevitable, universal truth.
34. Lion On Leg Tattoo
Lions, widely regarded as the King of the Jungle despite no species living in one, are celebrated for their strength, courage, and majesty.
A lion tattoo might symbolize physical strength, mental strength, or personal power, but also fearlessness and bravery as Lions will protect their pride at all costs.
35. Abstract Tattoo
Abstract Tattoos are a fantastic way of expressing personal stories, emotions, or philosophies without the constraints of traditional representational art.
They capture emotions and abstract concepts like love, grief, chaos, or harmony that might be difficult to express through traditional imagery.
36. Abstract Flower Tattoo
Following on from fully Abstract Tattoos, you can also try a Tattoo design that combines some traditional art with abstract themes, such as this beautiful Abstract Flower Tattoo.
Flowers are loaded with symbolic meanings in many cultures, with an abstract flower tattoo can offer a unique twist on these traditional meanings, allowing the wearer to personalize the symbolism.
37. Oni Tattoo On Leg
Oni are mythical creatures from Japanese mythos often portrayed as demons, ogres, and trolls.
They are depicted as both protectors and punishers in various Japanese folklore and myths.
In many of these stories, Oni are depicted as punishers sent from the heavens to deliver divine retribution to people accused of wicked deeds, but they are also depicted guarding the gates of Buddhist temples against evil spirits.
38. Mandala Leg Tattoo
A mandala is a geometric configuration of symbols that is typically circular and symmetrical.
This design has its origins in Hindu and Buddhist symbolism, which are considered spiritual symbols that represent the universe, the self, and unity.
While traditional mandalas have specific meanings tied to their designs, many tattoo artists and recipients choose to personalize the patterns, incorporating personal symbols and elements to tailor the design to their own spiritual, emotional, or aesthetic needs.
39. Butterfly Tattoo On Leg
Butterfly Tattoos symbolize themes of transformation, change, freedom, femininity, and fragility.
This symbolism is connected to the Butterfly’s metamorphosis from a caterpillar.
Butterflies can also be symbolic of how change of possible, whether that be physical or emotional, no matter how you may have started out in life.
40. Flower Tattoo On Leg
Flower Tattoos have a range of meaning depending on which flower you choose to adorn yourself in.
With approximately 400,000 species of Flower in the world, you should have no trouble finding symbolism that speaks to you.
This gorgeous design is by song.e_tattoo who does a wide range of beautiful floral tattoo designs.
Conclusion
So ends our journey through the wonderful world of Leg Tattoo Ideas. We hope with our help, you’ve found the inspiration you’ve been looking for.
Thank you to the artists whose designs we’ve shared for their incredible work, so be sure to check them out and support them if you can.
And hey, if Leg Tattoos still don’t inspire you, why not check out some Arm Tattoos, these Face Tattoo ideas, or these Ear Tattoo designs.
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