So, you’re scrolling through Pinterest or Instagram and you see it—the perfect in between boobs tattoo. Maybe it’s a delicate lotus, a sharp geometric mandala, or just a tiny spark of ink that sits right in the center of the chest. It looks incredible. It’s symmetrical, it’s edgy, and it feels like the ultimate accessory. But honestly? Getting a sternum piece isn't just about picking a pretty picture. It’s a whole process that involves pain levels that might make you question your life choices, specific healing hurdles, and some very real talk about how your body moves and changes over time.
Sternum tattoos, often called "underboob" or "sternum pieces," occupy a unique anatomical space. Unlike a forearm or a thigh, the skin here is thin. Very thin. It sits directly over the bone. If you’ve never had a tattoo before, starting here is basically jumping into the deep end of the pool without knowing how to swim.
The Reality of the Pain (No Sugarcoating)
Let's get real. It hurts.
Every person's pain tolerance is different, sure, but the consensus among tattoo artists like Megan Massacre or the pros at Bang Bang in NYC is that the sternum is a "red zone." Why? Because there’s almost no fat or muscle to cushion the needle. When that machine starts buzzing, you aren’t just feeling a scratch; you’re feeling a vibration that resonates through your entire ribcage. It feels like someone is drawing on your bone with a hot, vibrating scalpel.
Breathing becomes a challenge. You have to breathe to, you know, stay alive, but deep breaths move your chest. Your artist needs a still canvas. This creates a weird rhythmic dance between you and the needle. You’ll find yourself taking shallow "sip" breaths while the line is being pulled, then exhaling deeply when the artist pauses to dip for more ink.
Why the Center Point is Different
The very center of the chest—the actual sternum bone—is usually the peak of the discomfort. As the needle moves outward toward the "fleshy" parts of the breast, the sensation changes. It goes from a sharp, bone-rattling vibration to a stinging, burning sensation. Some people actually find the ribs worse than the center, while others think the "cleavage" area is the most sensitive due to the density of nerve endings.
👉 See also: When is November 29th and Why Your Calendar Might Be Lying to You
If you’re lean, it’s going to be intense. If you have a larger chest, the artist might need to use medical tape or an assistant to hold the tissue back so they can reach the flat surface of the bone. It’s a vulnerable position to be in, so choosing an artist you actually trust is non-negotiable.
Design Dynamics: More Than Just Symmetry
A lot of people go for the in between boobs tattoo because they want symmetry. Mandalas are the gold standard here. The way the petals can follow the natural curve of the underbust is genuinely flattering. But symmetry is a trap if your artist isn't a master of anatomy.
Nobody is perfectly symmetrical. One breast might sit slightly higher, or your ribcage might have a subtle flare on one side. A stiff, perfectly geometric design can actually highlight these natural imbalances instead of Flowing with them. This is why many high-end artists recommend "freehanding" parts of the design or using "organic" elements like vines, snakes, or floral bursts that can be tweaked to fit your specific shape.
Think About the "Sway"
Gravity is a thing. When you’re standing up in the shop, looking in the mirror, the tattoo looks perfect. But what happens when you lie down? What happens when you’re wearing a push-up bra versus going braless? The skin in the center of the chest shifts significantly.
A vertical design—like a long dagger or a hanging chandelier piece—can look "crooked" the moment you move your arm or twist your torso. You want a design that holds its integrity regardless of whether you're reaching for something on a high shelf or lounging on a beach towel.
💡 You might also like: Why a No Coffee Table Living Room Is Actually a Genius Design Move
The Bra Problem: Healing and Aftercare
This is the part most people forget until they’re walking out of the studio with a fresh, stinging piece of art. You cannot wear a regular bra for a while.
Think about it. A bra, especially one with underwire, sits exactly where the tattoo is. It rubs. It traps sweat. It harbors bacteria. Putting an underwire bra over a fresh in between boobs tattoo is basically asking for an infection or, at the very least, a ruined tattoo. The friction can pull out the ink during the scabbing phase, leaving you with "holidays" (those annoying white gaps in the ink).
What to Wear Instead
Honestly? Go braless if you can. If that’s not an option for work or comfort, you’ll need:
- Loose, oversized cotton t-shirts.
- Soft, wireless bralettes (only if they don't touch the ink).
- Sports bras that are a size too big (and made of breathable material).
You're looking at a good 10 to 14 days of "free-boobing" it. Also, consider your sleep position. If you’re a stomach sleeper, you’re going to have a rough week. You’ll need to train yourself to stay on your back so you don't wake up with your tattoo stuck to your bedsheets. If that happens? Do not pull it off. Take the sheet with you to the shower and let the warm water soak the fabric off the skin.
👉 See also: Why if you see the Buddha on the road kill him is the Most Misunderstood Advice in History
Long-Term Aging and Lifestyle
Tattoos aren't static. They age as you age. The skin on the chest is prone to sun damage (if you’re a fan of low-cut tops) and changes in elasticity.
If you plan on getting pregnant or if your weight fluctuates, the skin in the sternum area is relatively stable compared to the stomach, but it’s not immune. The "spread" of the breasts can pull on the center of the tattoo. Fine line work—which is super trendy right now for an in between boobs tattoo—is the most susceptible to "blurring" over time.
Sun Exposure
The chest is a prime spot for sun damage. UV rays break down tattoo pigment faster than almost anything else. If you’re the type to wear bikinis or tank tops all summer, you have to be religious with the SPF 50. Otherwise, that crisp black ink will turn a dull, blurry blue-grey within a few years.
How to Pick the Right Artist
Don't just go to the shop down the street because they have a "walk-in" sign. Look for someone who has a portfolio full of healed sternum and rib pieces.
Look at their lines. Are they shaky? Do they blow out (where the ink looks like it’s bruising under the skin)? Because the skin is so thin here, "blowouts" are incredibly common with inexperienced artists who press too hard. You want someone who understands the "float" of the needle on thin skin.
Ask them about their setup. Will you have a private screen? Since you’ll likely be topless or using pasties, you deserve a space where you feel secure and not on display to the rest of the shop. A professional artist will always prioritize your modesty and comfort.
Actionable Steps for Your First (or Next) Sternum Piece
If you're ready to take the plunge, don't just wing it. Follow this checklist to ensure you don't end up with "tattoo regret" or a nasty infection.
- Book a Consultation First: Don't just email a photo. Go in. Let the artist see your anatomy. They need to know if your sternum is flat or if you have a "pectus excavatum" (a slight dip in the chest) which changes how light hits the tattoo.
- The "Pinch Test": Take a tiny bit of skin right in the center of your chest and pinch it. If it’s paper-thin, expect a higher pain level. This helps mentally prepare you.
- Shave at Home (Carefully): Most artists will shave the area for you, but if you do it yourself 24 hours before, there's less chance of immediate razor burn interacting with the tattoo needle. Use a fresh blade.
- Hydrate and Eat: This isn't a "skip breakfast" kind of tattoo. Your blood sugar needs to be stable so you don't pass out when the adrenaline hits. Eat a heavy meal two hours before your appointment.
- Buy the "Aftercare Kit" Early: Get your fragrance-free soap (like Dial Gold) and your thin ointment (like Aquaphor or a dedicated tattoo balm) ready. Don't be the person running to the pharmacy at 9 PM with a leaking tattoo.
- Check Your Calendar: Do not get an in between boobs tattoo a week before your beach vacation. You can't swim. You can't sunbathe. You can't even sweat excessively in a gym for at least two weeks. Time it for a "low-key" month.
Basically, a sternum tattoo is a commitment. It’s one of the most beautiful placements on the body, acting like a permanent piece of jewelry that moves with you. It’s intimate, it’s bold, and yeah, it’s a bit of a badge of honor because of the "spicy" pain involved. Just do the legwork. Respect the healing process. If you treat the skin right, that ink will look sharp for decades.