Majestic Sternum Tattoo Ideas and How to Etch them Securely

Sternum tattoos—often called underboob tattoos—have become one of the most expressive placements thanks to their mix of intimacy, symbolism, and visual impact. This area allows for delicate linework, symmetrical designs, floral patterns, celestial elements, and meaningful symbols that follow the natural curves of the chest. But choosing a sternum tattoo also requires understanding pain levels, healing expectations, and the best styles for this placement.

This guide brings together the top sternum tattoo ideas, pain insights, meanings, aftercare tips, and expert recommendations to help you choose a design that fits your body and your story.

Quick Summary: Sternum Tattoos

1. A sternum tattoo sits along the center of the chest or beneath the breasts.

2. Best for symmetrical designs, florals, mandalas, butterflies, sun & moon, and fine-line motifs.

3. Pain level: high—very little soft tissue in this area.

4. Healing time: 2–4 weeks for surface healing, up to 6–8 weeks for full recovery.

5. Ideal for people who want a meaningful yet intimate tattoo with elegant placement.

Many celebrities today have sternum tattoos, for example, Ruby Rose has a cartoonish crown design on the sternum from the works of street artist Jean-Michel Basquiat.

What is a Sternum Tattoo?

A sternum tattoo is a design placed along the breastbone or under the breasts, following the natural curves of the chest. This placement is popular for symmetrical pieces, fine-line art, floral compositions, and spiritual symbols.

Sternum tattoos can extend vertically along the chest, sit directly beneath the breasts, or wrap around the curves in a soft underboob style. Because the area is bony with thin skin, sternum tattoos are known for higher pain levels—but they reward you with one of the most visually striking and feminine placements.

How to Choose the Right Sternum Tattoo

1. Define the meaning: florals for growth, celestial symbols for balance, lettering for personal mantras.

2. Pick a style that follows curves: symmetry, mandala lines, or soft botanical arcs work best.

3. Consider pain tolerance: minimalist designs are easier if this is your first tattoo.

4. Check visibility: sternum tattoos stay mostly hidden, ideal for private symbolism.

5. Choose an experienced artist: sternum placement requires precision, especially with symmetry.

Best Sternum Tattoo Styles

1. Fine-line floral arcs

2. Mandala and geometric symmetry

3. Butterfly and moth centerpieces

4. Sun and moon balance motifs

5. Ornamental lace-inspired designs

6. Minimalist outlines

7. Botanical branches and leaves

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Mini Lotus Ornament

A mini lotus sternum tattoo is a delicate way to express purity, growth, and spiritual awakening. Its simple ornament style makes it both subtle and deeply meaningful, perfect for minimal tattoo lovers.

Iris Flower Design

An iris flower sternum tattoo carries elegance and symbolism, often connected with wisdom, hope, and courage. Placed under the sternum, it creates a graceful and artistic look that stands out beautifully.

The Sun and Moon

A sternum tattoo with the sun and moon phases represents harmony, cycles, and balance in life. This design is perfect for those who want to carry a reminder of light and shadow within themselves.

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Sun and Moon Sternum Tattoo

Sun and moon tattoos express balance, duality, and harmony—perfect for a central chest placement.

Key Features

1. Strong symmetrical structure

2. Works with clouds, stars, or fine-line celestial patterns

3. Offers spiritual or emotional symbolism

4. Visually striking beneath the chest

Best For: People drawn to celestial themes and spiritual symbolism.

Placement Notes: Centered placement enhances balance between the two elements.

Minimalistic Lettering

Minimalistic lettering tattoos are simple yet powerful, especially when carrying meaningful words. Placing “compassion” on the sternum keeps this gentle reminder close to your heart, both literally and symbolically.

Rose Sternum Tattoo

Rose tattoos blend romance and symbolism, creating dramatic or soft framing around the sternum.

Key Features

1. Works with blue roses, black & grey shading, or fine-line botanicals

2. Strong emotional symbolism

3. Easily scaled from small to full arc

4. Fits both modern and classic aesthetics

Best For: Anyone who wants expressive floral symbolism in a feminine placement.

Placement Notes: Botanical arcs create natural contouring along the chest.

Small Sunflower

A sunflower sternum tattoo with falling leaves symbolizes joy, change, and resilience. It’s a cheerful design that radiates positivity while reminding you of life’s natural cycles.

Cross and Peony Sternum Tattoo

This unique design combines the symbolism of faith and spiritual strength with the softness of a blooming peony. A cross sternum tattoo like this feels both powerful and tender at the same time.

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Minimalistic Dragonfly Tattoo

A minimalistic dragonfly tattoo under the sternum is a symbol of transformation, freedom, and lightness. Its clean lines make it a subtle yet meaningful choice for those who love delicate designs.

Mandala Sternum Tatts

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Mandala sternum tattoos showcase symmetry, precision, and spiritual depth, making them ideal for geometric lovers.

Key Features

1. Detailed, ornamental symmetry

2. Works with dotwork and linework

3. Can be minimalist or highly intricate

4. Symbolizes inner peace and grounding

Best For: Fans of structured, spiritual, or ornamental tattoo styles.

Placement Notes: Mandala lines anchor beautifully to the sternum’s central line.

Mandala with the Moon

The mandala combined with a moon creates a mystical sternum tattoo full of balance and inner harmony. This design beautifully blends spirituality with a touch of cosmic symbolism.

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Poppy Flower

An outline poppy flower sternum tattoo looks fresh and artistic, celebrating simplicity with elegance. The poppy often symbolizes peace, remembrance, and resilience, making it more than just a pretty design.

Lotus and Leaves

A lotus with leaves under the sternum represents growth, purity, and renewal. The flowing design enhances the natural curves of the body, creating a graceful and feminine tattoo idea.

Dotwork Moon Design

Dotwork moon sternum tattoos bring a unique texture and depth, making the design stand out. The moon itself is a timeless symbol of intuition, mystery, and change.

Minimalist Underbreasts Tattoos

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Minimalist sternum tattoos use clean, simple lines to create elegant designs with subtle symbolism.

Key Features

1. Fine-line branches, leaves, or geometric shapes

2. Less painful and faster than large pieces

3. Timeless and easy to style

4. Works well for first-timers

Best For: People who want a subtle, elegant sternum tattoo.

Placement Notes: Minimalist arcs follow the underbreast curve without overwhelming the area.

Tattooing During Breastfeeding

Credit photo: Instagram.com/irenebogachuk

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Credit photo: Instagram.com/irenebogachuk

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Tattooing during breastfeeding is a common question that many mothers are interested about, so we decided to ask our tattoo expert Irene Bogachuk about this sensetive topic:

Meet the expert

Irene Bogachuk

Expertise: Tattoo Expert

Let's discuss the risks and what they entail. The first and possibly the most significant risk is to get infected during the procedure. This risk always exists. Therefore, it is essential to cautiously and carefully choose your tattoo artist. However, if you are breastfeeding, you are responsible not only for your own health but also for the health of your baby when choosing a tattoo artist. The second risk is related to hormonal changes during breastfeeding and hormones in general. First and foremost is the stress hormone produced by your body during the procedure, which can potentially be passed on to the baby through breast milk. Other hormones connected to the breastfeeding function may negatively affect the healing process. Pigment may fade, spread or the tattoo may take longer to heal. In my personal practice, I have seen cases where a certain shade disappeared from a color tattoo after healing. There were no critical or irreparable situations. However, this is an important decision, so consider all the pros and cons carefully. Please note that all mentioned above is based on my personal experience and opinion. It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional for guidance.

Elegant Bird Sternum Tattoo

Bird sternum tattoos represent freedom, transformation, and the pursuit of personal growth.

Key Features

1. Works with sparrows, hummingbirds, phoenixes

2. Mixes well with florals

3. Ideal for soft, dynamic linework

4. Symbolic depth tied to movement and freedom

Best For: Those who want uplifting symbolism and fluid, elegant shapes.

Placement Notes: Bird wings and motion naturally echo the chest curve.

Floral Sternum Tattoo Designs

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Floral sternum tattoos are timeless and versatile, symbolizing growth, femininity, and renewal.

Key Features

1. Soft arcs that frame the sternum

2. Works with roses, lilies, cherry blossoms, or wildflowers

3. Looks great in color or black and grey

4. Easily customized with branches or vines

Best For: Anyone wanting a delicate, nature-inspired design.

Placement Notes: Floral curves follow breast contours, creating a soft, natural look.

Sternum Tattoo Designs with Snakes

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Every snake tattoo has a touch of mystery and danger to it. Very often, snakes symbolize transformation and rebirth. Just as a snake sheds its old skin, you can start your life anew. Symbolic connotation aside, snakes are visually appealing and mesmerizing, so introducing such a tat to your sternum is a worthy idea.

Butterflies Sternum Tattoo Ideas

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Butterfly sternum tattoos highlight transformation, femininity, and personal growth. Their wings naturally echo the curves of the chest, making them one of the most flattering options.

Key Features

1. Works well with symmetry

2. Can include moons, flowers, or fine-line accents

3. Ideal for both minimal and bold designs

4. Strong symbolic meaning (rebirth, freedom)

Best For: People who want a meaningful, feminine tattoo with elegant flow.

Placement Notes: Butterfly wings align beautifully with the underboob curve, enhancing natural shape.

Sternum Tattoo Ideas with Hands

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Some people perceive ink as a visual expression of one’s artistry. However, more often than not, tattoos serve as a perfect fusion of visual appeal and profound symbolism. For instance, intertwined hands stand for unity, protection, and spiritual connection. At the same time, reaching hands symbolizes love, guidance, friendship, and longing. You can use colored ink or stick to minimalistic black-and-white hues to stress the symbolism of the art and make it your personal statement.

Underboob Tattoo with Lettering

Lettering placed under the breast creates an intimate, personal message that stays mostly hidden.

Key Features

1. Names, affirmations, quotes

2. Combines well with florals

3. Works in fine-line or bold scripts

4. Subtle but meaningful

Best For: People who prefer personal, private symbolism.

Placement Notes: Curved placement follows the underboob line naturally.

Skull Tattoo Design

A skull tattoo isn’t for all, and that’s fine. The edgy appeal and the strong connotation of the piece will suit those who aren’t afraid of their mortality and life’s complexity. Such an iconic central ink will make you stand out from the rest. Not to mention that such bold and meaningful tattoos inspire you to move through all the challenges with a strong belief in your strength and superiority.

Underboob Tattoo Pain Level

Sternum tattoos are considered one of the more painful placements because the area has little soft tissue and sits directly over bone. Vibrations travel through the ribcage, making the experience more intense.

If you have low pain tolerance, start with a minimalist design. Complex, detailed pieces take longer and may be challenging to sit through.

Sternum Tattoo Average Cost

After you are settled with your unique sternum tattoo and the level of pain that the process of getting it involves, the matter of cost comes up. Surely, you are aware of the fact that simple between breast tattoos will differ in price when compared to full-coverage pieces. Thus, it is challenging to point out a precise price range to count on. Yet, when planning your budget, you must realize that any underboob tattoo is exceptionally delicate and requires a certain level of skill and precision to fulfill. That is why the average cost of such ink will always be more expensive when compared to other placements.

Sternum Tattoos Aftercare Tips

Proper aftercare is essential because clothing, bras, and sweat can irritate the area.

Aftercare Summary:

• • Clean twice daily with mild, fragrance-free soap.
  • Avoid bras and tight tops for several days.
  • Sleep on your back.
  • Apply a thin layer of healing ointment.
  • Avoid sun exposure and workouts that cause friction.
  • Expect itching—do not scratch; gently tap if needed.

Sternum Tattoo Designs with Snakes

Sternum tattoo is a new sass in the industry. However, the tat is more demanding than the rest. Make sure you prepare yourself for what’s ahead and master all the aftercare tips once you get your new ink. Once it heals well, it will make you happy for years to come!

FAQ: Sternum Tattoo