The Best Ankle Tattoos for Every Ink Style (2024)

• Dillon Forte is a tattoo artist based in Austin, Texas, as well as the founder of Forte Tattoos and Forte Tattoos Technology.
• Mira Mariah is a New York-based tattoo artist and the founder of Girl Knew York.

Minimalist

A smaller, simple design like this breaks designs down to their most basic shapes and attracts less attention than a more intricate tattoo might. After all, sometimes the smallest things make the biggest impact.

Hand-Poked

Hand-poked tattoos are created manually and ultimately less invasive and painful than those done with a machine. And while the technique calls back to the origins of tattooing, the designs themselves don't have to be minimal or basic.

Words and Phrases

Make a real statement with a Gothic-fonted word or phrase. The outline-only design softens up what would otherwise be a high-impact design without losing any of the wow factor. Also, the contrast from the negative space makes the design feel anything but basic.

Floral

By sticking with thin lines, light hues, and subtly curved shapes, a multicolor tattoo can feel minimal and dainty, like this bouquet of flowers. Even with a slightly larger design, the result feels light and breezy.

Abstract

You don't need an intricate design for a beautiful tat. A more minimalist, abstract design is just as visually interesting—especially when you add in overlapping shapes, loops, and other subtle details. In this case, it's more about what the tattoo looks like rather than what it means, so don't be afraid to get creative and go for something totally unique.

360-Degree Bands

Mimic the look of an anklet or ankle band with a 360-degree tattoo like these. The design itself can be as simple or intricate as you want, and it automatically accessorizes any outfit you put on.

Red Ink

While the allergic potential for red ink tattoos is more severe than other ink colors, it's also incredibly cool-looking. Especially in contrast with black as seen here, the red really pops and is able to hold its own in the design, giving an almost 3D-like effect.

Fine Line

A fine line tattoo doesn't have to be simplistic or basic, and this camera design is proof. The thin outline keeps the design looking subtle despite the contrast from the negative space. The result is an intricate but low-key design.

Line Work

Created entirely by lines of varying thickness, this sunset tattoo sits perfectly in the area above the ankle bone and spans the entire width of the area without overwhelming the space.

Detailed Designs

There's something incredibly playful and fun about this lineup of co*cktails and cans. The intricate design in such a small area creates contrast, and the way the drinks are sitting atop the sock is downright adorable.

Numbers

Something as simple as a number or two can still make a real impact when you consider font, location, and sizing. The placement of this 99 design is perfection, tucked right behind the ankle bone, while the colored-in, thick numbers pack a punch.

Mini

Despite being in the same spot as the numbered tattoo before, this itty bitty design feels completely different. The barely there lightning bolt is cheeky and playful and is the kind of design you only notice if the tatted person wants you to, making it ultra versatile.

Blackwork

Despite being characterized by heavy amounts of black ink and dark, filled-in areas, blackwork tattoos can create boldly delicate designs that really make you stop and think.

Watercolor

Watercolor tattoos mimic the look and feel of watercolor painting by using a wide range of colors and pigments to create a fluid-looking design. From bold, bright designs to more subtle splatter painting as seen here, the style adds an unexpected pop to body art.

Multi-Colored

These adorable puzzle pieces are a great reminder that despite the serious commitment, tattoos can be as fun and silly as you'd like. The use of color, thin lines, and simplistic designs results in the ultimate feel-good tat. The placement adds to that whimsy by free-floating slightly off-center.

Stick and Poke

Yes, stick-and-poke tattoos are essentially the same as hand-poked tattoos, but this design proves just how versatile the techniques can be. The tattoo expertly plays with spacing, shading, and line work to create a real scene out of a relatively small design.

Print Lettering

This printed-phrase tattoo is just plain cool, and the best part is it's easy to customize a similar design to whoever you want to run (or do anything) like. The all-caps, basic font makes the design look almost stamped on, adding to the overall appeal of the tattoo.

Shaded

Talk about some serious skill with the needle—this cowboy boot is so detailed, it looks like the artist drew and shaded it using a pencil. The thin lines and subtle shading take mega talent, and the results speak for themselves.

Matching Tats

The best tattoos are ones you can share with the people you love (ironically, sometimes so are the tattoos you end up regretting the most). Going with a simple design like this allows for a bit of individuality in terms of placement, while the subtlety means it'll be easy to cover up in any situation.