Too old and fat for new tattoos?

[Tattoothoughts]

I’ve always loved art and tattoos and wanted several, but stopped when younger out of respect for my parents who absolutely hated them and were quite vocal about it. Then, in my 20s, I got two small tattoos in discrete locations and my parents were ok about it, but not exactly fans, and I got the standard “well, if you like them…” passive aggressive comments. But now, my much younger sister, who has a very “I don’t give a fuck” attitude, is covered in them, including one on her neck!! My parents haven’t batted an eyelid. So, I feel like I also want to say “fuck it” and get the art I’ve always desired. But, I’m 37, plus-sized (18-20), with two kids and a very average lifestyle (I could be considered boring, but I’m happy). So WIBU and weird to get some more tats? I’d love a half sleeve or maybe something on a thigh. I dress on the slightly alternative, gothy side, so my tattoos would be in a similar vein. Is this an early midlife crisis?!

Your never too old to get more

I’m a tattooist. Best trust there’s been someone older and bigger in my chair, it does not matter at all!

And so long as you like them that’s all that matters

Not at all, do what you want! I'm 56 and a tattoo virgin and it's going to happen this summer.

Of course you should. As long as you can afford it, and do plenty of research and thought about the design and artist you want to use.

Midlife crisis - not a fan

How is it a midlife crisis if she has always loved and wanted more??

OP - go for it, your never too old/big x

Op your body your choice!!! 💐💓

My grandad got his first tattoo at 83, you're never too old for tattoos :)

They look awful on everyone old, young, fat, thin at the time of getting them and look even worse 20 years later.
It’s your body though, if you want to get a horrible neck tattoo get one.

Never too old or too fat.

and also good to lean into any midlife crisis (in a way that hurts no one)

People will judge if you have them. Others might judge if you don't. Obviously it's very permanent so think about it a lot.

I have a tattoo all down one side of my body. It was finished in my 40s. I don't regret a single thing about it and not many people know i even have it tbh. Every single part of it has a meaning to someone or something in my life. It goes from wrist up arm and all down to my knee. 3 years ago my mum died. 2 years ago the year I turned 50 I decided to do something special every month. I adopted a dog, had a fancy dress party, went on a cruise, got engaged, went to a butlins weekend, and got a full back tattoo in her honour. Lifes too short. Eat the cake. Buy the shoes. Wear the bikini. Get the tattoo

No I had my first at 50 - and no not a mid life crisis - I took my DD2 to have her first as an 18th Birthday present and loved the woman doing it - 60+ hippy with fab designs - I had always wanted one and so I bit the bullet - I now have 4 including a huge back piece so DO IT!

I hate tattoos, but I think it’s really sad that you didn’t do what you wanted because of your parents views on them.

Although my kids know I’m not a fan, I’d feel like if failed as a parent if they didn’t do things they wanted because of my views. As parents, we have to accept that our adult children can make their own choices and that we may have different opinions. All I ask of my kids now they’re older is that they think things through, because I love them and don’t want them to have regrets because they rushed into something.

You’re 37, you’ve wanted them for a long time, so do it!

Blimey, I was expecting you to say you're in your 60s!
I hate tattoos. My dch know I hate tattoos. I persuaded DD when she was a teenager not to get one. She is now 30 and she's recently got two discreet ones that aren't on show to anyone but herself, and you know what? I'm proud of her, for making up her own mind as an adult.
Get your tattoos if they're what you want - your parents can make their own decisions for themselves.

Please do it! Life is not only too short for regrets but in the grand scheme of time we are only on the planet for less than a split second anyway! Make it a good split second and all that 😁

You are never too old to get tattooed! They are a major passion of mine and I plan to be getting them until I die. Just maybe in shorter and shorter sittings because they really do get more painful the older you get!

Life is short, do whatever makes you happy.

Do it! I'm 42, fat and have 4 and will be getting another.

Sorry, I’m not sure of your opinions of tattoos there? 🤔

I didn't get my first tattoo until my mid-30s and I was a size 18 then. Now I've got four. Just do whatever it is you want to do. Nobody else is really interested enough in others to think deeply about your choices tbh.

Knowing who you are and what you want and being unafraid to pursue it as you get older - I'm a huge fan.

Thank you @TheWoofers and @Pocketfullofdogtreats for your responses. I really respect both of you for admitting they’re not your thing but still being supportive of those who do like them. I do wonder if my parents feel a bit like this now DSis has so many, and they’ve realised they’re really not that bad. Maybe I should have just got the big tats when I was younger?

Tramp stamps... that's what my mother called them 😂

I have 4 of them... soon to be 5.
If it makes you happy, go for it 👍

I’m 52 and have been thinking about it for over 10 years. Two weeks ago I got my first tattoo. I adore it. I’m thrilled with it and I’m even surprised how much I love it. Two hours £175 well spent in my opinion. I have always worried what my parents (76) would say, but they were fine. I won’t be getting any more though.

I'm 39 and a size 24...I have nine tattoos and planning at least two more this year.

Go for it!