Can someone please explain the fashion for tattoos?

[speakout]

I don't get it.
I am an older mum, with two young adult kids. They both have tattoos.
Doesn't float my boat, and they know I am not keen, but they also know I support their choices- their bodies, not my place- so noconflict there at all.
Truthfully I don't understand the appeal, the motivation.

Can anyone explain why tats are appealing?

I can’t see my behind. I still like how it looks in a certain pairs of jeans And wear those jeans.

People spend fortunes (spread over time) dying their hair trying to pretend it’s not really grey. Is that more having more money and sense?

Are you saying you find it ok if people spend money on their appearance, as long as it’s for other people to view?

it’s actually more like having a piece of art and only allowing limited people to see it. Which happens all the time.

I'm going to have one on my neck in the hopes you see it and it makes you sick. What other reason is there?

In my view they aren't appealing, but they are hardly a recent fashion.

I wouldn't say it's a current fashion or craze. I'm 53 and have a fair few, old and new.

People have been tattooing for centuries.

Why should anyone explain (although you really mean justify) to you? I'm not into tattoos for myself IDGAF if others have or love tattoos. Their body, not my business. Tattoos have been around for 1000s of years, nothing new. Stop looking at people's tattoos and just get on with your day, you'll feel better

On these threads it’s always noticeable that the people who don’t like tattoos always know loads of older people who regret their tattoos.

I on the other hand know loads of people of all ages with tattoos and no one who regrets them

🙌🙌

It's not really a recent craze. I'm 45 and the minute I was 18 got a tattoo. Then a few more in my 20s. Don't regret it for a second. I love body art. Each to their own.

Being older, I can remember when tattoos were generally for men in the Forces.

It then became more of a general fashion with the alternative music scene and since the early 80s has spread to the wider population.

So for those who are younger it probably seems entirely normal, but for many of us who are older it's not as widely understood or admired.

David Beckham pretty much started the current trend single handedly. In emulation, a lot of other footballers then got tattoos as well - it is a way of standing out on the pitch and potentially also a sign of toughness. Premier league football has a lot of followers. Then tattoos were really brought into the mainstream.

I'm in favour really. I have tattoos and the fact they are more popular now made me more comfortable with my decision to get them - knowing I wouldn't be judged so much.

Of course I think some tattoos are amazing and some are awful - and some people probably think mine are awful - but each to their own.

What a bizarre question. Are you not familiar with the concept that things rise and fall in popularity? There doesn't need to be a reason for it. I'm sure there are umpteen things which were less popular when you were a teenager and more popular now, and vice versa. Usually these 'Can someone explain to me why people like X' threads are just an excuse to be sneery about people who don't share the OP's taste. I'm not a fan of tattoos either, but I don't go around pretending I think there's some great mystery about them which I don't 'get'.

As a tattoo artist myself, for me it's a way of art, creating a masterpiece, I lose myself in this, think about how much work goes into this, every single needle injecting ink into the right place to form this art, now some tattooist are doing realism, and people want this artwork on their bodies, this is what people are wanting the most, and these are the ones that catch people's attention, I also have some clients who want to change their image, and I even had a man who said he was bullied all his life, having them made him feel tough and confident, I personally don't share an optinion and respect my clients, proving certain parts I will not do, hands, face or neck, only areas that can be covered up. I seen an increase with realism but only certain tattooist can do this.

I honestly think the fashion of men with beards and viking styles brought this out, models had tattoos are they looked fab, fashion brands embraced this, and like I have always said if you have nothing nice to say then best not say anything at all and respect the person. It's personal choice, but what I can say is every tattoo tells a story of the persons personality.

I think there is a fashion element to tattoos beyond them just being more socially acceptable. The types of tatoos people go for vary with trends. I remember lots of dolphins and one point, then chineese words.

I think i am a bit prudish about them still. I feel bit sad when i see young people with lots and lots of tattoos. Im not fussed by a tiny things on a wrist or a butt cheek or the top of an arm. I mean when you have two full sleeves, legs, neck etc in a 20 year old. I know it is none if my business and I hope they are happy with them for many years. But i cant help thinking how much i liked certain looks and styles at 20 that i don't at 45.

I totally understand that, I never tattoo anyone who hasn't been tattooed before, I think culture has a lot to do with it too, some people are drawn to Native American for example, vikings, celts, religion etc like I said earlier it reflects their personality and tells a story, and to them it's a way of feeling connected, we have to respect this, we are all free and shouldn't be judged by how we look.

I don't really get it either, I think it started in the 90s with people like footballers/pop stars etc. Am 42 and haven't got a tatt....i couldn't stand the permenence. It'd be like wearing the same t-shirt for the rest of your life.

I have tattoos, plenty of people I know of all ages have them , some cool art too, sometimes they have personal meaning, cultural meaning or just people like the art

Why do people wear skinny jeans?
Why do people like fucking tiered skirts and dresses?
It's fashion.