The women of GQ have spoken. We now have conclusive evidence suggesting the hottest body parts for men to get tattooed, as well as the types of tattoos most appealing to the opposite sex. We realize you aren't so shallow as to get a tattoo just to attract babes (of course your Tibetan lion tat has major spiritual significance). But we are here to say that maybe, just maybe, knowing what women think is hot could help inform your next body art decision.
First time under the inky needle? Consider this survey—conducted under the most scientific circumstances—a beginner's guide, or perhaps some food for thought. If you've ever asked a woman her opinion on a pair of pants, to be worn for a single occasion, then you should probably do the same before getting branded with something you can never take off (or at least without lots of money and an painful removal process).
Behold, the results. Please try to use the power of this information for good, not evil.
Hottest Place to Be Inked (From Best to Worst):
1. ForearmSome ladies specified the underside.
2. Arms (full sleeve)Really hot, but also a major commitment.
3. BackWith one caveat: "Just not wings. Never get wings on your back. You are not an angel or a bird."
4. Underside of WristFor the shy, younger brother of forearm-tattooed man. The hotness is less in-your-face, but we can't believe it took us this long to notice...
5. ChestCould be hot, just keep it up top. Harry Styles's butterfly is verging on belly territory.
6. KnucklesThis is a bit scary, not so sexy. But its ranking suggests there's room for exception.
7. AnkleA little bit '90s.
8. Back of CalfIs it a portrait of Fox Mulder? Sure, go ahead then. (Sarcasm.)
9. Legs (full)Women seem to like your legs bare—possibly because of the wincing that occurs when we imagine the tat artist drudging through all that leg hair.
10. BellyDon't ever do this.
Hottest Tattoos to Get (From Best to Worst):
1. Minimalist TattooSimple. Subtle. Sexy. These tattoos assure us you're not trying to compensate for anything by getting your big, bad self inked from head to toe.
2. Foreign Language (That He Speaks)As the author of this survey and a woman, this profoundly surprises me. But science is science.
3. Fierce AnimalLions and tigers and bears...are HOT!
4. BirdsLike a giant bald eagle across my belly?!
No, not like that.
5. AnchorAhoy, still kinda hot.
6. SkullYes, this probably also means she'd prefer you got rid of the Slayer's tank top you bought at that summer show in college.
7. FlowersHow about just buying the real kind for her instead?
8. Sexy LadyUnless she's on your forearm and you can make her dance.
9. DaggerRIP dagger tattoo.
10. Mom HeartYour mom is the least sexy thing to a single woman. Remember that.