42 Innovative And Nostalgic Female Pin Up Tattoo Ideas That Reflect On The Meaning Of Empowerment

The popularity of tattoos derives from their ability to help users vocalize the philosophies, emblems, and identities that give them more purpose in life, while also offering each enthusiast a work of art.

While most invest their time in either dropping subtle concepts that move mountains or presentable illustrations with hollow interpretations, an illustration that offers both is a pin up tattoo.

Despite initially devoting their illustration to men at war, pin up tattoos have grown beyond measure since then. To learn just how much they offer on the inside and outside, let this guide serve as the primary facilitator.

More Than Meets The Eye: The Layers Of Messages Shaping The Meaning Behind Pin Up Tattoos

@kcanon.tattoo

When all is said and done, the quote “never judge a book by its cover,” perfectly sums up the nature of a pin up doll, as the figurines offer more sentimental value than meets the eye.

To learn all about it, skim through the following segments, otherwise known as the factors shaping up the meaning behind pin up tattoos.

The Beauty Standards Of Women

With perfect hairdos, stretched out eyelashes, and soft blush above each cheek, pin up tattoos were initially formed to embrace the elegance that lies in-between a woman's physical features.

While this notion was subject to objectification, it’s also a concept that is currently used to make women feel comfortable in their own skin.

The Power Of Femininity

While pin ups were initially used to highlight the elegance in the physical appearance of women, upon closing out the formative years, pin ups were used to fight for women's rights in society.

Issues such as gender discrimination, inequality in pay, and reproductive rights are some of the many agendas that pin up tattoos highlight to this day.

A Moral Support For Men At War

Alongside bringing the heavenly features of the female gaze, pin up tattoos were initially worn in support of men representing the military.

Often, pin ups were used to motivate men to come back to their significant others, increasing their chances of securing the win against their enemies.

Aesthetically Sound And Evocative Pin Up Tattoo Designs Serving As Totems Of Progress

@tattoosbyjakeinsaltlake

Despite abiding by rules and regulations, pin up tattoos can actually offer variety in their designs, just as long as you think outside the box.

On the contrary, if exercising your creative abilities is easier said than done, allow us to take the lead.

Listed below aren't just pin up tattoos that lead the movement from a design standpoint, but are also the contenders that help the genre compete against the ringleaders among tattoos. 

Traditional Pin Up Tattoo: The One That Started It All

@marionstreettattooandgallery

Kicking off this list is a traditional pin-up model, which adopts the aesthetics of the models while fusing them seamlessly with a colorful theme.

Catering to maximalists and visual-oriented minds, this piece represents the makeup, outfits, and the hairstyles that pin-up models had before being cleared for the photoshoot.

While certain beauty requirements stay put, changing the outfit is definitely doable when you’ve signed up for this piece, which shines brightest when worn on the forearm.

Pin Up Mermaid Tattoo: The Best Of Both Worlds

@trapinktattoos

Though a significant portion of it is based on fantasy, pinup models are often converted into mermaids when worn as tattoos, possessing elongated fish tails, as well as the distinct facial features of the aquatic creatures.

While mermaids often take up deceptive roles, a pin-up mermaid means well, often worn by married pairs managing a long distance relationship.

Many wearers, especially sailors, pair them with anchor tattoos to depict the moral support they find in this design, which often stands out as a chest tattoo.

Pin Up Nurse Tattoo: More Than Meets The Eye

@micablancotattoos

Given the repetitive nature of pin up tattoos, it could be normal to perceive the design in a negative light due to all of them looking alike on the outside.

However, if you’d like to add to the sentimental value of the tattoo while also unlocking new colorways to enhance the visuals, wear a pin up nurse tattoo.

Since many who worked as pin up models also juggled double lives as nurses, this piece is a wholesome way of honoring those who served good looks while saving lives! 

Gangster Pin Up Tattoo: A Change Of Scene

@chuckdenise_tattoo

Since pin up models used their influence to fight for women’s rights, the bravery they had is truly commendable, even to this day.

To honor their legacies while also wearing a figurine that the eyes will remember, you can definitely explore a pin up tattoo fused with traits of a gangster, using body ink to enhance their physical attributes.

As opposed to the average pin up tattoo, this figurine adopts mannerisms of members affiliated with gangs, adopting guns, cigarettes, and tattoos to enhance their visuals. 

Zombie Pin Up Tattoo: Entertaining One’s Fantasies

@skintricate

While pin up models are used to showcase the elegance behind women and their features, you can flip the script if your main aim is to rise above mediocrity.

That said, if most of your adolescent years were shaped by Call Of Duty, fuse it with the traits of a zombie to bring a new concept into existence.

Unlike the average pin up tattoo, this piece offers a terrifying sight, with decomposed skin and milky eyes. If it is a sentimental totem for you, use the leg to protect the design from the public eye.

Pin Up Witch Tattoo: A Moment Of Magic

@deejaycustoms

Another way to add twists to the average pin up tattoo is by taking notes from mythical creatures, such as witches.

With a pointed hat and a broomstick, one can easily change the narrative of a pin up tattoo, bringing to light a pin up with supernatural powers.

While a witch-infused pin up tattoo is currently on the rise, you may even add tokens of a fairy tattoo to stand out better.

Realistic Pin Up Tattoo: As Good As It Gets

@lukewessman

While most pin up tattoos try to replicate the posters painted to highlight the beauty behind the dolls used for the shoots, one that truly denotes a pin up in real life is this piece, based on realism.

A realistic pin up tattoo uses shading techniques and high contrast color combinations to bring the facial features to light.

Despite switching the figurine with a portrait, the dimensions required for this concept remains hefty, making the sleeve a compelling canvas.

Sugar Skull Pin Up Tattoo: Celebrating Life And Death

@maximumtattoostudio

Believe it or not, you can actually sketch wisdom with a pin up tattoo if you explore enough options. Nonetheless, if you’d like something that provides jarring visuals at the same time, a sugar skull pin up tattoo should be appropriate.

While most pin up tattoos invest in the facial features of a woman, a sugar skull removes the skin to expose what’s underneath, comprising nothing but bone.

Encouraging one to live life to the fullest, this piece looks best when the colorless stencil is replaced with vibrant over and undertones. 

Pin Up Doll Tattoo: Maximizing The Beauty 

@markotattoo974

Going all out on the visual aspect of a pin up tattoo is that of a pin up doll, which uses the brightest tones to highlight the lashes, lips, and make up used on the model.

While it caters to those with a keen interest in color tattoos, a pin up doll tattoo is also one that spends their time validating the struggles that women endure on a daily basis.

Since the artwork is the biggest selling point of this concept, wearing it on visible canvases such as the neck, forearm, and hand should effectively do justice to the design. 

Sailor Pin Up Tattoo: A Totem For Resilience

@flatstattoos

Since pin up models represented women who often had to live independently without their partners, as well as husbands who were always away from home with an aim to achieve survival, a pin up tattoo can be a good way to represent that sentiment.

The best candidate is perhaps a sailor pin up tattoo, which not only conveys the former sentiments by being in the uniform of a captain, but also offers a charming presence simultaneously.

While this piece also depicts the sadness of committing to a long distance relationship, it can also serve as an emblem of love for couples resonating with the former cause.

Black And Gray Pin Up Tattoo: Subduing The Colors

@austingallanttattoos

Not all pin up tattoos need to be colorful. In fact, if you gravitate more towards neutral shades, consider wearing a black and grey pin up tattoo.

Doubling down on the colors is definitely a drawback for those with a knack for high-spirited colors, but can remain beneficial if you’re into detailed pieces, as shades of black and grey incorporate realism by adding layers of shadows.

When all is said and done, this piece can also be a great companion to those harboring deep feelings of admiration towards Gothic tattoos.

Pin Up Ghost Tattoo: In Another Universe

@9lives.tattoo

Despite being firm on its beliefs and agenda, a pin up tattoo can definitely be used for subjective sentiments, forming bonds with components that align with the wearer’s intentions.

For instance, if you grew up watching horror movies, and happen to find purpose in listening to stories about urban legends, consider wearing a pin up ghost tattoo.

While adding a white bedsheet to cover up the pin up tattoo can be a great way to take it easy on the creative process, you can incorporate skulls and emblems associated with death if scaring the viewers is your primary goal. 

Cowgirl Pin Up Tattoo: The Wild Wild West

@dollydovetattoo

If you regard yourself as a real American who is loud and proud, showcase your patriotic nature using a cowgirl pin up tattoo, worn best by westerners.

With a cowboy hat and two revolvers, this piece moves away from the feminine vibe that pin up dolls usually give off, resorting to one that carries an intimidating aura.

On the back is where this tattoo finds peace, especially due to the space it provides.

Vintage Pin Up Tattoo: Resorting To Old Traditions

@connorpollock_tattoo

Truth be told, most pin up tattoos are based on aesthetics and beauty standards that existed between the 50s and the 90s.

Nonetheless, to help your pin up tattoo give off a retro vibe, skim through the wardrobes that shaped the outfits it pin-up dolls.

If you're open to suggestions, use this vintage pin-up for reference, which covers the figurine in a chef's attire. The upper thigh serves as the ideal candidate, using its spacious nature to support the sizable dimensions of the concept.

Mexican Pin Up Tattoo: Influenced By The Chicanos

@g13_tattooist

Due to the similarities in their aesthetics, you can easily add signature attributes of a Chicano tattoo with that of a pin up doll, bringing this Mexican pin up piece to life.

This piece isn't just about the striking appearance it offers, since it also runs big on representing the Chicano movement, initially used to fight against gender discrimination, unfairness, and racism.

To represent Mexican culture, be sure to add a sombrero to this pin-up figurine.

Halloween Pin Up Tattoo: Collaboration With Spooky Season

@tattoosbyandrea

Since Halloween is near, it's best to indulge in a tattoo that celebrates the spirit of the spooky season, especially if you spend every October carving pumpkins and buying candies for the neighborhood.

If pumpkins and scary masks don't suffice, use a Halloween themed pin up tattoo to wear something new.

With a mask that covers the distinct features of females, and a pumpkin underneath, a Halloween pin up tattoo embraces every aspect of the Celtic festival. 

Chubby Pin Up Tattoo: Breaking Beauty Standards

@afroamericanatattoos

Though pin up models were used to highlight the beauty behind femininity and females in general, over time, they made time to break beauty standards, with the most prominent one being associated with body positivity.

To revolt against body shaming, pin ups models also featured those that were rather chubby, bringing this tattoo into existence.

A chubby pin up tattoo doesn’t just urge one to accept beauty in all forms, but it also urges one to look beyond one’s physical appearance. The wrist is a superb location for placement, allowing users to be loud and proud.

Military Pin Up Tattoo: Back Where It All Started

@audreymicheletattoos

Before emanating as beauty icons, pin ups were used as morale figures that soldiers used as a means of motivation to not only return to their partners, but also to prevail against their opponents.

That brings us to military pin up tattoos, designs that take us back to the start.

A change in uniform is the key difference between military pin up tattoos in contrast to regular pin up concepts, although the notion is strictly subjective. If you’re currently on duty, wear it around the inner bicep to avail the benefits without exposing it to the public.

Japanese Pin Up Tattoo: A Shoutout To The Gyaru Movement

@classictattooaz

In the 1970s, even Japan adopted the mannerisms used for pin up models, dubbing it as the Gyaru movement. And although the subculture peaked in the 90s, the bold looks that stemmed from the movement are still hailed as compelling concepts for tattoos.

 Otherwise known as Japanese pin up tattoos, the artwork mimics the physical features of the average pin up tattoo to make ends meet. However, the eyelashes are more stretched out, while the hair dyes and makeup are more vibrant in Japanese pin ups.

To commemorate its roots, a Japanese pin up is often compiled with emblems like koi fish and dragons, two prominent cultural figures.

Skeleton Pin Up Tattoo: Beyond The Superficial Components

@all.hail.tattoos

When it comes to pin up tattoos, many prioritize the beauty that lies in the features of the model used for the artwork. However, what they don’t pay attention to is everything that lies underneath, which is exactly what this skeleton tattoo does.

A skeleton pin up tattoo definitely takes a different path in contrast to the average piece involved in this movement.

Nonetheless, it’s a great pick for those who advocate for personalities over physical attributes, since the latter eventually fades. Due to being a lesson, this piece excels as a hand tattoo.

Blonde Pin Up Tattoo: Subtle Yet Impactful

@flompflomp

Changing up the tiniest details can lead to huge results when curating the groundwork of a tattoo from scratch.

Likewise, if you’re not fond of brunette models leading your illustration of a pin up tattoo, consider choosing another hair dye that aligns with your mindset, while also unlocking a new variant.

Believe it or not, after brunettes, blonde pin up tattoos are regarded as leading contenders, swaying viewers away with their luscious vibrant strands fused with tons of volume. 

Cartoon Pin Up Tattoo: Minimizing The Visuals

@sausagekingtattoos

Most pin up dolls are based on realism, which takes time, while also demanding a moderately-skilled tattoo artist to generate successful results.

That said, if your main aim is to commemorate pin up dolls as opposed to showcasing just how enchanting they were on the surface, take this concept under your wing.

By doubling down on the shading and detailing, and investing more time in generating animated figurines, this cartoon pin up tattoo is exactly what you need to meet your requirements, while wearing something vibrant.

Frequently Asked Question

Now that we've skimmed through all the concepts that offer timeless elegance using a pin up tattoo, here are some questions that bring the foundation of the movement to light.

Q: Why are pin up tattoos so popular?

Ans: Pin up tattoos empower women by giving them the push they need to fight for their rights, offering a companion that enables them to feel comfortable in their own skin as a secondary aim. While their visuals take up the driving seat, the sentiments also run deep in the groundwork of pin up tattoos.

Q: Are pin up tattoos feminine?

Ans: More often than not, pin up tattoos are regarded as feminine due to the way in which they support women. That said, since they were emblems used to motivate men at war, they cater to both masculine and feminine minds as an art piece.

Q: Which location is suitable for pin up tattoos?

Ans: Due to the size they carry, the portraits and sketches of pin up tattoos look best when placed on the forearm, with the leg being a promising alternative to the former. In the long run, both of the previously mentioned locations can be used to depict sleeve tattoos.

Conclusion

All in all, pin up tattoos don't just act as the driving force for women fighting for their freedom and rights, but they also serve as facilitators of self-confidence.

Despite catering to large canvases, this piece is a great companion to use for compilations, especially for existing tattoos linked with womanhood, such as butterflies.

For best results, select the ideal spot for your design, while also finding a purpose in what it serves.