Allure Latest 'Beauty Evolutions' Edition Features 100 Years Of Tattoos

Art Expression has taken many ways during mankind’s history. Through manifestations like music, poetry, paint, writing and fashion. But another way to express one’s mind, likes, believes, and so on are tattoos. As they have become more and more popular through the years.

Tatts mean many different things for their wearers: a tribal belonging, a maturity mark, a memory or simply art. We have decided to review feminine tattoos’ history and evolution in the U.S. through the 20th century.

1920-30s

During the beginning of the past century tattoos in the U.S. weren’t such a big deal. But those who had it generally tend to get natural and national themed tattoos. Especially eagles, panthers and native figures in the chest.

In the next decade, tatts got a more practical use. As women start getting permanent eyebrows to make their daily makeup a bit less obnoxious.

1940-50s

During the 40s the ink got displaced of women’s body. Since ladies, as a way to show their support to the troops got temporary military themes tattoos. By wearing stickers while they got a tan, getting the pattern on their skin.

The upcoming trend on the 50s was to get delicate birds and butterflies themed tatts. That many imitate the sailor style on the art as the ink got back.

1960-70s

The 60s brought a lot of nature themed tattoo art. Especially with a strong influence and inspiration from the Japanese traditional art. Images like dragons, Koi fishes and so on become more and more used by the ink fans. Also, becoming bigger.

70’s were the opposite regarding the side. As the small and delicate tattoos were the popular trend in the decade. Since the little décolletage tattoos emerged and became very popular on women.

1980-90s

On the 80s the tattoos were a completely normal cool and more mainstream thing. Since people were less concerned about hiding them. To what outer arm tattoos became more and more popular. Due to that, the themes became various and more personal.

In the 90s the lower back tats became popular for a while. As they also had the practicality to be easily hidden. Before getting their bad reputation and the “tramp-stamp” name.

2000-2010s

As the new millennium arrived a new trend with it. That was the white ink tattoos that even though they looked cool they faded away fast. Again, the themes depended on the person’s taste.

In the first decade of the millennium, the tattoos minimalism took over. As geometrical, really simple and scripted tats were the trend. Since they had a special meaning to the wearer.