60+ Colorful Upper Back Tattoos Designs & Meanings – Most Common Types (2019)

Upper back tattoos are becoming very prominent these days because of many reasons. Tattoos on this particular area are most fashionable and they look simply great. Though upper back is a preferred place for men, women started tattooing on this area very recently.

They consider tattooing on upper back is very sexy when they wear backless dresses.

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Tattoos on upper back can be seen in a variety of styles and sizes. Generally, the upper back area is used for larger broad arts. This place offers a very large flat area of skin canvas. So, this place is perfect for tattooing one big tattoo or lots of smaller ones. 

Most Common Types of Upper Back Tattoos

• Wings Tattoos

Upper back and shoulder blade area is highly popular for wings tattoos. You can design several types of wings on your upper back and shoulder. Some of them are:

1. Angel wings
2. Fairy wings
3. Gargoyle wings
4. Bat wings

Wings can also resemble those of dragons, birds, insects, and demons. The meaning of wings tattoo depends on the types of creatures, pattern and color of wings and the additional objects and symbols that are attached to the wings. 

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Angels, dragons and birds have two wings. But, butterflies and insects like dragonflies have four wings. However, the general outline of wing tattoo is same. The upper wing will be wider than the lower one. The shape of wings should complement the shape of your upper back and shoulders.

The design narrows towards your waist, which gives a lean shapely appearance to the torso.

You can add some other symbols along with the wings, which is helpful for adding more meaning to the original design. Some of the popular symbols and objects that are combined with wings are crowns, roses, skulls and roses. The symbolic meaning of wings is flight and freedom.

When you add some other symbols, it means the tattoo wearer found freedom through love, religion, a purpose, a cause or health.

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Butterfly wings can be tattooed by using bright colors and eye-catching patterns. The symbolic meaning of butterfly tattoos on upper back is rebirth, new life, change, and emergence. Butterfly wings tattoo on your upper back transforms you into a fantasy creature.

Wings can symbolize a life-changing event in your life. It also can be a new beginning, having fun or general love of life. 

Dragon wings are designed on the basis of wings of bat. The wings of Western dragons are designed bat-like wings. The symbolic meaning of this design is fantasy, magic, and strength. 

Birds wings represent flight, freedom, and ability to move on from past events. Therefore, the meaning of bird wing tattoos also change according to the bird. Eagle represents power and strength. However, a parrot represents vivacity, humor, vocal expression and mimicry. 

• Phoenix Tattoo

You can design your upper back with flying grey phoenix. It resembles a mystic rat with feathery, long tail. You can also design beautiful tribal phoenix as well on your upper back.

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• Asian Inspiration

Asian themed tattoos can also be designed on your upper back, which include dragons, Chinese writing or yin yang tattoos. Upper back is also perfect for placing large, colorful Koi tattoos. You can also design delicate Asian flowers such as elegant cherry blossom and lotus.

You can add these themes when you need a feminine touch on your upper back. Floral themes and dragons can continue on your lower back or arms.

• Love Tattoo

If you want to give a tribute to your love, you can select your upper back because this area is very vast. Many tattoo lovers select this area to design a portrait or memorial tattoo. You can also design large colorful hearts in this area.

Upper back is also perfect for designing big banners along with love poem or words. You can also write the name of your loved ones or religious symbol such as dove or cross in this area.

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• Traditional Tattoo Designs

You can design traditional tattoos such as crossbones and skull, nautical or Hawaiian themes, religious themes and pin up girls in this area. Your upper back is perfect for designing all these themes. You can also design the traditional tattoo designs in to a larger back. 

Protecting Upper Back Tattoos

You can select any design on your upper back. However, whatever may be the design, you must consider certain things to protect your upper back tattoo. The possibility of receiving lots of friction from hair and clothing is very high in your upper back.

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So, you need to bandage your tattoo area when you wear clothes. You will get detailed instruction from your tattoo artists regarding aftercare. Some of the basic steps you need to consider are:

• You should wash your hands before touching your new tattoo
• It is also essential to wash your tattoo with anti-bacterial soap 3 times a day
• Let tattoo to get as much as air as possible
• Anti-bacterial ointment should be applied after washing the tattoo each time
• Tattoo bandage should be replaced often

Once the tattoo is healed, you should protect it from the damaging rays of sun with sunscreen. The sun rays can fade your art work. Therefore, even if you use sunscreen, you should cover your upper back tattoo to limit the exposure to sun. 

Upper Back: The Most Favorable Place For Larger Designs

If you are determined to design your upper back, you should select the best tattoo design for this area. This is the time to select the size of your tattoo design. You are aware that the place and size have greater role in a tattoo design.

Some people like to design medium sized tattoos on their upper back and shoulder area. While some others like to get larger designs on their back. Some others prefer to get smaller designs. While deciding the size of an upper back tattoo, you must consider the life style as well. 

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You can also select any shape, stars, rectangular or circular. If you select the right design that matches your personality and emotions, your upper back tattoo can be a wonderful source of pride. However, you should devote some time and energy to plan and execute everything.

When tattooing your body, you should always remember that it will be with you forever.