Gone are the days when having a tattoo is linked to a long list of prejudices and brutal remarks. Today, people are more accepting of individuals with tattoos. Inked skin is now viewed as a form of art and expression, not a reflection of someone’s dark past.
Even some workplaces with a more laidback culture don’t care whether you’re covered in tattoos or not as long as you’re performing well and maintaining professionalism.
However, we cannot deny that there are industries that still won’t allow visible tattoos. These include jobs in the healthcare industry, law firms, airlines (as flight attendants), hotels, military and law enforcement, financial institutions, schools, and government offices. Some even require piercings to be removed.
Luckily, you can keep both your tattoos and your dream job. You just need to be creative in covering them.
1. Wear long sleeves to cover your “sleeves”
Let’s start with the most obvious and work-appropriate way to cover up: sleeves. Nobody will notice your tattoos if you pay attention to the length and fit of your clothing. If you have tattoos on your upper arms or torso, you can easily conceal them with long-sleeved shirts. Add a blazer or jacket to fully cover them while keeping your outfit sharp and professional.
If you want a more polished and comfortable fit, consider investing in custom made suits or tailored dress shirts. These pieces not only ensure full coverage but also elevate your look, showing that you take both your job and your appearance seriously. Quality menswear can make a lasting impression while giving you the confidence to move freely without worrying about showing your ink.
2. Go for high-waist jeans
The same goes for tattoos on your lower back and legs. If you have lower back tattoos, invest in high-waist pants to make sure you’re fully concealing them, even when sitting or bending down.
3. Wear a nice wristwatch and arm accessories
Do you have minimalist tattoos on your wrist? No need to ditch comfort with longer sleeves. Try concealing them with wristwatches with thicker straps or work-appropriate armbands.
4. Hide tattoos with your hair
Do you have a tattoo on your nape? Women with long hair can easily get away with this since it’s easy to hide. Just grow your hair to a length that conceals your ink and wear it down, and you’re done!
If you’re a guy, see if you can grow your hair a little longer to cover your tattoo. If that’s not an option, check out the next tip below.
5. Rock scarves and turtlenecks
Do you have neck tattoos? The good news is you can successfully cover them up while taking your work attire to the next level.
Firstly, see if you can rock turtlenecks. Minimalist, versatile, and work-appropriate, these pieces should be a staple in your wardrobe. You can even layer them with a blazer or jacket for a refined look.
You can also mix up your OOTDs with a scarf. Depending on the weather, choose between a heavier or a lighter scarf to spruce up your style.
6. Find sleeve cover-ups that match your skin tone
If you have a tattoo sleeve but don’t want to wear long-sleeved clothing all the time, see if skin-toned cover-up sleeves work for you. They’re made of flexible, lightweight fabric and come in various shades, including most skin tones. Just remember, while they’re practical, they might not always look the most professional.
7. Put on stockings and tights
If your job requires you to wear cocktail dresses or pencil skirts, try pairing them with tights or stockings. Thicker, skin-toned stockings may suffice, but if they’re still too sheer, you can never go wrong with black tights.
8. Cover ankle tattoos with socks and high-cut boots
Ankle tattoos are generally easy to hide with pants. But if your jeans ride up and expose them, opt for socks and high-cut footwear. In a professional setting, men can go for dress shoes that rise past the ankle, while women can invest in a good pair of ankle boots.
9. Conceal them with full-coverage makeup
If your tattoo is located in a harder-to-cover spot, like your fingers, the back of your hand, or face, makeup is your best bet. Invest in a high-quality, full-coverage foundation and concealer. These will help mask even the darkest colors.
It might take time and patience, but it’s effective — unless your workplace allows you to wear gloves.
Note: Never cover new ink with makeup. Always wait until your tattoo is fully healed to avoid infection.
At the end of the day, having tattoos doesn’t make you less professional; it’s all about how you present yourself. From wearing long sleeves to experimenting with accessories and makeup, there are plenty of options to keep your tattoos under wraps while staying true to your personal style.
Author Bio: Carmina Natividad is a resident writer for Chokman, a go-to destination for tailored suits in Sydney—offering stylish, custom-fitted pieces for both men and women. She loves sharing fashion insights, styling advice, and tips to help people look sharp and feel their best in a great suit.