A controversial tattoo trend from the early 2000s is making a surprising comeback, and millennials around the world are divided on the revival. Once the ultimate symbol of rebellion, the lower-back tattoo—colloquially known as the “tramp stamp”—was a popular choice among pop icons like Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Drew Barrymore, and Lindsay Lohan.
However, after years of being relegated to the fashion “sin bin,” this tattoo style is now experiencing a renaissance, particularly among Gen Z. While the tattoo was once associated with a certain “trashy” image, it wasn’t always viewed that way. Many millennials embraced the design as a way to emulate their favorite celebrities during the late 90s and early 2000s.
As one TikToker put it: “When women started getting tattoos more publicly in the late 90s and early 2000s, men had to ruin it by branding lower back tattoos as ‘tramp stamps.’ There’s no male equivalent—it’s pure misogyny.”
This negative stigma led many celebrities, including those mentioned above, to remove their lower back tattoos. Kim Kardashian even famously declared the trend “officially over,” asking, “Would you put a bumper sticker on a Bentley?”
Celebrity tattoo artist Lauren Winzer told FEMAIL, “My old studio had laser tattoo removal, and so many people came in to get their old tattoos lasered off—especially those from the 90s. But now, people are coming in for new ones. Tribal designs are back. I actually got mine in January.”
The resurgence of this tattoo style can be linked to the Y2K aesthetic revival, which has gained traction on platforms like TikTok. The revival includes trends like butterfly clips, thinner eyebrows, and low-rise jeans. According to Winzer, “People in my generation are still iffy about it, but the younger generation doesn’t care about how they express themselves. They’re embracing it.”
The shift towards accepting what was once ridiculed has transformed the “tramp stamp” from a punchline into a sought-after tattoo style.
For those concerned that reclaiming the term “tramp stamp” is problematic, Winzer sees it differently. “The reputation it once had was tied to generational views,” she said. “In the past, people living alternative lifestyles, like sex workers, were associated with tramp stamps. Now, anyone can get one.”
A recent TikTok by the Sydney tattoo page @markdtattoo listed tramp stamps as one of the key tattoo trends, with one artist confirming, “I swear they’re coming back. I’ve had people ask for them, and I’ve seen a few on TikTok. I really think they’re coming back.”
Today’s lower-back tattoos have evolved. While traditional tribal flames, Chinese symbols, and cursive designs are still in demand, the modern versions feature delicate florals, fine-line tribal symbols, and playful phrases. “The original 80s and 90s tribal butterflies are coming back, but with a more modern twist,” Winzer explained. “I recently did a tribal tattoo with a fairy theme, complete with flowers.”
Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok are flooded with users proudly displaying their fresh lower-back tattoos. Even celebrities like Miley Cyrus have been seen flaunting their lower-back ink at red carpet events, signaling the tattoo’s full-circle return to mainstream fashion.
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