Body suit (tattoo)

Tattoo artist working on a body suit.

A body suit or full body suit is an extensive tattoo, usually of a similar pattern, style or theme that covers the entire torso or the entire body.

They are associated with freak show and circus performers, as well as with traditional Japanese tattooing.

Such suits are of significant cultural meaning in some traditional cultures, representing a rite of passage, marriage or a social designation.

The example pictured of a full body suit in progress displays a horned snake on the chest that wraps around to the back continuing onto the right arm, two birds on the left arm, a foo dog on the right leg and a mouse and monkey on the left leg.

Full sleeve

Phoenix full sleeve tattoo.

A 'full sleeve' is a tattoo which completely covers an arm, from the shoulder to the wrist. A 'full sleeve' can be part of a 'full body suit'.

Camouflage

"Full sleeve" tattooed on extensive scar tissue, by Maaika, Heerenveen, Netherlands, as part of a full body suit.

This 'full sleeve' has been used to camouflage extended scar tissue, rendering it 'invisible'.

Backpiece

A 'backpiece' is a tattoo which largely or completely covers the back, and can be part of a 'full body suit'.

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Notable wearers

• Katzen
• The Enigma
• The Lizardman
• Stalking Cat
• Lucky Diamond Rich
• Julia Gnuse
• Leopard Man of Skye
• Rick Genest
• Isobel Varley
• Oliver Sykes
• Yoko Uki - the first woman to have a full-body suit created by renowned Japanese tattoo artist Shige. (Only her face, neck and hands are not tattooed).

See also

• Body painting
• Body modification
• Sleeve tattoo
• Irezumi, traditional Japanese tattoo
• Lower back tattoo

External links

• History, culture and pictures.
• Body tattoos ideas.
• Full body tattoos.