Participants rated the most attractive locations for tattoos on a scale of 1 to 5. For those interested in men, prime real estate for a tattoo was the upper arm at a 3.8. The upper back and shoulder were not far behind, receiving 3.5 and 3.4 ratings, respectively. Those attracted to women saw a three-way tie between the upper back, shoulder and hips (with a 3.3 rating).

Credit: @goodpodgon via @zensaskin/Instagram

The back: a top-rated tattoo location for women and men.

The hip: a top-rated tattoo location for women.

Tattoos in these areas are practical, too. Designs on these parts of the body, depending on their size, often are easy to cover up in professional settings with a jacket or long-sleeved top. This discrete element adds to these placements’ allure and might only be visible during intimate moments. The shared privacy of your tattoo provides a closeness and mystique around the design, which only amplifies its sex appeal.

Some slightly concealed tattoo options include designs between the shoulder blades and hip tattoos that extend onto the upper thigh.

Those attracted to men and women also agreed that face tattoos are universally the least attractive location for a tattoo. The average attractiveness rating was closer to 1 than 2 on the five-point scale, potentially due to its forwardness and distraction from one’s facial features. It is also worth noting that head, face, and neck tattoos are illegal in certain parts of the world. While less visible, the inner lip was a runner-up for the least attractive location for tattoos, regardless of gender. These designs are painful to get inked and often fade quickly, too.