Tattoos as a form of dress: A review (2000–18)

Researchers interested in tattoos and tattooing have investigated a range of topics. Since obtaining tattoos has increased in popularity with both men and women, our research purpose was to critically assess research focused on this form of body modification. Using a database search and the ancestry approach we identified 60 empirical refereed journal articles with human participants published between 2000 and 2018. Our analyses revealed five general research topics: (1) motivations for obtaining/removing tattoos, (2) others’ perceptions of, attitudes towards and behaviours directed towards tattooed individuals, (3) individual differences and tattoo status, (4) actual attitudes/perceptions and behaviours of tattooed individuals and (5) workplace outcomes and tattoo status. Overall, most of this research was conducted in western countries, researchers primarily utilized convenience samples and few researchers noted theory as an influence on their research. Recommendations for future research and theories to apply are provided.