Tattoo Fabric: A Trend in Fashionable Textiles
Prosper Kwaku Asiedu 
, Abigail Anorkor Lartey , Gloria Mawunya Ahorsu & Robert Richard Yao Kpogo
Issue: Vol.6 No.7 Article 4 pp.997 – 1005
DOI: https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.2025674 | Published online 18th June, 2025
© 2025 The Author(s). This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Tattoo art has been in existence for ages. They have long served powerful personal and cultural purposes. People wear tattoos for identification, beautification, to express emotions and many more. In recent times, the perception of tattoos has evolved, transforming from static symbols to other forms of self-expression akin to clothing. Tattoo fabric is an innovative trend moving steadily within modern textiles’ scope. It integrates the aesthetics and cultural elements of tattoo art into fabric design and their usage. This paper explores the means of doing tattoo designs in modern times, technological advancements and how they are being worn as fabrics to meet fashionable trends. The study was conducted using the case study approach. Observations, document analysis and semi-structured interviews were used in gathering the data. Fifteen participants were selected for the study. This study gives a clear insight into the potential of tattoo fabrics to redefine the aesthetics and functional aspects of textiles. Thus, some present-day tattoo wearers are not just using their body art for identification; they are also wearing it as clothing. This visual extension of identity adapts to personal, social, and aesthetic contexts and it is now becoming more accepted by many who have sought to use their bodies as canvases for body adornment. The study recommends that this means of self-expression by adorning oneself with tattoos should be closely studied further to find out more modern ways by which mankind is using their artistic skills to express their perceptions in other jurisdictions. Also, stigmatization of tattoo wearers should be reversed and tattoo wearers should consider many fashionable facts before they select their designs.
Keywords: tattoos, fashion, aesthetics, textiles, craftmanship
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Dr. Prosper Kwaku Asiedu is a lecturer at the Akatsi College of Education, Ghana. He teaches in the Visual Arts Unit of the Vocational and Technical Education Department of the College. His expertise is in Textiles and Jewellery and Bead Making. He has special interest in studying about design creation and seeking knowledge about perceptions of artists in relation to the designs they create. He also delves much into the study of cultural issues with more emphasis on African Culture.
Abigail Anorkor Lartey is an Assistant lecturer at Wiawso College of Education. She teaches Visual arts in the Vocational and Technical Education Department. Her area of specialization is Textiles and Jewellery and Bead Making. Her interest in research is in studying about artistic symbols and the perceptions that the artist portrays with them. Her belief is in great philosophical meanings that are embedded in African symbols.
Gloria Mawunya Ahorsu is an Assistant lecturer at the Akatsi College of Education. She teaches in the Home Economics Unit of Vocational and Technical Education department of the College. Her expertise is in Clothing and Textiles. She has special in interest fashion designing trends which deals with garment making.
Robert Richard Yao Kpogo is an Assistant lecturer and doubles as the Head of Creative Arts Department at Mampong Technical College of Education. He was the immediate past Ashanti Regional President of Art Teachers Association of Ghana (ATAG). He is also a Patron for the Mampong Technical College of Education Art Society. His interest in research focuses on indigenous Textiles, Educational Policy, Curriculum Implementation, Teacher development, history of Arts and Arts and Culture. He is a specialist in Textiles, Jewellery and Bead Making and Ceramics.
Asiedu, Prosper Kwaku, Abigail Anorkor Lartey, Gloria Mawunya Ahorsu and Robert Richard Yao Kpogo . “Tattoo Fabric: A Trend In Fashionable Textiles,” E-Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences 6, no.7 (2025): 997 – 1005. https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.2025674
© 2025 The Author(s). Published and Maintained by Noyam Journals. This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
