Full Body Tattoo: Meaning, Styles, Cost & Timeline (Expert Guide)
Full Body Suit Tattoo Journey: Ashley’s Story in Black & Grey Realism Tattoos
When Ashley decided to complete a full body suit tattoo before 30, she knew it would be one of the biggest commitments of her life — both personally and financially. Over 12 years and more than 200+ hours of tattooing, she invested over $100,000 into building her bodysuit, traveling all the way from Wisconsin to Toronto to work with the artists at Zen Tattoo Studio.
Her journey reflects what many clients wonder about: How long does a full body tattoo take? How much does it cost? How painful is it? This blog breaks it down while sharing Ashley’s incredible story.
What Is a Full Body Tattoo (Full Body Suit)?
Full body tattoos are popular among both men and women. Ashley’s full body suit journey shows how women are embracing black & grey realism as a powerful form of self-expression.
Ashley’s Story:
In December 2023, we had the honor of welcoming Ashley to Zen Tattoo Studio with an ambitious goal in mind—completing her full body suit by the time she turned 30. For the past 12 years, Ashley has been passionately working on her tattoo masterpiece, collaborating with some of the top artists around the world. Her dedication to art and boundless enthusiasm made this project both memorable and exciting for us.
What made her journey even more special was her commitment to travel all the way from Wisconsin, USA, covering over 900 km, to work with our talented artist Igor to finish off her bodysuit. Her first session with us was focused on her neck tattoo—a stunning design that incorporated delicate flowers and filigree, blending beautifully with her existing chest piece. This intricate tattoo was completed in just two days. And let’s not forget Ashley's pain tolerance—she rated it a mere 2/10! We’re convinced she’s built for getting tattooed, with a pain threshold most can only dream of!
The process of women getting full body tattoo
After that, Ashley honored us by deciding to complete her entire body suit here at Zen, with Igor leading the way. She returned in April for her next session, where Igor created two breathtaking Japanese-inspired tattoos on either side of her ribs. Now, as many know, the ribs aren’t exactly the most comfortable spot to get tattooed, but Ashley handled it like a pro—once again proving she's not quite human when it comes to tattoo pain!
With the suit coming together, Ashley was back in July for two more sessions, focusing on the center of her stomach and, yes, her armpits!
Her final visit was in September, where we filled in all the remaining gaps, and we’re proud to say that Ashley achieved her goal of being fully covered just one month before her 30th birthday!
Working with Ashley has been an extraordinary experience for the Zen team. Her kindness, dedication, and trust in us and Igor will always be appreciated, and she’ll forever be a part of the Zen family.
As of now, Ashley is set to enter a tattoo competition in the full body suit category. We wish her all the best, and we have no doubt she’ll take home the win. Here's to you, Ashley—thank you for letting us be part of your incredible tattoo journey!
Why Ashley chose Zen
Ashley first found Zen Tattoo Studio while searching for a black & grey realism artist who could tie her bodysuit together seamlessly. From the moment she arrived, she felt the difference:
“Honestly I was blown away about everything here at this shop! The booking process was super easy, the shop owners Austin and Dante are super friendly and even asked if I needed anything while they were out. I’ve been to a lot of tattoo shops over 11 years and honestly I felt safe and relaxed here — you definitely get that Zen feeling.” — Ashley, 5-Star Google Review
Her words highlight what makes Zen unique: a luxury studio environment, attentive client care, and some of the GTA’s top black & grey tattoo artists
Full Body Tattoo Sessions, Timeline & Cost
A full body tattoo is not a weekend project. Depending on detail, coverage, and the artist, it usually takes:
200–500+ hours of tattooing
Spread across dozens of full-day sessions
Completed gradually over many years or months
Ashley’s bodysuit took more than a decade and cost over $100,000 USD. Every bodysuit is unique, but clients can expect a long-term commitment.
👉 Looking for financing? Read our Tattoo Payment Plans in Toronto guide.
Pain and Placement
Pain is one of the biggest concerns for anyone considering a bodysuit. Some placements are notoriously challenging:
Ribs, chest, sternum
Stomach and lower abdomen
Armpits and inner arms
Spine and throat
Hands, fingers, and feet
Other areas, like outer arms, shoulders, thighs, and outer back, are much easier to sit through.
Ashley pushed through even the toughest spots — her throat and ribs — and those became some of the most striking parts of her suit.
👉 For a full breakdown, read our guide: Navigating the Tattoo Pain Spectrum.
Common Questions About Full Body Tattoos (FAQ)
What is a full body tattoo called?
It’s usually called a full body suit.
How much does a full body tattoo cost?
On average, six figures over time. Ashley’s cost exceeded $100,000 USD.
How long does it take?
Anywhere from 200–500+ hours spread across years.
Is it painful?
Yes. Sensitive areas like ribs, throat, back of the legs and spine are tough, while arms, thighs, and back are more manageable.
Can women get full body tattoos?
Absolutely. Ashley’s journey proves that women are embracing bodysuits as a powerful form of self-expression.
Start Your Own Full Body Tattoo Journey
A full body suit is one of the most ambitious projects you can undertake. It requires time, patience, and the right artist. At Zen Tattoo Studio in Oakville, we work with clients across Toronto, the GTA, and even internationally to bring their visions to life.
👉 Book your free consultation with some of the GTA’s top black & grey realism tattoo artists today.
