Entertainment

12 Best 'Bachelor' & 'Bachelorette' Tattoos

by Alexandra Watt

Pretty much everyone and their dog has a tattoo nowadays, so as the culture's ultimate representative cross-section of modern life and love, The Bachelor is full of people with ink. Once thought of as a stigma relegated to criminals or biker chicks, I, for one, am happy to see that the broader culture has welcomed tattoos as just another form of self-expression, especially on the very attractive flesh of the Bachelor stars and contestants. Who has the best tattoos on The Bachelor? That's up for you to decide, but up to me to present you with a fine selection.

Over the 31 seasons of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, there has been much to marvel at, including, but not limited to dramatic breakups, makeouts, and incidents involving swimming pigs chasing down contestants like they're in some sort of horrible Running of the Bulls: Marine Edition. There have also been a great number of different personalities featured, and with that individuality, comes their own unique way of showing it. If you are looking to get a tattoo and need some inspiration, or just want to revisit some of your old reality TV favorite's inked up bods, then this list is for you.

1. Ben Higgins' Scripture

Ben is as clean-cut as they come, what with his software sales job, tame Midwestern upbringing, an adorable parents. So, it may surprise some that he has a tat emblazoned on his perfectly toned midsection. However, Ben's tattoo is scripture from the book of Proverbs and it reads "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans." Fun fact: the tattoo initially had a mistake in it, so Ben did the smart thing and just had a cross to replace the errant digit. No matter what your stance on religion is, it's nice to see someone so passionate about his faith.

2. Kaitlyn & Shawn's Matching Bird Tattoos

Kaitlyn and Shawn are a pretty cute couple as it is, but when they got these matching bird tattoos, it sent hearts around the world aflutter. According to ET Online, the couple cemented their engagement with Shawn getting a bird tattoo to match the ones that Kaitlyn has adorning each of her upper arms. Cue the *aww*.

3. Josh Murray's Family Love

According to inside scoop from OkHeresTheSituation, the large tattoos embellishing the even larger biceps of Josh Murray evidently symbolize his parents' initials. The ex-fiancee of Andi Dorfman reps his family no matter where he is — gotta love that in a guy.

4. Juan Pablo's Daughter's Name

Though we can all agree that Juan Pablo was definitely not our example of a perfect gentleman, this tattoo makes him a little more human. Juan Pablo loves his daughter, Camila, and wants everyone to know it.

5. Jillian Harris Reppin' Grandma

Jillian Harris was a super fun Bachelorette who was never afraid to show her sweet side. This tattoo symbolizes her late grandmother, Marjorie, in the most unique and beautiful way.

6. Jubilee's Sweet Saying

Jubilee had a lot of visible tattoos, but none more fitting to her than this reminder that what happens in your history is what truly builds you. Jubilee was so brave to share her past on The Bachelor, and this admission makes her tattoo a symbol of triumph over demons past.

7. Josh Seiter's Patriotism

While I myself am a clean slate (commitment issues), I do admire someone who turns their body into art, such as Josh from Kaitlyn's season of The Bachelorette did. Among his tattoos are the great American seal featuring the eagle clutching an olive branch and arrows, and an image of the Statue of Liberty. It's safe to assume that this exotic dancer is a very patriotic man. Team USA, y'all.

8. JJ Lane's Sleeve

JJ, who was also in Kaitlyn's season of The Bachelorette, sports a pretty impressive upper arm sleeve that looks extra great when he is swinging is adorable daughter around.

9. Brad Womack's Cross

The repeat Bachelor just couldn't get enough exposure on TV, or for his back tat. This manAtlepiece reflects Brad's faith and dedication to Christianity.

10. Ali Fedowotsky's Reminder

In an interview with website ADrinkWith.com, Fedowotsky said that the tattoo is for her grandmother who is "the love of her life." That's so sweet it gives me chills just thinking about it!

11. Jef Holm's Special Word

The former lover of cute Bachelorette Emily Maynard shows his capacity for a love that's not just romantic with this sweet tat. The ink reads "Steijum," which, according to OkHeresTheSituation.com, is the name of a publishing company that is father owns. It also is an adorable portmanteau of all of Jef and his siblings' names. Family first!

12. Kasey Kahl's Tattoo For Ali Fedowotsky

OK, though this tat may not be as wrought through with emotion as the rest on this list, it did mean something to Kasey at the time. The above video, featured on UsWeekly, shows Kasey getting a shield protecting a heart to prove his deep love for Bachelorette Ali Fedowotsky. Though he ended up with a six inch tattoo on his wrist, Ali wasn't all that impressed and eventually eliminated him. Hey, you can't blame a guy for trying!

It's always nice to see some thought behind this beautiful body art. We love you and all of your tattoos, Bachelor Nation!

Image: ABC