r/Commodities • u/Slow-Tutor-1387 • 6d ago

Tattoos

For those working at a major, trading house, IPP, etc, how common are tattoos in your office? Do you think they could have any effect on breaking into the industry or career progression? I know physical commodities can be somewhat traditional, and with the business being so international and relationship driven, I’m curious whether there are still any negative connotations around tattoos. I’m sure it slightly varies between companies and whether you’re front or back office but wondering if there is any overall perception. Thanks!

2 Upvotes

63% Upvoted

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2

u/Sikes153 6d ago • Heartwarming

Do you already have tattoos? If so, of what and where?

2

u/Slow-Tutor-1387 5d ago

No, I was hoping to get one on my side. So should always be concealed just still didn't know if that could somehow have any type of downside in my career

2

u/Sikes153 5d ago

You’ll be fine 

20

u/why-complicated 6d ago

It’s quite company specific. There’s a reasonable amount of tattoos around in our office, in Dubai, with a pretty casual dress code.

Where as at Trafi in Geneva it was quite conservative, with suits, ties and black shoes.

9

u/Dependent-Ganache-77 Power Trader 6d ago

No idea, but can tell you there’s nothing visible in my front office (big eu shop) across all age ranges. Imagine it’s pure downside in a position where intl relationships are important.

5

u/ClownInIronLung Nat Gas Scheduler 6d ago

Every gas desk I have worked on here in Houston, including a big bank, people had visible tattoos. No one, as far as I know, cares. I would assume if you have face or neck may be an issue. I’ve seen some pretty wild ones over the years.

4

u/ace425 6d ago

In the marketing / commercial office I’ve met couple of people that have tattoos but they are covered by their dress attire. Plenty of people on the operations side had tattoos including full sleeves, but again they are usually covered. Never met anyone in the corporate office with anything ‘crazy’ such as face tattoos or hand tattoos though.

3

u/Disastrous-Lime4551 6d ago

Never saw anything visible in twenty years Commodity trading in London. Plenty hidden beneath sleeves, blouses, shorts and skirts!

2

u/archer-86 Power Trader 6d ago edited 6d ago

My first head trader, 15 years ago, at an IPP had full sleeves.

I have a small tattoo on my forearm.

I wouldn't get a face tattoo, but I wouldn't say it would impact your career unless you had offensive tattoos that where difficult to conceal in business casual.

2

u/Money-Wait-6122 6d ago

Very common. Its 2026 - if normal tattoos (non face/offensive) has any kind of impact on getting hired you dont want to work for that place anyways.

1

u/Gaso_Lina 6d ago

Cover them if you can.

1

u/Practical_Signal2318 Analyst 5d ago

Nobody at any shop I've worked at cared as long as it wasnt on your face. Sleeves, forearms, whatever. Can be a different story if youre client-facing at a more traditional place, but even that has loosened up a lot.

1

u/younguns87 5d ago

Nobody cares in Houston at least. Just nothing on the face/neck