Skin designs showing military displays (7)

I believe the answer is:

tattoos

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'skin designs' is the definition.
'tattoos' can be an answer for 'designs' (tattoo is a kind of design). I'm not sure about the 'skin' bit.

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tattoos that I've seen before include "Where soldiers display" , "Designs on the skin" , "artwork" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app