Planning out what tattoos to get is one of the most important parts of anyone's tattoo journey, which is why we made this list of the best tattoo ideas for men. People only have so much free skin to acquire tattoos, so every tattoo counts. You should plan out, or at least have a general idea, where you want tattoos to go. That way you don’t regret getting something later down the line.
The best tattoo designs will transform your body's blank canvas into a work of beauty. As a result, you desire a cool tattoo design that exudes equal parts personal significance and aesthetic appeal. There are too many men that carelessly walk into any shop and get random tattoos because laser removal is always an option. However, tattoos are mostly a lifelong commitment and should be treated as such.
Some guys have the luxury of knowing exactly what tattoos they want, while other men might need some help. Some of the factors that go into a tattoo other than the design are size, style, content, and placement on the body. From a fineline minimalist tattoo on your leg to a large color panel on your back, the possibilities are endless.
Here are 43 of the most popular tattoo idea categories for men to help you plan out your designs. Men's tattoos with significance, entire arm sleeves, minimalist designs, and just plain cool images may all be found on the list. Let's transform some skin into art right away!
The best 43 tattoo designs for men are shown below:
Some of the classiest tattoos for men are usually the simplest. Not only do these look tasteful and clean, but they are also way cheaper than a full color tattoo. Linework or fineline tattoos are commonly placed on the upper neck, hands, and wrists.
This category is becoming more popular as time goes on and men are filling their entire bodies with linework tattoos. People often get swords, skeletons, small items, and philosophy items in this style. They might not be the most noticeable tattoos from a distance, but they will definitely turn heads.
Not all tattoos have to have some incredible deep meaning behind them. Sometimes, a cool tattoo for men can just be a cool tattoo for men. Line tattoos truly define that, they are the direct meaning of style over meaning.
This gives men the option to just put artwork that they think looks cool. Therefore, go crazy on the design and don’t be scared to think outside of the box.
Men tend to get full sleeve tattoos on their arms. However, this trend is slowly changing to a more “patchwork” focused style. Patchwork tattoos open the gate for getting a lot of smaller tattoos all over your skin. Men’s inner wrist is the perfect place for small fashionable tattoos.
This is a spot that people will often see so men tend to get artwork that represents their personality or interest.
Full tattoo sleeves, the most common searched topic for tattoo ideas for men, are recommended for more experienced tattoo enthusiasts. They require a lot of planning, money, and time. Vlogigurl, a well-renowned professional tattoo artist, recommends starting with small tattoos before jumping to larger pieces.
However, if you don't mind going through several protracted sessions with your tattoo artist, the sleeve is one of the best tattoo designs on this list. Sleeve tattoos are the perfect way to create large pieces of artwork that tell a story.
Sometimes a fantastic and simple quote can make the best tattoos. What better way is there to be reminded of a quote that you live by or a saying from someone in your family. These tattoos are often put on the forearms or ribs.
Although most artists wouldn’t recommend getting inked anywhere visible, especially above the neckline. This is a list of tattoo ideas for men and there are men that want to get neck tattoos.
Neck tattoos have a large variety and you can almost get anything. However, we recommend getting something more classy and tasteful, since people will be able to see it all of the time.
Hand tattoos can be very hard to pull off, the amount of space and the shape of the hand make it difficult for artists to design. Some artists like to put a bunch of small tattoos all over the hand, while some like to do one large piece. Either way, you can’t go wrong, just make sure to plan extra carefully.
While script can occasionally be effective, it's preferable to choose a symmetrical design that will complement the curve of your hand rather than trying to cram a meaningful tattoo into a little space. Watch out for fading as well, as this area of the body receives a lot of wear.
Geometric tattoos are often only seen as female designs. However, multiple artists have been able to incorporate “manly” features into these tattoos – such as forest, animals, and space – to make them perfect tattoos for men.
Geometric patterns can really make any design more unique and is the perfect way to style up any boring artwork. When choosing this type of design, pay more attention to the beauty and less to the meaning.
Sports are enjoyed by men all around the globe, just like tattoos. So it is obvious that these two would go together. Sports team logos, legendary pro players, and sport related items all work for becoming great tattoos.
Men’s minimalist tattoo designs are more popular than ever. Their rise in popularity can mostly be attributed to the skill level increase of average tattoo artists. A few years ago, only top quality tattoo artist, like Vlogigurl, could pull off a clean minimalist tattoos. Since minimalist tattoos are mostly linework, it is difficult to hide imperfections. Pulling consistent straight lines is one of the hardest parts of the tattoo process. Without shading and larger lines being able to hide any wiggly lines, minimalist tattoos can quickly look terrible.
Our suggestion is to ask your artist if they have previous minimalist examples to show. That way you can see if they are good at it or not.
A family crest is brimming with symbolism and thoughtful embellishments. To continue this custom, get a family crest blasted on your chest or back.
Some people get logos tattooed to be ironic or funny, but some people genuinely love some companies and are will to have them inked on their bodies forever. Just remeber, companies can always change, it is never guaranteed that a company will stay the same forever.
Cartoons are already a great tattoo idea for men because of their visual style. You can represent so much with a small cartoon tattoo. They can also just be funny, not all tattoos have to be serious. However, really make sure to think about your decision. You don’t want to be stuck with a baby alien on your neck forever.
There isn’t a better way to show off your comedic side than with a good old comical gold tattoo. You are aware of what ladies think of a man with a sense of humor. If they giggle whenever they see your tattoo, just imagine what they'll think of you. Be careful not to overdo it.
Tattoos of people names can be enduring, but also very scary. Ensure that whoever the lucky person that is getting their name tattooed on your body forever will actually stick around.
Quotes, letters, and symbols are just a few examples of the many different types of meaningful tattoos that guys can get. If you want a tattoo that has real meaning for you, make sure you have the design decided before you enter the tattoo parlor.
Scorpions are not the most popular animal out in the world, but in the tattoo industry they are very common. The scorpion doesn't exactly present a friendly or accessible picture with its deadly tail and sharp pincers. However, you can always emphasize its astrological connections. You're getting a cool tattoo no matter what. With its strong, black linework and dense shading, scorpion tattoos are another fantastic illustration of traditional tattooing at its best.
What better way to express your love for your family than with a tattoo. You can get a tattoo for your family history, parents, or siblings. You may figuratively wear your love for your family and upbringing on your sleeve when you have family at your side. You get to select if that entails a picture, saying, symbol, coat of arms, family tree, or something else. The best part is that you'll never be asked what this tattoo signifies, even though it has a deep meaning.
There are some people that love their car more than anything, these people would also get their car tattooed on their face. You definitely don’t have to go that far, but a simple tattoo of your favorite car or current car. Certain types of cars can say alot about your personality, or just show that you like cool cars. If you are planning on getting a car in this category, don’t think so hard about it. Just do it.
Are you the king in your own story? Are you the ruler of your own domain? If so, a crown tattoo might be perfect for you. Crowns are a perfect way to demonstrate masculinity and the confidence that you have in yourself. However, if you get too many other might think you are a nartscasist.
Although flowers are commonly associated with females and men are rarely ever interested in receiving flowers. The rose artwork has transcended many genres and is now a standard for anyone wishing to get tattooed. It was first made popular in traditional tattooing.
Rose tattoos are seen as gothic and sleek rather then girly. Don’t be affraid to spicen up your tattoo portfolio with a cool rose.
Despite its somewhat simple veneer, a feather tattoo can offer layers of both personal and universal meaning. It’s then no surprise that this tattoo design is wildly popular among modern men.
Nothing is simpler than an arrow tattoo, which can be made in a variety of sizes and looks great pretty much everywhere on the body. You can also break this tattoo up to only show certain parts of the arrow. Or have it break in the middle to make it look like the arrow is in your skin. Such a simple design, yet so many ideas.
The realm of music offers an inexhaustible supply of interesting tattoo ideas for men, from legendary album covers to sheet music notes. Muscial intruments are also a nice way to show off your interest.
Angel tattoos don’t have to be religious, they can just be for aesthetic. Realism tattoos are quickly gaining popularity and engels fit perfectly in this category. Especially if you make them look like a statue (made of stone). These tattoos can be very lage or for small tattoos as a filler piece.
A tattoo of money can be an excellent way to manifest your goals and be a great reminder to stay focused. However, people will often see this as shallow and materialistic. Make sure to you are getting this tattoo for a good reason, not to try and brag.
Most religions do not discourage tattoos, therefore, feel free to go crazy! Cross tattoos are definitely the most popular, but you can get anything that interest you about your religion. If there is something in paticular that makes you love your religion, get something that symoblises that.
Skull tattoos have been at the heart of the industry since the beginning, skulls and tattoos go together perfectly. Also, skulls make some pretty cool tattoos. You can get this design in almost any style and it will always look cool. They don’t have that much meaning behind them, just a “in your face” statement piece.
The top male lettering tattoos To demonstrate clear importance and meaning, cut right through the metaphors. Just keep in mind that the script's style is just as important as the letters themselves.
Portrait tattoos can be a very endearing way to pay tribute someone or pay respect to a person that has made a great impact on your life. However, make sure to really thinks these ones through. You don’t want a portrait of your great grandmother on your neck staring at everyone that you talk to, that might creep some people out. Although, that might be what you are into, we don’t judge either way.
The star design is one of the greatest small tattoos for guys and is rising in popularity. This piece of art functions well both on its own and as part of a larger whole. You are free to choose.
3D tattoos are very difficult to pulloff and rely heavily on great artwork. Because of this, you should seek out a tattoo artist who is genuinely adept before committing fully to the optical illusions. However, if pulled off correctly, 3D tattoos can be amazing optical illusion pieces that make everyones mouth drop.
The classic compass often gets ignored and undervalued in the tattoo community. Hoever, they are staple pieces in the community. It may stand for the adventure of travel, the journey of life itself, or perhaps both ideas at once. As the symmetrical shape is best suited to the more awkward body parts, you'll notice this typical pattern on arms, legs, and shoulders.
Dragon tattoos can represent so much at one time, you can basically get a dragon tattoo for any reason. On top of that, they are extremely cool and can form to almost any body part. Consider being the boy with the dragon tattoo if you enjoy fantasy or just the thought of magnificent fire-breathing monsters. Arms, backs, and chest regions are most suited to these designs.
The phoenix can very well be your personal emblem of choice if you've conquered significant challenges in life. It rises from the ashes to represent rebirth and is a mythical firebird with roots in both Greek and Egyptian mythology. This is a powerful image and the represent strength, power, and wisdom. Great for any man looking for a clean yet meaningful tattoo.
The owl evokes all kinds of ancient and enigmatic feelings because it is primarily a nighttime animal. An owl tattoo can also subtly convey elements of feminine mystery because to its close ties to the moon. This might be the best tattoo design for you if you're a mysterious man with a dark side.
Also, for some reason owls also represent aliens, so it’s basically a two for one tattoo!
Being one of the coolest creatures, wolves naturally make for one of the greatest tattoos. The huge wolf represents ritualism, loyalty, guardianship, and instinct more than just a fashionable image. This type of design is typically found on the upper arm, forearm, or as a chest piece.
A lion tattoo is undoubtedly a good example of how animal imagery can convey a lot of meaning. It can denote, among other things, nobility, bravery, and leadership in men. This choice is popular among celebrities, most notably Ed Sheeran, who has tattoos similar to Justin Bieber's. You can find many of these traditional designs in pop culture.
However, there are a lot of memes related to men getting a lion tattoo. So try to make it as unique as possible if you don’t want to fit into the stereotype.
Tattoos with tribal themes draw on millennia of symbolism, culture, tradition, and masculinity. They also have a pretty cool aesthetic with their strong gradients and overlapping patterns. If you do, get ready to make a strong statement each time it is unveiled. As is customary, these tattoo patterns look best on the upper shoulder or chest.
A little tattoo is definitely the best choice if this is your first or second time getting inked. If you want to maintain a certain level of discretion, think about getting it in a place that is simple to conceal. You wouldn't be the first person to reserve the opportunity to view his tattoo for people who actually merit it.
Horror tattoos are not for everyone, but this category has endless possibilities. Horror tattoos that feature comparable frightful situations serve as a kind of emblem of those sentiments that keep us awake all night long. Horror movies renew our darkest fears by making us experience the unfathomable.
People like horror tattoo designs because they look so fierce, and since humans have an irrational attachment for the dark side of things, these tattoos give the bearer a tough, menacing, and undoubtedly dangerous appearance. People with horror tattoos definitely turn heads and get a lot of questions about them.
Any anime fan knows the power of a panel tattoo of a scene from your anime. Anime often turn reality into perfect fantasy worlds that people wish they lived in. This is a perfect way to show people your hopes and dreams while getting an amazing artwork on your body.
The term supernatural is broad, it can mean anything from aliens to ghost. However, this mysteries category creates some amazing artwork and tattoos. These tattoos are for anyone who thinks into the beyond or just wants a badass tattoo.
Here are the top 10 most popular tattoo idea categories for men. Every man is unique in his own way, but they still often gravitate twords “manly” things.
You've finally settled on the ideal tattoo for you after much consideration. The next step is to choose a location for it. The inner wrist, neck, arm, and hands are only a few examples of potential places; there are many more. Pain should also be a factor in placement, if you want to know what spots hurt more than others, check out Vlogigurl’s detailed tattoo pain chart for men.
A more thorough list of potential male tattoo places is provided below:
Who knew the world of tattoos was so complicated?! Here are some common tattoo questions with detailed answers.
According to some studies, men with tattoos tend to attract more females than their un-inked counterparts. However, other studies suggest that women don’t find men with tattoos to be necessarily more attractive, but more aggressive. Once you receive a certain amount of tattoos, some females woun’t want to date you no matter what. However, other females will find you even more attractive.
Nowadays, men and women can both get tattoos anywhere and it be socially acceptable. Some areas are considered more feminine or masculine, but you will be okay either way.
This is ultimately a question only you can answer. The tattoo should reflect your unique personality while also making for a choice visual. Do not let other people influence your decision, this is how regrettable tattoos get created.
This is a complicated questions because there are a ton that goes into what makes a good tattoo artist. However, Vlogigurl made an article about what makes a good tattoo artist.
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Having a tattoo is a big decision. You want it to be perfect, and you want it to last forever. How long does it take to get a tattoo, though? Well, that depends on how big the tattoo is and how much detail there is. We've got your answer if you've ever wondered how long […]
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It's a common misconception that tattoo artists must have tattoos to be qualified for their job. While there are many reasons why an artist might choose to ink their own skin, from personal expression to guaranteeing the best possible experience for clients, it is not required or expected that they do so. Read on to […]
Having a tattoo is a big decision. You want it to be perfect, and you want it to last forever. How long does it take to get a tattoo, though? Well, that depends on how big the tattoo is and how much detail there is. We've got your answer if you've ever wondered how long […]
Are you still glaring at your fresh ink tat, hoping what you see is just part of the healing process? Or are you a tattoo enthusiast who has thus far escaped the dreaded blowout? For the former, sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but a Tattoo blowout does not just go away. And […]
