Originally posted on March 18, 2022 @ 7:00 am
Tattoos are now highly acceptable to any social class, unlike in previous years when society scorns people with tattoos and considered them as thugs or criminals.
But there are still some people who believe that the body should not be pierced or inked in any way because of religious beliefs. Men are now more open to having their bodies tattooed, and you will see sleeve tattoos for men as the common spot in the body to get designs.
Sleeve tattoos are the best way to express yourself and show multiple motives in one piece of art, visible both to you and others.
Let us introduce you to the sleeve tattoo ideas for men that you can often see nowadays, from flower tattoos, skulls, animals, words, quotes, names, and even comic superheroes.
Sleeve Tattoo Ideas For Men:
1. Rose tattoo
Floral tattoo designs are the popular ones with tattoo designs that most people use. Not only women but men like the meaningful tattoo and find it elegant. A rose symbolizes many things, including love, purity, courage, among others. These tattoos are available in various colors, but most who use this design prefer them in all black.
2. Cross
Men who honor their religion and follow a Christian belief love seeing the cross in their daily life, whether as jewelry or, in this case, tattoos. Men select a cross tattoo as they feel closer to God. Some may even feel safe knowing they have a cross tattoo. Not only is a cross tattoo elegant, but it is tasteful, particularly when it is of black and white ink to complete the piece. It is even combined with flowers, such as roses, daisies, or even fierce animals.
3. Lion
This tattoo design conveys courage and the bravery that an individual feels. The wearer may have overcome some challenges and obstacles in his life and decided to pick this tattoo. Not only is a lion tattoo a symbol of bravery but also of fearlessness to face tough times. Many people are now selecting this design that also conveys confidence and strength.
4. Tribal
The wearer may have a culture that he follows, or it may have a story to tell. Some are even a heritage. It also symbolizes strength, power, or skill. It is another favorite design of men, as it also conveys bravery like the tribal warriors who lived hundred years ago. Also, it conveys masculinity and a perfect artistic expression for any individual who wears it.
5. Chicano
This style includes mostly religious figures, skulls, women, money, gun, and more. It is a classic subject used for tattoo design. The Chicano tattoo was first used by gang members, but today not everyone who has this tattoo is a gang member, but rather choose this design for its cultural values. It is another popular design, especially for Mexicans.
6. Angel
Angel sleeve tattoos symbolize innocence, hope, and goodness. It may also mean that the wearer is religious. Wearers of this tattoo may also need guidance and feel that having angels as tattoos made them feel guided and protected. Angels are beautiful, ethereal, and fascinating. This is why there are people who love this design. Angels are often displayed with their wings wide open, or they are kneeling and praying.
7. Clouds
It does have much meaning and can mean happy or turbulent times for the wearer. It may also symbolize emotional turmoil or even hope, a silver lining, or being on cloud nine. There are also Japanese cloud tattoos considered aesthetically pleasing, making them popular with the younger crowd. This type of tattoo can stand on its own or be combined with other figures.
8. Bible Verse
People who choose a bible verse tattoo may find it significant in their lives. At some point, it may have helped them change or be a better person, and it can also mean encouragement and verses that make them whole.
These bible verses hold meaning to many people and, thus, are a favorite for many individuals. However, the bible does mention not placing markings on your body that closely resembles tattooing.
9. Words
It may be a short saying or any words that the wearer lives by. Bravery, courage, love, hate, strength, forever, my love, dreams, and more. The list is endless and will depend on what the word means to the wearer. They tattoo the words in select lettering, mostly cursive, vintage, or gothic. Words are meaningful and may convey more than the picture does.
10. Dragon
This design is not only popular with men but also with women from various countries. It is a favorite and most selected design. Dragon tattoos symbolize so many characteristics; power, wisdom, fearlessness, rage, luck, goodness, blessing, and fierceness are just some of them. The dragon design is appealing that when it is you tattoo it on your arm, it just makes you highly attractive.
11. Eagle
These tattoos are for people who feel they need to be free and express their emotions. They may also see the eagle as a sign of great power, which they need to have. For many men, it is a symbol of manliness, knowledge, and authority that strengthens their virility. The eagle is not common on women, but some are now into eagle tattoos.
12. Name tattoos
Name tattoos are popular with family men or those who have a partner they truly love. Both of them may have their name on each other’s arms to symbolize the strength of their love. It may also convey the wearer giving respect to their parents, daughter, or to any loved one who already passed away. Most name tattoos are accompanied by other symbols or figures.
13. Owl
Owls have wide eyes that seem to see even in darkness, and having this tattoo may signify realization, a new beginning, another chance, or it may also be spiritual in nature. The owl can turn their heads and observe their surroundings, which makes them seem all-seeing and highly intuitive. The owl, when selected as a design, is paired with another subject, either in color or black and white. Men love owl tattoos and wear them not just on their arms but also on their backs.
14. Skull
For people who believe in mortality and death, this design is well-sought. It is not a negative symbol, but for others, it is a realization of death’s inevitability, that change happens to anyone. Some wearers select skull tattoos to show they are tough, fearless, and display their strength or courage. It is a favorite for men in present times.
15. Aztec
It may represent a person belonging to a tribe or a warrior status in previous years. It is a traditional design with a religious meaning to select people. Men use this design for their sleeve tattoos depending on their culture and when they pay homage to tradition. The design involves a combination of various shapes and colors that can be in black and white.
16. Music
Often selected by people who are in the field of music, are passionate about it, or loves seeing the music note. We can often see this design in men, whether on their arm or their wrist, even their fingers or their back. It is an elegant design that does look appealing.
Other people also choose a musical instrument with words such as “music is life, I love music, I live for music,” among others.
17. Quotes
Quotes also make great tattoos as it serves as a motivation to some people. There are hundreds of quotes with profound meaning to other people but not others. These quotes may bring encouragement and strength to the wearer or also convey their love for someone. Some quote tattoos may be an original creation of the wearer or the usual quote about life, struggle, and winning over difficulties.
18. Animal
Most wearers use animals that for them symbolize something unique. Others use their favorite pet as their reference. Animals commonly used for tattoo inspiration include lion, tiger, bear, eagle, snake, raven, fish, bear, horse, and more. These animals may also mean something to the wearer as we all know each animal may mean loyalty, fierceness, strength, courage, among others.
19. Wings
With wing tattoos, one would think that the wearer loves freedom. It is also sometimes a symbol of spirituality as angels and Godly beings have wings. There are angelic wings and animal wings. Again, wings are a popular choice for tattoos both for men or women and mostly worn on the arms, back, or at the back of the legs.
20. Wolf
Wolf is protective. They have a pack to protect in times of danger and risk their lives guarding their territory. When used as a tattoo design, it also depicts the same thing, as the wearer may feel the loyalty, strength, determination, and family loves that the animal symbolizes.
It also conveys faithfulness and courage. Men love this design, particularly men in the military or those in authority.
21. Family
When an individual chooses their family as a design for their arm tattoo, it only symbolizes deep love and loyalty. They are so close to their family that they want them tattooed and with them every time.
It may also be a tattoo to remember loved ones who already passed away or simply giving homage to parents or sometimes their children.
22. Phoenix
This animal is a symbol of death and rebirth. It is a great tattoo, whether in colors or black and white. Men like this design better than women. It is often tattooed on the arm, back, and chest. Even if it is designed using just black and white ink, it is still breathtaking to see.
23. Bear
Bears are symbols of force and power. These animals are huge, and many people fear them because of their unusual strength. We see bear tattoos that are often growling or showing fierceness, and men love this design. It conveys a message of being in control and believing in your strength. Men have this tattoo on the arms, back, chest, or back of the legs.
24. Bird
You will see this design often used on men or women because of its versatility, and since there are many birds to choose from, there is a wide selection for it. However, women prefer smaller bird tattoos; men, on the other hand, like larger bird tattoos. It is a tasteful design and highly attractive for both men and women.
25. Polynesian
It symbolizes the status or rank of someone in society. Polynesians find it disrespectful if you use their tattoo designs incorrectly. They feel that tattoos are a gift from heaven and are something sacred. There is meaning in every tattoo for them, and with inappropriate use, it may also signify ignorance. Each of the symbol tattooed on Polynesians have a story, and it is a design that tells of their belief and must be respected.
26. Snake
Most people who see a snake symbol may fear it, but it symbolizes many good things such as fertility or a life force. It is also a sign of good luck and strength in some cultures. Snakes represent immortality as they are animals that can transform and heal.
It may have various meanings depending on how anyone sees a snake, but to the wearer, it may have a deeper meaning for them.
27. Raven
Mostly preferred design by men, but women like to have this tattoo nowadays. The raven is better in all black color when tattooed on the skin, and the contrast makes the design stand out. It is not a unique design, but if combined with other subjects, it can be, and the uniqueness of its importance may still depend on the wearer and what it symbolizes in their lives.
28. Jesus
Mostly because of religious belief, Jesus is also a popular design. It may also have other objects included in the tattoo. Words like Faith, Love, and Hope are also often incorporated with this design. Many people see Jesus as the sign of hope, and they love to have it on their body as it somewhat makes them feel closer to the supreme being. The popular image of Jesus Christ is with thorns or on the cross.
29. Viking
They are always on the go and ready to fight. Vikings are an inspiration to other men knowing their story and what they symbolize, which is courage, fierceness, strength, battle, and devotion. Viking tattoo is a complicated design because one needs to get the exact images to make it unique. Viking tattoo ideas are Valknut tattoos, Vegvisir Tattoos, The Helm of Awe Tattoos, Valkyrie Tattoos, Odin Tattoos, Yggdrasil Tattoos, and more.
30. Bat
Bat symbolizes good fortune, luck, and prosperity. There are various bat tattoo designs, and one of the more popular is a red bat tattoo which signifies wealth and good luck. Some bat tattoo design that is available is flying bats, bats with wide-open wings, fierce-looking bats, bats with closed wings, cartoon bat design, and even the Dark Knight bat logo.
31. Compass
You can understand people who love to travel cause you will also see it in their tattoos. Men who are always out exploring and going on adventures prefer this tattoo, whether men or women. It is a tasteful and elegant design that symbolizes protection and guidance. Also, this tattoo is a lucky charm for some who are exploring the world, and when they want to feel safe, this is what they use as a tattoo.
32. Crown
There are various meanings when one gets a crown tattoo. Women who have this may belong to a motorcycle club tattoo, and men use this to symbolize triumph, power, and glory. People want to feel important and respected, as with kings who have their crowns, men who love this tattoo feel significant. Wearers prefer crown tattoos with the cross or other religious objects.
33. Egyptian
This design is considered artistic and speaks of prestige and power in the olden days. Now, it is still a mystifying topic or subject, but some people choose this design for their tattoos. People find it fascinating, and the design is iconic and appealing to many. Egyptian tattoos used are Egyptian Cat tattoos, Eye of Horus, Ankh Tattoo, Cleopatra tattoo, Pharoah tattoo, Anubis, Pyramid, among others.
34. Medusa
Fierce men prefer a symbol of power, and a Medusa tattoo shows sexual power. Medusa symbolizes weakness as she’s also a victim but became a survivor. Her deadly stare is depicted as powerful, and with her head full of snakes, she is someone to reckon with. This design is slowly getting popular nowadays as many people are fascinated with her story and what she symbolizes.
35. Treasure
It is another popular design where the treasure is often placed in a chest and is overflowing. Another perfect design for men is because it depicts recognition, power, and glory. It may also symbolize the conquest of someone who has won the battle or has found what they are looking for. Sometimes, men who use this design are fortune hunters or those who find hidden treasures.
36. Gorilla
Gorillas are intelligent beings, and they are loyal to their family, always there to protect them from forest intruders. In the same way, the wearer of this tattoo feels that it symbolizes dignity, strength, and leadership. Men in the military prefer this tattoo that shows fierceness, strength, and power. Gorillas may be ferocious animals, but they are also compassionate. Gorillas may have other meanings to the wearer, but at first glance, we only consider them as a symbol of power.
37. Mandala
The wearer may be after balance in his life or want their life to be perfect. They may be looking for harmony as Mandala is a design that symbolizes that. It is also an internal balance not just of your soul but your whole being. Preferred seen in the men’s chest, back, shoulder, and in their arms. The mandala design is unique as it is also like a flower in bloom that is all symmetrical.
38. Moth
Moths have negative and positive qualities, and they are fascinating to most people. They are a favored subject for tattoos. Men who prefer moths may relate to moths’ ability for metamorphosis. It symbolizes resilience, adaptability, and perseverance. They are also a symbol of rebirth, and the basis for some to prefer this design is if they are after changing their life and want a fresh start.
39. Star
It is a beautiful design that anyone can use for a tattoo and is commonly placed on the arms, neck, back, legs, and in some other preferred spot by the wearer. It can be a colored star or just a black and white design. A star tattoo is a sign of hope for most people and symbolizes a goal for the wearer.
Men often use a black and white star tattoo, as it is more masculine.
40. American Flag
The colors of the American flag symbolize many things, and the flag itself stands for liberty and freedom. People who get this tattoo show their loyalty and love to their country or patriotism.
Men love this tattoo, particularly the colors once it is tattooed on their bodies. It is not acceptable to have a burning flag tattoo or a torn or frayed one.
41. Portrait
When a man chooses a portrait for their tattoo, it means that person is important to the wearer or has made an impact in their life. It can be parents who passed away and want to remember them or to feel they are always beside you, guiding you. It can also be a portrait of your spouse, partner, or someone special in your life. Some men use the portrait of their child to show how much they love their kid.
42. Clock
A clock sleeve tattoo symbolizes the importance of time, that life goes on, and it may also signify death at the same time. Men who use the clock for their sleeve tattoo incorporate roses, fire, compass, eyes, animals, and other objects that have meaning to the wearer. For those who use the clock to symbolize death, they combine it with a skull or anything that represents it.
43. Elephant
Elephants are gentle giants, they are powerful and strong, and even aggressive animals fear them because of their size and strength. They are also a symbol of good luck, fertility, and protection. Elephants are intelligent animals as well with positive energy. Men who use the elephant for their tattoo design may also believe what this animal symbolizes and know it is a favorable and optimistic mark.
44. Geometric
Because of their versatility, Geometric tattoos are now a favorite of men. There are various combinations that one can incorporate in this design. The geometric design is more about balance and symmetry where the use of different colors and shapes is crucial, and the wearer finds them meaningful. They are also aesthetically appealing where one can stand out. Men with this tattoo can be unique depending on the placing of the tattoo on his body.
45. Roman numerals
The roman numerals are also another favored tattoo. There are clock tattoos where they use Roman Numerals to make it appear highly appealing and obtain a classic appearance. The traditionally written numbers are more dramatic than usual numbers. Places where it is tattooed in men are in their arms, back, legs, and sometimes on the wrist. It is a very artistic and elegant way to get a tattoo.
46. Scorpion
This animal is poisonous and seen as lethal. Men who use this tattoo may see themselves as men in power who wields control over others. They may also show that they are strong and fears no one like the Scorpion. It is a favorite tattoo by most men because it is easy to design and can be incorporated with other objects to make it more impressive.
47. Spiderman
Well, who doesn’t love Spiderman, a Hero? Children or even adults love this character, and men who are fascinated with it get this tattoo as they feel it symbolizes their love for the show – not just the character, but the entire story. It may also signify their need to stand up and find their strength or fight a good cause.
48. Superman
Superman is a hero who has vast superpowers. He is a symbol of strength and fairness and is a well-loved character that spans decades. Men get this tattoo because of what this superhero stands for. Men may relate to Superman’s strength, that despite that strength, there is a weakness, but Superman survives and overcomes difficulties.
49. Tree
A tree tattoo stands for growth and changes that nothing is permanent. With these transformations, there are beautiful beginnings. Men who get a tree tattoo see what it symbolizes and believes that a tree is about longevity and resilience. It may also have other meanings to the wearer, but it is mostly about endurance and rejuvenation.
50. Demon
Sometimes a demon or devil tattoo symbolizes rebellion or viciousness. To others, it embodies the dark side of a person that he wants to show using the tattoo. Men who believe they are mischievous sometimes represent themselves with such symbols, and they like people to see that they are fierce and someone to fear. People who see this tattoo are getting the message.
51. Octopus
They are not just a creature from the sea, but they are intelligent sea animals who are beautiful and mysterious at the same time. Many predators who lure or strike at them find out how dangerous they are because of this animal’s intelligence. One who creates this tattoo must be good and get the details and colors on point.
52. Swallow
Swallows are mystifying creatures. They are always in flight and considered a good luck charm to sailors. When used as tattoos, it denotes the experience of the sailor and how long they have been in the sea or how much they had traveled.
Other men like swallow tattoo design as it stands for being vicious and strong. This tattoo is placed on the arm, hands, and the back of the chest.
53. Bull
Bulls are aggressive by nature and will attack even if not provoked. It is due to their high hormone levels. They are fierce and persevering with tenacious character. If anyone uses this as a design, it shows the fighting spirit of the wearer, their toughness, and courage. The wearer of this tattoo also shows their wild side or wants to be seen as highly masculine.
54. Celtic
Celtic tattoos have various meanings. It can mean eternal life, continuity, death, or even nature such as sun, air, water, and more.
It is a popular tattoo for young men who have a strong zest for life as it also symbolizes strength and masculinity. Celtic tattoos originated from the old days where Celtic warriors used this design to tattoo their arms, chest, or back. Some Celtic tattoos include clover, butterfly, cross, triskelion, tree of life, knots, among others.
55. Grim reaper
This design is often associated with death. It represents the reality of life that there is nothing permanent, and everyone will die eventually. The grim reaper is a skeletal figure that wears a hooded robe and carries a scythe.
People who get this tattoo know the actuality of life that there is a stage of birth and death. Men with this tattoo may have some obstacles in their life, and they are ready to overcome that problem.
56. Koi fish
This fish symbolizes good luck. When you see Koi Fish, you often associate them with success, ambition, and prosperity. Other people also associate them with longevity. Koi fish is a popular tattoo today because it is not just appealing with all the colors, but they are beautiful to look at, even in black and white. Their scales have special meaning as well, and this is why you will notice the impressive details of the Koi Fish on tattoos.
57. Iron Man
Who doesn’t love Iron Man? Children and adults love this superhero because of his tenacity, strength, ingenuity, and perseverance. The Iron Man may just be a movie superhero to some, but men who wear them as tattoos may have some deeper meaning for it. It also shows their manliness, and they may even look cool to women. When you wear this tattoo and still look awesome, you can carry any other superhero tattoo with pride.
58. Graffiti
Tattoo is an art to many people, but to others, it is still taboo. However, the fascination with it continues today, and both men and women get tattoos of various sizes as they are free to do so.
Men who get graffiti tattoos may have some rebellious spirit or displeasure and want to show it by getting a tattoo. It may also have other meanings to the wearer, but as graffiti promotes gangs and their followers, it often symbolizes dissent, unrest, and discontent.
59. Samurai
This tattoo symbolizes aristocratic warriors with bravery and courage in the Japanese culture. It is uncommon in American culture, but those who get this tattoo know what it stands for and admire it. The design requires professional tattooing skills and must know the elements and the blending of colors. Some of the meaning of a Samurai tattoo includes masculinity, honor, nobility, and the fragility of life.
60. African
To the Africans, their tattoos are symbols of bravery, courage, and social status. Their tattoos are also their armor against bad spirits and illnesses. There are traditional tattoos that some men use as their designs as they find them sophisticated and elegant. Not only will you see a variety of shapes, but they also include a portrait in their tattoos that holds a deeper meaning to the wearer.
61. Anchor
A favorite of sailors and fishermen, in the old days, men nowadays also use this design for their tattoos. As anchor tattoo symbolizes stability, strength, longevity, determination, and passion, it is now a favorite. It is combined with letters or words depending on what the wearer wants to convey, but it is an attractive tattoo when used in the arms, leg, back, or chest.
62. Aries
Men who choose this tattoo may have an Aries sign in astrology. The symbol of Aries is the ram and stands for strength, courage, energy, and an adventurous spirit. The color combined with the Aries symbol is red, as this zodiac sign is associated with this color. Men have it tattooed in all black with some words and letters, as well.
63. Deer
Deer are tenacious. They are lovely to look at and have a delicate character, not fierce but seen as gentle and graceful. Some men want this tattoo because it is not just popular, but the deer stands for devotion, love, and innocence. For men to use this tattoo, they may believe that it also brings them luck as the deer are mentioned in the bible as devoted to God.
64. Diamond
A diamond is not just any woman’s best friend, but now men use it as their tattoo design. The precious stone is in black and white, blue, green, light red, and other colors. This design is combined with other subjects such as flowers, crowns, animals, knives, swords, shapes, among others. There are words used and letters with diamond tattoo designs.
65. Good vs. evil
The wearer may want to depict the morality of humans and may even be conflicted with morality issues. Men that use this tattoo may be religious and believe that good always wins over evil hence the design of an angel fighting with the devil or the angel and devil face-off. There are various designs involving good and evil tattoos. Details, as well as colors, are significant with this tattoo.
66. Gothic
You may notice that men are also into gothic tattoos, which may stand for death, macabre, or anything morbid. It also includes a skull, rose, crows, Kraken, bat, sun, and moon, sometimes even a pentagram.
Men who choose a gothic tattoo may use it as a symbol of someone they love who passed away, and they feel the immense loss. They may have some rage within, and this tattoo lessens their grief or anger.
67. Hawk
This bird is powerful, and they are strong and can capture their prey using their strong beaks and sharp talons. Men love this tattoo as it symbolizes
intelligence, ferocity, and force. It also has a spiritual meaning for others, such as the sacredness of this bird, looking at it as their spirit animal. Men also consider this bird as a majestic creation and to which they find similarity.
68. Lotus
Men also love a lotus tattoo, although women are more into it. This flower symbolizes purity, beauty, and spirituality. Not only is this flower a favorite in Hinduism and Buddhism, but they find the lotus flower conveying faith and peace.
An individual who chooses a lotus for their tattoo may find it highly appealing because of the combination of colors and the appearance of a flower that blooms.
69. Al Pacino scarface
Men who recognized and followed this iconic mobster as he performs in the movie will surely love the tattoo. Al Pacino played in various movies that are recognized worldwide; not only is the actor award-winning, but he has gained popularity because of his great acting. Followers of this iconic actor love the scarface tattoo as it depicts power and stands for the gangster life in the old days.
70. Greek god mythology
Lately, Greek Gods has become a favorite of men for their tattoo and known Greek Gods such as Zeus, Aphrodite, Apollo, Poseidon, Selene, among others.
Greek Gods are myths, but even so, they are popular because they create a fantasy for an otherwise simple life in any individual. The tattoos are also highly appealing and best when placed in the arms, back, or chest.
