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65 Back of Arm Tattoo Ideas to Take a Swing At!

by Sherri Owens

From flowers to scripts, there are many back of arm tattoos that can offer the fun, beautiful, or creative tattoo that you are looking for.

With back of arm tattoos for men and women coming into style over the last few years, I have had plenty of practice. It is always great to see how people choose to express themselves in a tattoo that is visible to others but not themselves!

In this post, I will introduce you to the top back of arm tattoo ideas so that you can see all the options available to you!

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The Best Back of Arm Tattoo Ideas

Here are the top back of arm tattoo designs that you can choose from:

Floral Back of Arm Tattoo Concepts

Flowers are an oldie but a goodie - I particularly like floral back of arm tattoos as this great location offers an alternative to traditional floral tattoos.

The vertical surface means that you get to be a bit more creative with your back of arm tattoo - from lone flowers to unusual shapes and designs, there are so many ideas to choose from here!

California Poppies and Lavenders with Geometric Accents Tattoo

Image by @uhhhhtaco via Instagram

Flower and Triangle Tricep Tattoo

Image by @majic.tattoos via Instagram

Ginkgo Leaves Tattoo

Image by @wallflower.tattoo via Instagram

Black and Grey Bouquet Tattoo

Image by @sambtattooin via Instagram

And contrary to popular belief, this kind of design is just as good for back of arm tattoos for men as it is for women.

If you like to add a bit more meaning to your back of arm tattoo, then you can consider flowers of your birth month or the months of your loved ones.

Each flower also has its own meaning so this is something that you can look into as well.

Butterfly Back of Arm Tattoo Concepts

Butterfly tattoos are just as popular as floral ones and for good reason. Butterflies are incredibly beautiful, yes, but they are also quite meaningful.

This is because a butterfly tattoo can be a symbol of transformation - the lowly caterpillar turning into a beautiful and magnificent butterfly.

Now, these kind of back of arm tattoos can be quite common, so you may want to do something completely unique and innovative. Luckily for you, there are plenty of such back of arm tattoo designs for you to choose from.

Tiny Little Butterfly Back of Arm Tattoo

Image by @little.tattoos via Instagram

Greyscale Butterfly Back of Arm Tattoo

Image by @georgefrancis.art via Instagram

Black and Grey Butterfly Back of Arm Tattoo

Image by @saltandinknz via Instagram

Black Line Butterfly Ornamental Tattoo

Image by @tattooedbytessa via Instagram

Floral and Butterfly Combo Tattoo

Image by @hollytattoos via Instagram

Animal Back of Arm Tattoo Concepts

Getting animals tattooed on the back of your arm can seem like an odd concept but I think it is actually a rather genius one.

This is because animals are associated with different traits and characteristics. For instance, lions are associated with bravery, wolves with leadership, bears with protection, and so on.

So, you can get an back of arm tattoo that fits in with your personality. Of course, on the other hand, you can also get back of arm tattoo design of your pet too - there are plenty of options available to you!

Teeny Tiny Wolf Portrait Tattoo Piece

Image by @vivcrogstattoos via Instagram

Black and Grey Leopard Tattoo Piece

Image by @lemonthorntattoo via Instagram

Black Line Mini Dog Face Tattoo

Image by @diamondshowpig via Instagram

Dotted Line Smiling Dog Tattoo

Image by @inkcache via Instagram

Snake Back of Arm Tattoo Concepts

This is a really interesting back of arm tattoo design.

It suits the upper arm perfectly too - the curves of the snake can be designed in a horizontal manner, vertical manner, or even just look like it is wrapping your arm if you want a full sleeve tattoo.

One of the things that I like about the snake back of the arm tattoo is that there are so many different ways to work with this idea with your tattoo artist.

As you will see from the below back of arm tattoo ideas, flowers and snakes are a common combination. This is likely because there is something beautiful and dangerous about snakes lurking in flowers.

Snake with Flowers Back of Arm Tattoo

Image by @mysticgarden.ink via Instagram

Snake with Sword Back of Arm Tattoo

Image by @elfonstattoo via Instagram

Black Snake and Red Sun and Moon Tattoo

Image by @hannahk.tattoo via Instagram

If you want something unique for your back of arm tattoo, you can choose to do some of the snake as a regular design and the rest as a skeleton.

Half Skeleton Snake Tattoo on the Tricep

Image by @kane_tattoos via Instagram

Bird Back of Arm Tattoo Concepts

The great thing about bird back of arm tattoo designs is that there are so many birds for you to choose from - eagles, owls, sparrows, the list goes on!

Now, when choosing the bird for your back of arm tattoo design, you can choose to do a realistic design or choose something with a more creative twist to it.

You can also go with black and grey or stay true to the vivid colors of the bird feathers.

Flying Humming Bird Back of Arm Tattoo

Image by @nico.nic via Instagram

Greyscale Eagle Back of Arm Tattoo

Image by @noisonetattoo via Instagram

Heron with Water Droplets Back of Arm Tattoo

Image by @mauraparkesart via Instagram

Swallow Bird Back of Arm Tattoo

Image by @sarah.bera.ink via Instagram

Dragon Back of Arm Tattoo Concepts

These make great back of arm tattoos for men and women! Dragons are associated with mystery, intelligence, and power - so this makes perfect sense for an upper arm or back of arm tattoo.

The only thing to be mindful of with these kinds of back of arm tattoo designs is that there are lots of different types of dragons to choose from - Western, Eastern, and those from pop culture and literature.

Due to this, it is a good idea to do some research on the type of dragons you can get for your back of arm tattoo.

Black and Grey Dragon Back of Arm Tattoo

Image by @phillygtattoos via Instagram

Dragon and Spider Lily Tattoo on the Tricep

Image by @julia.paige.art via Instagram

Skull and Skeleton Back of Arm Tattoo Concepts

If you prefer more daring behind arm tattoos, you may want to consider a skull, skeleton, or parts of a skeleton.

While skulls and skeletons can seem macabre, they can actually make for a beautiful back of arm tattoo design.

Oh, and remember that for this back of arm tattoo design that you don't just have to work with human skulls, animal ones look pretty cool too.

Skull Hand with Flowers Back of Arm Tattoo

Image by @wildeblumetattoo via Instagram

Skull Plant Pot Back of Arm Tattoo

Image by @inkcache via Instagram

Skull Head and Leaves Back of Arm Tattoo

Image by @alannahmanningtattoo via Instagram

Skull Head with Hat and Scarf Back of Arm Tattoo

Image by @lightbourntattoos via Instagram

Skeleton Couple Back of Arm Tattoo

Image by @chapteronetattoo via Instagram

Ram Skull with Flowers Back of Arm Tattoo

Image by @jdawn.tattoo and blackeleventattoo via Instagram

Heart Back of Arm Tattoo Concepts

For this back of arm tattoo design, you have two options - you can get a simple heart shape for your back of arm tattoo.

Or, you can get a back of arm tattoo of a realistic human heart. Not only can this be more meaningful, but it is also a lot more beautiful and unique.

Brain and Heart Back of Arm Tattoo

Image by @ry_onelovetattoo via Instagram

Black Ink Organ Heart Back of Arm Tattoo

Image by @elisa_thirteen via Instagram

Organ Heart with Flowers Back of Arm Tattoo

Image by @jacieraetattoos via Instagram

And you don't have to stop there with your back of arm tattoo - you can add various other elements to the heart, even if they don't necessarily make sense.

Check out these back of arm tattoo designs to see just what kind of tattoo ideas are available to you.

Angel and Angel Wings Back of Arm Tattoo Concepts

Angels or angel wings are a beautiful idea for back of arm tattoo designs. These can symbolize protection, faith, or devotion.

Here are some of the back of arm tattoos that may provide inspiration for when you get inked:

Angels Couple Back of Arm Tattoo

Image by @peterjohntattoos via Instagram

Baby Angel Back of Arm Tattoo

Image by @tattoosbyina via Instagram

Winged Victory of Samothrace Back of Arm Tattoo

Image by @ryan.inky via Instagram

Angel Wings Back of Arm Tattoo

Image by @ink.toxicated via Instagram

Celestial Back of Arm Tattoo Concepts

Do you want a back of arm tattoo that transcends the earthly plane? Then, consider getting a back of arm tattoo with moons, suns, stars, planets, galaxies, and more!

There are so many ways to make such back of arm tattoo designs work - just check out these back of arm tattoos to see what you can do:

Greyscale Space Themed Back of Arm Tattoo

Image by @jamjam.tattoo via Instagram

Waning Crescent Moon Back of Arm Tattoo

Image by @jamjam.tattoo via Instagram

Planetary Constellation Back of Arm Tattoo

Image by @andyengeltattoostudio via Instagram

Hand and Planet Themed Back of Arm Tattoo

Image by @georgefrancis.art via Instagram

Landscape Back of Arm Tattoo Concepts

Landscape back of arm tattoo designs are a great way to include nature in your ink. Also, it is beautiful to see how an entire view can be trapped inside a small triangle of ink.

Check out these gorgeous back of arm tattoos to discover your options:

Landscape Photograph Back of Arm Tattoo

Image by @lano.ink via Instagram

Mountain and Moon Back of Arm Tattoo

Image by @rainydoods via Instagram

Rainbow Colored Submarine Tattoo Piece

Image by @colleenannconnery007_ via Instagram

Fine Line Landscape Back of Arm Tattoo

Image by @surmapeautattoo via Instagram

Nature Themed Back of Arm Tattoo

Image by @peterlaeviv via Instagram

Custom Three Part Circle As An Ode To Nature Tattoo

Image by @jamjam.tattoo via Instagram

Compass Back of Arm Tattoo Concepts

The back of the arm lacks visibility but it does make the perfect frame for back of arm tattoo designs like a compass.

Of course, you don't have to just get a traditional compass as a back of arm tattoo. Instead, check out these back of arm tattoo designs to see all the ways you can pull this idea off:

Nature and Compass Combo Back of Arm Tattoo

Image by @alyssa.tatt00z via Instagram

Tree and Flower Compass Back of Arm Tattoo

Image by @kelmonsterrr via Instagram

World Map and Compass Back of Arm Tattoo

Image by @bli_ink_u via Instagram

Compass and Arrow Back of Arm Tattoo

Image by @tattoo_maafia_8427272702 via Instagram

Geometric Back of Arm Tattoo Concepts

Strong geometric shapes and defined lines can make for beautiful back of arm tattoo designs. The great thing about such back of arm tattoos is that they can order and structure to your ink.

Check out these back of arm design concepts for inspiration:

Black Circle Gravity Back of Arm Tattoo

Image by @eleonora.cercato via Instagram

Lines, Shapes, and Sparks Geometric Back of Arm Tattoo

Image by @trikona.tattoos via Instagram

Simple Triangle Back of Arm Tattoo

Image by @yard_n_gnome via Instagram

3D Geometric Shapes Back of Arm Tattoo

Image by @joaantountattoos via Instagram

Abstract Back of Arm Tattoo Concepts

Would you prefer a bit of chaos instead of structure? Then an abstract back of arm tattoo is the way to go.

Just keep in mind that for such a tattoo you will require a talented tattoo artist as the back of arm design can get a bit complex.

Simple Lines Abstract Faces Back of Arm Tattoo

Image by @tattoosbyina via Instagram

Minimal Line Abstract Tattoo

Image by @yard_n_gnome via Instagram

Abstract Face to Face Upper Arm Tattoo

Image by @clara.tattoos via Instagram

Male and Female Abstract Faces Back of Arm Tattoo

Image by @blvncoink via Instagram

Connected Back of Arm Tattoo Concepts

You have heard of matching tattoos but what about a back of arm tattoo that has a connecting theme with another back of arm tattoo?

In case this idea seems a little confusing, these back of arm tattoo concepts will clear things up for you:

Human Hand and Skeleton Hand Back of Arm Tattoo

Image by @peterjohntattoos via Instagram

Plants Connecting Theme Back of Arm Tattoo

Image by @inked_era via Instagram

PBJ Couple Back of Arm Tattoo

Image by @diamondshowpig via Instagram

Script Back of Arm Tattoo Concepts

From names to important phrases and sayings, there are so many back of arm tattoo concepts for you to choose from.

Here are some ways that you can make this kind of back of arm tattoo idea work:

Red Spider Lily and Japanese Letters Back of Arm Tattoo

Image by @jaime.ink via Instagram

Roman Numerals Tattoo on Triceps

Image by @manveenink via Instagram

Life Quote Back of Arm Tattoo

Image by @mac_tattoos_original via Instagram

Black Ink Arabic Script Tattoo

Image by @just_gray_ink via Instagram

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does the Back of the Arm Tattoo Hurt?

Yes, the back of the arm is quite sensitive and, as such, can hurt quite a bit. This is why when some people get armband tattoos, they stop before they get to this area. So, if your pain tolerance is fairly low, you may be better off with a forearm tattoo.

2. Should I Get a Forearm or Back Arm Tattoo?

Well, this does depend on a few different factors. The first is pain - forearm tattoos may be less painful. The other is visibility - do you want your tattoo to be hidden by a short sleeve or long sleeve shirt? Of course, the tattoo design itself can play a role in the placement of your arm tattoo.

3. Which Way Should Tattoos Face on Back of Arm?

Keep in mind that it is your body and your tattoo so you can do whatever you like. Traditionally, though, a lot of back of arm tattoos face towards the heart of the wearer. This shows that both you and your tattoo are in line with one another.

On the other hand, if the tattoo is facing away from the center, it could be a sign of you being conflict with your tattoo. Of course, this only really matters if there is a specific meaning behind your tattoo.

These are all the back of arm tattoo concepts that you can choose from! Go ahead and choose a back of arm tattoo that is in line with who you are!

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