From tribal and religious to music and animals, there are plenty of sleeve tattoos for men to choose from.
This is why I am here to help you out. As an artist, I have spent a couple of decades designing tattoos for men, many of them sleeves. So, I know what designs would look best here.
Check out the top sleeve tattoos for men.
Here are some of the top designs for sleeve tattoos for men:
A tribal sleeve tattoo is a fairly popular choice. This is largely because this part of the body lends itself perfectly to the tribal design tattoo.
Before you get any tribal tattoos, it is important to do your research.
First off, there are lots of different types of tribal tattoos. You have Polynesian, Samoan, Hawaiian, Maori, and more. Though they may look similar, these tattoos are quite different.
You should figure out what culture you would like to borrow from and learn more about what their tattoos signify.
Secondly, despite what you may think, a tribal sleeve tattoo isn't just made up of random designs. Rather, each pattern and design has plenty of meaning connected to it. So, if you want your body art to be as authentic as possible, you need to get something that makes sense.
Here are some ideas for a full sleeve tattoo:
Image by @clairedoesdots via Instagram
Image by @undulmood via Instagram
Image by @jason.darum via Instagram
Image by @fabriziomele via Instagram
Image by @jonny_tattoo_rio via Instagram
Image by @osotattoos via Instagram
In case you prefer half sleeve tattoos, here are some ideas and designs to consider:
Image by @inkfinite_tattoos via Instagram
Image by @marina.inclinations.tat2ing via Instagram
Image by @jannesonck via Instagram
Image by @tattoo_impec_sunil_ck via Instagram
If you are looking for quarter sleeve tattoo ideas for your forearm, here are some you should check out:
Image by @blacklines_tattoo_studio via Instagram
Image by @blacklines_tattoo_studio via Instagram
Image by @blacklines_tattoo_studio via Instagram
As with tribal designs, there is a lot more to Celtic sleeve tattoos for men than meets the eye. For instance, there is some overlap between Nordic and Celtic cultures. Due to this, Celtic and Viking sleeve tattoo designs are often intertwined.
This ensures that there are plenty of designs and symbols to choose from.
So, before you settle on a Celtic sleeve tattoo, do some digging on the various signs and what they mean. This will allow you to come up with sleeve tattoo ideas that are far more meaningful to you.
Here are some full sleeve tattoo designs that you can draw inspiration from:
Image by @celtictattooer via Instagram
Image by @hells_inktattoo via Instagram
Image by @babsie_tatts via Instagram
Image by @inkedmob via Instagram
If you are on the lookout for half sleeve tattoos, check out these ideas:
Image by @foreverart_tattoo via Instagram
Image by @adamcroach via Instagram
Image by @bonesjonestattoo via Instagram
If you want a religious sleeve tattoo, there are plenty of designs to pick from.
In case you're looking for cross half sleeve tattoo ideas, there are some great designs.
You may find that some cross sleeve tattoos involve roses. This is because roses are seen as a symbol of Christ's sacrifice.
Image by @indibink via Instagram
Image by @escroc.ink via Instagram
As you can see from the following cross half sleeve tattoo ideas, lions can feature heavily in such designs as well. This is because lions are considered a symbol of Jesus Christ.
Image by @tattoobabystuttgart via Instagram
Image by @tattoospot.app via Instagram
If you want to replicate an authentic scene from the Bible, here is one to consider:
Image by @saradelara_tattoo via Instagram
Want to know if there are any Jesus sleeve tattoo designs? Here are the best ones:
Image by @alexleedestroyer via Instagram
Image by @mightyjoe_tattoo_studio via Instagram
Image by @ta2andy via Instagram
If you're looking for sleeve tattoos for men that are realistic and powerful, look no further than portrait tattoos.
A portrait sleeve tattoo is all about bringing an image to life. This is why you can get a family sleeve tattoo with the likeness of your loved ones inked on your upper arm or lower arm like in these sleeve tattoo ideas:
Image by @prod_tattoo via Instagram
Image by @pereirajosetattoos via Instagram
Image by @creaturefromtheblacktattoo via Instagram
You can also get a half sleeve or full sleeve tattoo of someone you admire.
Image by @tattooesteban via Instagram
Another interesting way to play around with a portrait sleeve tattoo is to have it look as abstract or as hyper realistic as possible. This can make for some stunning upper half or full sleeve tattoos for men.
Image by @mickeykoplovichtattoos via Instagram
Image by @tattoosbygonzo via Instagram
Image by @andrea_ink_frencken via Instagram
When it comes to these arm sleeve tattoo ideas, it is best to look for a tattoo artist who has experience with this kind of ink. Keep in mind, it will take someone with a lot of talent to give you a great tattoo sleeve.
Skull tattoos have a lot of different meanings. Although they are associated with death, this kind of half or full sleeve tattoo doesn't have to be a grim reminder.
It can be a symbol of the death of an obstacle or hardship. It could even be the end of certain personality traits or a life you used to lead.
Of course, there is no denying that this tattoo sleeve is a pretty cool and badass tattoo design.
Here are some great full sleeve tattoos for men:
Image by @angeloctopus via Instagram
Image by @magicmoon_tattoo_supply via Instagram
Image by @tattoosbyandrewsussman via Instagram
Image by @mglatattoo via Instagram
Image by @revivaltattoostudio via Instagram
Image by @afinetattoomartin via Instagram
Your sleeve tattoos - or any tattoos for men - don't have to make sense. It's just as possible for your sleeve tattoo to be interesting or a work of art.
If this is something you believe in, get an abstract sleeve tattoo. Here are some half and full sleeve tattoo ideas that you can consider:
Image by @chernotatt via Instagram
Image by @tattooeve via Instagram
Image by @jarutattoo via Instagram
Image by @jaggydanni via Instagram
Image by @amanda.mypreciousink via Instagram
Geometric tattoos for men are becoming increasingly common. This is because they can be minimalistic and soothing even as they take up a lot of space. So, this kind of tattoo sleeve has a more modern feel.
These tattoo ideas for men work well as a full sleeve or half sleeve design.
Image by @tom__ten via Instagram
Image by @lucassoutotattoo via Instagram
Image by @nedy_ju via Instagram
Image by @nedy_ju via Instagram
Image by @corinne_originals via Instagram
Image by @angistattoo via Instagram
Image by @gogo_ogdoad via Instagram
Image by @maria.h.ink via Instagram
Image by @truealchemytattooing via Instagram
It's quite likely that you have seen your share of clock tattoo sleeve designs. After all, clocks have a great deal of symbolism.
They mark the passage of time, symbolize life and death, hint at mortality or immortality, or can simply be a way to mark a special moment in your life.
If you're looking for a clock sleeve tattoo, here are the half and full sleeve tattoo ideas to choose from:
Image by @hillmaninktattoos via Instagram
Image by @jz4l1980 via Instagram
Image by @skinworkx13 via Instagram
Image by @deadluckytattoo via Instagram
The clock design that you choose can impact the meaning of the art work. For instance, a grandfather clock may indicate stability - something solid that is enduring and lasts for generations.
A misshapen clock, on the other hand, may be linked to a feeling of instability or of things not being quite right.
A pocket watch is often seen as an old-fashioned timepiece and can be a symbol of a time that is past or of a loved one who is no more.
Music is an important part of everyone's lives. It can help to capture and bring back memories, alter your mood, or simply help you relax.
Most people are passionate about music. If you are like this, or are a musician, then it's only natural to get a music sleeve tattoo.
It's important to get the music sleeve tattoo feel just right. So, figure out what direction you want to go in - music notes, instruments, favorite bands, or musicians, etc.
Here are some half and full sleeve tattoo ideas to inspire you:
Image by @rafaels_art_and_tattoo via Instagram
Image by @grant_the_grizzly via Instagram
Image by @tattoodynasty via Instagram
Image by @alyxheap_tattoos via Instagram
Image by @abaddon_studio via Instagram
Image by @kayak.tattoo via Instagram
Image by @kostik_kotztattoo via Instagram
Image by @sophie_amourtattoo via Instagram
Image by @major_ink_studios_2 via Instagram
Image by @actionjaxon24 via Instagram
Image by @rubenelmusico via Instagram
Image by @jazzy_who_tattoos via Instagram
Animal tattoos have been a favorite for quite a while, and it doesn't look like this sleeve tattoo trend will go away anytime soon.
Not only are animal sleeve tattoos incredibly beautiful, they can be quite symbolic as well. For instance, each animal tends to be associated with a certain personality trait.
Lions are symbols of strength, while tigers symbolize cunning. Wolves are associated with wilderness, freedom, and leadership.
An animal sleeve tattoo can be a way to let out your inner beast.
Looking for a half or full sleeve tattoo with lions incorporated? Here are the designs to check out:
Image by @mj_ink19 via Instagram
Image by @bodyimagetattoo via Instagram
Image by @her_tattooartist__ via Instagram
Image by @lux_bel via Instagram
Image by @ink_in_white_lace via Instagram
If you prefer tigers, here are some half sleeves and full sleeve tattoo ideas for men:
Image by @verlangallery via Instagram
Image by @tato_irezumi via Instagram
Image by @electric.tiger.tattoo via Instagram
Image by @electric.tiger.tattoo via Instagram
Image by @soojjosstattoo via Instagram
Image by @gigi.ink via Instagram
Looking for wolf tattoos instead? Here are the wolf sleeve tattoo ideas that you should check out:
Image by @tattoo_rinchen via Instagram
Image by @yeonhan_tattoo via Instagram
Image by @sevi.sevi_ink via Instagram
Image by @22inks via Instagram
Image by @angelanddemontattoo via Instagram
Image by @colibritattoostudio via Instagram
Image by @courtneymeerman via Instagram
Image by @backbonetattoo via Instagram
It doesn't matter how old you get, dragons will always be cool. In fact, the more you learn about them, the more you will realize that this is a really interesting design for a sleeve tattoo.
Dragons are symbols of wisdom, knowledge, bravery, and power. So, it can be quite impressive to have a dragon sleeve tattoo.
Regardless of whether you are getting a half sleeve or full sleeve tattoo, remember to do your research on the different art styles for dragons.
You will have to decide on whether you want to stay true to a specific Eastern culture such as China or Japan, or if you want to come up with an innovative design for your tattoo sleeve.
In any case, here are the tattoo design ideas you can use as inspiration:
Image by @micky_c_tattooer via Instagram
Image by @yushitattoo via Instagram
Image by @jt4896 via Instagram
Image by @tato_irezumi via Instagram
Image by @deaneberhardttattoo via Instagram
Image by @artcorpustattoo via Instagram
Image by @alessioricci via Instagram
Image by @micky_c_tattooer via Instagram
Image by @gypsyinksydney via Instagram
Image by @alextrang_tattoos via Instagram
The blackout sleeve tattoo is becoming increasingly popular. However, you should think long and hard before getting this black ink form on your body.
For one thing, it takes a lot of time and effort to get a black that is uniform across your arm. Also, once you get a blackout tattoo, that space is gone forever until you decide to remove it via laser.
If you do want to get blackout sleeve tattoos, you may want to start off with a small section. If you are happy with it, consider expanding the tattoo sleeve so that it occupies more space.
Image by @tattoosbyishi via Instagram
Image by @peaches_ink_ via Instagram
Image by @raphael1v via Instagram
An alternative to a traditional blackout tattoo is to use this black ink as a background for another tattoo. Here are some examples for your tattoo sleeve:
Image by @velvetlotustattoo via Instagram
Image by @sygtattoo via Instagram
Image by @zombieal via Instagram
Image by @crimbojericho via Instagram
Image by @jamesmoore1997 via Instagram
Image by @aliensinkk via Instagram
Image by @tattoo__dr via Instagram
On average, you can expect full sleeve tattoos to cost between $1000 and $6000. It costs so much because tattooing your entire arm can take long - often days at a time. Most tattoo artists charge an hourly rate.
Not to mention, sleeve tattoos hurt so you may need to break the process up into several sessions so that you can be more comfortable.
The complexity of the sleeve tattoo can also have an impact on the price. The more intricate it and colorful it is, the higher the sleeve tattoo cost.
There really aren't any rules for how much your full sleeve tattoo should cost. That being said, it is a good idea to always ask around to determine if you can get the best price possible.
Keep in mind that when it comes to full sleeve ink, your biggest concern should be quality and not cost. Don't be surprised if the best artists charge a lot more. On the upside, you can be guaranteed that the end result will be exactly as you wanted it.
A half sleeve tattoo can cost anywhere between $500 and $1,500 per tattoo. The cost can depend on the size of the tattoo as well as the intricacy involved.
Also known as a quarter sleeve tattoo, this is where the tattoo starts near the shoulder and ends halfway down the arm.
If the tattoo takes up half of your forearm, it may also be referred to as a quarter sleeve tattoo.
If you want to get a sleeve tattoo, you are spoiled for choice. Now that you know what the top categories are, choosing the right tattoo for you will be a breeze.
