Thinking about getting a tattoo but not sure what to get? You’re not alone. Whether it’s your first piece or you're just looking for some fresh ideas, finding the right design can be tricky.
In this guide, we’re breaking down some of the best tattoo ideas for men to help you get inspired and figure out what you want to get tattooed next, including:
- Most popular tattoo placements for men
- How to pick the right tattoo style for you
- Popular tattoo ideas for men in our inspiration gallery
Table of Contents
Tattoo Placements for Men
Styles for Men’s Tattoo Ideas
Favorite Men’s Tattoo Designs
Gallery: Tattoo Design Ideas for Men
Men’s Tattoos FAQs
Become a Tattoo Artist With the Artist Accelerator Program
Tattoo Placements for Men
Where you decide to get tattooed will depend on a few factors. For example, a meaningful tattoo that you don’t want on display, you might want closer to your chest or ribs so it’s easy to hide. If you want to emphasize your physique, you might consider sleeve tattoos.
Additionally, you’ll want to keep in mind that small tattoos fit best in “small” areas like the wrist or ankle, while a larger design will need a bigger space.
1
Forearm
The forearm is one of the most popular spots—for good reason. The forearm gives you plenty of space for detail, it’s easy to show off (or cover up with a long sleeve), and it tends to hurt less than other spots.
2
Upper Arm/Bicep (or Full Sleeve)
This is one of the least painful areas and works well for guys who want a tattoo design that flows with their muscle shape.
3
Chest
A tattoo over the heart is great for a design with personal meaning. Just keep in mind, this one can sting a bit more, especially near the sternum.
4
Back
The back is one of the largest blank canvases on the body and is easy to cover up if you want to keep your ink more private. Almost any tattoo design can fit on the back and can accentuate the muscles.
5
Calf
The calf has the perfect amount of space and works well for both minimalist and detailed designs.
Styles for Men’s Tattoo Ideas
Knowing what style you want before walking into a tattoo studio will make it easier for you to communicate what you want with your tattoo artist.
For example, just asking for a tattoo of a wolf can get you a thousand different design ideas. But if you know what you want a wolf design made out of geometric shapes or you prefer tribal art, then it’ll be easier for the artist to create a design you like.
Here’s a few of the most popular tattoo styles for men:
1
Realism
If you're into lifelike portraits, animals, or even hyper-detailed objects, realism might be your thing. These tattoos look like photos on your skin—but keep in mind, they take serious skill and time (and usually a higher price tag).
2
Traditional (Old School)
Bold lines, solid colors, and classic themes like skulls, anchors, and pin-up girls. Traditional tattoos have that timeless, vintage vibe—and they age really well, too.
3
Blackwork
Clean, bold, and all about the contrast. Blackwork tattoos use solid black ink to create anything from geometric patterns to abstract art. They’re striking and low-maintenance, making them a favorite for minimalist guys.
4
Japanese (Irezumi)
Deeply rooted in tradition, Japanese-style tattoos often feature dragons, koi fish, samurai, and flowers, all woven into flowing full-body designs. They’re bold, symbolic, and packed with storytelling.
5
Geometric Shapes
For a more subtle, modern look that pulls on logic and mathematical perfection, geometric tattoos are a good way to show a meaningful design in a strong, structured way.
Favorite Men’s Tattoo Designs
If you’re not sure what design you want, here are a few of the most popular tattoo designs our artists see male clients getting:
1
Angel Wings
Whether spread across the back or tucked onto the chest or forearm, angel wings symbolize protection, freedom, or remembrance. Some guys pair them with a halo, cross, or name to honor someone they've lost.
2
Tribal Patterns
A popular choice for men who want their tattoos to accentuate their physique, tribal patterns are built to follow the muscles while also telling a story. For example, triangles in a tribal pattern might be a symbol of shark teeth for people who spend a lot of time near the ocean.
3
Barbed Wire
A throwback that’s making a comeback. Barbed wire tattoos often wrap around the bicep or forearm and can symbolize resilience, struggle, or even a rebellious streak.
4
Mountain Range
Perfect for nature lovers or anyone who’s overcome a personal “mountain.” These tattoos are usually minimalist, making them good simple arm tattoos.
5
Thor’s Hammer
A strong symbol of protection and power from Norse mythology. This one’s big with fans of Viking history or anyone who wants a design with deep meaning.
6
Crescent Moon and Milky Way
For adventurers or guys who want a subtle tattoo about their spiritual journey, imagery of outer space might be a good option. While guys who have a deep connection with the inner strength of a lone wolf might prefer a wolf howling at the moon and sky.
Gallery: Tattoo Design Ideas for Men
Sleeve Tattoos
Leg Tattoos
Meaningful Tattoo
Simple Arm Tattoos
Only Black Ink Tattoos
Men’s Tattoos FAQs
What's a good first tattoo for a man?
A symbol, a short quote, or something like a compass, a wolf, or a family crest are good options. Tattoos can be pretty painful (in fact, sometimes they hurt more the more muscular you are). Getting a smaller tattoo on an area that isn’t famous for being painful (like the ribs or hands) is a good idea to see how you feel during a tattoo.
What is the best tattoo for a man?
The best tattoo for a man really depends on what matters most to you. Some guys go for meaningful pieces like family initials, religious symbols, or quotes they live by. Others choose bold designs like lions, warriors, or realistic portraits.
There’s no one-size-fits-all “best” tattoo—it’s about finding something that feels personal and fits your style. A good rule of thumb: if it still feels like a great idea after a few months, it’s probably the right one for you.
What does 777 tattoo for men?
A 777 tattoo is often tied to luck, spiritual growth, or divine guidance.
Where is the most attractive place for a tattoo on a guy?
It depends on the vibe you’re going for, but some of the most popular spots are the forearm, bicep, chest, and upper back. Forearms are especially popular because they’re visible without being too in-your-face, and they age well. Chest tattoos tend to feel more personal and can be super eye-catching when the shirt comes off.
Become a Tattoo Artist With the Artist Accelerator Program
Having a career in tattooing is not only fulfilling, but it’s also the most stable way to make a living as an artist. However, for decades, the process to become a tattoo artist has been notoriously difficult.
The apprenticeship process requires aspiring tattoo artists to work 50-60 hours a week without pay for 2-4 years. That, combined with the toxic culture of abusing apprentices, makes getting into the industry almost impossible for newcomers.
That’s why we created the Artist Accelerator Program. Our online course provides a simple, structured way of learning to tattoo that has been proven to work by over 7500 successful students, with many of them having gone on to open their own shops all around the world.
Inside the program, we’ll take you through every step of the tattooing process in 9 clear, easy-to-follow modules and support you along the way within the Tattooing 101 Mastermind online community.
In the Mastermind group, you’ll collaborate with other students, get answers to your questions, and receive personalized video feedback on your artwork and tattoos from professional tattoo artists. With this friendly community of both new and experienced tattoo artists, you’ll never be stuck again.
When you join the Artist Accelerator Program, you’ll have instant access to the full course and the Mastermind community, as well as our 30-Day Flash Challenge and recorded interviews with tattoo artists from all over the world.
Click here to learn more about the Artist Accelerator Program.
