Name a more iconic place for a tattoo than your arm, I’ll wait. There’s a reason arms have been the preferred canvas for both tattoo artists and enthusiasts for decades (dare we say, centuries?). Arms offer a large canvas and a variety of options. There are wrists, elbows, biceps, shoulder caps—all perfect places for a tattoo. They also offer the opportunity to play with scale—both big, eye-catching and small and subtle tattoos look great on arms.
Tattoo trends come and go, but no matter what you choose to ink on your arm, make sure you’re in it for the haul. The permanence of a tattoo can be daunting, especially if it’s your first, which makes choosing the design seem like a near impossible task. That’s okay, a tattoo is not something you necessarily want to take lightly or get on a whim. I’m not saying it has to have some sort of deep meaning, but it has to at least be something you’ll want to look at for the rest of your life. If you’re having a tough time figuring out what you want, this list is here to help. Inspiration can run the gamut, from traditional to modern to abstract to realistic and everything in between.
Start with the ideas on this list of the best arm tattoos for men, and then look for an artist who has done pieces in the same vein that you like (Instagram is your best resource these days). And before the process starts, always get a tattoo consultation where you and your artist can fine tune your design so it’s completely unique to you. So roll up those sleeves, get your arm ready, and happy inking.
The iconic heart and banner tattoo is the ultimate arm tattoo for guys, especially when placed prominently on your bicep. Large or small, it’s a tattoo design that’s instantly recognizable and has stood the test of time.
Nautical motifs are deeply associated with tattoo culture because, well, sailors were largely responsible for bringing tattooing to the West back in the day. Images of ships, anchors, mermaids, and other maritime symbols still look cool today and pay homage to the traditional side of tattooing.
If the classic heart and banner isn’t for you, but you still want to wear your heart on our sleeve, a literal anatomic heart is a cool modern update to the idea.
Animals are always a big theme in tattooing because who doesn’t love animals? You can go realistic, but geometric styles look cool and modern when mixed with natural imagery.
There are a few motifs that pop up in tattooing over and over, but few are more iconic than the pin-up arm tattoo. Classic traditional style pin-ups have stood the test of time and still look great today.
Like the pinup, a traditional sparrow arm tattoo design never goes out of style. They look great placed anywhere on your arm, but due to the curve of the design are ideal around elbows, wrists, and shoulder caps.
Inspiration quotes, sayings, or song lyrics are popular tattoos and your arm is the perfect place to ink these personal mantras. A placement on your arm, especially your forearm, ensures you see them often.
There are few relationships in a man’s life that are as long-lasting and intense as a favorite sports team. Sports and team-themed designs are a no brainer when you want everyone to know who you support.
Nature provides a never ending source of inspiration for tattoos, and images of trees and plants are perfectly suited for arms because they can be easily wrapped around your arms natural curvature.
Bold graphic designs that use blackwork (large shapes of black ink) can look either modern or traditional, depending on the design. They lines and shapes in abstract designs can also help enhance the natural shapes of your arm.
No matter what country you're from, a tattoo can pay homage to your heritage in a way that few other things can.
Riffing on the idea of a pin-up, a portrait can add an even more personal element if it’s someone you actually know, like a family member, a favorite celebrity, or historical figure.
Compass roses, cardinal directions, and even coordinates can help you stay on track when they’re tattooed on your arm.
Some of the best arm tattoo ideas come from just looking around your everyday life. Tools you use every day or favorite household objects make ideal, and sometimes surprising, tattoos designs.
Stars are simple, classic tattoo designs that look good in a variety of styles and sizes, plus they can be placed almost anywhere on your arm, even oddly-shaped areas like elbows. Other sky motifs like clouds look rad as space fillers when you’re going for a full sleeve.
Not all tattoos have to be real-life things. Simple, graphic shapes always look cool and can be combined in infinite ways to create something completely unique.
Why are dragons pop up in tattoo designs over and over? Because they are badass. No matter what style you choose or where you put it (might we suggest your arm), it’s eye catching.
Interlocking geometric designs are ideal if you’re trying to cover a large area like a forearm or bicep, but they can also be small and subtle depending on the shapes used and where they go. It’s one of the most versatile designs out there.
We’ve established that words and sayings make perfect tattoos for arms, but who ever said they had to be big? A simple, single word is modern and subtle and can be a great conversation starter (and, depending on the placement, easy to hide if you want).
Japanese tattooing is one of the most recognizable and desirable tattoo styles out there. This flowing style is detailed and graphic and ideally suited for arms, especially if you want to someday extend it into a sleeve.
Rose motifs pop up in tattoo designs over and over because they are simple, graphic and hold a variety of meanings. Plus, they can be done in a variety of styles and look great with color or in black and white.
Skulls are a no brainer when it comes to an arm tattoo. Whatever style they’re done in—realistic, graphic, simple, or colorful—they’re always in style.
Tattoos don’t always have to be big and bold; these days, tattoos are trending smaller. Simple shapes and drawings look rad no matter where they’re placed on your arm and collecting a bunch of them looks even cooler.
