1. SMALL TATTOO
One of the go-to tattoo ideas for men, small tattoo designs are incredibly versatile. They look good almost anywhere on the body, and what’s more, they are easy to conceal. Your ink needn’t be super-sized to make a statement, from a meaningful quote on the chest to a discreet yet detailed design on the wrist.
2. SIMPLE TATTOO
Simple tattoos use crisp lines, a sparse color palette, and negative space for a clean and smart look. Simple designs are a cool tattoo idea for men who would describe themselves as classy yet understated.
3. TIGER TATTOO
Tiger tattoos for men symbolize a fierce, courageous personality. For alpha males who pride themselves on their inner strength and power, this big cat inking may take the form of a traditional, old-school design or ancient Japanese style.
4. BIRD TATTOO
Bird tattoos adorned the bodies of ancient Egyptians as early as 2000 BC. Fast forward to the 1700s, and sailors were wearing a swallow tattoo as a way to showcase their seagoing skills. Today, bird tattoos offer even more possibilities. The phoenix, eagle, and owl are just a few examples that have unique meanings for any man with skin in the game.
5. WOLF TATTOO
The wolf is a pack animal that fiercely protects its family. In Native American culture, the wolf has a deep spiritual meaning. It represents close family ties, loyalty, and protection. Wolf tattoo designs make cool tattoos for men who are proud of their strong family values.
6. COMPASS TATTOO
Early sailors believed a compass inking would bring fortune for a successful voyage and help guide them home safely. Likewise, compass designs are a cool tattoo idea for men who have a passion for adventure and travel. Always pointing North, this inking will help keep its wearer on the right path.
7. ANGEL TATTOO
Linking heaven and Earth, the angel is a guiding figure and embodiment of hope and innocence. An angel tattoo needn’t always be literal. Angel wings or a halo can honor an absent loved one. A guardian angel symbolizes protection, or combined with a darker figure, can represent an internal struggle between good and evil. Angel designs are meaningful tattoo ideas for men.
8. CROSS TATTOO
A perfect tattoo idea for men who are religious, cross tattoos carry a powerful meaning. The cross is often part of an intricate design featuring rosary beads, angel wings, or Celtic line work. They’re perfect for larger chest, back, and sleeve pieces. For smaller inkings, the wrist and behind the ear are popular placements.
9. ARROW TATTOO
Arrows designs are highly customizable and a cool tattoo for men. They can be a single line drawing or scaled up to make a large leg or arm piece. The arrow symbol links closely to Native American culture. Here, two crossed arrows represent alliance, while a single arrow broken in half symbolizes peace.
10. SKULL TATTOO
Many people believe skull tattoos represent death. In a lot of cases, though, they carry a less morbid meaning. This inking often serves as a reminder to its owner not to fear death and enjoy each day to the fullest. Skull tattoos lend themselves to black and gray ink.
11. DRAGON TATTOO
Dragon tattoos are prominent in almost every tattooing style around the world. In Chinese culture, they represent strength, good fortune, wisdom, and the male element, Yang. The shape of these mythical creatures is versatile enough to curve and fit almost anywhere on the body, making them cool tattoos for guys.
12. LION TATTOO
The well-beloved King of the Jungle, lions, are among the most majestic creatures in the Animal Kingdom. Lion tattoos for men serve as a powerful message to the world that their wearer is fearless, courageous, and not a man to challenge!
13. QUOTE TATTOO
Some men want their ink to be fun and light-hearted. While others want designs that represent a deeper meaning. Either way, quote tattoos are a thought-provoking way to showcase your personality, whether it’s a fashion quote, a Harvey Specter quote, or simply words to live by. Wear a quote alone or pair it with complementary design elements. Just make sure the inked words have a personal meaning.
14. FAMILY TATTOO
As your grandparents may tell you, blood is thicker than water. So honor your heritage by choosing artwork that represents those closest to you. One on-trend family tattoo for men is to take a special note penned by a family member and have it inked by the artist in your loved one’s handwriting.
15. STAR TATTOO
It’s possible to interpret star tattoos in many ways. A Northern star symbolizes travel or a journey. A constellation can show a particular zodiac sign, and a nautical star represents the compass rose sailors used to navigate the seas. When it comes to star tattoo ideas for men, the sky really is the limit.
16. OWL TATTOO
Folklore depicts the owl as a creature of knowledge, wisdom, and mystery. In modern stories like Harry Potter, the owl is a bridge between the human and magical world, acting as a close companion to their masters. Combing owl tattoos with natural elements such as trees and branches for a seriously cool tattoo for men.
17. EAGLE TATTOO
The eagle is the USA’s official mascot. It stands for courage, freedom, and having an eye on the end goal. So if you’re a modern guy who wants to stand proud, the eagle tattoo for men will mark you for life as brave, intelligent, and powerful.
18. NAME TATTOO
Getting a name tattooed on any part of your body is meaningful. It can be that of a parent, child, or loved one, either living or lost. The most popular placement for a name tattoo for men is the forearm. Wherever you place this important piece of artwork, wear your tattoo with pride.
19. CLOCK TATTOO
Time marches on, and a clock tattoo is there to remind us that each moment is precious. They’re cool tattoo ideas for men who want to mark a special moment in life, honor an achievement, or believe in the importance of seizing the day! Also a primo tattoo for any timepiece buffs or men’s watch enthusiasts.
20. ROSE TATTOO
Rose tattoos have a special meaning. Go red to symbolize love and passion, or black for mourning and loss. Body art can say a thousand words, and this inking is deeply personal. Rose tattoos for men are increasingly popular as they are the perfect way to express inner feelings through art.
21. TREE TATTOO
Tree tattoos are cool tattoos for men whose roots are planted firmly in the family. They are timeless and classic tattoo designs that will stand the test of time. Let your chest or back become the canvas for this exceptional artwork, and make sure your ink tells a story.
