Are you looking to add some stylish ink to your strong, chiseled forearms? Forearm tattoos are a popular choice for men because it shows your confidence – you won’t be able to cover it up with a short sleeve tee.
But if you can’t decide exactly what kind of design to get, don’t worry. We’re going to explore 10 different men's forearm tattoo ideas to help you choose your next piece. From bold and graphic designs to more subtle and meaningful tattoos, there's something for everyone on this list.
But if you can’t decide exactly what kind of design to get, don’t worry. We’re going to explore 10 different men's forearm tattoo ideas to help you choose your next piece. From bold and graphic designs to more subtle and meaningful tattoos, there's something for everyone on this list.
10 Men’s Forearm Tattoo Ideas for Your Next Piece
Family Name
Shamrocks are the national emblem of Ireland and are said to stand for faith, hope and love. This man’s tattoo honors his rich Irish culture with multiple living clovers growing from a single dead clover. It’s meant to signify the connection between his old Irish roots (presumably his parents) and his modern Irish heritage (presumably his partner & children).
Including the names of family members into your forearm tattoo design adds an extra layer of personal significance to the tattoo. And whether you’re looking to honor your ancestors or pay tribute to your living family, there are plenty of ways to honor your ancestors with important cultural symbols; on your forearm for the world to see.
Floral Design
Real men wear flowers, especially on their forearms. A floral tattoo is a bold and unique way to express personal style that goes against the grain. Flower tattoos often symbolize love and new beginnings; and what better way to show off your new beginning than with a forward-facing piece for the whole world to see?
Rose & Cross Tattoo
The rose and cross are two of the most iconic symbols in history. One is a symbol of love, beauty, and purity while the other is a symbol of faith, spirituality, and sacrifice. But together, these two can represent a deep love for God or serve as a tribute to a loved one who has recently passed. It’s almost impossible to go wrong with such a powerful combination of designs.
Jesus Forearm Tattoo
Your commitment to Jesus may already be prevalent in your heart, soul, and actions. But if you want to wear your heart on your sleeve (literally), a forearm tattoo depicting Jesus with the crown of thorns is a great way to show the power and strength of your beliefs.
Neo-traditional Floral Forearm Sleeve
Maybe flowers are your thing but you want something with a little more color. This neo-traditional design uses bold, graphic lines and bright, saturated colors to stand out amongst the crowd.
Neo-traditional tattoos are a fresh take on traditional tattoos, with thicker lines and more vibrant colors. If you wanted to adapt this to your forearm, you could experiment with other floral patterns like roses, lilies, or sunflowers.
Language Tattoo
Language tattoos are a great way to brand your forearm with words or phrases in a foreign language. You’ll undoubtedly get a ton of people asking “what does your tattoo say?”
But even after you tell them, they’ll never truly understand the value of those words to you. Choose words or statements that have great personal meaning to you. Perhaps they were spoken by your grandparents, parents, or even your partner. Or if you just like the way the word looks in another language, that’s more than enough reason too.
Blackwork Forearm Sleeve
Blackwork tattoos combine dense, heavy black ink with large, minimalistic designs. Historically speaking, blackwork designs are the foundation of modern tattoo culture, dating back to ancient body modification rituals. But adapted to modern times, blackwork tattoos can be combined with tribal, geometric, ornamental, and Polynesian styles.
Jeep Treads Tattoo
They say Jeep owners love their trucks. If you really love something, tattoo it on your arm forever (or whatever the line is). This Jeep ink represents the adventure, freedom and strength that the owner feels whenever he’s behind the wheel of his off-roading vehicle. And because he wants to take those feelings everywhere, it’s only right to stamp the iconic logo and treads directly onto his forearm.
Outdoor Adventure
Some of us feel most at home in the wilderness. The silence, solitude, and peace of mind are something that cannot be experienced in the city. So when you’re not backpacking in the mountains or hiking rugged trails on your way to a remote camping spot, your forearm tattoo will bring you those same feelings even when you’re not at home in the wilderness.
Full Oriental Sleeve
Oriental-style tattoos originated in Japan over 10,000 years ago. But after they became a common association of the Yakuza and other gangsters, the Japanese tattoo culture largely disappeared – there are few tattoo shops in modern-day Japan.
But oriental designs embody more than just Japanese culture; they draw inspiration from many East Asian cultures. From koi fish to dragons, an oriental arm sleeve that extends onto your forearm serves as a representation of your perseverance, strength, and intelligence.
And if you’re committed to a full sleeve, make sure you’re prepared for the long, painless sessions and recovery times.
Frequently Asked Questions?
Do men get forearm tattoos?
Yes, men get forearm tattoos. Whether it’s simple, complex, small, or large, forearm tattoos are a great way to express your individuality and confident personality.
Is a forearm tattoo a good idea?
Forearm tattoos are easily visible, which is great if you want your ink to stand out. But if you want to hide your piece from an employer, family member, or anyone else, you may want to consider an area that you can conceal more easily.
