Nowadays, getting a tattoo is a matter of vanity for many men. After all, a little paint can be a really cool way to show your personality. But while the choice to go under the needle can be easy, the decision of what exactly to tattoo on your body and where can be a challenge.

To ensure you don’t regret your tattoo ten years from now, it’s important approach the process carefully. To help you do that, we’ve created this definitive guide full of inspiration for choosing the best men’s tattoo.

men’s tattoo ideas

small tattoo

Small tattoos are attractive for many reasons, and it’s no wonder they’re gaining popularity. The great thing about the small ones is that you are not limited in terms of placement, and you can do them behind your neck or on your finger if you wish. The designs also tend to be more understated, which might be nice if you don’t want to draw too much attention. Also, if this is your first time painting your skin, it’s a great way to make the process easier.

Simple Tattoo

If you prefer minimalist designs, you will be drawn to simple tattoos, which are equally fresh and meaningful. The beauty of these tattoos is how uncomplicated they are, often focusing on basic shapes and contours and avoiding colored ink and shading. This option is an excellent choice for a man who is more classic and laid-back and wants a tattoo that reflects these qualities.

SEE ALSO: 100 Incredible Instagram Photo Quotes (2022)

animal tattoo

If you have a favorite species or are inspired by certain qualities a creature is usually associated with, it makes sense to get an animal tattoo. There are so many different options to choose from, whether you want a wolf or a majestic elephant, allowing you to create something unique for you. You will benefit from working with a reputable tattoo artist who can help you create a meaningful piece.

portrait tattoo

Honoring a loved one or a celebrity who inspired you can be done through a portrait tattoo. It’s a beautiful way to have a constant reminder of the meaning of the individual you’ve chosen to paint, but also It is a piece that requires a lot of skill. Many tattoo artists have a specific style that they specialize in, and you should do your research before finding the right one for your design. If you want great results, you need to find someone who focuses on portraits, to make sure your tattoo doesn’t look cartoonish. You should also remember that the detail this style requires will make for a long tattoo session.

Written tattoo

A written tattoo is relatively basic, and it’s not just about the words, which could be the name of a loved one or a significant place, but also the style. What makes each of these pieces unique is the font and size chosen; they can range from frequently used options like Arial to more sophisticated ones like Calligraphy. The importance is to really select something that appeals to you but also emphasizes your tattoo.

skull tattoo

The skull is a universally recognized symbol and usually signifies death. Skull tattoos have been a much-loved design to tattoo for decades, although it was once favored by individuals who had a history of being tough. Today, these pieces take on a wide range of meanings and varied designs, often including roses, which represent love and beauty, or serpents, symbolizing wisdom or secret.

SEE ALSO: 300+ Fun Questions for Friends, Family and even Strangers!

Cross tattoo

Honoring your faith can be done in a number of ways, including a cross tattoo. The Christian religion sees the symbol as an essential part of their beliefs, as it represents Jesus Christ’s willingness to sacrifice himself for the good of humanity. There are many different ways to interpret the cross, and designs can be detailed and incorporate various other elements or be as simple as two lines crossing each other.

star tattoo

When you look at the night sky, you will see countless stars. For many people, they symbolize hope, guidance, and even the chance to wish for something better. It makes sense, then, that people would want to tattoo these astronomical objects on their skin because of their deep personal meaning. There are several interpretations of the star tattoo design, one of the most popular being the nautical star, which can represent your direction or the ability to find your way home again.

money tattoo

There is a common saying that money makes the world go round, and if you have that mindset, a bill or coin tattoo can be particularly eye-catching. Money also represents wealth, profit and success, and is an excellent choice for the man who wants to remind himself of his ambition to achieve his goals, financial or otherwise.

angel tattoo

Whether you want to honor a loved one who has passed away or show your devotion to your faith, an angel tattoo is an excellent way to do that. While there are many different interpretations of what these supernatural beings symbolize, most would associate them with purity and spiritual development. Other features include protection and guidance, and the wearer may want a piece that serves as a reminder that he is not alone.

musical instruments tattoo

Music plays a vital role in our lives and can uplift us, improve our mood and inspire; this is even more true for anyone who plays an instrument or simply has a deep love and passion for music and sounds. When choosing a musical instrument tattoo, your creativity is your limit; you can incorporate other designs like flowers, music notes and lyrics, or keep it simple.

arrow tattoo

The arrow tattoo is a fantastic choice to show direction in your life, but it can also represent strength. The weapon is often linked to native Brazilian culture, where it was used for hunting, but also by warriors as a means of protection. There are numerous design options and the complexity of your ink can vary. If this is your first tattoo, you may want to start small and keep it basic, with no color or shading; a great way to make it easy to get tattooed!

feather tattoo

Birds can fly above the sky, and that wouldn’t be possible without their wings. It is for this reason that feathers often represent freedom or travel. Feathers are a popular tattoo option because of the meaning and message associated with it, and the wide variety of designs and interpretations make it an excellent choice for both men and women. They also have different meanings for certain cultures; for example, in Christianity it can be a symbol of virtue, while Native Americans associate it with souls and spirits.

crown tattoo

Do you feel like you have all the makings of a king? Well, why not a crown tattoo then?! The headdress is often associated with royalty; therefore, it represents power and glory, but it can also signal self-control or a desire to be better, making it a meaningful design to tattoo on your skin. Another popular choice is for men to get a matching crown tattoo with their girlfriend or wife.

SEE: 40 Tattoos of boyfriends and friends that are as passionate as they are creative!

SEE ALSO: 240+ Super-revealing Truth or Dare Questions!

car tattoo

Many men are passionate about motor vehicles, whether it’s design, engineering or the need for speed, it’s up to you. We can see why car tattoos are such a popular option and can be incredibly eye-catching. Whether you have an emotional connection to your first car or you worked hard to fix and rebuild one, both would make great paint choices. Alternatively, you can simply take inspiration from the automotive industry and bright colors; it’s your choice!

Family Tattoo

Our associations with our family make us who we are, and while not everyone has had a good upbringing, many want to honor their family unit with a family tattoo. It’s a beautiful way to express your love and respect for those in your inner circle and it shows dedication and loyalty. There are many different ways to create a piece like this, whether it be with realistic portraits, with messages of reflection, birth dates or names.

Scorpion Tattoo

Scorpion tattoos have been a popular choice for men to get inked for many years. They are both respected and feared and often serve as a warning to others not to get too close to the user. The predatory arachnid can cause pain, but it is also associated with protection or strength. While there are many ways to paint this dangerous creature, the hyper-realistic versions are the most intimidating.

tribal tattoo

There are many variations of tribal tattoos depending on the culture, but the one thing they have in common is their very artistic interpretation. Initially, ancient tribes used symbols to represent their social status, as a form of wearer protection, or simply to express themselves. Most of these designs are detailed, using patterns meaningful to the chosen tribe, and this is therefore an excellent way to honor your heritage. These pieces tend to look best on the shoulders and arms.

father and mother tattoo

What is meaningful to one person may be totally different to another, and that’s the beauty of getting a deeply personal meaningful tattoo. You can pay tribute to your parents by including their names, birth dates or symbols that serve as a reminder of your bond with them.

SEE ALSO: 40 phrases for missing your father with beautiful images

name tattoo

If you want a tattoo that has a lot of symbolism, consider this one. The decision to tattoo someone’s name on your skin says a lot about your feelings towards that person. Getting a name tattoo is deeply personal, and some choose the names of their family members, while others celebrate their friendships or honor a loved one who has passed away.

snake tattoo

Snake tattoos are so cool! They tend to be great choices because of their versatility, and the designs can be incredibly varied, with some people opting for bright colors and large pieces that wrap the entire arm, while others want to keep it simple with a small black tattoo. One thing we can all agree on is that the snake not only has a variety of design interpretations, but also meanings. It is a creature often associated with danger, but also with rebirth and transformation because…