Traditional Tattoos For Men

By: Sydney Tyler

Break Studios Contributing Writer

Traditional tattoos for men include simple designs with basic colors and a black outline. Shading and three dimensional, realistic type tattoo art counts as neo-traditional tattooing. Men's traditional tattoos come mostly from sailors and military men, but also include tattoos inspired by women and religion.

  1. Get an anchor on the bicep to signal one who loves the sea, or may have been in the navy. The cartoon character Popeye had an anchor on his bicep. Your grandfather may have had one too. Choose an anchor as a classic, simple traditional tattoo for men that symbolizes sturdy truth in the midst of a tumultuous world.
  2. Sit for a mighty battleship or eagle on your chest as a macho image of power and strength. These tattoos symbolize patriotism. If you can wiggle your pecs, you can animate these traditional tattoos for men.
  3. Get "Mom" on a yellow banner, across a red heart as a symbol of the one who always loves you, no matter what. Choose any name tattooed across a heart. to be  quite traditional. Just make sure your love is permanent for your indelible tattoo.
  4. Count pin up girls in the style of the 1940's as popular, traditional tattoos for men. Go for a dancing hula girl on your bicep if you have a good sense of humor. Place it properly, so your hula girl will dance as you flex and unflex your muscles. Entertain kids with this one.
  5. Choose a maltese, iron, celtic, or religious crucifix cross as a classic tattoo. Some go for cross tattoos because they just like the way they look. Others choose these traditional tattoos for men because they convey deep religious beliefs and traditions.
Posted on: Mar. 01, 2011