The Best Male Body Parts for Tattoos

Once upon a time, tattoos were almost exclusively worn by men. In the past few decades, however, this body art fashion has become more unisex. Still, some differences remain. There are some classically masculine placements worth considering–just as women are more likely to sport an ankle or lower back tattoo, for example, even if that design consists of flaming skulls.

Biceps

The upper arm, either bicep or deltoid, is a ever-popular placement spot for tattoos, especially for men. The design can appear just on the outer arm or wrap around, like an armband; a tattoo that covers the skin of the entire upper arm is called a half-sleeve, and one that covers the entire arm is a sleeve.

Forearm

Forearm tattoos are more visible than those on the upper arms, and can complement the musculature of a man well. In fact, some forearm tattoo-bearers can make their ink ripple or “dance” by flexing the muscles underneath.

Chest

A tattoo on the upper chest makes the area look broader, which is an added bonus for some men who want to emphasize their musculature. It can also make the design itself look larger. A tattoo placed here can be on one side, or it can span the whole chest.

Upper Back

The back provides a large, unbroken canvas for your tattoo design, and ink on the upper back particularly emphasizes well-muscled shoulders. If you choose a design here, think big. Tattoo designs often look better on a large scale, and the back provides the space to demonstrate this.