Sleeve tattoos are tattoos that spans from the shoulder of a person until their wrist. It is either made up of many small tattoos or it can even be one large tattoo. It is called a “sleeve tattoo” because it is very similar to a long sleeved shirt and can sometimes be mistaken for one. When you get a sleeve tattoo, you say that you are going to get “sleeved”.  “Sleeved” can also refer to being tattooed all over one’s leg.

You can also get a half or quarter sleeve as well, which are sleeve tattoos that only cover half or one fourth of your arm. Usually these are found starting at the shoulder, but you can also find others that start at the elbow as well. When getting a sleeve tattoo, usually one starts out with one tattoo on the shoulder, and proceeds to get smaller tattoos around the arm every so often, maybe every month or so, until the whole arm is completely covered. You can also choose to have it done in a day, but it will probably take the whole day, and you might not even finish the whole arm. This is why most people opt to have it done little by little.

Here are some ideas that you can get inspiration from for your sleeve tattoo:

o Flames: Flames are very popular designs for almost everything you can find out there. These are best for full sleeve tattoos, starting from the wrist and moving upwards, or you can choose to have it start at the shoulder and going downwards, but this is less common. You can also put other designs with the flames, as it is a very versatile design.

o Celtic: Celtic designs are also very popular as both tattoos and even for rings as well. There are very intricate designs with lots of details and are very interesting as sleeve tattoos. They may take time to do, but they are worth it in the end because they are pieces of art.

o Japanese: Japanese tattoos are very popular and are even considered to be a tradition in some places. They are very picturesque and have great meanings behind every symbol and sign. They are considered to be exotic and make good sleeve tattoos.

o Tribal: These designs are easy to see even from far away, and are very noticeable. They take their inspiration from traditional tribal tattoos and you can even choose what tribe design you’d like to get. They are all beautiful and artistic.

o Flowers: Mostly women choose to have these kinds of designs, but sometimes even men can make them look good as well. Never underestimate the power of flowers on a tattoo.

Whatever design you choose for your sleeve tattoo, make sure that it expresses your style and that you love it. Tattoos are for life, and you should think carefully about your choice before you head into the tattoo salon.

If you’re afraid of the needle, there are other alternatives as well like lace or mesh fabric that are put on the sleeve area. This cloth usually has nice designs printed on them, so it gives the illusion of a sleeve tattoo.