Sleeve Tattoo Ideas and Designs

A sleeve tattoo basically refers to any type of tattoo that completely covers the skin in the mentioned area. Typically sleeve tattoos are done on the arms and they can come in a variety of lengths. A full sleeve tattoo being form the shoulder blade all the way down to the wrist. A half sleeve then is from the shoulder to the elbow and a quarter sleeve is typically from the elbow to the wrist.

The word sleeve comes from clothing and it is a direct relation to the area on a shirt you call a sleeve that covers your arms. Therefore a sleeve tattoo essentially covers your arm as a shirt sleeve would. However, in a lot more artistic style and flair!

1. Flame Tattoo Sleeves- These can often work as part of a larger full sleeve tattoo. The flames typically start down at the wrist area and then move up the forearm. As you get towards the top or shoulder area other tattoos and designs can be incorporated.

2. Tribal Tattoo Sleeve - These are very popular options when choosing tattoo sleeves as the bold, thick and dark lines look great form a distance. There of course are many different tribal tattoos and a long history of tattooing among many native cultures. For example you might choose to get a Hawaiian tribal tattoo or something from the Maori tribe. No matter what tribe and design you decide tribal designs bold features often make a great option for a sleeve tattoo.

3. Celtic Notwork Sleeve Tattoos - Celtic notwork ofter makes a great design. These are very intricate tattoos with a ton of detail and interweaving lines. Therefore they are well suited for the larger canvas area of a full sleeve tattoo.

4. Floral Patterns Tattoos - Often for women especially but sometimes men also a floral pattern tattoo can look very tricking.

5. Traditional Japanese Tattoo Designs - The Japanese have a rich history of tattooing and the art form has risen to the top among tattoo designs. These intricate designs often have very deep symbolic meanings and are very beautiful! They are also very exotic for westerns and unique making for a great combination for a full sleeve tattoo.

These are just a few of the ideas for a sleeve tattoo and what you choose should be entirely up to you and based on what you value and want to express about yourself. Do not ever get a tattoo because you saw some Hollywood celebrity with that design. Instead find something that speaks to you and has power and symbolic meaning behind it!