A gentleman tattoo completes the sharp and neat suit, flawlessly groomed beard, a perfect mustache, piercing eyes, and without a doubt, the highest of manners of a chivalrous, courteous, or honorable man.
Be it old school, hipster best, black, stylish sailor-style on your forearm arm, palms, legs, or chest, a classy attractive sleeve with smoking swag designs, bad vibes, white motives, traditional classics, nothing is forbidden for the true gent.
When you think of a genuine gentleman, you imagine an impeccable-looking, courteous lad with a unique style, combining modern trends with traditional details.
This classic perception of gentlemen regards one as a symbol of masculinity, morals, impressive mindset, and an exceptional sense of personal style.
Thus, it’s no surprise that the looks of a gentleman are widely admired and considered fashionable in modern pop culture. Art in all its directions reflects the gentleman’s image, and so do tattoos and body art.
This ancient skin modification has both deep significance and visual allure, making it a way to express and celebrate individuality.
- And who wouldn’t want a bold, eye-catching, and cool gentleman tattoo, if not a proper gent?
- Are you intrigued by these special gentleman tattoo designs?
- Do you consider getting one but need a little guidance?
In this guide, Gentleman Zone wraps up a selection of styles and types of the best gentleman tattoos. Read on and find the best skin-imprinted visuals to match your own identity and masculinity.
Can a Gentleman Have Tattoos?
Gentleman tattoos were once, as all tattoos, considered taboo, but nowadays, body art is more mainstream than ever, especially amongst the younger and free-minded generations.
Over the past couple of decades, gentleman tattoos went from subculture to pop culture and now reach the most conservative minds.
Yet, there are still certain groups of people that disapprove of bolder skin art, but these are no longer a factor to stop you from inking the gent style.
However, the modern gentleman exudes confidence and is completely free to get inked, no matter if it’s socially unacceptable, as long as one stands for his beliefs.
Besides, tattoos are sexy. All genders find skin ink daring, hot, and attractive.
Meaning of Traditional, Classic, Old-School Gentleman Tattoos
Every tattoo and body art does a personal statement, but there are some common meanings.
Tattoo artists use symbolism as a base of their designs. So, when you go for a traditional-style gentleman tattoo, you not only honor the history of the art form, but you get a piece bringing strong symbolic value.
Traditional or old-school tattoos are the most popular for a reason. They constantly develop and change, but always stick to their roots.
Traditional Style Gentleman Tattoos
Traditional, otherwise referred to as classic and old-school, body drawings are the easiest to identify thanks to their distinct features:
- Bold black outlines and saturated colors.
- Simple but iconic designs.
- Less to minimal shading.
- They look like actual drawings.
Classic Drawing Gentleman Tattoo, artist Dani Queipo
Great Piece Old-School Gentleman Tattoo, artist unknown
Neo-Traditional Gentleman Tattoos
The neo traditional style takes contemporary characters, and images to make them look old school. It’s an exceptional and creative approach to relate nowadays mainstream tattoos and the coolness of yesterday’s ink.
The style features the classic drawings characteristics – bold lines, and a solid broader color palette, alongside more depth and a new feeling of dimension.
Impressive Work In Neo-Traditional Style, artist unknown
Another Great Example Of Neo-Traditional Style Gentleman Tattoo, artist unknown
Typical Gentleman Tattoo In Neo-Traditional Design, artist unknown
Hand Gentleman Tattoos
Hand tattooing is a fine art, considering how delicate and uneven the hand is. But a gent hand tattoo is simply a badass work of art.
So, looking for a hand gentleman tattoo design?
Hand Train Man Gentleman Tattoo, Artist unknown
Classic Hand Gentleman Tattoo, Artist unknown
Forearm Gentleman Tattoos
The forearm is one of the least painful spots on your body to ink, so it’s a great start if it’s for your first tattoo.
Here’s just one cool tattoo idea:
Forearm Sophisticated gentleman Tattoo, artist Matthew Houston
Sleeve Gentleman Tattoos
Sleeve tattoos are an exciting way to bring spacious and amazing tattoo ideas to life.
Sleeve Peaky Blinders Gentleman Tattoo, Artist unknown
Leg Gentleman Tattoos
Leg tattoos are becoming more and more popular because legs provide a large canvas, perfect to create a big and detailed gentleman tattoo.
Plus, there is a range of location options – thigh, calf, ankle, full leg sleeve, and so on. The calf is another less painful area for getting inked and is definitely one of the coolest spots for a tattoo.
Legs are an excellent place for ink also because you can easily cover up for specific occasions or depending on your mood.
Leg Gentleman Tattoo, Artist unknown
Traditional Leg Gentleman Tattoo, Artist unknown
Calf Peaky Blinders Gentleman Tattoo, Artist unknown
Full-Body Gentleman Tattoos
The full-body tattoo is for those who just can’t get enough ink. Here is one mad look to inspire you:
Full-Body/Trunk Gentleman Tattoo, artist Mikael de Poissy
Gentleman Skull Tattoos – Examples & Meanings
The skull is generally a symbol of death, and a skull tattoo brings many meanings related to it. Some interesting key meanings behind skull tattoos are:
- Courageousness and strength in the face of death. A gentleman skull tattoo represents that a man who wears it has no fear of death. He knows that death is inevitable and is determined to live his life to its absolute fullest.
- No fear of beyond. A gent with a gentleman skull tattoo expresses he is not afraid of what’s waiting beyond.
- Rebirth. Skull tattoos often symbolize a new start of life.
- Remembrance. Skull tattoos also show a near-death experience or losing a loved one. It’s a way to honor their memory by adding specific elements to remind you of them.
All in all, the skull tattoo shows you are a tough person who can handle pretty much anything.
Skull Gentleman Tattoo, Artist unknown
Aesthetic Skull Gentleman, Artist unknown
Sharp Half Skull Gentleman Tattoo, artist unknown
Gentleman Animal Tattoos
Animal symbolism is widely represented in the art of tattooing. It originates from the belief that there is a spiritual connection between humans and animals.
Depending on the animal, gentleman animal tattoos often speak of:
- Wisdom;
- Power;
- Freedom;
- Friendship;
- Longevity;
- Prosperity;
- Strength;
- Persistence;
- Many more.
As with any tattoo, it’s important that it carries true meaning and symbolism close to you.
Let’s have a look at some fine pieces.
Classic Black & White Gentleman Cat
Suave Gentleman Cat Tattoos, Artist unknown
Playful Gentleman Fox Tattoo, Artist unknown
Another Impressive Work, Artist unknown
Dashing Gentleman Dog Tattoo, Artist unknown
Catholic Gentleman Tattoos
Catholic tattoos are a bold way to proclaim your belief and flaunt the beauty of faith.
Whether your tattoo includes a cross, Jesus Christ, Virgin Mary, a sacred heart, a white dove, wings, etc. it will be recognized as a symbol of your infinite faith and devotion.
Catholic Arm Gentleman Tattoo, Artist unknown
Chest Catholic Tattoo, Artist unknown
Sleeve Catholic Gentleman Tattoo, artist unknown
Another Catholic Sleeve Body Art, artist unknown
Older Bearded Gentleman Tattoos
No age is too old to get inked. Think of those hipster senior fellas with sleek hairstyles, flawless beards, nice shirts, and cool old-school sleeve tattoos. They pull up such a classy and stylish look and prove that an older tattooed gentleman is just as good-looking.
Check out the following images of some fine elderly gents with the coolest tattoos.
Stylish Older Tattooed Gentleman, Artist unknown
Divine Sleeve Older Gentleman Tattoo, Artist unknown
Badass Forearm Older Gentleman Tattoos, Artist unknown
Fine-Looking Bearded Gentleman Tattoos, Artist unknown
Aesthetic Smoking Older Tattooed Gentleman, Artist unknown
Classy Gentleman Tattoos
Here are some more remarkable pieces that deserve admiration.
Badass Gentleman Tattoo Giving Some Dark Vibes, @elleroseink via Instagram
Exceptional Roses Gentleman Tattoo to Stand Out of the Conventional Type, @rogerkampo via Instagram
Stunning Neo-Traditional Gentleman Tattoo with the Classic Portrait of a Sailor, Decorated with a Bold Rose, Artist unknown
Classic/Neo-traditional Smooth Gentleman Tattoo, artist unknown
You Can Always Remove Tattoos
As with all ink art, things don’t always end up okay, or maybe it’s time and trends that make you think of reverting. According to experts and professionals at Esthetics Center, it is possible to remove unwanted tattoos anytime you want to, so act bold, and walk the gentlemen path.
And, if you are a person with a sensitive sense of pain, or rich on graphic ideas, you can use a Custom Sticker and customize any pattern you like or a go for carefully designed tattoo sticker.
Gent Tattoos, Wrap-up
So, our detailed post lays out some of the best gentleman tattoos to express true masculinity, beliefs, elegance, and individual sense of style.
Take your time and choose carefully the one that matches your personality the most, so you make sure this lifelong commitment is to be proud of and reflects your genuine gentleman self.
