Top 103 Animal Tattoo Ideas – [2021 Inspiration Guide]
It isn’t easy navigating through the jungle of ink ideas out there. Fortunately, it’s hard to go wrong with a traditional animal tattoo piece.
Ever since the dawn of time mankind has been gracing the earth alongside countless living creatures.
From fish deep in the blue ocean seas to the pets napping on the carpet our own homes, every animal serves as a remind of our connection to nature and the great outdoors.
Interestingly enough, scientists have found species dating back some 542 million years ago. Aside from the phyla, others have found early sponges in the 665-million year ago rocks found at the Trezona Formation and West Central Flinders.
Perhaps it explains why neurons throughout the amygdala of our brains tend to respond more positively to imagery of animals when compared to buildings and people. While it might be easy to associate it with survival at first, the results from the studies were the same for both dangerous and gentle creatures alike.
Yet, when it comes to tattoos, it’s quite easy to understand why animals remain popular choices for all sorts of gentlemen. In reality, there’s just so many pick from including tigers, lions, frogs, and birds among others. All of which come with their owning meaning and symbolism.
Regardless of which you choose, I’m sure you’ll enjoy these top 100 best animal tattoos for men below. In this cool collection of masculine ink designs you’ll find plenty of inspiration teeming with liveliness.
1. Forearm Animal Tattoos
When considering a new piece of ink, the placement of a tattoo is just as important as the design. In the same way that you wouldn’t put a chandelier in a two car garage, where a tattoo is located goes a long way in terms of the overall appeal of a piece. One location that has grown more popular in the past decade is the forearm.
In the past, the outside forearm was a common place to find simple American traditional designs, like swallows, roses or hearts, however in more recent times the range of designs and concepts that can be applied to the forearm has exploded. As these striking animal inspired designs demonstrate, any number of styles and approaches—from photo-realistic black and gray designs to stylized pieces that use vibrant colors—can be successfully applied to the forearm.
2. Bicep Animal Tattoos
The bicep has been a common location for tattoos for centuries and maintains appeal to this day. There are a couple of reasons that the bicep is such a popular location, the first being the larger size of this portion of the arm in comparison to the forearm. Thanks to this size, the bicep is better suited than the forearm for larger designs.
The upper arm is also popular because of the discretion that it provides the wearer in regards to when the tattoo is visible. There is little chance of anyone catching a glimpse of a bicep piece while at the office, but at the gym or the beach, these tattoos will be on full display. The prominent musculature of the bicep also helps make it a popular location, especially for these untamed animal tattoos.
3. Arm Animal Tattoos
People have been inking their arms for as long as they have been getting tattoos, and it makes sense. First of all, the arms are always in view, providing the wearer ample opportunity to display their ink, and thanks to the variety of modern wardrobe options the discerning tattoo enthusiast can choose who and who doesn’t get to see their tattoos. There is also a deeper philosophical significance that can be considered. The arms are how we interact with the world, from filing taxes to taking shots; it only makes sense that we would choose to decorate them.
4. Chest Animal Tattoos
Another historically popular location for tattoos is the chest. This is for a number of reasons, the first of which is the large size of the chest. The broad, flat expanse of skin is perfectly suited for large vibrant designs, as these striking animal tattoos demonstrate.
The other, deeper appeal of chest tattoos has to do with the location of the human heart. There are few ways to establish a more instantly recognizable and profound significance than by placing an image or word above the heart. For this reason it is not uncommon to see loved ones’ names, portraits or inspirational quotes on the chest, and the fact that these animal pieces are placed over the heart prove just how important they are to the wearers.
5. Back Animal Tattoos
While the back is not necessarily the most popular place to get tattoos, the breath taking effect of seeing a large, detailed back piece is undeniable. While many people associate large, cohesive back pieces with traditional Japanese irezumi, the variety of styles and approaches that different artists use for these large designs show that there is a back design for everyone.
The back is by far the largest of all the canvases on the human body, and because of this it is perfectly suited for stunning animal inspired designs. The amount of detail that can be achieved is impressive and the opportunities to incorporate vibrant colors guarantee that these designs will turn heads for years to come.
6. Animal Thigh Tattoos
The thigh has become a popular place for tattoos in recent years and it is no surprise why. The upper leg is a great choice for tattoos thanks to its larger size in comparison to other parts of the leg like the ankle and calf. This larger size means that more and more people are choosing to get big designs that take up the entire thigh, to great effect.
Some people choose to get pieces on the side of their thigh, running up their leg and finishing near the waist band, while others use a forward facing placement that makes for a striking appearance when viewed from the front. The prominent musculature of the thigh can also provide a talented artist several natural lines to incorporate into the design.
7. Sleeve Animal Tattoos
Some people choose to get small and medium sized tattoos over the course of years, slowly filling in space with filler pieces and background designs to complete their sleeve. Other people use their entire arm as the canvas for one, massive design that runs the length of the whole limb.
Whatever strategy is used—or some mix of both—the full sleeve has continued to gain popularity over the last twenty years, and it’s no surprise why. The different muscle groups in the arm provide the artist a plethora of natural lines that can be utilized in a design to help draw the eye up and down the entire arm and create a more dynamic tattoo. Full sleeves are perfectly suited for these unique, animal inspired tattoos.
8. Neck Animal Tattoos
In the past neck tattoos were reserved for criminals and bikers, but thanks to the growing popularity and changing attitudes about ink, it is likely you know a friend or acquaintance with one. While neck tattoos are gaining popularity, they are still usually one of the last places people get tattoos and serious thought should be given before taking the neck tattoo plunge.
That being said, these animal designs show off just how appealing these tattoos can be. Whether on the side of the neck or facing forward on the throat; color or black and gray; neck tattoos are guaranteed to turn heads and elicit gasps everywhere you go.
9. Elbow Animal Tattoos
Another location for tattoos that has outgrown its clichéd outlaw past is the elbow. Twenty years ago just about the only tattoo design that you would see on an elbow would be a spider web, carrying strong connections to the prison tattoo sub-culture. Nowadays elbow tattoos are limited only by the skill of the artist and the imagination of the client.
One popular trend for elbow tattoos—on the inside and outside of the elbow—incorporates the movement of the joint into the design of the tattoo. The elbow also provides the wearer with a considerable amount of discretion regarding the tattoos visibility thanks to the relatively high placement on the arm.
10. Stomach and Side Animal Tattoos
In recent years the side of the body has become a more popular location to get tattoos for a few reasons. First of all, the side of the torso is a large canvas; depending on the proportions of the individual, often times the torso is only surpassed by the back for available skin.
The side of the torso is also interesting thanks to the variety of lines and shapes in the different parts of the body. From below the waist band, over the stomach and abdomen, across the rib cage and into the arm pit: this diverse range of muscles, bones and skin can help a skilled artist make a more interesting and dynamic tattoo. Finally, the powerful significance of having a lion “on your side” is undeniable.
11. 3D Animal Tattoos
The boundaries of what is possible in the world of tattooing are constantly being pushed. Thanks to the thousands of skilled and dedicated artists that are constantly redefining the limits of the medium there are new styles and trends debuting daily around the world.
One of these developments is achieving the effect of three dimensions thanks to some clever techniques and tricks. Through the use of drop shadows and forced perspective these talented artists are able create tattoos that give the impression of resting above the skin, while others use forced perspective to create an effect of being able to climb into a design. While this strategy can be applied to any number of subjects and designs, it is perfectly suited for these savage animal tattoos.
12. Shoulder Animal Tattoos
The shoulder has maintained its popularity for tattoo placement over the decades, but over the years the stereotypical flash images of hearts and “mom” tattoos have been replaced by innovative designs covering a broad range of subjects and concepts. One reason that the shoulder continues to be a popular choice for tattoo placement is the well-defined musculature of the area.
The large size of the shoulder means bigger designs that would be cramped and inappropriate on the forearm can be applied. The shoulder is also a great option thanks to the ease with which a shoulder piece can be incorporated into a bicep piece—or even full sleeve—further down the line. These animal inspired pieces demonstrate just how effectively tattoos can be applied to the shoulder.
13. Animal Leg Tattoos
The legs contain some of the largest muscles in the entire body, and because of this leg tattoos have been growing more and more popular. The variety of natural musculature in the legs—from the ankle and calves all the way up the thigh into the waist—provide artists a number of lines to utilize when designing a tattoo. The roles the legs play as the foundation of the human body also give these tattoos a deeper significance.
Click on the links below for more awesome animal tattoo galleries:
- Animal Tribal Tattoo Ideas
- Animal Skull Tattoo Designs
- Top 63 Lion Sleeve Tattoo Designs
- Geometric Animal Tattoo Ideas
Top 29 Best Watches Under $500 For Men
With cellphones so ubiquitous, your watch choice can be less about telling time and more about personal style. However, a watch is not ‘just’ a watch. For example, the vast majority are made for right-handed people, but a select few cater to the lefties among us. There is a wide range in functionality and size.
The wristwatch is also one of the few socially acceptable accessories for men, so why not have a small selection? If you’re not cashing a CEO’s paycheck just yet, here are the top 28 most handsome watches for men that retail for under $500.
Got a bigger budget? Then check out our guide to the best men’s watches under $1000 instead.
Top 29 Best Watches Under $500 For Men
1. Tommy Hilfiger Stainless Steel Men’s Watch
If you like the feel of a pliable, non-metal band but aren’t comfortable with genuine leather, this watch comes equipped with a handsome synthetic band. At 46mm in diameter, this watch is perfect for men of smaller stature, as it will not overpower your hand or make it look like you’re wearing your father’s watch. With bold Arabic numerals, a stainless steel case, and classic styling, this watch is an outstanding choice for an everyday watch and the man on a budget.
2. Nordgreen Pioneer – Black Dial
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Not everyone has an endless amount of cash to drop on a luxury timepiece. If you’re money-conscious but want something high-end, then why not consider the Nordgreen Pioneer.
An inspired take on a classic Chronograph, Nordgreen celebrates the Danish with what they call a timepiece “that captures the sustainable future.” Available in various dial colors from blue, black, and white. There’s even the choice of three case colors – gunmetal, silver, and rose gold. A perfect addition to the collection of any watch enthusiast.
3. Fossil Grant Brown Leather Watch
This lovely offering by Fossil features slim Roman numeral hour markers and delicate cut-out hands. The casing is stainless steel and is water-resistant to 165 feet, making it a great dive watch. The band is made of supple, soft calfskin leather and uses a buckle closure.
Of course, this timepiece also comes with the generous 11-year warranty and it’s own fun tin. This watch oozes class and is great for nearly every occasion in your life.
4. Citizen Sport Stainless Steel Men’s Watch With Brown Leather Band
If you don’t want to deal with changing out a battery in a digital watch, this watch is powered by either natural or indoor lighting. The mineral crystal face and stainless steel case make this watch water-resistant to 330 feet, making it a great choice for swimmers and snorkelers.
Handsome and utilitarian, this is a great watch for everyday wear. It’s one of the best watches for men who are always on the go.
5. Fossil Men’s Machine Chronograph Silicone Watch
This watch was designed with the active man in mind. The knurled silicone band stands up to sweat and oils without issue, and the timepiece itself is water-resistant to 165 feet.
The patterned bezel and quality craftsmanship of the black dial is excellent, as is to be expected from a Fossil watch. It even comes in the iconic and collectible tin!
6. Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Watch
This men’s watch features Japanese quartz movement that charges itself indoors or out when exposed to light, making it a great choice for those who don’t want to change out the battery too often. The stitched canvas strap is soft against your skin and will wick away moisture, while the mineral crystal face stands up to the rigors of your everyday life.
Water-resistant to 330 feet, this dive watch is a classic and simple design you’ll be proud of for years to come.
7. Invicta Pro Diver Chronograph Men’s Watch
Another gorgeous offering by Invicta, this watch features a bold design with a slightly nautical feel to it. It will look at home whether you’re wearing a business suit or are going for a dive of less than 660 feet. This piece is also covered by a one-year warranty as a matter of course. The luminosity feature and magnified date window make it a great choice if you work or play in low light.
If you want something that looks like a Tag Heuer but without the luxury watch brand price tag, this is a good option!
8. Casio Edifice Multi-Function Men’s Watch
This watch has three sub-dials for 12 hour, 60 minute and 60-second displays, in addition to the standard time. It also features a fold-over, push-down clasp on the stainless strap, keeping it secure throughout your activities. If you’re looking for a classy timepiece that shrieks sophistication, this is a great choice.
9. Fossil Machine Three Hand Stainless Steel Men’s Watch
This quality watch is a chameleon piece. It looks at home as a dress watch riding below the cuff of your best suit, and it also looks great paired with jeans and a t-shirt. Backed by Fossil’s 11-year warranty as a matter of course and beautifully crafted, this smoke-colored piece is guaranteed to become the go-to accessory for nearly every occasion.
10. MVMT Watches Black Face Men’s Watch
If you like the look of a simple watch, this minimalist offering from MVMT is right up your alley. With just a plain black face, tick marks to denote the hours and a single date window, there is nothing overdone or extravagant about this design. The is understated and suited to the simple design. It’s definitely a classy, low-key piece for the budget-conscious.
11. Timex Weekender Watch
If you’re looking for a fun watch to pair with casual outfits, this is a great option. The band is blue and yellow woven nylon, and the face features both civilian and military timekeeping. An Indiglo night light is also included. This watch is water-resistant to 99 feet, meaning it can withstand splashes of water or exposure to rain but you won’t want to submerge it.
12. PUMA Ultrasize Black Sport Men’s Watch
Boasting a 50mm diameter, this piece is perfect for the large-framed man or one who likes to wear his accessories oversized. A true fashion statement, this sports watch comes in eight different colors schemes to match your favorite hues.
Do be aware, however, that the dial knob is configure for left-handed men!
13. Timex Easy Reader Men’s Watch
Another dress watch designed with the older gentleman in mind, this watch features a white dial with generously sized numerals that do not appear comical to the casual observer.
It’s also an excellent choice if you take your contacts out at night and still want to be able to check the time. With classic lines and a simple white face, the watch would not be out of place at any casual gathering. It comes with Timex’s one-year warranty at no additional charge.
14. Fossil Nate Men’s Chronograph Watch
For men who like a more gritty, industrial feel to their accessories, this Fossil watch is right on point. The bezel is gear-edged and the face is utilitarian black and gray. Water-resistant to 165 feet, this watch is a great choice if you like your adornments to be understated yet add visual interest.
It’s definitely a stand-out piece, for those who would take notice!
15. Timex Expedition Field Chronograph Men’s Watch
Featuring an indigo night light, tachymeter, a date window and a buckle closure, this watch is perfect for men who like to work or play outdoors. It is also water-resistant to 330 feet, making it a great choice for snorkeling or swimming.
You won’t want to wear it for diving, however. With classic, black styling and a genuine crystal face, this is a timepiece that will stand the test of time in both form and function.
16. Seiko 5 Automatic Stainless Steel Men’s Watch
This Seiko automatic watch has all the bells and whistles you need, but presents it all in a plain and strikingly attractive manner. It features a date window in either English or Spanish, sword-shaped hands, a sweeping second hand and a mineral dial window. This is a great option for the man on the go. The canvas strap can be removed and hand-washed if sweat or other odors become an issue.
This watch is not water-resistant, so you’ll only want to wear it when you won’t be popping by the pool for a swim!
17. Invicta Pro Diver Collection Silver-Tone Men’s Watch
For those who prefer an all-metal timepiece, the stainless steel Invicta fits the bill nicely. It has a similar aesthetic to a Tag Heuer watch, but at a more affordable price. Equipped with a unilateral bezel and removable links, the band can be customized to fit your wrist perfectly. The face is flame fusion crystal and features a magnifier to highlight the date window.
It’s also water-resistant to 660 feet. If you’re looking for a gorgeous watch that stands up to an active lifestyle, this is an excellent choice.
18. Seiko Men’s Adventure-Solar Classic Casual Watch
This Seiko watch derives its power from either natural or indoor light and can withstand water depths of up to 330 feet. The supple brown leather strap and timeless brushed steel give this piece an attractive look, and the alarm chronograph is easy to set.
If you’re looking for a watch that can serve as a backup for your wake-up call while traveling, stand up to the elements and look awesome, this casual wrist watch is a winner.
19. Nautica Men’s Stainless Steel Watch with Blue Resin Band
Featuring a plethora of options and a smart, snappy style, this a great casual watch with a eye-catching blue dial. The hardy resin band is adjustable, and the face is protected by a mineral window. Whether for work or play, this bold blue design is handsome and substantial on the wrist. It comes with Nautica’s five-year warranty at no additional charge.
20. Citizen Sport Men’s Stainless Steel Watch with Black Leather Band
The black, red and white face of this piece eschews the traditional two-tone color scheme so often employed in other watches, and the contrasting stitching on the band adds creative flair. It comes backed by Citizen’s five-year warranty and will compliment any casual outfit.
21. Alessi Tic15 Analog Display Analog Quartz Black Men’s Watch
Another not-quite-round offering on our list, the curved square casing of this piece gives it instant visual appeal. Sleek and clean, this unfussy design will be a compliment to almost any occasion. It has quartz movement and is water-resistant to 99 feet, making it a great choice for everyday wear.
22. Invicta 1517 I Force Collection Watch
Another on our list designed for left-handed men, this watch is something special. Water-resistant to 330 feet and featuring oversize stenciled numbers and a sub dial, this watch is great for any casual outfit. The cloth band is extremely durable and stands up to dirt, sweat and grime.
If you lead an active lifestyle, this watch will be right at home in your collection.
23. TRIWA Blue Steel Nevil Canvas Watch
This watch comes in a whopping 14 color variations, all of them beautiful. You may decide to add more than one to your collection!
Designed in Sweden, this watch features Japanese quartz movement, a stainless steel casing and a strap made from Tärnsjö organic leather. TRIWA, which stands for Transforming the Industry of Watches, believes in the artistry of fine jewelry and it shows in their product.
24. Victorinox Swiss Army Alliance Watch
Another fine dress watch from the makers of the Swiss Army knife, this watch is emblazoned with the internally recognized cross and shield emblem. It has no sub-dials, tachymeter or other add-ons to detract from its simple and appealing style.
This watch will be at home with all but the most formal of outfits and carries a two-year warranty.
25. Ingersoll Automatic Stainless Steel Bull Run Watch
Again, Ingersoll remakes the classics and brings them into the present day. With a highly polished stainless steel casing, two sub-dials, a date aperture and arrow-shaped hands, this quartz watch is beautiful.
The band features contrasting stitching on the fine-grain leather, adding depth and detail to the workmanship. This watch will compliment any casual occasion and can be relied upon for years to come.
26. Tissot Quickster Chronograph Black Leather Men’s Watch
Made with scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and Swiss automatic movement, this watch is a smart and utilitarian choice. If you’re looking for a solid Swiss watch that isn’t flashy, this is an excellent option. It’s also guaranteed for two years.
27. Seiko Sport Solar Men’s Beige Watch
Are you getting tired of squinting down at your watch or holding it closer and closer to your face? Don’t worry, we all get a bit nearsighted with age, especially over the age of 40.
If you’re not quite ready for reading glasses or a comically huge watch, this is a great choice from Seiko. The numerals, indices and luminous hands stand out in stark white against a black background, and the numerals are generous in size. It’s a perfect casual watch for the older gentleman.
28. Seiko Men’s 5 Watch Blue Canvas Band
This simple and affordable watch has a clean, crisp aesthetic to it and doesn’t bog down its design with a ton of bells and whistles. It’s time and date, end of.
If you want a watch for casual wear, this Seiko is a shoo-in. The band is forgiving and comfortable against your wrist, and it’s blue color will likely compliment your existing wardrobe. The price is also extremely affordable.
29. Tommy Hilfiger Men’s Stainless Steel Watch With Brown Leather Band
Featuring the Hilfiger logo at the three o’clock position, this wrist watch is a statement piece. It is a bright, shiny stainless steel work of art that you’ll be proud to wear at all but the most stuffy of workplaces. The calfskin leather band uses a buckle closure and the date window is beside the logo at three o’clock.
If you’re a fan of Tommy clothing, cologne or luggage, you can complete your look with this stunning accessory.