Top 121+ Cool Upper Arm Tattoo Ideas in 2021

In the world of ink enthusiasts, the pinnacle of aesthetic expertise is visible in the realm of cool upper arm tattoos.

For many enthusiasts, excellent body art usually starts (or continues) here, whether on the left, right, or across both of the limbs.

These snappy pieces of tricep and bicep tattoo conveys sophisticated tastes amidst designs featuring lettering tattoo, optical illusion 3D tattoo, complex patterns, cultural symbols, and extraordinary worked pieces of skilful technical art.

Richness of ideas work to bring a cool tattoo idea to life, vibrant colors are a plus, and some of the best varieties of upper arm tattoo maximize the subtle shading range between black and white.

The following collection of different cool arm tattoos feature an amazing array of pieces designed to accentuate the best concepts and skills of a talented tattoo artist.

1. Upper Arm Tattoo Design Ideas For Men

Upper arm tattoos are the premier choice for newcomers to ink or for those more experienced collectors looking to work on their first large scale piece of body art.

The best upper arm tattoos for men vary in color, size, and technical details but demonstrate commitment to top quality execution and versatility in design, whether it’s a skull tattoo, wolf tattoo, or abstract piece stretching to the elbow.

Any guy looking for a place to get the perfect style tattoo to suit their sensibilities should be looking to use this optimum location to get a bad ass design that can be incorporated into a sleeve, or chest and shoulder tattoo over time.

2. Black Ink Arm Tattoo Idea

Source: @hadam.collection via Instagram

Source: @joojoobean_tattoo via Instagram

Source: @rodmedina via Instagram

Source: @dono_tattooer via Instagram

Source: @josecarlos.tattoos via Instagram

Source: @ink_high_futoshi via Instagram

Black ink arm tattooing is a staple concept of the industry. Many of your favorite design styles and applications are based on the color black, whether they remain in black ink or expand to incorporate color and/or grayscale to finish a piece.

A visible tattoo in black on the right upper arm can be just as vivid as the wildest, most vibrant color tattoo on the shoulder blade, lower arm or even a chest tattoo.

Many enthusiasts start with black ink designs, but over time stick with (and further explore) the style as it allows for cost effective, yet high quality design styles that will stand up over decades.

3. Outer Forearm Tattoo

Source: @luxstartattoo via Instagram

Source: @tomasan.tattoo via Instagram

Source: @taniatattooo via Instagram

Source: @askewedmind via Instagram

Source: @jinjin_black__ via Instagram

Source: @cool.hand_.dan_ via Instagram

Outer forearm tattoos are a premier location for body art ideas and execution.

The outer forearms are often reserved for the best, brightest, and most symbolically significant designs tattoo collectors look to get inked.

They also offer easy opportunities to showcase or cover up the tattoo art as the opportunity arises.

4. Upper Arm Tattoos for Women

Source: @whitelodgetattoo via Instagram

Source: @hannahbtattoo via Instagram

Source: @stonehearttattoostudio via Instagram Source: @phillygtattoos(artist) via Instagram

Source: @lamarcabodyart via Instagram Source: @leocanosatattoo via Instagram

Source: @lariblutattoo via Instagram

Source: @becky_corfield_tattooist via Instagram

The upper arm continues to be the likeliest space for newcomers getting inked and a staple of women’s tattoo art.  

The increased visibility and creativity of contemporary women’s ink means upper arm ideas look different to those etched even a decade ago.

These tatts incorporate a wider range of design styles and application techniques to create awesome designs. 

5. Nordic Arm Tattoo Design

Nordic arm tattoos stretch beyond designs featuring bearded and helmeted warriors armed to the teeth and spoiling for a fight.

The seafaring Scandinavians travelled so widely that their diaspora has had a huge influence on tattoo traditions and themes over much of Europe.

Nordic folklore and mythology continues to be popular as a base for literature, film, and body art; from the tree Yggdrasil to the giant wolf Fenrir, and even the mighty Thor, Nordic tattoo resonates for many people.

6. Snake Arm Tattoos

Source: @real_lifetattoo via Instagram

Source: @zanca_tattooer via Instagram

Source: @ixchel.ink_ via Instagram

Source: @the_wizard_of_aus_ via Instagram

Source: @vitorlordestattoo via Instagram

Source: @annie.tattoos via Instagram

As most humans are hardwired to make a reaction when serpents are mentioned or seen, they make for intensely powerful tattoo designs.

In contemporary Western arm tattoos the snake symbolizes betrayal, mistrust and suspicion, and can demonstrate evil when combined with more positive themes to represent duality.

Older religions saw snakes as the symbol for fertility. Snakes are also well-known for their ability to shed their skin and begin anew, and they’ve been revered as creatures of rebirth and healing in other tattoo cultures like Japan.

Powerful symbolism combined with their physical characteristics help make snakes are popular arm tattoo option for collectors looking for a daring tattoo guaranteed to elicit reactions.

7. Geometric Upper Arm Tattoos

From clustered gemstones to wise geometric owls, nothing is off limits and everything is precious when it comes to geometric arm tattoos.

The biceps were made for showing off, and a well-toned canvas deserves a design that will catch the eye and hold one’s attention.

Perhaps you desire something simple yet dramatic, a darkly shadowed wolf depicted in well-constrained geometric shapes and series of raised lines and dots? Maybe even a compass, cleverly crafted with a hexagonal tool laid over a similarly honeycomb earth suits your style?

Just as there are no limits to what can be translated into the geometric language, rest assured there is no facet of your own character that cannot be immortalized in ink.

8. Unique Upper Arm Tattoos

The upper arm is a common area of the body for tattoo placement as it can be easily hidden but exposed when desired. Below are some design ideas to freshen up an often overused and overlooked idea.

For starters, a quarter sleeve tattoo covers mainly the side of the upper shoulder down to just about bicep level.

A sleeve of any length works well for deep detail and intricacy for complex personalization, but a quarter sleeve is especially appreciated by professionals for its ability to be hidden. If you want to go longer but less than a full sleeve, a half sleeve will give you the best of both worlds.

9. Simple Arm Tattoos

Simple arm tattoos are some of the best for emphasizing strength and fearlessness. A visible tattoo is prominent and moves with every action that you take. It is impossible not to notice, and it demonstrates a confident desire for self-expression.

Simplicity in tattoo illustrations can take many forms. Abstract motifs centered on the joints or entirely surrounding the arm work well. An interesting symbol, device or emblem on the bicep or forearm is also an arresting indicator of a dominant disposition.

Tattoos are probably the most individualistic medium of stylistic expression, and a small tattoo is among the most stylishly personal choices of all.

10. 3D Tattoo for the Arms

If you want your next tattoo to be forever burned into the memory all who view it, then stop paying for trite designs and start investing in an intricate and jaw-dropping 3D arm tattoo idea.

This fascinating type of tattoo blends fantasy and reality seamlessly to create a captivating design, whether it’s an avant garde Trash Polka piece, or realistic lion tattoo.

Even the most apathetic of art appreciators will be in awe of the sheer technical skill required of a tattoo artist to create one of these designs.

11. Back of Arm Tattoos

The arm‘s back creates a very smooth, vertical surface that the front of the arm lacks, leaving open the possibility of creating designs with strong geometric shapes and defined lines.

Visibility of tattoos here can also add to their allure. The upper arm‘s back can also be easily covered by a long sleeve shirt, making them a reasonable choice for wears in professional positions.

The back of the arm design may serve as the starting point for a grander ambition. Even if not fully realized, this first step can still stand alone, and they are at the lowest end of the tattoo pain spectrum.

12. Octopus Arm Tattoos

An octopus inked on the arm serves as a reminder of the monstrous, majestic, and totally freaking awesome power of nature.

There is something about these animals that simply cannot be duplicated by another creature in the world, reminding people that there is magic in the world and that there are giants in the deepest parts of the ocean.

A octopus tattoo will provide a glimpse of the majestic monster, whether floating along the ocean floor or entwined in a skull. It also symbolizes that you are big and able to take on the troubles of the world better than others.

13. Dragon Arm Tattoos

Dragons open up a world of mystical fascination where anything is possible.

Those who are hot blooded and passionate are instinctively drawn to these firebreathing creatures.

Intelligent and cunning, the Chinese dragon is a four legged reptile that best represents those who desire bold statements of color and patterns.

A symbol of authority and power, each unique dragon symbolizes the strength, character and dominance of the bearer.

14. Awesome Arm Tattoos

It’s no small coincidence that memorable artwork and elaborate sleeve designs are a preferred introduction among the inked. Everyone wants those, despite their high price tag and lengthy chair time requirement.

Exposed biomachinery, brilliantly colored Asian designs, and abstract tribal patterns are just a few of the options awaiting those inclined. Some may choose their favorite renderings of classical architecture and sculptures, from palatial pillars to Grecian goddesses.

The arms have long been the first choice of tattooed sailors and sea scoundrels, sporting nautical depictions of curvaceous mermaids, monstrous krakens, and rum soaked sailing symbolism.

15. Bicep Tattoos

Bicep tattoos are the most popular choice for first time tattoos amongst men and women. It can be something simple like a lettering tattoo or heart idea, extend with more realism like a wolf tattoo, or extend to a symbolic idea such as a dream catcher.

It’s the best spot for those wanting a medium to large piece, but have concerns with the possible tattoo pain you may experience while getting inked.

In general, the outer bicep is the least painful and simplest body part to get tattooed, and it’s also popular with those looking to get tattoos in stages, whether it’s a sleeve piece or series of unrelated tattoos connected by being part of the arm.

16. Polynesian Arm Tribal Tattoo

Polynesian arm tribal tattoos represent some of the most ancient arm decoration traditions in the world.

With its rich legacy, the piece has deep meaning no matter what body modification design you choose.

In the most traditional sense, Polynesian tattoos always relayed a significant story, whether battles won as a warrior or milestones made as a man. Relate your own story to for all to see with a little bit of ink inspiration below.

17. Jesus Arm Tattoos

In most spiritual traditions, Jesus represents the Messiah and a prolific prophet.

With a Christ themed arm tattoo piece, you can attain miraculous inspiration to guide you through your life’s journey and ultimate quest to achieve your goals.

Jesus arm tattoos offer a phenomenal opportunity to go above and beyond the ordinary. Men can customize this body art with powerful themes ranging from parables to Beatitudes.

Whether you see the Son of Man as carpenter or Shepherd-king, body art themes ranging from a crown of thorns to the cross look great on your biceps and arms.

18. Inner Arm Tattoos

Inner arm tattoos have always been popular, but their prevalence is taking on new force in the 21st century.

A lot of inner arm tattoos form an impressive band, while other variations use the location to maintain discrete personalization in certain environments.

In casual settings, ab extraordinary design can be unleashed with the proper attire.

19. Tribal Tattoo for the Arm

Tribal arm tattoos offer a singularly rugged display of masculinity in the modern age. The interwoven line work is seductively sharp and boldly defiant.

Nothing can prepare you for the sheer awesomeness of tribal arm tattoos. These flashy insignias are purposefully structured to exemplify a chiseled form. With jagged intricacies, they carve out a ravishing complexity that amplifies any man’s outer shell.

Tribal arm tattoos are an extension of aboriginal traditions that employed scarification as a ritual to access heightened states of manliness. Their timeless techniques have combined with our newfangled technology to derive exceptionally savvy concepts.

These intrepid pieces of body art instill tremendous depths of symmetrical bliss, especially on the shoulder blades, elbows and forearms. The idea can be extrapolated over time to manifest unbridled indomitability. The sharply contoured linear schemes can be pumped up with 21st century machinations like gears and circuitry.

20. Inner Bicep Tattoos

Nothing attracts positive attention to your physique faster than a well-positioned design on the inner arm. Because the area shifts a lot during rigorous activities, your selection has to be carefully attuned.

Fortunately, many guys take advantage of the movement by having tattoos that manipulate the motion to simulate action. In fact, bicep tattoos are singularly responsible for a new genre of interactive body art.

Another bona fide benefit of inner bicep tattoos is their ability to be easily concealed in professional environments. While other forms of skin art on the arms will be instantly revealed the moment you wear a short-sleeved shirt, these will only be shown to individuals of your choosing.