Top 113 Cool Tattoos For Men [2020 Inspiration Guide]

Here’s a fact of life: there are tattoos, and then there are cool tattoos. To make sure your ink falls into the latter category, just adhere to the following lessons.

Tattoos have started to seep into mainstream society, and while this is a welcomed development, widespread acceptance also means that it takes more effort to have ink that stands out in a positive light.

This shouldn’t be a cause for alarm, but it is a reminder to showcase a little more discernment with your proclivities at the parlor.

Originality

The first key to a cool tattoo is originality. Cookie-cutter designs are getting more prevalent by the hour, so a unique piece will command extra respect. Although your ink doesn’t have to be groundbreaking, it is wise to emphasize unorthodox creations and avant-garde inclinations.

Detailed Designs

Another essential element for cool ink revolves around the importance of highly detailed designs. Ornate concepts will trump simple icons every single time.

Deep Meaning

Finally, a cool tattoo has to be more than a striking picture; instead, it must convey a deep meaning that can be suavely articulated and extrapolated in casual conversation. If this all sounds subjective, then you need to observe the objective difference on your own!

If you’re still wondering what really makes a tattoo cool, then you’re about to find out by scrolling ahead!

 

 Different Tattoo Designs for Different Reasons

Men will all have their own reason for choosing a particular tattoo design. They also all have their own reasons as to why they want to get tattooed in the first place. Some may be feeling the need to honor a loved one, while others are simply trying to find another way to express themselves and showcase their style and personality.

Then there are those who get tattooed because they feel as if it looks good on them. It is these men that tend to go for the cooler tattoo designs and often go much bigger.

Animal Based Tattoos

Some choose animal tattoos. Some examples of the more obvious animal tattoos include lions, tigers, and wolves. If you go this route, many feel that the bigger you go, the better. Eagle tattoos are another popular tattoo design choice. When this is chosen, people are often inspired by mythology, religion, or patriotism.

Fictional Characters

Portraits of fictional characters are another popular choice, and many consider this kind of tattoo cool in itself. From your favorite character in Game of Thrones to a childhood favorite, there is no shortage of inspiration you can pull from.

Masculine Tattoo Designs

For those who wish to go bold, then something more intimidating may be on the menu. Dragon and demon tattoos are just a couple of examples of going big and bold. Others opt for symbols from their favorite bands or go more cultural with a Japanese style inspired tattoo design.

The Traditional Tattoo

Finally, there is also a more traditional tattoo. This kind of tattoo may be smaller and may convey more meaning and be on a deeper level than some of the other choices we have discussed. For example, a small angel tattoo, anchor tattoos, arrow tattoo, and smaller geometric tattoos are good choices as well.

The options are nearly endless for a traditional tattoo. You can have an arm sleeve done if you want to go bigger, or you can keep the tattoo small and more intricate. Even a simple tattoo design that is more minimalistic is popular and stylish.

Tribal Tattoo

Tribal tattoos have ancient roots and have been tattooed on a person as a symbol of strength and power. They often have bold patterns with an interlocking design and are definitely an eye-catching choice.

Lettering Tattoo

When you choose to get a lettering tattoo, you have the choice of the different script styles. There are many ways you can design this tattoo that emphasizes what you want to say.

Star Tattoo

Star tattoos have become more and more popular for men over recent years and have been the inspiration for many different stylish and masculine tattoo options for men.

Angel Tattoo

Angels are symbolic and may hold a greater meaning for you, which would make an angel tattoo a cool design choice. It is also considered a religious symbol for many, as well.

Arrow Tattoo

If you want more of a simplistic design that is stylish and will look great anywhere you put it, then an arrow tattoo is something to consider. It is also a good choice if this is going to be your first tattoo.

Scorpion Tattoo

Many men who love getting tattoos have considered the power of a scorpion tattoo at some point. While everyone has their own reason for choosing it, a scorpion tattoo shows off your fighting spirit and is also a Zodiac sign that appeals to many.

Tattoo Placement

Once you have finally decided on which tattoo design to get, you then have to decide where to put it. Choosing the right placement can prove to be just as challenging as choosing your tattoo design.

Sleeve tattoos are a popular choice for men and allow them to express themselves through a colored tattoo, a tribal design, or even something with more of a Japanese style. Shoulder tattoos are also cool, and the round shape of your shoulder can provide the perfect canvas for an artistic design choice.

Chest tattoos give you more space to work with and is one of the more popular places to get inked. However, the wrong tattoo artist can be disastrous for any design on this area of the body, so choose wisely.

Want more choice? A forearm tattoo is perfect for a variety of tattoo designs and is a great place to display your work of art.

Ready for more tattoo ideas for men? See more cool tattoos for men that can help you narrow down your choices and offer you some inspiration for your next tattoo.