![Top 91 Patriotic Tattoo Ideas – [2021 Inspiration Guide]](https://nextluxury.com/wp-content/uploads/patriotic-tattoos-for-men.jpg)
Top 91 Patriotic Tattoo Ideas – [2021 Inspiration Guide]
Nationalistic pride has reached a striking zenith with the American grandeur of patriotic tattoos. There are endless layers of self-assured brilliance that can be found in these designs.
A patriotic tattoo speaks volumes about a man’s character and internal values. An unmatched essence of manly duty is encapsulated with these emblazoned beauties. There is a lot of potential that can be reached in the realm of patriotism, so let’s take a look.
For starters, there is no way to fall short with a flag-waving presentation. This logo is profoundly recognizable, and the statement will be undeniably clear. For a more specific type of patriotic tattoo, guys can display imagery from their preferred branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. Less common routes include presidential caricatures, and there are 44 commanders-in-chief to choose from. Candidates for the high office are also apt for inclusion.
The U.S. Constitution is another avenue for patriotic designs, and its text can be replicated for stellar outcomes. The articles and amendments contain a wide range of usable quotes, and the calligraphy can be beatifically re-created as well. The most respected line may very well be, “In God We Trust!”
Take time to salute your country with this stupendous conglomeration of patriotic ink!
1. Patriotic Tattoos Featuring the American Flag
Flags are a powerful symbol of a nation. Inking them on your body makes a true statement about who you are and what you hold dear. Whether you choose a small patriotic tattoo or a huge piece requiring hours of dedicated work, the message is the same – you love your country!
The American flag is rich in symbolism. Established in 1777, the stars represent the fifty states of the union, while the stripes connote the original thirteen American colonies. Color symbolism is at work in the flag as well. Red represents hardiness and valor, blue stands for justice, perseverance and vigilance, while white constitutes innocence and purity.
Patriotic tattoos which feature the American flag can be found in color as well as blackwork, big and small, realistic and abstract. Represent the flag in the way which feels most true to yourself, but keep in mind the rules of respect. A fabric flag, for instance, must be cared for in a certain way, never flown in darkness unless illuminated, and cannot be flown under another flag unless it’s for religious purposes. There are many more specific flag display rules – research them for yourself to create a truly respectful tattoo!
Before choosing an artist for your flag tattoo, check out their work. Color, color shading and various types of blackwork – especially linework – come into play when inking a realistic American flag.
2. Eagle Patriotic Tattoos
One of the most recognizable and fierce symbols of the USA, a bald eagle has been the country’s official bird since 1782. With its sharp talons, seven-foot wingspan and piercing yellow eyes, it’s visually stunning, and certainly a force to be reckoned with. In our minds, this makes it an ideal tattoo subject, whether alone or as part of an American collage piece.
Bald eagles are not exactly rare birds. They’re listed as a species of “least concern,” indicating that their numbers in the wild are rising. They’ve been a protected species for many years, due to hunting and pesticide poisoning. Thankfully, conservation efforts have brought their numbers back into a safe range.
Eagles – like any birds – are brilliant tattoo subjects. When inked with skill, feathers can appear so lifelike as to nearly leap off the skin. If possible, choose an artist with skill in this area, as it can be tricky and detract from the overall tattoo if done improperly. Proportion and placement are also important in achieving the most realistic eagle possible.
3. Patriotic Tattoos in Black & Gray
While the official colors of the USA are red, white and blue, one glance at our gallery will show you just how visually extraordinary a blackwork patriotic tattoo can be. The country is rife with symbolism, and it doesn’t all depend on colors. Even a flag – the number one red, white and blue symbol – can be inked using blackwork techniques with truly remarkable results. It all depends on the versatility of your design and the skill of your tattoo artist.
A flag done in blackwork is a bold choice, and demands that other aspects are boldly rendered to make up for the lack of color. The last thing you want is for people to look at your tattoo and have to ask what it is – you want them to know at first glance that it’s the American flag! Luckily, thanks to distinctive stars and stripes, this is a fairly easy task.
4. Patriotic Tattoos on the Back
While there’s no wrong place for patriotic tattoos, there’s something highly symbolic about a back piece. Something at your back guides and protects you. The phrases “I’ve got your back,” or “Got your six” exist for a reason – we have to have ultimate trust in whatever is directly behind us. Depending on the situation, this could mean life or death. What better place to honor the country and patriotic ideals that have guided your life?
Back tattoos give you a great deal of canvas with which to work. You might stick with a smaller design, incorporate a patriotic piece into existing work or go full-bore and cover your back with an homage to the place you call home. Regardless of how you go about it, your patriotic back piece is sure to turn heads. It may even garner a few salutes!
If you’re on the thinner side or your back tattoo is going to extend down over your ribs, remember that tattoos cause the most pain when inked on skin which is close to the bone. It’s definitely worth it in the end, just be aware, and let your tattoo artist know if you have a low pain tolerance.
5. Military Patriotic Tattoos
While everybody is free to get a patriotic tattoo, they often hold more significance for those who have served in the US armed forces. In fact, many current and ex-military feel that they have a duty to commemorate their service on their skin. If you’re getting a military tattoo, first off, thank you for your service. Next, let’s dive into all the options!
Your particular branch of service will, at least to a point, determine the basis of your tattoo. The six branches of the US military are the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy and – relatively new and uncommon – the US Space Force. There are specializations within each branch, perhaps most familiarly the Navy Seals. You may wish to incorporate your specialization, rank or other details into your tattoo. Each branch also has on-call personnel, called the Reserve or Guard. These members typically work civilian jobs, but train regularly throughout the year and can be called to active duty if required.
Some choose patriotic tattoos not to commemorate their own service, but to honor that of another. If this is the purpose behind your tattoo, try to fit the ink to the person. Did they have a specialty? Were they in a particular battle? Do you have their dog tags? Details like this can take personalization to a whole new level, truly honoring a fallen or former US service member.
6. Uncle Sam & Lady Liberty Patriotic Tattoos
While not as common as bald eagles or the flag, tattoos featuring these iconic US symbols can be creative, culturally relevant and visually impressive. The Statue of Liberty, often called Lady Liberty, stands on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. Given to the United States as a gift from France in 1886, she has served as a symbol of freedom and peace for well over one hundred and thirty years. Visitors can climb a dizzying set of stairs all the way up into her crown.
In past eras, the Statue of Liberty was often the first thing immigrants saw of this country, standing near the famous passage point of Ellis Island. Even though Ellis has been closed for many years, Lady Liberty remains a powerful image of the nation as a welcoming entity.
Uncle Sam has decidedly different connotations. Usually depicted wearing a white top hat with a blue starred band, this US figure has been recruiting young men and women into military service for years. The nickname of Uncle Sam for the government dates back to 1813 and a running joke among servicemen which transformed the “US” stamped on barrels of rations from “United States” to “Uncle Sam” as a reference to a meat-packer named Samuel Wilson. The name stuck, and political cartoons drew Sam in various ways throughout the following years. The image we’re most familiar with today came about during World War One. James Montgomery Flagg created the iconic Sam – top hat, blue jacket, finger pointing straight at you – for WWI recruitment posters.
As with any human depictions, choose a tattoo artist skilled in facial expressions, proportions and poses. These details can take your Sam or Liberty from so-so to spectacular!
Are you looking for more amazing patriotic tattoos? Click on the links below for more inspirational ink galleries:
The Best 20 Leather Jackets for Men in 2021
With the winter months (hopefully) dwindling down, it’s time to start planning ahead to a time where we can wear thinner jackets and fewer layers. While it may be tempting to quickly shed your parka and grab for whatever piece of outerwear is nearby, don’t reach for last year’s wardrobe item just yet. Isn’t it time you try something new, like, say, a leather jacket?
Though it may seem all leather jackets are similar, there are actually many different designs and styles that work for different body types and tastes. In this article, we will take a look at the hottest leather jacket trends that have hit the market this season.
Best Buy
1. Ionic Black Leather Jacket
Ionic Black Leather Jacket from The Jacket Maker is an excellent choice for any guy looking for a slim and sleek jacket in a classic black finish.
It’s made with incredibly tough, yet soft, sheepskin leather, making it a great choice for guys that aren’t used to wearing leather jackets.
One of the best things about the Ionic is its streamlined look. While it offers four outside pockets, the zippers are subtle, so they don’t detract from the sleek look. This design gives it a more streamlined look than most leather jackets, without taking away from any of the authenticity.
2. Saint Laurent Leather Biker Jacket
There is a reason why leather jackets and bikers are usually associated with one another. Historically, many motorcycle riders have seen a leather jacket as a stylish way to protect themselves, not only from the elements but also from the possibility of a crash. While this may seem hard to believe – it’s not like leather comes with a large amount of padding, after all – leather has actually been shown to offer more protection than your average vinyl jacket or equivalent.
Maybe you’re not hopping on a motorcycle anytime soon, but you can still treat yourself to this biker-inspired Saint Laurent leather jacket. With a price tag surpassing $5,000, it’s certainly our premium pick on this list, but if you’re looking for the leather jacket of a lifetime, you have it right here. This pick is sure to come with the “for life” quality Saint Laurent is particularly known for.
3. Reiss Keith Leather Cafe Racer Jacket
Reiss is a British fashion retailer that’s been around since the 1970s. For the first 30 years of its brand history, it focused solely on men’s fashion before eventually expanding to carry items for women as well. However, the fact high-quality items for men are at the heart of this brand is very apparent through their simple wardrobe staples such as the Keith leather cafe racer jacket.
This Reiss jacket comes at a considerably lower price point than its counterparts, which makes it a pick that packs a lot of value. It’s made from super-soft leather and features a full lining. It’s the perfect choice for anybody who prefers a slim-fit jacket.
4. Dean Brown Leather Biker Jacket
Let’s be honest… A traditional racing-style biker jacket is about as cool as it gets. With the high band-style collar and heavy-duty zippers on the front of The Jacket Maker’s Dean Brown Leather Biker Jacket, you’re sure to get that badass look.
The Dean is made with 100% real cowhide leather, so it might be a little stiff at first, but it will break in and patina like none other. The Dean features three zippered pockets on the front as well as zippered cuffs, providing that authentic racing jacket-look without killing your bank account.
5. Ksubi Capital Leather Jacket
The Capital Leather Jacket from Ksubi comes in 100% authentic leather and is designed to have a biker fit. It’s heavy-duty with a protective interior quilted lining. It also features retro details such as antique zippers.
Kusbi is an Australian fashion label that’s existed since the 1990s. While the brand was originally focused on high-end denim, they’ve expanded their offerings over time to include other textiles such as leather. Items from Ksubi’s collections have been shown at such high-profile events as New York Fashion Week and London Fashion Week, and the company operates a flagship store in New York’s SOHO neighborhood.
6. Charcoal Navy Blue Suede Biker Jacket
Leather jackets don’t only come in black and brown. If you want something less traditional, check out this navy-blue suede jacket from The Jacket Maker.
The outer shell is made from real goatskin suede leather, and there’s a quilted polyester lining inside for added warmth. Suede has a softer feel and look than other leather types, and is ideal if you’re going for a more boho look.
This jacket boasts a total of four pockets—two inside and two outside.
7. Acne Studios Off-Centred Zipper Biker Jacket
Swedish fashion powerhouse Acne Studios is well-known for their basic wardrobe pieces, so it makes sense that they would have the classic leather jacket look on lock. We love the way this off-centered jacket packs a punch of personality with its multiple buckles and zippers, but we love even more the way that it does not compromise softness or comfort at the expense of appearance.
This jacket comes with a high-end price tag, but it has the high-end materials to match. It is made of 100% genuine lambskin and comes with an interior lining of 100% viscose. Its unique off-center zip takes its inspiration from street style.
8. Lavendard Brown Leather Biker Jacket
The Jacket Maker has something for everyone, including guys that are a bit intimidated by purchasing their first leather jacket. Not only is the Lavendard incredibly affordable, but it also has a really approachable look despite its biker moniker. With open hem cuffs and a tailored fit, it looks great with badass-inspired outfits as well as everyday wear.
The Lavendard is made of real cowhide, which means it will take on a great patina over time. But it might be a bit stiff when you first get it. The more you wear it, the faster it’ll form to your body, break-in, and soften up. The fact that it goes with so many outfits will help speed up that process.
9. Saturdays NYC Leather Harrington Jacket
If you’re unfamiliar with the brand Saturdays NYC, prepare to fall in love. As a laidback lifestyle brand, Saturdays NYC infuses its love for all things surfer culture in all of its fashion offerings. While primarily known for their loungewear, such as sweats and pullover sweaters, they also happen to make one of the best leather jackets on the market right now.
The leather Harrington jacket features a smooth design and has deep pockets for your convenience. It is made of 100% lambskin leather and features a lining made of polyester. Staying true to its brand’s carefree nature, this jacket features a more relaxed fit than many classic leather jackets.
10. Allaric Alley Mocha Leather Biker Jacket
The most distinctive thing about this biker jacket is the integrated waist belt, which helps create an edgy look. This mocha-colored jacket uses real cowhide leather on the outer shell, with a quilted viscose lining inside.
With two pockets inside and three outside, there’s no shortage of places to keep your wallet and keys.
11. Berluti Piped Venezia Leather Jacket
Unlike the other options we’ve included so far, Berluti is known less for being a fashion brand and more for being a leather maker. Since its inception in the late 19th century, the Paris-based manufacturer has been producing fine leather clothing items and accessories, from belts to bags to jackets.
Berluti’s piped Venezia leather jacket is the apex of luxury leather fashion. Made from a distinctive brown shade, this jacket line has been around since the 1980s – and it’s a style that certainly stands the test of time.
This jacket is made from 100% authentic patinated calfskin leather and features shoulder patches and a buttoned collar. For optimal breathability, the jacket even features ventilation eyelets.
12. Kingsman Burnished Leather Jacket
Kingsman is a line of high-quality clothing pieces that exists as a collaboration between Mr. Matthew Vaughn, director of the film The King’s Man, and international online fashion retailer MR PORTER. The line features items that are inspired by classic military style and timeless sensibilities.
The burnished leather jacket from the Kingsman line is unique for its length as well as its appearance. It draws direct inspiration from an aviator jacket worn on-screen in The King’s Man, a period piece that takes place in the 1940s. The jacket is made out of sturdy cow leather and buttons made of buffalo horns. It also features two linings – one made of cotton, and one made of viscose.
13. Francis B-3 Black & White Leather Bomber Jacket
There’s only one way to improve upon a traditional bomber: Add shearling fabric. If you’re going for a more flamboyant look, this black and white bomber jacket is sure to make an impact. It combines real leather on the outside with a faux fur lining.
The white faux fur lining accentuates the black leather, making this jacket stand out from the crowd. It will keep you warm as well!
The dual front pouch pockets are great for a phone and a pair of gloves, so if you’re wearing it on a motorcycle, you’ll have the storage you need.
14. AllSaints Milo Leather Biker Jacket
AllSaints is a British fashion brand from the United Kingdom. Since its founding in the 1990s, it has grown to an international presence that consists of more than 200 retail stores across Europe, North America, and Asia. The brand is mostly focused on fashion for women and men, though it also sells footwear and other accessories. It has primarily seen its popularity grow thanks to its popularity among a celebrity clientele.
AllSaints makes a number of leather jackets, but the Milo biker jacket is definitely one to write home about. This is a jacket that brings out the very best of two very different worlds – including a soft composition and sharp edges – since it is made of tender lamb leather and decorated to the nines with perfectly-placed zippers and buckles. It also has a distinctive slim fit.
15. Golden Bear Sherpa Jacket
San Francisco brand Golden Bear may have its roots in ship workers in the San Francisco Bay since the 1920s, but it’s evolved today to combine both utilitarianism and high-end style. Although not as recognized outside of its native northern California, to know the stylish jackets of Golden Bear is to love them.
The sherpa jacket, in particular, is exquisite. Like any Golden Bear clothing piece, it’s designed to be worn for life, and fortunately, it comes with a style that will be sure to stay in fashion for decades to come, with brown distressed leather and a notable shearling collar that can be detached.
16. Sven Mocha Suede Bomber Jacket
Here’s another suede leather jacket, this time in a subtle mocha finish. This jacket is made using real goatskin leather and has a total of six pockets (two inside and four outside).
This jacket looks best with a tight fit, which can be achieved perfectly using The Jacket Maker’s custom fitting service.
17. Tom Ford Zip-up Leather Jacket
Tom Ford is well-known for their high-end scents and formal clothing, but they have a strong foot in the casual jacket sphere as well. Not that this zip-up leather jacket is something you would wear to a casual house party. Its sleek edges and formal design make it more than suitable for a fancy professional event or night out on the town.
True to its brand’s roots, no attention to detail was spared in the creation of this particular wardrobe piece. Its straightforward design features 100% authentic leather and a cotton and polyamide lining. It is truly meant to last for life. Made in Italy, this jacket has shallow pockets in the front and a zipper down the center.
18. Schott Vintaged Fitted Cowhide Leather Motorcycle Jacket
Schott is an iconic name in leather jacket world, thanks in part to Marlon Brando, who wore a Schott jacket in The Wild Ones.
This jacket is pricey, but has a classic design and is built to last decades. It’s made from a lighter weight cowhide, which makes it breathable, so it’s perfect for wearing in warmer months.
As you’d expect from this brand, the Schott Vintaged jacket is made in the USA.
19. Bomia Ma-1 Black Leather Bomber Jacket
This classic black leather jacket has a timeless look that will never go out of fashion. It’s made from genuine leather on the outside with a polyester lining inside.
This motorcycle jacket has a rib knit collar and cuffs and a zipped pocket on the left sleeve.
The leather feels soft yet tough—you can tell this jacket is the real deal!
20. Roland Sands Ronin Leather Jacket
This sleek, minimalistic jacket is a real moto jacket trusted by serious bikers. It also looks incredibly cool, with a distressed, vintage feel and a truly American feel.
This jacket can be supplemented with RSD x Forcefield armor to give you extra protection while riding.
Leather Jacket FAQs
While there are many different unique leather jacket configurations out there, there are four classic syles you should be most aware of. In no particular order, they are the leather bomber jacket (also called aviator jacket), the leather racer jacket (sometimes called moto), the trenchcoat, and the fencer. While bomber jackets and racer jackets tend to be more relaxed, the trenchcoat and the fencer are more dramatic.
If you care for your leather jacket correctly you should have a wardrobe piece that’ll last you a lifetime. Most leather jackets cannot be washed at home and must only be handled professionally. The first step to taking proper care of your jacket is to adhere to this rule.
You should also keep your leather jacket dry as often as possible and keep it away from extreme heat or cold air. If you are not going to be wearing your leather jacket for a period of time, such as during a warm season, then you’ll want to be sure that you are hanging it up correctly – this means out of direct sunlight and in a properly-ventilated area.
Determining how much to pay for a leather jacket is a very personal matter. For an authentic leather jacket, you will probably be paying, at a baseline, $500. However, this price can easily skyrocket from here, depending on the jacket’s materials and manufacturing process.
Some leather jackets can cost as much as $10,000! There is no right or wrong number – it’s instead about the brands you like and the style that you envision for yourself.
