200 Best Shoulder Tattoos For Men

A dragon shoulder tattoo is an edgy and dramatic piece that looks dynamic and bold on the skin. This mythical creature is said to represent wisdom and prosperity, but it can also symbolize a strong sense of self or a balanced spirit. Japanese-style pieces look attractive curving over the shoulder with a dragon’s tail stretching down to the crook of the elbow. If you want a more subtle piece, a small and minimalist dragon across the traps can look charming. To dial up the drama, throw in pops of strong red ink or dripping fangs for a masculine edge.

Shoulder Tattoos For Men

shoulder-tattoo-41

Another tribal design, but this time very gentle and light because of less ink. And not everyone need a big heavy black ink on their body, especially if your body is already strong. This tattoo fits perfectly on the big shoulder as it feels like the lines are dancing around the skin.

Eagle Tattoo

The hawk is a powerful animal that represents determination, clear goals and strong mind. This beautiful tattoo is placed on the shoulder but continues to the chest where it spreads the wings. Also a great effect even if you’re facing the person directly en face.

shoulder-tattoo-43

A slightly different version of a hawk, but very beautiful. In this case there are more colors used and the placement is completely different. With its face facing forward, this can symbolises the straightforwardness of the owner or even honesty and openness.

shoulder-tattoo-44

If you are looking for a combination of maori style and geometrical spirals, but with less amount of ink, this one is your winner. Despite a big surface it covers, it has slightly modest design but not being dull at all. The spirals add dynamics.

shoulder-tattoo-45

Tattos can mean many things, to many people. What is the story behind the shocking second skin revelation depends on the owner. Many times it may carry a deeper meaning like a rebirth, or new chapter in life.

shoulder-tattoo-46

If you’re going for charisma and power, you should consider this shoulder tattoo. It can not fail to impress or leave anyone speechless. The strong black patches and patterns are full of mystery and tribal history of a far away island peoples.

shoulder-tattoo-47

If you can not decide just for one motive, no problem, get them all. Maybe the beauty is in chaos. Maybe you don’t want to commit only to one style. Your life is full of stories and small details are what make you unique.

shoulder-tattoo-48

Are you inspired by the great bravery of medieval knights? Do you consider yourself a noble man, worthy of respect and serving others? You might put on an ink armour like this to show your designation.

shoulder-tattoo-49

This is a sharp design but at the same time it also contains very organic shapes which remind us of bones, sea creatures or even saws. Anything is possible with this tattoo. Maybe that is why it is kind of mesmerizing.

shoulder-tattoo-50

For anyone fond of spirals, this is a very suitable tattoo of choice. It is very dynamic but yet it doesn’t lose the concept and it feels so lively. It is prefect for anyone who maybe already has a nipple piercing as a combination.

What is a tattoo?

A tattoo is an ink design added into the skin, generally with the help of a needle. This procedure has prehistoric roots, it has been used by people for thousands of years, in various forms. Examples can be seen in the majority of human cultures, and despite some societal stigma, tattoos are getting to be ubiquitous in the West, with an estimated 25 percent of American people are wearing at least one by the end of the twentieth century.

How to get a tattoo?

You can be tattooed basically on any part of your body. If you decided to get your first tattoo, please browse our site where you can find shoulder tattoos, forearm tattoos, neck tattoos, sleeve tattoos, tribal tattoos for men.

IMPORTANT ! A tattoo is a permanent change to your appearance and can only be removed by surgical means or laser treatment, which can be disfiguring, costly and/or painful. Tattoo removal will likely damage your skin and alter its exact appearance before the procedure.

Say yes for a tattoo

Guys are making decisions to add tattoos to their body for various reasons: mainly to identify themselves with a social or religious group, to gift their bodies with protective symbols, or just because of pure art. Most tattoo artists are themselves greatly tattooed as well. True story. 🙂 Browse the latest tattoo ideas for men here.

lower Tattoos for Men

200 Best Shoulder Tattoos For Men

Cool Shoulder Tattoo Ideas For Men

  • Chris Dek
  • March 23, 2023

The shoulder tattoo is a popular and stylish choice for guys who want ink that looks awesome and can be hidden. When looking for badass artwork, shoulder tattoos for men are often masculine pieces that feature powerful imagery to create a meaningful design. Most shoulder designs represent strength, courage and dominance for a distinctly manly vibe.

If you want unique ink, these cool shoulder tattoo ideas will inspire you with beautiful artwork that can be customized to suit your needs. Whether you want a small and simple or intricate and nuanced design, choosing a tattoo on the shoulder can be a bold and rebellious statement with endless options. For a next-level look, talk to your artist about connecting the artwork from your shoulder to your chest or back to achieve a rugged and amazing finish.

To spark your creativity, here are the best shoulder tattoos that will look sharp, fresh and sexy on men.

Shoulder Tattoos For Men

Shoulder Tattoo Ideas

Chest Shoulder Tattoo

A chest shoulder tattoo is a trendy and badass look for guys who want cool artwork that instantly commands attention. These designs typically stretch from the upper deltoid to the front of the chest and the traps, making it a bold and daring choice for bold linework and heavy shading. The most popular chest and shoulder stylings feature tribal artwork and fearsome predators like lions and eagles. If you want to take advantage of the large surface area on the chest, choose creatures like phoenixes or dragons with impressive wingspans. As your piece will be highly visible when you’re shirtless, you should work closely with an artist to achieve detailed and quality artwork.

READ  Front of House and Abuse

Cool Chest Shoulder Tattoo Ideas

Cool Chest Shoulder Tattoo Designs For Men

Chest Shoulder Tattoo For Men

Badass Chest Shoulder Tattoo

Stylish Chest Shoulder Tattoo

Masculine Chest Shoulder Tattoo For Men

Cool Shoulder Chest Tattoo Ideas

Creative Chest Shoulder Tattoo

Back Shoulder Tattoo

A back shoulder tattoo is a cool choice for modern men who want to take advantage of the natural curves of the shoulder, rear delts and upper back to create a striking and eye-catching piece. The most popular back shoulder designs are sprawling masterpieces with powerful and meaningful artwork. This stylish placement can work well with a sleeve tattoo, but you can also create a standalone design inspired by your family or religion for a sharp and meaningful result. The real estate in this area is also ideal for realistic angel wings, enormous tribal artwork or narrative designs that tell a complex story on the skin.

Back Shoulder Tattoo Ideas For Guys

Back Shoulder Tattoo Ideas For Men

Creative Back Shoulder Tattoo

Front Shoulder Tattoo

A front shoulder tattoo is a unique and trendy idea for guys who want smaller artwork that can be easily concealed. While this placement might create a more understated look, a front shoulder design that extends to the chest and arm can be the foundation for a badass piece. You can express yourself with a deeply personal quote under the collarbone and across the traps or choose simple initials or coordinates that reflect an important moment. If you enjoy photorealistic pieces, the detailed dial of a clock, a single skull or an intricate mandala can look attractive in this area. Before getting inked, it’s worth knowing that artwork on the front shoulder will hurt slightly more than in surrounding areas since there is less muscle and thick skin to cushion the needle.

Front Shoulder Tattoo Ideas

Unique Front Shoulder Tattoo

Cool Front Shoulder Tattoo

Stylish Front Shoulder Tattoo For Men

Stylish Front Shoulder Tattoo

Awesome Front Shoulder Tattoo Designs

Classic Front Shoulder Tattoo

Front Shoulder Tattoo Ideas For Guys

Shoulder Sleeve Tattoo

A shoulder sleeve tattoo is a cool and fashionable style for men who want to make a bold statement with their ink. The best shoulder sleeves are connected images with a common theme that seamlessly blend down the arm for a cohesive and daring look. Photorealistic pieces look striking as full sleeves that stretch down to the wrist. If you want a smaller piece, a masculine half sleeve that incorporates chainmail, biomechanical imagery or nautical themes will always be a stylish choice. For a creative nod to your roots, ask your artist to design an irresistible tribal or Celtic sleeve that incorporates deities or traditional knots.

Shoulder Sleeve Tattoo

Cool Shoulder Sleeve Tattoo Ideas

Badass Shoulder Sleeve Tattoo

Awesome Shoulder Sleeve Tattoo

Shoulder Sleeve Tattoo Designs

Cool Shoulder Sleeve Tattoo Designs For Guys

Upper Shoulder Tattoo

An upper shoulder tattoo is a versatile and refreshing option for men who want to showcase broad shoulders and muscular traps. The natural curve of the upper shoulder makes it an excellent placement for slim and horizontal pieces. You can keep your design simple with a meaningful quote or choose a slightly larger piece that incorporates fierce animals and florals that snake down to the shoulder blade. If you want to avoid hiding any hard work in the gym, choose outlined artwork with minimal shading that will draw attention to muscular shoulders.

Cool Upper Shoulder Tattoo Ideas

Awesome Upper Shoulder Tattoo Ideas For Men

Amazing Upper Shoulder Tattoo Designs For Guys

Upper Shoulder Tattoo Designs

Awesome Upper Shoulder Tattoo Designs For Men

Awesome Upper Shoulder Tattoo

Cool Upper Shoulder Tattoo

Badass Shoulder Tattoo

A badass shoulder tattoo lets guys highlight their daring side with an intimidating and edgy piece. A badass design usually incorporates fearsome imagery, but it can be thought-provoking and subtle if you prefer simpler artwork. Embrace your inner daredevil with a collage of skulls and daggers or make a statement with an Americana sleeve that features bold lines and striking pops of color. If you are willing to spend more time in the chair, a bright phoenix stretching across the shoulder blade, bicep and chest will turn heads.

Stylish Badass Shoulder Tattoo Designs

Badass Shoulder Tattoo For Guys

Badass Shoulder Tattoo Ideas For Guys

Badass Shoulder Tattoo Ideas

Badass Shoulder Tattoo

Badass Shoulder Tattoo Designs For Guys

Badass Shoulder Tattoo Designs For Men

Badass Shoulder Tattoo Designs

Amazing Shoulder Tattoo Designs For Men

Shoulder Arm Tattoo

A shoulder arm tattoo is an effortlessly sexy look that can accommodate the coolest designs for a manly finish. The most common shoulder arm designs are often rugged pieces that symbolize strength, power, family, leadership and independence. Whether you want a warrior, lion, wolf or a collage, these tattoos can be visible or hidden to suit your needs. If you want to take things further, an enormous full sleeve that incorporates the entire arm can be an exceptional way to showcase your creative side.

Cool Shoulder Arm Tattoo Ideas For Men

Shoulder Arm Tattoo Designs For Guys

Geometric Shoulder Arm Tattoo

Cool Upper Shoulder Arm Tattoo

Armor Upper Shoulder Tattoo Designs

Top Shoulder Tattoo

A top shoulder tattoo looks awesome with striking artwork and bold colors that draw attention to strong traps and a wide back. If you have a mixed heritage, inking a simple and meaningful quote in your mother tongue can look incredible along the top of the shoulder. For something artistic and packed with detail, experiment with fluttering doves to symbolize inner peace or an edgy snake that slithers up toward the top of the ear. The result should be a unique and irresistible piece that looks extremely eye-catching.

Top Shoulder Tattoo

Stylish Top Shoulder Tattoo

Cool Top Shoulder Tattoo

Top Shoulder Tattoo Designs For Men

Top Shoulder Tattoo Designs

Badass Top Shoulder Tattoo Ideas

Shoulder Neck Tattoo

A neck shoulder tattoo can be a cool look for men who want an edgy design that can be shown off. As a bold statement, shoulder neck designs generally involve stunning artwork that looks badass and rebellious. You can take advantage of the irresistible curve of the neck by getting a fearsome dragon or detailed Yakuza artwork that incorporates the side and back of the shoulder. If you want to embrace your feminine side, a shaded collage of blooms that feature bold pops of red and green ink can look extremely effective peeking out beneath a shirt collar.

Badass Shoulder Neck Tattoo

Awesome Shoulder Neck Tattoo Designs

Badass Shoulder Neck Tattoo Ideas For Guys

Unique Shoulder Neck Tattoo Ideas

Shoulder Neck Tattoo Ideas

Cool Shoulder Neck Tattoo Ideas For Men

Dragon Shoulder Tattoo

A dragon shoulder tattoo is an edgy and dramatic piece that looks dynamic and bold on the skin. This mythical creature is said to represent wisdom and prosperity, but it can also symbolize a strong sense of self or a balanced spirit. Japanese-style pieces look attractive curving over the shoulder with a dragon’s tail stretching down to the crook of the elbow. If you want a more subtle piece, a small and minimalist dragon across the traps can look charming. To dial up the drama, throw in pops of strong red ink or dripping fangs for a masculine edge.

Beautiful Dragon Shoulder Tattoo

Dragon Shoulder Tattoo Designs

Dragon Shoulder Tattoo Ideas For Guys

Stylish Dragon Shoulder Tattoo Designs For Men

Awesome Dragon Shoulder Tattoo Ideas

Cool Dragon Shoulder Tattoo Ideas For Men

Meaningful Shoulder Tattoo

A meaningful tattoo is a creative and personal way to represent your philosophy or the special people in your life. Complex ink that incorporates photorealistic portraits can look flattering, but you may want to strip back your design to keep the meaning personal. Abstract images of stars on the delts can represent guiding lights or guardian angels, while religious imagery and quotes can symbolize an unwavering commitment to your faith. Whatever artwork you choose, work closely with your artist to create an attractive and stylish design that sets your soul alight.

Meaningful Shoulder Tattoo For Men

Meaningful Shoulder Sleeve Tattoo Ideas

Meaningful Shoulder Sleeve Tattoo Ideas For Guys

Meaningful Upper Shoulder Tattoo Designs

Cool Meaningful Shoulder Tattoo

Meaningful Shoulder Tattoo Designs For Guys

Meaningful Shoulder Tattoo Ideas For Guys

Meaningful Shoulder Tattoo Ideas For Men

Meaningful Shoulder Tattoo Designs For Men

Meaningful Shoulder Tattoo Designs

Cool Meaningful Shoulder Tattoo Ideas

Meaningful Religious Christian Shoulder Tattoo

Cool Shoulder Tattoo

A cool shoulder tattoo lets you embrace your unique personality with a chic and refreshing design. The shoulder placement naturally blends well into a full or half sleeve. This allows guys to experiment with bold chainmail, biomechanical cogs and screws or enormous faces or predators that instantly draw the eye. Focus your ink on the shoulder blade if you need a flatter surface or highlight impressive muscularity with a detailed design on the outer shoulder. Whether you want to celebrate your roots with a trendy tribal piece or showcase your passions in life, the coolest shoulder designs will take your look to the next level.

Cool Shoulder Tattoo Designs

Cool Shoulder Tattoo Ideas

Awesome Shoulder Tattoo Designs

Cool Shoulder Tattoo Designs For Men

Amazing Shoulder Tattoo Designs

Coolest Shoulder Tattoo Ideas For Men

Cool Shoulder Tattoo Ideas For Guys

Awesome Shoulder Tattoo Designs For Men

Small Shoulder Tattoo

A small shoulder tattoo is a modern and minimalist choice for men who prefer simple artwork. You can place your ink anywhere around the shoulder to suit your style, making it an excellent option for guys who want discreet and clean-cut ink. Geometric pieces with striking symmetry are always reliable picks, but single words or initials can make a large impact without taking up much space on the skin. For guys who appreciate bold linework and color, an American traditional design can look exceptional on the lateral or rear delt.

READ  Unpopular Opinion- Gauge Measurements

Small Shoulder Tattoo Ideas For Men

Cool Small Shoulder Tattoo

Simple Small Shoulder Tattoo Designs For Men

Small Shoulder Tattoo Ideas

Small Shoulder Tattoo Designs For Men

Small Shoulder Tattoo Designs For Guys

Awesome Small Shoulder Tattoo Designs

Simple Shoulder Tattoo

A simple shoulder tattoo is a fresh design that uses understated linework and minimal shading to create a clean and sharp piece. Your ideas can be abstract or deeply meaningful, but you should avoid intense color or overly bold lines to prevent your artwork from looking overly detailed. If you want to incorporate multiple images into your piece, thin linework and negative space will help you create a timeless and irresistible style.

Simple Shoulder Blade Tattoo Ideas

Simple Compass Shoulder Designs

Simple Shoulder Tattoo

Awesome Simple Shoulder Tattoo Designs

Simple Front Shoulder Tattoo

Stylish Simple Shoulder Tattoo

Simple Shoulder Tattoo Designs For Men

Simple Shoulder Tattoo Designs

Simple Shoulder Tattoo Ideas For Guys

Tribal Shoulder Tattoo

A tribal shoulder tattoo is a stylish and badass design that lets you showcase your cultural roots with bold and impactful artwork. The daring lines and strong meaning behind these pieces make them incredibly stylish, but you can also incorporate classic primary colors for a refreshing take on traditional black ink. The most popular tribal designs are inspired by Polynesian or Japanese styles and are characterized by curving shapes, negative space or heavy shading. Although the finished product will look effortlessly stylish, it’s important to do your research to avoid being accused of cultural appropriation.

Tribal Shoulder Tattoo

Tribal Shoulder Tattoo Ideas

Tribal Shoulder Tattoo Ideas For Men

Badass Tribal Shoulder Tattoo

Tribal Chest Shoulder Tattoo

Stylish Tribal Shoulder Tattoo

Tribal Shoulder Tattoo Designs For Guys

Beautiful Tribal Shoulder Tattoo Designs For Guys

Cross Shoulder Tattoo

A cross shoulder tattoo is an amazing way to represent your commitment to Christianity with a meaningful and refreshing design. You can keep your piece simple with a bold black cross across the outer delt or create an enormous angel that stretches from the biceps to the shoulder blade. If you want to incorporate detail into your artwork, add heavy shading and photorealistic rosary beads or prayer hands to instantly lift your styling.

Cross Shoulder Tattoo Designs

Stylish Meaningful Cross Shoulder Tattoo

Cross Shoulder Tattoo Ideas For Guys

Amazing Cross Shoulder Tattoo

Simple Cross Shoulder Tattoo

Shoulder Blade Tattoo

A shoulder blade tattoo is a unique and trendy choice for men who want oversized artwork with remarkable detail. The shoulder blade area can be the ideal placement for photorealistic wings, large animal designs or comprehensive Japanese artwork with bold linework. Although your ink will be visible in private, you can easily cover the shoulder blades if you work in a professional setting. Shoulder blade designs offer the scope to experiment with rebellious images of skulls or angels of death if you want to channel your inner wild child without offending those around you. For a vibrant touch, play around with watercolor designs or strong pops of color.

Shoulder Blade Tattoo Designs For Men

Awesome Shoulder Blade Tattoo

Cool Shoulder Blade Tattoo Designs

Stylish Shoulder Blade Tattoo Designs For Men

Phoenix Shoulder Tattoo

A phoenix shoulder tattoo is an edgy and elegant piece that symbolizes renewal, rebirth and the ability to overcome adversity. A strong and fiery phoenix design would look incredible stretched across the chest, shoulder and upper back, making this majestic creature a popular choice for guys who enjoy meaningful pieces. You can design your styling in gray or black ink for a classic look or elevate your artwork with bold shading and a vibrant watercolor effect. If you want bolder colors, pops of red or orange can bring this gorgeous bird to life.

Phoenix Shoulder Tattoo Ideas For Men

Phoenix Shoulder Tattoo Designs For Guys

Cool Phoenix Shoulder Tattoo Designs

Awesome Phoenix Shoulder Tattoo Ideas

Beautiful Phoenix Shoulder Tattoo Ideas For Guys

Skull Shoulder Tattoo

A skull shoulder tattoo is a popular design for guys who want bold and rebellious ink that will make a statement. An edgy skull design usually represents death, strength, rebellion and mortality, but can also offer an effective way to symbolize a fearless personality or victory over an enemy. Your piece can be dialed up with snakes, daggers, blood-drenched roses or a ticking clock to represent our limited time on earth. If you want to play around with color, a design with marigold flowers and Mexican sugar skulls can be a stylish way to celebrate Dia de los Muertos.

Awesome Skull Shoulder Tattoo Designs

Stylish Skull Shoulder Tattoo

Badass Skull Shoulder Tattoo

Cool Skull Shoulder Tattoo Designs For Men

Cool Skull Shoulder Tattoo Designs

Awesome Skull Shoulder Tattoo Ideas

Stylish Skull Shoulder Tattoo Ideas For Men

Skull Shoulder Tattoo Designs For Men

Lion Shoulder Tattoo

A lion shoulder tattoo gives you artistic license to create a magnificent piece that represents courage and loyalty. This apex predator is known for its large and intimidating circular mane, making it an exceptional option for the curves of the shoulder, bicep and chest. A fearsome lion head in a photorealistic style can be an attractive focal point for a large sleeve that starts at the shoulder, but you can also keep your artwork simple with a charming outline styling.

Lion Shoulder Tattoo

Awesome Lion Shoulder Tattoo Ideas

Cool Lion Shoulder Tattoo Designs

Lion Shoulder Tattoo Ideas For Men

Awesome Lion Shoulder Tattoo Designs

Stylish Lion Shoulder Tattoo Designs

Family Shoulder Tattoo

A family shoulder tattoo is a meaningful way to honor your closest relatives with a thought-provoking and trendy design. Guys might want to experiment with a horizontal piece that crosses the lateral deltoid and bicep or choose a chic silhouette piece that reaches the forearm. Based on your style, you can play around with block lettering, photorealistic portraits and blank space to create an impressive piece that is utterly unique.

Family Shoulder Tattoo

Meaningful Family Shoulder Tattoo Ideas For Men

Stylish Family Shoulder Tattoo

Cool Family Shoulder Tattoo Designs

Family Shoulder Tattoo Designs For Guys

Creative Family Shoulder Tattoo

Warrior Shoulder Tattoo

A warrior shoulder tattoo is a stylish way to showcase your strength with a daring piece that instantly attracts attention. This versatile design lets you play around with photorealistic images of soldiers in battle, angular armor, helmets and weaponry that look effortlessly badass in stark black in. If you want to draw the eye to detail, ask your artist to incorporate intricate shading and mixed linework into your piece. Whether you want to portray a fierce samurai, Spartan soldier or Nordic warrior, your options are endless with this design.

Warrior Shoulder Tattoo Designs For Men

Amazing Warrior Shoulder Tattoo Ideas

Realistic Warrior Shoulder Tattoo

Cool Warrior Shoulder Tattoo Designs

Awesome Warrior Shoulder Tattoo Ideas For Men

Japanese Samurai Warrior Shoulder Tattoo

American Traditional Shoulder Tattoo

An American traditional shoulder tattoo is a sexy and unique design that combines bold black outlines with a simple color palette to create a beautiful piece. This retro style is designed to look edgy and typically incorporates old-school nautical themes and striking pin-up artwork for a cool and youthful finish. If you want a fierce design with a masculine vibe, wolves or tigers with bared teeth can look intimidating. For guys who adore traveling, compasses and arrows on the front of the shoulder are always attractive when done well.

American Traditional Shoulder Tattoo Ideas

Cool American Traditional Shoulder Tattoo For Men

Awesome American Traditional Shoulder Tattoo

American Traditional Shoulder Tattoo Designs For Guys

Cool American Traditional Shoulder Tattoo Designs

Japanese Shoulder Tattoo

A Japanese shoulder tattoo is a top choice for guys who want to incorporate extreme shading, vibrant colors and heavy contrast into their artwork. A geisha surrounded by a group of koi fish is a sexy option for youthful guys, while large dragons, tigers or narratives of war are bold options for edgy men. Although you can use stark black ink and negative space to create an attractive styling, you should work primary colors like blue, green and red into your piece for extra oomph.

Japanese Shoulder Tattoo

Japanese Shoulder Tattoo Designs For Guys

Cool Japanese Shoulder Tattoo Ideas For Guys

Unique Japanese Shoulder Tattoo

Japanese Shoulder Tattoo Ideas

Beautiful Japanese Shoulder Tattoo Designs

Stylish Japanese Shoulder Tattoo Ideas For Men

Wings Shoulder Tattoo

A wings shoulder tattoo can be a thought-provoking way to symbolize the death of a loved one, a free spirit or a desire to be independent. Outstretched wings look exceptional stretching across the shoulder blades and the back of the shoulder. This classic idea always looks timeless in black or gray ink, but a watercolor design splashed with a mix of pastels and bold shades will have all eyes on you. If you want to subtly represent your faith, expand your design with religious imagery like rosary beads or holy crosses.

Wings Shoulder Tattoo Ideas

Wings Shoulder Tattoo Designs

Awesome Wings Shoulder Tattoo Ideas

Wings Shoulder Tattoo For Men

Cool Wings Shoulder Tattoo Designs For Men

Wings Shoulder Tattoo Ideas For Men

Wolf Shoulder Tattoo

A wolf shoulder tattoo can be a flattering and masculine option if you want to highlight a strong family bond or powerful male friendships. The most popular wolf designs feature photorealistic wolves surrounded by trees, wildlife and sunbeams. If you want to experiment with abstract ideas, glowing eyes or an outlined wolf pack can look awesome on the deltoid and across the chest. To add layers to your ink, consider working quotes or names into your piece.

READ  Quick Take: Bracelet Yourselves

Wolf Shoulder Tattoo

Amazing Wolf Shoulder Tattoo Designs

Awesome Wolf Shoulder Tattoo

Artistic Wolf Shoulder Tattoo Designs

Wolf Shoulder Tattoo Ideas For Men

Cool Wolf Shoulder Tattoo

Demon Shoulder Tattoo

A demon shoulder tattoo might offend a few people around you, but this rebellious design is bound to make you the center of attention. This controversial idea looks trendy with intense shading and pops of red, but you can easily stick to a monochrome piece for a bold and sleek finish. A horned demon on the outer shoulder is a sexy option that can be easily covered. If you would rather channel your inner wild child, get a full sleeve that stretches across the front of the chest.

Cool Demon Shoulder Tattoo Designs

Awesome Demon Shoulder Tattoo Designs

Badass Demon Shoulder Tattoo

3D Demon Shoulder Tattoo Designs For Men

Cool Demon Shoulder Tattoo Ideas For Guys

Compass Shoulder Tattoo

A compass shoulder tattoo is a classy and manly idea for men who want to represent an adventurous spirit or a serious case of wanderlust. As a popular design, this navigational tool was traditionally used by sailors to keep them on course, which can symbolize staying on the right path in life. A simple geometric compass can look attractive on the front of the shoulder. If you want an impactful piece with impressive detail, try a photorealistic design that incorporates a specific direction and shaded map sections.

Cool Compass Shoulder Tattoo Ideas For Guys

Compass Shoulder Tattoo Designs For Men

3D Compass Shoulder Tattoo

Cool Compass Shoulder Tattoo

Small Compass Shoulder Tattoo

Stylish Compass Shoulder Tattoo Designs

Portrait Shoulder Tattoo

A portrait shoulder tattoo is a deeply personal piece that can be used to immortalize close bonds. You’ll want to carefully consider getting portraits of significant others in case you break up, but an intricate design of your nuclear family will always stand the test of time. If you don’t want to get ink of someone you know, the real estate and curve of the shoulder are perfect for a celebrity portrait.

Meaningful Portrait Shoulder Tattoo

Stylish Meaningful Portrait Shoulder Tattoo

Badass Portrait Shoulder Tattoo

Awesome Portrait Shoulder Tattoo

Masculine Portrait Shoulder Tattoo

Religious Jesus Christ Portrait Shoulder Tattoo

Awesome Portrait Shoulder Tattoo Ideas

Beautiful Portrait Shoulder Tattoo Designs

Awesome Portrait Shoulder Tattoo Designs For Guys

Rose Shoulder Tattoo

A rose shoulder tattoo is a classic and timeless choice that represents eternal love, beauty and a passionate personality. The intricate petals of this bloom look handsome on the curved part of the shoulder, but you can also get a delicate piece on the upper shoulder if you prefer subtle designs. Choose detailed artwork with shading for an iconic look or take a modern approach by adding colored ink, dripping thorns and skulls to the mix.

Rose Shoulder Tattoo Designs For Guys

Colorful Rose Shoulder Tattoo

Awesome Rose Shoulder Tattoo

Rose Shoulder Tattoo Ideas For Men

Shoulder To Bicep Tattoo

A shoulder to bicep tattoo is a unique choice that will allow you to create a sprawling design that instantly turns heads. Depending on your taste, you can ask your artist to create a thought-provoking piece with clock dials, skulls and predators to represent our fleeting time on earth. For something manly and flattering, a striking tribal tattoo with bold black linework and negative space can be a striking way to showcase bulging biceps and strong shoulders.

Shoulder To Bicep Tattoo Ideas

Shoulder To Bicep Tattoo Designs For Guys

Stylish Shoulder To Bicep Tattoo

Shoulder To Bicep Tattoo Designs For Men

Popular Shoulder Tattoo Ideas For Men

The most popular shoulder tattoo ideas for men are the lion, warrior, phoenix, compass, clock, skull, geometric patterns, tribal styles and other powerful pieces. These cool shoulder designs are masculine and powerful choices that can be tailored to create a unique look. Given the canvas space, these pieces can be simple and small or rich and elaborate artwork that connects to the chest, back, arm or neck. Whether you want ink for your deltoid, upper arm or full sleeve, guys have a number of stylish shoulder tattoos to choose from for a flattering and stylish finish.

What Does A Shoulder Tattoo Mean?

In many cultures, shoulder tattoos have been used to symbolize strength, power, courage, independence and status. As a form of expression, modern designs can be associated with different meanings such as freedom, family, loyalty and honoring loved ones. While some pieces are purely decorative, the most powerful ideas often represent an important moment, life philosophy or goal that will drive you to be happy, healthy and successful.

The 80 Best Shoulder Tattoos for Men

Best Shoulder Tattoos for Men

The shoulders are the perfect place to get a tattoo. Here’s why, along with some of the best shoulder tattoo ideas we’ve found.

Placement

Shoulder tattoos are fully visible when you wear a tank top or go shirtless. They’re perfect for warm weather. They’re also fully concealable when you wear even short sleeves. So, if you don’t want your in-laws or that very traditional client to know that you have a tattoo, you can keep it hidden.

One of the best things about putting a tattoo on your shoulder, though, is that you can see it! Getting a tattoo on your back is great for large images and letting others enjoy them, but the shoulder lets you see your artwork too. Shoulder tats are even better than sleeves because you can see the whole image at once. With sleeves, you have to turn your arm in every direction to be able to view the entire design.[/centerContent]

Versatility

The shoulder is a great place to start because you’re not limited to staying on the shoulder. You can ask your artist to extend the design to your back, chest, neck, or down your arm. You’ll see some images below that use all three methods of extending a shoulder tattoo.

Think about how a wing tattoo could cover your shoulder blade, shoulder, and tricep. Or how a tribal design could cover your chest, shoulder, and neck, ending at your jawline.

Take a look below at the 80 best shoulder tattoos from around the world.

Raven Watercolor Chest and Shoulder Tattoo for Men Realistic Inward Facing Crow Shoulder Piece Realistic Tarantula on the Back of Your Shoulder Realistic, Shaded Skull Tattoo Roaring Lion Shoulder Piece Roses and Playing Cards Scaled Dragon Wrap-Around Shoulder Piece Shaded-In Shoulder Tattoo Sharp Edges and Fiery InkShoulder Pieces that Combine Lines and Curves

Shoulder Pieces that Make Use of Line Directions Shoulder Portrait of a Young Girl and a Sheep Shoulder Quote Tattoo in Calligraphy Shoulder Tattoo that Becomes a Chest Piece Shoulder Tattoo with Numerous Hexagons Shoulder Tattoos that Leave No Empty Space Simple Dual-Line Tidal Wave Tattoo Solar System Shoulder Piece Soulless Man amongst Various Characters and DesignsSpherical and Spiked Shoulder Tattoo

Squid Shoulder Tattoo for Men Tattoo of a Phoenix Across Your Shoulder Thorn Shoulder Tattoos to Represent Honor and Sacrifice Trash Polka Style Octopus Shoulder Piece Tree Overlayed on a Shadowy Skull Tree Stump Rings on Your Shoulder Tribal 3D Armor Tattoo Tribal Inspired Shoulder Art Tribal Shoulder Tattoo Inspired by Native American ArtTurtle Tribal Tattoo Idea

Watercolor Compass Shoulder Tattoo Watercolor Wave Shoulder Tattoo When Doves, Compasses, and Roses Collide Wolf Shoulder Piece for Men Geometric Grizzly Bear Shoulder Tattoo for Men Geometric Repeating Shape Half-Sleeve Shoulder Piece for Men Geometric Shapes of Various Sizes Gorilla Wearing a Steampunk Hat Greek God Shoulder Tattoo into a Half-SleeveGuardian Angel Playing the Harp

Half-Sleeve Tribal Shoulder Tattoo Design Have the Tree of Life Tattooed on Your Shoulder Hawaiian Flower Shoulder Piece Hindu God, Lord Shiva, Shoulder Tattoo Honeycomb Shoulder Scarification Tattoo Illusion of a Compass Breaking through Skin Ink Splattered on the Shoulder Intricate Lines and Negative Space Shoulder Piece Intricate Mandala TattooLayered Axles that Fade into the Distance

Lifelike Roaring Lion Shoulder Piece Mechanical Robotic Arm Tattoo Multi-Layered Patterns with Vibrant Ink Native American Totem Shoulder Tattoo Negative Space Freehand Art Shoulder Tattoo Ocean-Themed Shoulder Tattoo for Men Outer Space Tattoo Alongside Female Portrait Patriotic Eagle Preparing to Land on Your Shoulder Pointillism Negative Space Sunlight TattooA Shoulder That Looks Like Armor of Steel

All Black Octopus Shoulder Piece Angelic Tattoo for Religious Men Armor Tearing through Your Skin Bald Eagle Fine-Line Shoulder Piece Bald Eagle Landing on the Shoulder Belt Buckle Shoulder Piece Beluga Whale Shoulder Tattoo for Men Bird Feathers and Wing Shoulder and Back Piece Blue, Pink, and Purple Fire-Breathing Dragon TattooBlue-Eyed Fierce Dragon Tattoo

Brightly-Colored Salmon Against Dull Flowing Wave Tattoos Chinese Dragon Snaking around the Arm Creative One-of-a-Kind Portrait Shoulder Design Detailed Single Shoulder Tattoo Eagle Wing Shoulder Tattoo Idea for Men Elaborate Rose Shoulder Tattoo for Men Electric Peacock Shoulder Tattoo Fish and Floral Artwork Floral Arrangement Shoulder DesignFloral Shoulder Piece Made From Geometric Shapes

What to Get

Of course, the choice of what your tattoo should be is up to you. Some of our favorites, though, fall into these categories.

Beneath the Skin

One idea that’s gaining a lot of popularity is to give the illusion of something under your skin. Maybe it’s a tiger trying to tear itself out. Maybe it’s a glimpse into the cyborg, clockwork, scaled, or skeletal creature beneath. Maybe it’s shredded flesh showing your American spirit. Whatever you picture being more than skin deep can look awesome as a tattoo.

Interest

We hate to relegate religion to the level of simple interest, but your belief system and anything else that catches your attention is prime material for a shoulder tattoo. From Jesus to the Justice League, wear whatever holds your interest like a badge of honor.

It could be the logo of your favorite sports team, a portrait of your lady love, or an image of a Native American warrior. Whatever you can think of, your shoulder is a good place to display it.

Strength

There’s a very cool trend now of tattooing different types of armor on your shoulder. It’s a sign of your warrior nature and strong spirit. To a degree, angel and demon wing tattoos also serve the same purpose but in a more mystical sense.

We would also put death tattoos in this category. When you get a shoulder tattoo of the grim reaper, a skull, or a death mask, you might be saying that you know death is coming and you’re not afraid.

Beauty

From animals to flowers to landscapes to abstract, geometric, and tribal designs, your tattoo doesn’t need to mean anything other than, “Hey, look at this awesome-looking picture.” Just add some art to your body and show the world what you find beautiful.

In Memory

It’s also a fitting idea to honor loved ones or fallen comrades with a shoulder tattoo. Bear their memory like the stripes on a uniform so that you’ll never forget what they meant to you.[/centerContent]