When it comes to getting a chest tattoo, men often prefer this placement because it allows them to get a large design while still offering the option to keep it hidden in most settings. They make it easy to keep something close to your heart - literally.
Men’s chest tattoos are also among the most versatile placement on the body. In this article, we’ll dive into your options, including:
Types of Chest Tattoos for Men
The chest area is a great option for designs that represent personal beliefs. For example, religious symbols, a design representing your personal growth, or a date that you have a deep connection to are all classic tattoo examples for this placement.
The chest also offers plenty of space for intricate designs that show off your personal style without forcing you to keep the tattoo on display at all times the way you would with a neck or hand tattoo.
Chest Piece
A chest piece can work with any tattoo style, as there’s plenty of space for bold lines and intricate detail.
Full Torso Tattoo
If you want to extend the design for a large area, moving onto the shoulders or stomach can give you more space.
Pec Tattoo
Often, a shoulder tattoo or half sleeve will look more complete when it takes up place on the chest as well.
Additionally, if you want a smaller tattoo and don’t want a full chest piece, having a tattoo right over your heart might be a good option (as well as a nice way to place a design that has sentimental value to you).
Sternum Tattoo
If you want a centered tattoo without going for a full chest piece, a sternum tattoo can make a bold statement.
Collarbone Tattoos
Collarbone tattoos allow for a jewelry-like placement, making them an attractive option.
Small Chest Tattoos for Men
If you want a small chest tattoo, where you place it will make a big difference. Generally speaking, you want a tattoo to take up the space or else it might seem like it’s “floating” or doesn’t fit on the body as well as it could.
That said, a few good choices for a small chest tattoo is right over the heart (for its symbolism) or along the collarbone, since it mimics a sense of jewelry.
Patchwork Chest Tattoos
While popular in other areas (sleeves, legs, etc.), a lot of guys will choose to collect a “patchwork” of smaller tattoos while covering their chest.
This is especially popular with American Traditional flash pieces or smaller blackwork designs.
Ribcage Tattoo
While ribcage tattoos are their own placement, they can often be incorporated into a larger chest tattoo design.
Chest Tattoo Ideas for Men
Chest tattoos are often a personal expression of someone’s values. They accentuate the muscles of a person and often have several meanings. For example, many chest tattoos represent protection, bravery, etc.
Tribal Chest Tattoos for Men
An important part of the cultural heritage of Samoan, Maori, and Hawaiian tribes, these designs often pointed out the warriors among them, as well as leadership positions and familial connections.
Roman Numerals Chest Tattoos for Men
Roman numerals are a popular choice for guys who want to commemorate an important event or birth of a loved one.
Eagle Chest Tattoo
Eagle tattoos are popular chest tattoo designs, especially in the American Traditional tattoo style.
Wings Chest Tattoo
While wing tattoos are often found on the arm or back, but they can follow along the collarbones well.
Skull Chest Tattoo
Skulls are among the most popular tattoo designs out there - highlighting the delicate balance between life and death.
Women Chest Tattoos for Men
Lady faces are popular tattoo ideas, and the chest offers a large enough canvas for detailed artwork and plenty of dark shading to create contrast.
Tiger Chest Tattoo
Tigers are popular tattoos for their fierce nature.
Lion Chest Tattoo
Lion chest tattoos are some of the most popular designs for men, especially when paired with roses, smoke, or clocks.
Bear Chest Tattoo
Bear tattoos can be a great option for a design meant to project protective fierceness.
Geometric Patterns Chest Tattoo
Highlighting the beauty of symmetry, pattern tattoos can be a good option if you want something more abstract but balanced.
How to Make Men’s Chest Tattoos Stand Out
The chest is a large space, so even though there’s room for detailed designs, you want to take steps to make sure the tattoo remains readable for the long term.
Unless you’re specifically looking for a subtle look, ensure that you’re using:
Designing Chest Tattoos With Flow
The best chest tattoos will follow the “flow” of the body.
Following the “flow” is a bit easier on longer portions of the body where the flow of the muscles is more obvious. For example, you can clearly see the movement of the tricep and bicep in the musculature of the arm.
When it comes to the chest, think of the lines of the body swirling inward from the shoulder, flowing toward the body’s center line. (This helps the flow run in a nice parallel with the flow of the ribs, which flow in and down, following the rib bones and muscles in the obliques.)
Taking an artistic approach like this to body art will make it easier to figure out where to place a tattoo on the skin.
Pro Tip:
Tattoos with faces should point in and forward. When a tattoo is on the chest, remember to point it in toward the center line (it shouldn’t look like the face is looking at the armpit).
The Best Chest Tattoos Are Healed Properly - Our Aftercare Recommendations
Your tattoo artist will know how to heal their tattoos best. However, there are a few general guidelines that you’ll find across the board:
1
Wait to Take off the Bandage
Your artist will give you a set amount of time to leave the bandage on, and this will usually mean keeping it on until you are home.
Having the wrap on your tattoo protects the fresh ink and helps stop any bleeding.
When you’re ready to take it off, wash your hands before removing the bandage gently. Use lukewarm water and fragrance-free, antibacterial soap.
Don’t scrub or handle the tattoo roughly and pat dry with a clean paper towel.
2
Let the Tattoo Breathe and Use a Thin Coating of Lotion
After washing the tattoo, let it airdry for 15-30 minutes before applying a thin layer of unscented, water-based lotion.
Do not use a petroleum-based moisturizer (it can trap in bacteria).
Do not over-moisturize the tattoo.
3
Wear Loose Fitting Clothes and Stay Hydrated
Tight clothing can rub against the tattoo and irritate the skin. Wear clean cotton shirts and avoid scratchy materials.
Additionally, make sure to drink plenty of water to help speed up recovery. Tattoos are an open wound, so you want to stay in a recovery mindset.
4
Avoid Sun, Sweating, and Swimming
Even wiped down gym equipment poses a risk of infection for a new tattoo. Stay home from the gym for a week to give your tattoo time to heal and avoid swimming, hot tubs, or soaking in water for 2-3 weeks.
Avoid direct sunlight and allow any scabs that occur to fall off naturally. Picking at them can cause the ink to “fall out.”
Become a Tattoo Artist With the Artist Accelerator Program
Having a career in tattooing is not only fulfilling, but it’s also the most stable way to make a living as an artist. However, for decades, the process to become a tattoo artist has been notoriously difficult.
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In the Mastermind group, you’ll collaborate with other students, get answers to your questions, and receive personalized video feedback on your artwork and tattoos from professional tattoo artists. With this friendly community of both new and experienced tattoo artists, you’ll never be stuck again.
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Try It Risk-Free For 30 Days
If you don't think it's worth this small investment (literally less than one tattoo session) then we're happy to give you all your money back.
$59/MO
Payment Plan
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12 monthly payments
Try It Risk-Free For 30 Days
If you don't think it's worth this small investment (literally less than one tattoo session) then we're happy to give you all your money back.
$597
Lifetime Access
Easy, secure
one-time payment
$59/MO
Payment Plan
Lifetime access
12 monthly payments
