Think aloud
Big, bold black sleeve tattoos might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but they’re becoming more and more sought-after. With a black sleeve tattoo, you can explore a whole world of possibilities, from covering old ink that’s outdated and out of style to embellishing your body with a work of art that’s as dark as your soul.
Black sleeve tattoos, or blackout tattoos, refer to a style of ink that covers a large section of the body in solid, satisfying black ink. When you decide to get a black sleeve tattoo, you can opt for a complete blackout or embellish your black tattoo with white (or colored!) accents. Ahead, find all the inspiration you need!
1. A black sleeve tattoo with white flowers and chains
See, you can play with your black sleeve tattoo by adding white flowers, leaves, and chains to make the design your own. Still, we suggest you work with your tattoo artist and opt for high-quality white ink to get the desired effect.
2. A black sleeve tattoo with black symbols
Black sleeve tattoos can be quite overpowering, but you can make them a little more delicate and detailed by playing with different “shades” of black. A gray blackout tattoo paired with black symbols can make your sleeve look a lot cooler.
3. A black sleeve tattoo with a big white rose
Black sleeve tattoos with white accents are all the rage these days, and for a good reason, too. White ink allows you and your tattoo artist to add some dimension to your tattoo, as well as to amplify or completely change the meaning of the tattoo.
4. A leg sleeve with swirls
A black sleeve tattoo, or a blackout tattoo, generally comes in three sizes (quarter, half, and full) and can be placed on your arm, leg, back, or even chest. As long as it covers a huge chunk of your body and it’s black, it’s considered a black sleeve tattoo. A leg sleeve tattoo might be a good option to consider, too.
5. A Cybersigilism leg sleeve
Whether you opt for a full-leg sleeve or play with different parts of your leg, don’t shy away from experimenting with different styles. Cybersigilism tattoos seem to have made a comeback recently and you might be interested in incorporating the same elements into your black sleeve tattoo.
6. A black sleeve tattoo on both arms
If you’re a seasoned tattoo-getter, you might want to “go big or go home” and get a blackout tattoo that’s going to attract attention. A complete blackout tattoo on one arm combined with a black sleeve tattoo on the other guarantee to make you the talk of the town.
7. A black sleeve tattoo on both legs
What about a black sleeve tattoo on both legs? Arm tattoos are highly visible and you might not be comfortable with showing them off at all times, but leg tattoos are a little more subtle. Leg sleeves can be a great way for you to express your creativity, too.
8. A matching black sleeve tattoo
If you and your significant other are experienced body art enthusiasts, we’ve got the perfect date arrangement coming your way. Book a session with your favorite tattoo artist and get matching black sleeve tattoos. Black sleeve tattoos symbolize strength, status, and resilience, and that’s something both of you can get behind.
9. A black sleeve tattoo on both arms and chest
Black sleeve tattoos typically cover big chunks of your body, whether you’re covering up old ink or pushing your limits. Before you commit to a sleeve tattoo, you might want to work with your tattoo artist and come up with a design that covers your chest, too.
10. A back sleeve tattoo
What about a black back-sleeve tattoo? Back-sleeve tattoos might not be for everyone, but that’s what makes them special. Brave tattoo-getters might decide to go all out and cover their entire backs, shoulders, neck, and head in beautiful black ink – and we’re here for that.
11. A Cybersigilism arm sleeve
Cybersigilism tattoos are perfect for making commentary on today’s society and its obsessive relationship with technology. A Cybersigilism black sleeve tattoo might be the right pick for you.
12. A black tattoo sleeve with swirls
Who would’ve thought you’d be able to play with your black sleeve tattoo? While you can opt for a complete blackout tattoo, you might be more drawn to tattoos with details that make you look like you know exactly what you’re doing.
13. A black sleeve tattoo with flowers and geometric shapes
In the words of Miley Cyrus, “I can buy myself flowers!” Whether you opt for white flowers over a black sleeve tattoo or you decide to go with something a little more colorful, flowers are always a great option to go with.
14. A mandala sleeve tattoo
Black sleeve tattoos are predominantly black, but you can get away with embellishing them with elements that speak to you the most. Mandalas, for example, represent the balance of body and mind.
15. A finger sleeve tattoo
Finger tattoos attract attention no matter what you’re wearing and that’s why you need to be careful with what you embellish them with. With that out of the way, though, blackwork finger tattoos are strikingly beautiful and spectacular. We’d say they’re worth the risk, right?
16. A black sleeve tattoo with linework
If you’re a fan of geometric tattoos, you’re going to appreciate the simplicity of a black sleeve tattoo complete with straight lines on the hand and fingers. It’s one of the most satisfying tattoos we’ve ever seen!
17. A black sleeve tattoo with a snake
Whether you’re getting your first blackout tattoo ever or you’re coming back for more, you can’t deny that there’s something about a white snake tattooed over black ink that simply – works. A snake represents a personal path toward transformation, a commitment to knowledge or healing, or a connection to divine power.
18. A full black sleeve tattoo with a chest piece
Now, here’s another way you can make a complete blackout tattoo a little more intricate and interesting. Go for black sleeve tattoos on both arms and combine them with an ornamental tattoo on the chest.
19. A splatter-style black sleeve tattoo
If lines and swirls aren’t your thing, you might be more interested in a splatter-style tattoo. It’s whimsical and playful, and it’s a great way for you to explore different styles and symbols.
20. A linework leg sleeve tattoo
We’re obsessed with leg sleeves that follow the same style! Whether you’re a fan of lines, swirls, squiggles, or splatters, make sure you work with your tattoo artist and come up with a design that’s going to look (and feel!) great.
21. A full black sleeve tattoo
What can we say, we’re always happy to go all out! If you’re ready to commit to a black sleeve tattoo, you might as well do it right and get a complete blackout tattoo on your arm, leg, or back.
22. A black sleeve tattoo with red ink
With that out of the way, though, you can always choose to go the other direction and complete your black sleeve tattoo with red ink details. White ink details might be more popular, but red ink accents are worth your while, too.
