The arm is the most popular place to get tattooed. You can show it off when you want and cover it up when you need to, it heals well and leaves room for small pieces or for a project that grows over the years. In this guide we go over every area of the arm, the styles that work best on each one and what you should know before booking.

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Arm placements and what to get tattooed on each

Forearm. The go-to spot for a first tattoo. Its flat surface allows clean lines and detail, which is why it works so well for fine line, lettering, flowers and vertical pieces. The inner side is more sensitive than the outer side.

Biceps and upper arm. A large area with little pain, ideal for medium or large pieces: portraits, animals, black and grey realism or floral compositions. The inner biceps is more delicate.

Shoulder. Perfect for designs that follow the curve of the body, such as mandalas, ornamental work or Japanese-style pieces. It is also a great starting point for a sleeve.

Wrist. The classic spot for small tattoos: a word, a date, a symbol or a fine line. The skin is thin, so it calls for a precise hand and good aftercare while it heals.

Elbow. One of the most painful areas and the one that needs the most touch-ups. It works well with circular designs, like spider webs, mandalas or roses, integrated into a larger piece.

The full sleeve

A sleeve covers the arm from shoulder to wrist with one connected design. It's done over several sessions and the most important thing is to plan it from the start: theme, style and how each element flows with the shape of the arm. If you're not ready for a full sleeve yet, a half sleeve (shoulder to elbow or elbow to wrist) is a great way to start.

Arm tattoo ideas for women

• Flowers and delicate branches that follow the line of the forearm.
• Fine line and micro-realism: symbols, constellations, small animals.
• Short quotes in delicate lettering.
• Butterflies, moons and ornamental pieces on the shoulder
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Arm tattoo ideas for men

• Black and grey realism: portraits, lions, wolves or clocks.
• Japanese and neo-traditional as a half or full sleeve.
• Blackwork and geometric on the forearm or biceps.
• Lettering and meaningful dates on the inner forearm.

The truth is, any idea works for anyone. What really makes the result is the style and a design that fits your arm.

Does an arm tattoo hurt?

In general, the arm is one of the most bearable areas. The outer parts (outer forearm, shoulder, biceps) usually hurt very little. The most sensitive spots are the inner arm, the wrist, the elbow and the armpit. Everyone experiences it differently, so your tattoo artist will tell you how to approach the session.

Tips before getting your arm tattooed

• Think about whether you want it visible every day or would rather be able to cover it.
• If you like the idea of a sleeve in the future, tell your tattoo artist from the very first tattoo.
• Choose the size with the detail in mind: the smaller the piece, the simpler the design should be so it ages well.
• Protect your tattoo from the sun while it heals and use sunscreen afterwards.

Get your arm tattooed at Noble Art

Our artists work in every style: fine line, realism, Japanese, blackwork and more. Tell us your idea and we’ll help you adapt it to your arm. Find your studio in Miami, New York, Montreal and Zurich