The armband tattoo has already trended a few years ago. As years went by, it slowly faded into the background as newer trends and styles emerged. But it seems like it’s coming back today and in a more simpler and yet more stunning form.
While armband tattoos have become a “men’s tattoo,” it has also gained a lot of female lovers. This is especially since the population of female tattoo enthusiasts has grown. Now, you can find ladies who are more daring with their tattoo designs.
An armband tattoo can range from the simplest to the most complicated designs. That’s probably why it’s coming back now and is getting more popular than ever. If you want to get your very own armband tattoo, you’ll definitely want to read on and find the best designs for you.
History of Armband Tattoo
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Many believe in superstitions surrounding tattoos and its designs. When it comes to the armband tattoo, there’s one known superstition – it’s bad luck.
However, some tattoo enthusiasts and experts believe they’ve unlocked the story behind this belief. And it’s really a simple thought that may have escalated from there.
Apparently, the basis of the “bad luck” is that tattoo artists find it hard to size and complete a perfect armband tattoo. It’s best that they leave a piece of skin rather than making ends meet. Sometimes, it doesn’t go as planned and instead of a perfect ring, you’ll end up with a crooked one with both ends trying to meet each other. That’s why some artist try to put the ends on the part that’s more hidden. Still, the error could be seen miles away.
Traditionally, armband tattoos are placed on the upper part of the arm. Designs are also more tribal. You can find designs that have been inspired by Polynesian tattoos. Others are more geared towards Celtic roots.
Nowadays, designs are usually more abstract, simpler, and usually on the wrists or the forearm.
Meaning of an Armband Tattoo
Tattoos have various meanings. It all depends on the design and how the wearer perceives it. Sometimes, a rose might mean love and passion but for some people, it could denote someone who loves roses.
However, several types of armband tattoo designs have designated meanings to them. It’s the general meaning that most people are accustomed with. These types of designs are often the most common one – the type that you’ve seen on several tattoo enthusiasts.
For example, a solid black armband tattoo denotes mourning. Since tattoos are permanent, many enthusiasts use body art to give honor to the people they love that had passed away. One of the designs that could represent that is a solid black band around the wrist, forearm, or sleeve.
Thorn like armband designs, on the other hand, are perfect for faithful Christians. Many see this designs as a Christian tattoo. This represents the crown of thorns Jesus Christ was forced to wear leading to his death.
The types that are more unique, especially abstract designs, have meanings that either the wearer or the artist has bestowed. The designs are a mix of various tattoo elements and could tell a story.
Nonetheless, your tattoo does not need to have a meaning at all. Some designs such as modern tribal armband tattoo designs are actually made for aesthetics.
Popular Armband Tattoo Designs
There are several popular armband tattoo designs that you can choose from. Of course, you can use these designs to create your more unique body artwork.
You can have it on your wrist, your forearm, or your sleeves. Here are some of the best designs we’ve found and what they possibly mean.
Celtic armband tattoo designs
Celtic tattoos feature these intricately angled lines. The Celtic knot is perhaps the most common style of all. This kind of armband tattoo features a link of Celtic knots that can be simple or more complicated.
The design is actually common for a lot of tattoo enthusiasts and can even be considered cliché. But cliché or not, these are really amazing designs that could also include spirals, complex knots, and interlacing lines. You can even include mythical creatures and animals.
These kinds of Celtic tattoos mainly represent the art and culture of the Celtic heritage.
Polynesian armband tattoo designs
Polynesian designs come from the culture of various Polynesian countries such as Hawaii, Samoa, and The Marquesa Islands. Each of these islands have their own distinct styles and meanings. You can incorporate their patterns to build an armband tattoo.
One particular pattern you can choose is a series of triangles. In Hawaii, this represent shark teeth – a rather common pattern in traditional and even modern Hawaiian tribal tattoos. Shark teeth patterns represent strength, wealth, and protection.
Waves are also common pattern in Polynesian tattoos. They believe that the ocean is the source of life and where they will end up when they die.
Feminine half mandala and boho design
Half mandala with feminine accents are rather famous for women. You can choose from patterns of swirls, dots, and intricate lines. The mandala itself is filled with beautiful patterns that are unique and visually stunning. To make it even more “boho,” they tend to add feathers that seem to be like “dangling” from the armband.
You can also add other elements such as arrows, gems, the sun and the moon. They could appear to be dangling and could become a great accent to your tattoo.
Mandalas are actually popular feminine tattoo design. This represents eternity, wholeness, balance, and perfection. Feathers, on the other hand, are usually symbols of freedom. However, a feather that specifically came from certain birds could have different meanings. For example, a peacock feather could symbolize beauty and elegance.
Pointism design
If you have found a design that you like but it’s rather common, you can find a way to make it look more unique. That’s by doing it in a style that’s rather unique. What we mean is creating it in a pointism style.
Pointism makes use of dots to create the design. There are no lines so the outline is often created with a pen and it will be filled with thousands to millions of dots. Lighter areas of the designs have sparse dots but darker areas are filled with dots close together.
You can create a variety of design. For example, you can create an armband tattoo of a forest. You can also try a landscape or skyscrapers.
Trees and forests means resiliency. Meanwhile landscapes could either represent adventures and your love of travel, or even home.
This style of tattooing is a grueling task. But you’ll actually feel less pain compared to the traditional styles of tattooing.
3D abstract armband tattoo
3D tattoos are really in now. For armband tattoos, the designs are usually abstract but utterly eye-catching. Artists often create designs that will make you look twice because of the illusion.
Popular these days are the tattoos that look like cut outs. The idea is to create a design that looks like it was carved from your skin. That could be a little trippy, gross, creepy, but a visual delight. Others make the “insides” look hollow and solid black. This is actually a good choice as it makes the design pop out more.
Floral designs for men and women
Flowers are often created for women. But nowadays, more men are getting floral elements on their design. It just goes to show that the tattoo industry is now growing and enthusiasts are more bolder with their designs.
For women, flower armband tattoos are often more minimalist with sparse color pallets that are often filled with pastels. Even the flower choices also look feminine. You’ll see lilies, poppies, dandelions, baby’s breathe, and more. The strokes are delicate.
Men’s tattoos are more bold looking. The outlines are thicker and there are more solid black areas. Their choice in flowers are also far different than that of women. Popular choices are peonies and orchids. Also, the flower on their armband tattoo is usually just the accent.
Geometrical armband tattoos
Geometrical tattoos are very in now. They offer a crisp, minimalist, and modern looking designs.
Usually, geometrical tattoos are more abstract. These contain various shapes that form into pattern. They are almost similar to tribal tattoos but lack the solid black areas.
Solid black bands are also popular. As earlier mentioned, this type of armband tattoo represents mourning and a way to honor the dead. You can have a single solid black armband or maybe add a thinner line along it. Some even create several lines of these black lines. This could be one for each of your loved one who passed away.
Armband of arrows
Arrows are often created along the forearm or the finger or the sleeve. But it can also be a perfect armband tattoo. Usually, both ends don’t meet each other. Still, it’s a unique way of doing your arrow tattoo.
This element is a staple in the tattoo industry. As a design, it could denote moving forward.
