Side body tattoos for men are always striking due to the ample space they offer, making it an ideal canvas for both large and small designs. This placement provides a smooth, expansive area where artists can craft intricate, meaningful artwork.
One of the great advantages of side body tattoos is their versatility – they can be easily concealed with clothing or proudly displayed when desired.
In this post, we’ll explore eleven tattoo ideas for the male side body, catering to a variety of styles and tastes, whether you’re drawn to bold, expansive pieces or more subtle, minimalistic designs.
SAILING SHIP TATTOO
A timeless sailing ship adorns the side body, its masts towering, ready to brave the winds and waves. This tattoo symbolizes a love for adventure and the open sea. The intricate details of ropes and sails make it a masterpiece that represents a journey of discovery. Perfect for those who view life as an ongoing voyage.
PERCHED BIRD TATTOO
A bird perched peacefully on a barren branch captures a quiet, reflective moment. With feathers so lifelike, it exudes a sense of calm and observation. This tattoo could symbolize freedom or the perspective gained from distance, much like a bird watching from above.
SLITHERING SNAKE TATTOO
A snake coils gracefully along the side, its scales shaded to give a sense of movement. Snakes are often symbols of transformation and renewal, shedding their skin for a fresh start. This tattoo suits someone who embraces change and the ongoing process of personal rebirth.
BARREN TREE TATTOO
A barren tree, its branches stretching across the side, represents resilience and strength. With no leaves but deep roots, it stands tall, symbolizing a person’s growth and the fortitude needed to weather life’s challenges.
MAJESTIC LION TATTOO
The face of a roaring lion comes to life on the side, its flowing mane aligning with the body’s curves. A symbol of power, courage, and authority, this tattoo is perfect for those who wish to embody the strength and leadership of the king of the jungle.
FLORAL VINE TATTOO
A delicate floral vine winds gracefully across the side, with soft black and gray flowers and leaves. This tattoo represents growth, beauty, and the milestones of personal development, with each bloom symbolizing a significant moment or memory.
SHARK TATTOO
A trio of sharks glides down the side, their streamlined forms captured in fine detail. Sharks symbolize strength, survival, and efficiency. This tattoo is ideal for someone who resonates with the shark’s powerful and commanding presence in the ocean.
SWALLOW TATTOO
A flock of swallows takes flight along the side, their wings spread wide. Traditionally linked to sailors, swallows symbolize hope and the safe return home. This tattoo reflects the desire for adventure while cherishing the importance of returning to where one feels most loved.
BARREN TREE TATTOO
A leafless tree, its branches and roots intricately detailed across the side, stands as a symbol of endurance and growth through change. It may also represent a deep connection to family or personal roots, enduring through the seasons of life.
HOURGLASS TATTOO
An hourglass with intertwining strands of a DNA helix represents the passage of time and the complexity of life. The shading adds depth, suggesting that the wearer is conscious of the fleeting nature of time and the intricate connections that make up their existence.
15+ JAPANESE DRAGON TATTOO DESIGNS & MEANINGS
Dragon tattoos never go out of style! They can represent confidence, strength, and even duality, symbolizing either good or evil, depending on the design. As mystical, powerful, and majestic creatures, dragons hold deep meaning across different cultures.
Japanese dragon tattoos, in particular, are highly versatile and can be placed anywhere on the body, from the chest and back to the legs, sleeves, neck, and hands. Their intricate designs and vibrant colors make them perfect for both bold, masculine looks and more stylish, fashion-forward interpretations.
Before exploring different designs, let’s first dive into the meaning behind Japanese dragon tattoos.
JAPANESE DRAGON TATTOO MEANING
Japanese dragon tattoos hold deep and fascinating meanings. These ancient creatures have long been associated with power, wisdom, and protection. In Japanese culture, dragons are seen as benevolent beings—helpers and guardians that bring good fortune and strength.
In contrast, Western cultures often portray dragons as fierce villains or destructive forces, especially in movies and folklore. However, in Japan and other Asian countries, dragons are revered as wise, powerful creatures that symbolize prosperity and knowledge.
The specific meaning of a Japanese dragon tattoo can also be influenced by its placement on the body, making each design unique to the wearer.
JAPANESE DRAGON TATTOO DESIGNS
FEMALE JAPANESE DRAGON TATTOO
Empower yourself with this artistic feminist tattoo, a striking blend of fire and water. Perfect for delicate skin, this design is as bold as it is meaningful.
For women, the symbolism of a dragon tattoo varies depending on its style, color, and size. It can represent wisdom, passion, and fearlessness, embodying strength and resilience. The design often highlights key features of the dragon, such as its claws, scales, eyes, and flames, adding to its fierce and majestic appeal.
Many women choose to place their dragon tattoos on their thighs, back, sleeves, or chest, creating a statement piece that enhances both their confidence and sense of style.
SIMPLE JAPANESE DRAGON TATTOO DESIGNS
If you’re looking to ink a Japanese dragon in a smaller space, a simple and minimalistic design is the perfect choice. Areas like the wrist, fingers, or neck work well for these compact yet meaningful tattoos.
Smaller designs also allow for creative combinations—if you love dragons, you can have multiple inked in matching or complementary colors to make your tattoo even more unique.
A simple Japanese dragon tattoo is an excellent option for first-timers, giving you a chance to experience the process before committing to a larger, more intricate piece. Plus, these smaller designs are easier to conceal, making them ideal if you work in an environment with strict tattoo policies.
JAPANESE STYLE DRAGON TATTOO
In Japanese culture, dragons are seen as symbols of kindness and protection, with each traditional Japanese dragon tattoo representing different powers and qualities. There are six distinct styles of these dragons: Sui, Fuku, Han, Ri, Ka, and Hai, each carrying its own unique symbolism.
For instance, a black-themed traditional Japanese dragon tattoo represents deep wisdom and a sharp ability to reason. On the other hand, the Irezumi style allows for the blending of multiple vibrant colors, making it a striking and ornate choice, perfect for those who want to stand out during Asian cultural events.
If you prefer a more subtle approach, a minimalistic design will still convey the strength and beauty of the dragon without drawing too much attention.
JAPANESE DRAGON HEAD TATTOO
If you want to showcase courage and strength, a magnificent Japanese dragon head tattoo is an excellent choice. The design emphasizes the dragon’s power through its fierce head and strong, sharp teeth, making it a bold and striking symbol of resilience.
This tattoo works particularly well on more prominent areas of the body, such as a bald head or places you don’t cover often, ensuring it draws attention wherever it’s placed. Prepare to turn heads with this powerful design.
Opting for a dragon skull tattoo adds an element of uniqueness, symbolizing a love for individuality. While this tattoo is often associated with masculinity, women can also rock this design, embracing its bold and distinctive nature.
JAPANESE DRAGON BACK TATTOO
Consider getting the iconic Japanese dragon tattoo on your back for your next inking! This placement is popular because it provides a large, smooth canvas, allowing you to bring your dragon tattoo vision to life with ample space for detail and creativity.
While the tattoo may be hidden by your clothing most of the time, when it’s revealed, it’s a powerful symbol of confidence, showcasing your ability to overcome life’s challenges. A Japanese dragon tattoo on your back signifies a love for fierce, bold tattoos, making a strong statement that won’t go unnoticed when exposed.
The beauty of this tattoo is its versatility—choose from a variety of colors and styles to capture the dragon’s full symbolism, ensuring your tattoo is uniquely yours.
JAPANESE DRAGON FACE TATTOO
The Japanese dragon face tattoo is known for its striking and fierce look, making it an attention-grabbing choice for fashion and cultural events. When placed on your forearm, especially in a larger size, it’s easy to show off and will surely turn heads. For a design this detailed, it’s essential to visit a skilled artist who can bring out the intricate features of the dragon’s face, particularly its eyes.
While the forearm is a bold choice, this tattoo will also look amazing on your back, sleeve, or chest—areas that allow for more space while still keeping the design hidden under clothing when needed. You can also give the tattoo a unique twist by incorporating comic or fantasy-inspired elements, adding even more flair to your dragon’s look.
CHERRY BLOSSOM JAPANESE DRAGON TATTOO
A cherry blossom flower tattoo has been a timeless choice for many, representing joy, love, and the beauty that awaits after a long journey. In Asian culture, the flower is also a symbol of life’s renewal after overcoming difficult times.
Combining the cherry blossom with a Japanese dragon creates a striking contrast, blending softness with power. If the dragon is designed with scales and done in black ink, it enhances the boldness of the tattoo while allowing the delicate, colorful cherry blossoms to stand out beautifully. This design works wonderfully running down from the chest and extending onto the sleeve, creating a flowing, dramatic visual that captures both elegance and strength.
JAPANESE DRAGON NECK TATTOO
Though a Japanese dragon neck tattoo can be quite painful, it’s a powerful way to stand out on any occasion. For a unique look, keep the design simple. Whether placed on the side of your neck, especially with a black and grey color palette, it’s sure to catch people’s attention.
For a more expansive design, the tattoo can stretch down your neck to your chest and shoulders, creating an eye-catching piece that wraps around your upper body. You can personalize it with a variety of styles, and one particularly striking option is a small Japanese dragon combined with kanji art. This adds not only a visual impact but also a meaningful message, allowing your tattoo to speak for you while displaying a beautiful touch of art.
CONCLUSION
Japanese dragon tattoos are a popular choice for body art, and their meanings can vary depending on the specific design. Some common interpretations include strength, wisdom, good luck, and protection.
When choosing a Japanese dragon tattoo, it is important to consider the meaning of the design and how it will be interpreted by others. It is also important to find a reputable artist who can create a high-quality tattoo.
