The American flag continues to stand for freedom, liberty, and justice for all. The colors are also symbolic: white represents purity, blue is vigilance, and red represents bravery. That’s why most people decide to get an American flag tattoo to show how much they love the United States.
Keep reading if you want to express your love for your country by getting an American flag tattoo. We’ve listed 20 of the most incredible American flag tattoos for men, time to stand at attention and salute your country.
1. American Flag Tattoo
An American flag tattoo has many different styles of linework and shading. It can be made to look like a pencil or pen drawing, hyper-realistic, minimal, or even with good old-fashioned (hello Sailor Jerry) American Traditional. The choice to honor your country is entirely yours.
2. Black and White American Flag Tattoo
For some, a full-color piece won’t fit with their personality or other existing tattoos; not to worry, there will still be a proud and patriotic American flag tattoo for you. Add a favorite phrase or words from the Declaration of Independence for a personalized touch.
3. Small American Flag Tattoo
A small American flag tattoo is ideal for men who don’t like large detailed tattoos or men who would like their ink to be shown only when they want others to see it. The best place to tattoo a small American flag is on the wrist, chest, or shoulder blade.
4. American Flag and Eagle Tattoo
Men get American flag and eagle tattoos to show their deep love of the US’ sense of freedom or because they served in the military. To get the full majestic sense of this combo, we recommend scaling up for a chest, upper arm, or back.
5. Tattered American Flag Tattoo
Tattered American flag tattoos act as memorial tattoos for veterans or as symbolic tattoos of the time served in the forces. Whether commemorating your service or that of a family member, this is an American Flag tattoo with a lot of meaning.
6. Mexican American Flag Tattoo
If you are a dual citizen or have family from Mexico, a Mexican American Flag tattoo could be a great way to celebrate both sides of your heritage. This is a good tattoo to get in full color to show the vibrancy of both flags; the design can be placed on the leg, arm, or chest.
7. American Flag Patriotic Tattoo
Patriotism means something different to everyone but the clearest way to show you love the land you call home is with a classic American Flag. Add special details to make yours unique to your brand of patriotism.
8. Ripped Skin American Flag Tattoo
Ripped skin tattoos have become quite popular over the years. The goal is to get the tattoo to appear like it is embedded under the skin. You can get an American flag tattoo in this design with or without color. Men tend to choose the chest area or arm for this design.
9. American Flag Skull Tattoo
Any image that includes a skull represents death or something macabre. Pairing an American flag and a skull tattoo can represent lost veterans in batter or someone you love that you may have lost. The size and design can vary to suit your needs; this tattoo will fit just about anywhere from the neck to the foot.
10. Cross with American Flag Tattoo
A popular (and official) American motto, ‘In God we Trust,’ is found everywhere around the US. If a script tattoo isn’t for you, combining the details of a cross and flag could be an excellent way to commemorate your patriotism. Use these symbols as memorial tattoos for a lost loved one as well.
11. American Flag Tattoo We The People
Another popular saying from United States Consitution, ‘We The People,’ commemorates the ideals that America holds so dear. Represent your unwavering loyalty to your country and combine this phrase with popular symbols of freedom like the statue of liberty or an eagle.
12. Traditional American Flag Tattoo
This tattoo can be styled in two ways: representing a traditional American flag in color (and usually blowing in the wind) or using Sailor Jerry made-famous American Traditional tattoo style. American Traditional style includes bold primary colors and thick linework to create dynamic emblems. Either of these styles will do the job of representing your unwavering patriotism.
Best Placement for American Flag Tattoo
13. American Flag Sleeve Tattoo
Some men prefer to have large elaborate tattoos of the American flag covering the entire arm, while patriotism comes in all sizes. Going big certainly makes a statement. Creating a full sleeve also allows you to add other images important to you.
14. American Flag Half Sleeve Tattoo
Alternatively, if a full sleeve is a bit daunting or possibly not kosher for work, a half-sleeve is the best of both worlds. The upper arm still has plenty of space to create dynamic scenes but is easily hidden from your boss’ eyes at work.
15. American Neck Flag Tattoo
A neck tattoo may be the only option for those loud and proud of their American pride. However, there are many ways to go about this type of tattoo. Try for a classic placement on the side or front of the neck, or try a teaser with part of the tattoo slightly creeping up from the chest.
16. American Flag Hand Tattoo
Another loud and proud placement, the hand, is an ever-present place to show off some sick ink with some deep meaning. Any style will do. However, we are especially fond of the eagle and flag combo.
17. American Flag Arm Tattoo
There’s plenty of space on the arm to place a large American flag tattoo. Some prefer the flag to wrap around the arm or a tattoo with lots of shading to make the stars look three-dimensional. Others prefer a simple design running from the shoulder to the elbow, as seen below.
18. Forearm American Flag Tattoo
Another popular place to get an American flag tattoo is on the forearm. The tattoo is done on top of the veins in the forearm and could symbolize whether your blood runs blue or red. It’s also another great spot to show off your ink for years to come.
19. American Flag Shoulder Tattoo
If you get an American flag tattooed on your shoulder, you can easily hide it when you wear a t-shirt. This is ideal for men who work in corporate companies with a strict dress code. On the other hand, the shoulder is one of the more masculine places for a tattoo. It can accentuate muscle and natural lines of the body.
20. American Flag Chest Tattoo
Men who have an intense love for America tend to place their American flag tattoos over their hearts. The chest is also a place to tattoo a memorial piece to remember a loved one, friend, or fellow officer that died while serving in the military.
American Flag FAQ:
What does an American flag tattoo mean?
An American flag tattoo represents freedom, justice, and resiliency. Men who decide to get American flag tattoos want to show love and respect for their country. Others choose to get this tattoo to remember all the people who have fought or died serving America.
What side of the body should an American flag tattoo be?
American flag tattoo etiquette is vital to some men, especially those in the military. Some state that you should have the flag tattooed on the right-hand side of your body with the stars facing the direction of your heart. This is how the American flag military badge is displayed on uniforms.
Which direction should an American flag face on a forearm tattoo?
To some, an upside-down American flag is seen as a sign of disrespect. When you tattoo the American flag on your forearm, the stars should be on the top right-hand side (the viewer’s left) of the tattoo with the red stripes running down the arm.
