Exploring the 10 most popular types of tattoo styles: Which one suits you?

Deciding on a tattoo style can feel a bit like choosing a new haircut, but way more permanent—exciting yet kinda nerve-wracking, right? With so many cool styles out there—from the classic boldness of traditional tattoos to the dreamy splashes of watercolour—it's easy to feel a tad lost.

You might find yourself wondering, "Will this style match my vibe? Or what if I change my mind about it later?" It's all about finding that perfect match that looks awesome and feels like a part of you.

Let's dive into the ten most popular tattoo styles and determine which speaks to your style and story.

And hey, if you're a tattoo artist inspired by these styles, don't forget to check out our shop and stock up on all your tattoo supplies. Add to the cart now and keep creating art that impresses!

1. Traditional tattoos

Traditional tattoos, or "old school" tattoos, are characterised by their bold lines, limited colour palette, and iconic imagery. These designs often feature solid black outlines with a limited use of primary colours, such as red, green, yellow, and blue.

Historical background and cultural significance:

Traditional tattoos have a rich history rooted in Western tattoo culture, particularly among sailors, soldiers, and rebels. They became popular in the early 20th century, with icons like Sailor Jerry Norman Collins helping to popularise the style.

Typical motifs:

Common motifs include anchors, swallows, roses, hearts, daggers, and pin-up girls. Each motif often carries its own symbolic meaning, such as swallows representing a safe return from a journey.

Who this style suits:

Traditional tattoos are ideal for those who appreciate classic, timeless designs with a connection to the history and culture of tattooing. They suit individuals who prefer bold, easily recognisable images with deep symbolic meanings.

2. Neo-traditional tattoo style

Neo-traditional tattoo styles are an evolution of the traditional tattoo style, incorporating a broader colour palette, more intricate details, and a more comprehensive range of themes. While they maintain the bold lines of traditional tattoos, they often include more shading, depth, and complexity in their designs.

Evolution from traditional tattoos:

Neo-traditional tattoos emerged as artists sought to expand the limitations of traditional tattooing, allowing for more creativity and artistic expression. This style blends the classic elements of traditional tattoos with modern techniques and aesthetics.

Common themes and colour palettes:

Common themes include portraits of animals, people, and mythical creatures, often with a dramatic or illustrative twist. The colour palettes are more diverse, with richer tones and more subtle gradients compared to the primary colours of traditional tattoos.

Who this style suits:

Neo-traditional tattoos are perfect for individuals who appreciate the boldness of traditional tattoos but desire more detail, colour, and artistic flair in their designs. They are ideal for those who want a tattoo that is both classic and contemporary.

3. Realism tattoo style

Realism tattoos are designed to closely replicate real-life images, such as portraits, animals, or nature scenes, with lifelike precision. These tattoos require a high level of skill to capture the fine details, textures, and shadows that make the image appear three-dimensional.

Techniques used to achieve lifelike images:

Artists use techniques such as shading, layering, and careful attention to light and shadow to create realistic tattoos. The use of grayscale (black and grey tattoo style) or full colour is common, depending on the subject and desired effect.

Popular subjects:

Popular subjects for realism tattoos include portraits of loved ones, celebrities, animals, and detailed scenes from nature. Realism tattoos are often chosen for their ability to capture a moment or a memory with striking accuracy.

Who this style suits:

Realism tattoos suit individuals who are drawn to detailed, lifelike art and want a tattoo that captures a realistic image with emotional depth. This style is perfect for those who value precision and want a tattoo that makes a bold, artistic statement.

4. Watercolour tattoos

Watercolour tattoos mimic the appearance of watercolour paintings, characterised by soft, flowing lines and vibrant splashes of colour. These tattoos often lack the bold black outlines typical of other styles, resulting in a more fluid, abstract appearance.

Inspiration from watercolour painting techniques:

The style is inspired by watercolour art, where colours blend seamlessly into one another, creating a dreamlike, ethereal effect. Tattoo artists use a lot of shading and blending techniques to replicate the look of watercolour on the skin.

Common themes and colour splashes:

Common themes include floral designs, abstract patterns, animals, and nature scenes. The use of vibrant, overlapping colours gives these tattoos a dynamic, artistic feel, often resembling brushstrokes or ink washes.

Who this style suits:

Watercolour tattoos are ideal for individuals who appreciate a more artistic and less traditional approach to body art. They suit those who love vibrant colours, abstract designs, and the idea of carrying a piece of fine art on their skin.

5. Blackwork tattoo style

Blackwork tattoos are designed using only black ink, often in bold, striking patterns. These tattoos can range from simple, minimalist designs to complex, intricate patterns covering large areas of the body.

Use of bold black ink to create dramatic designs:

The style relies on heavy use of black ink, often featuring large, solid areas of black or intricate linework. The contrast between the black ink and the skin creates a dramatic, visually impactful look.

Popular patterns:

Popular patterns include geometric designs, mandalas, tribal motifs, and abstract forms. The style also lends itself well to creating stark contrasts, such as negative space designs, where the absence of ink is as important as the ink itself.

Who this style suits:

Blackwork tattoos are perfect for those who appreciate bold, high-contrast designs. They suit individuals who prefer a more minimalist or monochromatic aesthetic, as well as those drawn to geometric and tribal patterns.

6. Japanese tattoos

Japanese tattoo styles, or Irezumi, are known for their large, detailed designs that often cover significant portions of the body, such as the back, chest, or sleeves. They feature bold outlines, vibrant colours, and intricate details.

Deep-rooted cultural history and symbolism:

Japanese tattoos have a rich cultural history dating back hundreds of years. Traditionally, they were associated with spirituality, protection, and status. Many of the designs are steeped in symbolism, representing various virtues, myths, and legends from Japanese culture.

Typical imagery:

Common imagery includes koi fish, dragons, samurai, cherry blossoms, tigers, and other figures from Japanese mythology. Each element often carries its own symbolic meaning, such as koi fish representing perseverance and dragons symbolising strength and wisdom.

Who this style suits:

Japanese tattoos are ideal for individuals drawn to detailed, culturally rich designs. They suit those who appreciate the deep symbolism and storytelling inherent in the art, as well as those looking for large, visually impactful tattoos that carry a sense of history and tradition.

7. Minimalist tattoos

Minimalist tattoos are characterised by their simplicity, often featuring clean lines, small designs, and minimal shading. These tattoos are typically understated and subtle, focusing on basic shapes, symbols, or tiny, intricate details.

Emphasis on simplicity and clean lines:

The minimalist style emphasises the "less is more" approach, using only the essential elements to convey meaning or aesthetic appeal. The designs are usually monochromatic, often in black ink, and rely on negative space to enhance the overall composition.

Popular designs:

Common minimalist tattoos include small geometric shapes, delicate florals, tiny animals, abstract lines, and simple symbols or words. The focus is on conveying a message or aesthetic with as few lines as possible.

Who this style suits:

Minimalist tattoos are perfect for individuals who prefer subtle, elegant designs that can be easily hidden or displayed. They suit those who appreciate the beauty of simplicity and want a tattoo that is timeless and versatile.

8. Dotwork tattoos

Dotwork tattoos are created using tiny dots to form intricate patterns, shading, and images. This style relies on the density and spacing of dots to create depth, texture, and gradients, resulting in a unique, stippled effect.

Techniques of using tiny dots to create images:

Tattoo artists use a technique called stippling, where individual dots are applied to the skin to build up an image. The closer the dots are placed together, the darker and more solid the area appears, while more spaced-out dots create lighter, more airy effects.

Common applications:

Dotwork is often used in geometric patterns, mandalas, sacred geometry, and abstract designs. It can also be combined with other styles, such as realism or blackwork, to add texture and depth to the tattoo.

Who this style suits:

Dotwork tattoos are ideal for individuals who appreciate detailed, intricate designs and the uniqueness of the stippling technique. They suit those who want a tattoo that stands out for its craftsmanship and artistic complexity.

9. New school tattoos

New School tattoos are known for their vibrant colours, exaggerated features, and cartoonish, often surreal designs. New school tattoo style is a modern approach on traditional tattooing, blending bold lines with a playful, sometimes outlandish approach.

Evolution of traditional tattoo styles:

New School tattoos emerged in the late 20th century as a response to the more conservative styles of the past. They draw inspiration from various art forms, including graffiti, comic books, and pop culture, resulting in a design that is dynamic and visually striking.

Use of exaggerated features and vibrant colours:

Artists use bold outlines and bright, often neon, colours to create tattoos that are visually impactful. The designs are typically exaggerated, with oversized elements and playful, surreal themes that challenge traditional norms.

Who this style suits:

New School tattoos are perfect for those who enjoy bold, colourful, and unconventional art. They suit individuals who are not afraid to stand out and who want a tattoo that reflects their vibrant personality and love for contemporary, creative expression.

10. Portrait tattoos

Portrait tattoos are a form of realism that focuses specifically on capturing the likeness of a person or animal. These portrait tattoos are highly detailed and require a skilled artist to represent the subject's features and expressions accurately.

Techniques for capturing likeness:

Artists use shading, highlights, and fine lines to replicate the intricate details of a face or figure. The goal is to achieve a lifelike representation, often working from a photograph to ensure accuracy in the portrayal.

Popular subjects:

Common subjects for portrait tattoos include loved ones, celebrities, historical figures, and beloved pets. These tattoos are often chosen to commemorate a special person or to honour someone's memory.

Who this style suits:

Portrait tattoos are ideal for individuals who want a deeply personal and meaningful tattoo. They suit those who appreciate realism and wish to carry a permanent reminder of someone important on their skin, ensuring that the memory is preserved with artistic precision.

Final thoughts

As we wrap up our exploration of the ten most popular tattoo styles, remember that choosing the right one is all about personal expression and connection. Take your time, think about what resonates with you, and choose a style that you'll be proud to wear.

For the tattoo artists out there, ready to bring these styles to life, make sure you're equipped with the best tools for the job. Visit our website to find top-quality tattoo machines, vibrant inks, and soothing aftercare products to keep your art looking sharp and your clients happy. Start shopping now to keep your studio stocked and your art flawless.