27 Old School Tattoo Ideas That Will Never Go Out of Style
Thinking about getting inked but overwhelmed by all the modern tattoo trends? Why not take a trip back in time with some classic old school designs? These iconic tattoos have stood the test of time for a reason – they’re bold, meaningful, and just plain cool. From sailors to rebels, these designs have adorned skin for generations, and they’re ready to make a statement on yours too.
Get ready to be inspired! We’ve compiled a list of 27 old school tattoo ideas that will never go out of style. So, ditch the fleeting trends and embrace the timeless appeal of these legendary designs. Let’s dive in and discover the perfect old school tattoo to express your individuality and pay homage to a rich history of body art.
Traditional Sailor Tattoo
Ahoy, matey! The sailor tattoo is perhaps the quintessential old school design. Think anchors, ships, and swallows – symbols of hope, safe passage, and returning home. These tattoos often feature bold lines and vibrant colors, making them instantly recognizable and undeniably classic.
Classic Rose Tattoo
Roses represent love, beauty, and passion. An old school rose tattoo, with its thick outlines and vibrant red petals, is a timeless symbol of these emotions. Whether you’re expressing your love for someone special or simply celebrating the beauty of life, a rose tattoo is always a good choice.
Lucky Dice Tattoo
Feeling lucky? A dice tattoo represents chance, risk, and the unpredictable nature of life. Often depicted with the numbers seven or eleven, these tattoos are a reminder to embrace the unknown and take a gamble every now and then.
Old School Swallow Tattoo
Swallows symbolize hope, freedom, and the safe return home. For sailors, each swallow represented 5,000 nautical miles traveled. These beautiful birds are a reminder to keep pushing forward, no matter the obstacles.
Simple Anchor Tattoo
Anchors represent stability, hope, and steadfastness. A simple anchor tattoo, with its clean lines and bold design, is a reminder to stay grounded and true to yourself. It’s a classic choice for those who value loyalty and resilience.
Vibrant Heart Tattoo
Hearts symbolize love, passion, and devotion. An old school heart tattoo, often adorned with banners or daggers, is a timeless expression of these emotions. Whether you’re celebrating a romantic relationship or simply expressing your love for life, a heart tattoo is always a meaningful choice.
Detailed Ship Tattoo
A ship tattoo symbolizes adventure, exploration, and the journey of life. Whether it’s a majestic clipper ship or a humble fishing boat, a ship tattoo is a reminder to embrace the unknown and set sail towards your dreams.
Powerful Eagle Tattoo
Eagles represent freedom, strength, and courage. An old school eagle tattoo, with its bold lines and majestic wingspan, is a symbol of American pride and unwavering determination. It’s a powerful choice for those who embody these qualities.
Vintage Dagger Tattoo
Daggers represent courage, protection, and the ability to overcome obstacles. An old school dagger tattoo, often piercing a heart or skull, is a reminder to stand up for yourself and defend what you believe in.
Bold Panther Tattoo
Panthers symbolize power, grace, and ferocity. An old school panther tattoo, with its sleek black fur and piercing eyes, is a reminder to embrace your inner strength and protect yourself from harm.
Traditional Pin-up Tattoo
Pin-up girls represent beauty, allure, and feminine charm. An old school pin-up tattoo, with its classic poses and vintage attire, is a celebration of femininity and timeless beauty. They’re flirty, fun, and always a head-turner.
Colorful Koi Tattoo
Koi fish symbolize perseverance, strength, and good fortune. An old school koi tattoo, with its vibrant colors and flowing fins, is a reminder to overcome challenges and strive for success. In Japanese culture, the Koi fish symbolizes perseverance in the face of adversity.
Minimalist Cross Tattoo
Crosses represent faith, hope, and spirituality. An old school cross tattoo, with its simple design and clean lines, is a timeless symbol of these beliefs. It’s a reminder to stay true to your values and find strength in your faith.
Sacred Rose Tattoo
Combining two classic motifs, the Sacred Heart Rose Tattoo represents both love and devotion. Depicted with flames, it is also symbolic of a passionate sacrifice for others.
Timeless Snake Tattoo
Snakes represent transformation, healing, and rebirth. An old school snake tattoo, often coiled around a dagger or skull, is a reminder of life’s cyclical nature and the ability to shed your old skin and emerge stronger.
Simple Spider Tattoo
Spiders symbolize creativity, patience, and resourcefulness. An old school spider tattoo, often depicted spinning its web, is a reminder to be creative and resourceful in your pursuit of success.
Patriotic Flag Tattoo
Flags represent pride, loyalty, and national identity. An old school flag tattoo, with its bold stripes and stars, is a symbol of patriotism and love for your country. Usually the American flag, but can be adapted for any nation.
Beautiful Lily Tattoo
Lilies represent purity, innocence, and beauty. An old school lily tattoo, with its delicate petals and elegant form, is a symbol of these virtues. It’s a timeless choice for those who appreciate grace and elegance.
Simple Sparrow Tattoo
Similar to a swallow, a sparrow is another beautiful bird that is a symbol of safety and return. Due to this symbolic meaning it became a favorite with sailors and other travelers looking to make it home in safety.
Classic Diamond Tattoo
Diamonds represent strength, resilience, and everlasting beauty. An old school diamond tattoo, with its sharp facets and brilliant sparkle, is a symbol of these qualities. It’s a reminder to stay strong and shine bright, even in the face of adversity.
Meaningful Compass Tattoo
Compasses symbolize guidance, direction, and the pursuit of your goals. An old school compass tattoo, with its intricate design and cardinal directions, is a reminder to stay true to your path and navigate your way through life’s challenges.
Lucky Horseshoe Tattoo
Horseshoes represent good luck, fortune, and protection. An old school horseshoe tattoo, with its upward-facing curve, is a symbol of attracting positive energy and warding off bad luck. It’s a classic choice for those who believe in the power of luck.
Fierce Tiger Tattoo
Tigers symbolize strength, courage, and ferocity. An old school tiger tattoo, with its bold stripes and piercing eyes, is a reminder to embrace your inner power and protect yourself from harm. A staple of traditional designs.
Minimalistic Lightning Tattoo
Lightning symbolizes power, energy, and sudden change. An old school lightning bolt tattoo, with its striking design, is a reminder to embrace change and be ready for anything that comes your way.
Stylish Rose Tattoo
Roses are timeless symbols of love and beauty. Old school rose tattoos, with their bold lines and vibrant colors, never go out of style. Get a red rose for passion, a yellow rose for friendship, or a white rose for purity. The possibilities are endless!
American Old School Tattoo
This is not so much a specific tattoo as an entire style! All of the other entries on this list are excellent examples of classic American old school tattoos. Bold outlines, classic colors, meaningful designs – that is the essence!