80 Back Tattoo Design Ideas & Inspiration
Are you thinking of turning your back into a large canvas for a great tattoo? That’s a good way to make your body a piece of art – literally. Back tattoos for men have always been trending. A back tattoo will look amazing on your skin regardless of the size.
There’s no shortage of tattoo designs to choose from for your back, so you won’t have any issues selecting a suitable model. Due to the large, straight surface, the back serves as a great area for any piece of art. Besides, there’s plenty of space to add a big and complex design.
Usually, back pieces take a lot of time to be finished, especially if you pick a large, bold design. Most likely, you may have to do several tattoo sessions until your artist completes it. If you haven’t picked a good design yet but want to prepare for your big day, we’ve compiled a list of unique inked pieces you can get on your back.
Do back tattoos hurt?
However, there are some areas where the tattoo needle will just feel spicier than usual – for example, where the skin is thinner or near your spine. But everyone has a different pain resistance, so just because someone you know had a negative experience, it doesn’t mean it’s going to be the same for you.
Despite how exciting it can be to get a new back tattoo, you have to keep in mind that aftercare can be challenging, especially when the piece is harder to reach. You may have to ask someone to help you wash your fresh ink and apply a gentle moisturizer. If nobody can help you, you’ll have to use a mirror, then twist and stretch in order to reach every inch.
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In this back tattoo story…
If you’re looking for some ideas for your back tattoo, researching the most popular options may help you get some inspiration. We’ve compiled a list of the best back tattoos for men in 2024. Let’s get started!
Full Back Tattoos
Full back tattoos give you a wide range of options in terms of design. Thanks to their generous size, you can make them as complex as you want. So, the possibilities are endless if you wish to get a detailed scene on your back or just something that represents you. Because they are big and detailed, these art pieces often stand out.
Portrait Back Tattoos
A portrait tattoo is an amazing choice for every man – especially if you have a large, muscular back that provides a perfect canvas for the artist. You can add anyone’s portrait, whether we’re talking about your children, other family members, fictional characters, celebrities, and others.
Simple Back Tattoos
Even if you have a large back, it’s not a rule that you need to get a complex art piece to cover the entire surface. Even smaller, simpler men’s back tattoos can make an impact. For example, you can add one simple design to your shoulder blade or multiple simple designs to scatter on various areas of your back. You can keep the tattoo black and white, but since it’s a simple design, you can enhance it with some colors.
Wings Back Tattoo
Although wing tattoos may seem like something that is more common in women, they are spiritual pieces, and they are popular among men too. Wing tattoos can either represent something more angelic, or you can go the other side and make them look more devilish. Sometimes, men also choose them because they praise the Viking culture.
Dragon Back Tattoo
What’s cooler than a dragon tattoo? Since your back offers such a large surface, you can opt for a truly spectacular model. Because these mystical creatures are so unique, they can be added to all sorts of designs, making them extremely flexible. To make things even better, they work well both as small and large lower back tattoos.
Tribal Back Tattoos
Tribal back tattoos for men are so popular that you certainly know someone who has one. These pieces have been popular for decades. Because they have no straight lines, they can embrace the curves of your back wonderfully, with their unique shapes making great statements.
Half-Sleeve and Back Tattoos
Why not go for something more interesting that makes the design flow nicely between your back and arm? The back and half-sleeve tattoo is a pretty interesting and popular design idea. It not only covers your upper arm and part of your back, but it also gives you the chance to extend it later on if you want to.
Small Bird Back Tattoos
Birds seem to be a popular choice as back tattoos for women – but they also make cool back tattoos for men. They symbolize freedom and travel. So, if you appreciate these two qualities and passions, getting a bird tattooed on your back will certainly get the message across.
Compass Back Tattoos
There’s no doubt that compass tattoos look great. They look amazing in many places, but the upper back is one of the most popular choices for this model. More often than not, it is seen in people who have an attraction to the sea, but also sailors, fishermen, and navy officers.
Skull Back Tattoos
Skulls are symbols of life and death, and a skull tattoo – especially on your back – can make you look like a badass. Although skulls suit pretty much any body area, the back is perfect, thanks to its generous space. Besides, you’ll certainly look rebellious whenever you show it off.
Neck and Back Tattoos
Neck and back tattoos are great because you can extend your back tattoo design to your neck. You don’t need to be shirtless for people to notice it – although, don’t be surprised to hear people asking you to take your shirt off once they see the ink on your neck. This design type also gives you more options in terms of tattoo models. It can include different models, such as animals, patterns, and more. Even the dragon design we mentioned above would look great as a back and neck tattoo.
Phoenix Back Tattoos
We all know that phoenix back tattoos for men symbolize rebirth. If you went through difficult times and you felt like you were born again after overcoming those obstacles, a huge phoenix back tattoo can be a wonderful way to represent your success. You can make it red for extra dramatism and a splash of color.
Cross Back Tattoos
Are you a religious man? A back cross tattoo is one of the easiest ways to express it. Men who live by faith have many options to choose from. They can go with a simple, plain cross, or add Bible verses or even Jesus on the cross.
Upper Back Tattoos
Especially if you’re getting your first tattoo, you do not have to commit to something that covers the whole back area. You can cover the upper back only or even include back of neck tattoos. This is great for a meaningful tattoo, but also interesting shapes and patterns that can make impressive upper back tattoos for men.
Snake Back Tattoos
Snakes are common tattoo designs in both men and women. Because they are long and flexible, snakes can be drawn in all sorts of positions on your back. For instance, you can cover the entire spine with a cool snake, or get a smaller snake piece in the middle.
Angel Back Tattoos
There are various reasons why men would choose angel tattoos. For some, an angel is a way to represent the times they survived difficult or life-threatening situations. For others, it’s a way to represent their faith and love for God.
Japanese Back Tattoos
Japanese back tattoos for men are classic pieces of art in the industry, and what makes them so great is that they can incorporate all sorts of elements and colors. If you love these designs, you can cover your whole back with them, and you’ll surely impress anyone with this huge design.
Quote Back Tattoos
Sometimes, the best way to represent something is by tattooing a meaningful quote on your body. Ouotes look great as a simple lower back tattoo, regardless of the style or font. And if you want a special font, the back has enough space available to show off all those details.
Nature Back Tattoos
Whether you have a special place in your heart for certain countries or you simply appreciate a nice mountain landscape, you have the opportunity to carry one with you forever. Since these pieces include many details, they fit perfectly on your back. They can even include symbols that represent you, like birds, forests, and others.
Spine Back Tattoos
You may have noticed that spine back tattoos have gained traction in recent years, even for men. The spine can be painful, but if you have good pain tolerance, you will end up with a cool design. Later, you can even extend this piece to other back areas if you want to.
Music Back Tattoos
Why not use your back to display a sizeable musical piece if you’re a musician? You can go numerous ways about this. With your back being so large, you can get tattoos of musical notes, instruments, song lyrics, and more.
Eagle Back Tattoos
Eagles are certainly among the birds that most regularly find themselves on people’s backs. They’re natural-born hunters, known for their power and fierceness. Get an eagle on your back to show the world how much of a strong person you are.
Lion Back Tattoos
Lion tattoos are just perfect for confident and strong men. With so much space to play around, your lion can be as huge and detailed as you want. Get ready to tell the world a bit about yourself with this tattoo.
Wolf Back Tattoos
Wolves are frequently drawn on people’s bodies in ink. The strong animals usually spend their time in packs, hunting and supporting each other. If you love your family or want to tell the world how strong you are, do it with a wolf tattoo.
3D Back Tattoos
3D tattoos can create cool illusions, and regardless of the design you choose, they will leave an impression on anyone who sees them. 3D back tattoos for men grab people’s attention and can make your body look cooler.
Mandala Back Tattoos
Source: @tattrx
If you’re a huge fan of complex geometric designs, a mandala tattoo is just what you need for your back. What’s excellent about mandala pieces is that they look great and are also a way for any man to self-reflect and reach peace. Your piece may represent things like balance and harmony, depending on the model you opt for.
Star Back Tattoos
Source: nextluxury.com
When you want a back tattoo but don’t want it to be large and obvious, a star tattoo is a great choice. It represents guidance and protection but may also be a way to show that you are fascinated by the universe. It’s up to you how far you go with this design.
Crown Back Tattoos
Source: menstattooideas
Crowns are meant for those of royal blood – so, if you feel like a king wherever you go, a crown tattoo on your back can be a powerful statement. It can look amazing on your upper back, although, depending on the design, any back placement will do.
Scorpion Back Tattoos
Source: thetrendspotter
Scorpions are not something you want to mess with, and everyone who sees someone with a scorpion back tattoo will know you won’t back away from a fight if necessary. It can be a great tattoo that reveals your zodiac sign or tells the world you’re a man with principles.
Tree Back Tattoos
Source: nextluxury
Trees represent growth and wisdom but also immortality, fertility, and freedom. What’s great is that you can choose from a few tree species to get inked on your back canvas, yet they will all look spectacular with their intertwining roots and branches.
Final Thoughts
As a man, you certainly have a lot of back tattoo options to choose from in 2024. Among the most popular ones are lions, wolves, wings, and skulls, but you can also go for more personal options.
Check out the best men’s tattoo ideas.
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Angel Wings Back Tattoo
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Source @okteash via Instagram
Featuring a pair of wings, this tattoo is inspired by the celestial beings often depicted in various mythologies and religious beliefs as messengers of divine grace and protection. Due to its large size and detailed nature, getting this tattoo requires commitment, patience, and a skilled tattoo artist.
Butterfly Back Tattoo
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Source @ornela_ttt via Instagram
You can choose to showcase one or more butterflies in various sizes and positions. They can be drawn in flight, resting on flowers or branches or arranged in a symmetrical pattern. The design might be realistic, resembling actual butterflies, or it can be stylized with artistic flourishes for a more abstract tattoo.
Rose Back Tattoo
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Source Source @levibarnett.tattoo via Facebook
A rose tattoo can be a tribute to love, a symbol of remembrance for a loved one or a celebration of personal growth and beauty. It can be positioned in the centre of the upper back, cascading down towards the lower back, or delicately placed on one side for an asymmetrical look.
Tree Back Tattoo
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Source @klockwork_tattoo_club via Instagram
This design may showcase a single tree, such as an oak, pine, cherry blossom or palm tree, with little details on the leaves, branches and trunk. Alternatively, you could opt for a forest or a grove of trees, creating a more expansive and immersive scene. Due to the back’s ample surface area, the tattoo can cover a significant portion of the upper or lower back.
Geometric Back Tattoo
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Source @tattooinkarnation via Instagram
Geometric designs offer a fresh and contemporary approach to tattoos, taking advantage of modern aesthetics. Some may perceive them as representations of order, balance and harmony in a chaotic world. Others may find hidden meanings in the interlocking shapes, reflecting the complexity of their own journeys through life.
Traditional Back Tattoo
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Source @nickkaufmanart via Instagram
One of the reasons a traditional tattoo is so great is its time-tested appeal. It has stood the test of time, remaining popular and beloved by tattoo enthusiasts for decades. This iconic style is characterized by bold, solid outlines and a limited colour palette.
Octopus Back Tattoo
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Source @kaliltattoofamily via Instagram
The octopus is a creature of mystery and intrigue, with its flowing tentacles and intelligent eyes. Its natural grace and complexity make it a compelling subject for a tattoo. The octopus’s sprawling arms can span across the shoulders, down the sides or even extend to the lower back, creating a breathtaking spectacle.
Jesus Back Tattoo
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Source @nogarolli_tattoo via Instagram
This sacred design features an artistic representation of Jesus Christ, often inspired by religious artwork and depictions from various cultures and traditions. You may choose a smaller, discreet tattoo that serves as a personal reminder of your faith. You could also go with a larger and more prominent design that becomes a powerful statement of your devotion.
Owl Back Tattoo
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Source @spidermurphystattoo via Instagram
The artist would focus on the finer details of the tattoo, such as the owl’s eyes, beak, and wings, infusing the design with personality and expression. They may even incorporate shading and hatching to create the illusion of volume in the owl’s feathers, making them appear soft and lifelike.
Sun Back Tattoo
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Source @tora_sumi via Instagram
At the heart of this masterpiece lies a majestic sun, its circular form commanding attention and drawing the eye towards its vibrant core. Radiating outward from the sun’s centre is a series of rays that vary in length and thickness, giving the tattoo a sense of power.
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