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“Discover ᴛι̇ɱeless charm: Learn about old-school tattoos and their profound meanings”

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by

Ben

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Almost everyone has ever seen an Old School tattoo in their lifeᴛι̇ɱe, although they may not know that they looked at one at the ᴛι̇ɱe.

Oldschool tattoo ideas eye in arm. Instagram: isasantanatattoo

In most cases, Old School tattoos are at least a little flashy and they also have a very classic look that is pleasing to the eye.

Oldschool swallow tattoo ideas on the arm. Instagram: brisaissa

On this page, we’ll look at some of the most popular Old School tattoos, what they mean, and some ways you can design them if you choose to get one.

Oldschool girl tattoo ideas in a vase in the arm. Instagram: isasantanatattoo

One of the main reasons Old School tattoos continue to be popular today is because they are relatively simple to perform but they often float on the skin thanks to the thick process used. Today go into any tattoo parlor and chances are you’ll see a book filled with these old-fashioned tattoo designs and you’ll probably like at least one of them.

Oldschool bird tattoo ideas on the biceps. Instagram: t.barnett.tattooer

As far as Old School tattoo meanings go, most are very common meanings that people want to attach to their designs. In most cases, they don’t have extremely deep or unique meanings, but that’s the point. If you want a tattoo that is beautiful and represents love, you can find some Old School designs that use that meaning and will probably look great on your skin.

Black and white Oldschool girl tattoo ideas. Instagram: simonesbam

Old School tattoo origins

Emerging in the early 1900s, Old School tattoos or American traditions have become a staple in the industry. It’s a tattoo style defined by its classic look, bold lines, and small but bright color palette. At its inception, tattoos are usually limited to circus performers, sailors or other military personnel.

Oldschool angel tattoo ideas. Instagram: junction_tattoo

Often, tattoo designs carry a deeper meaning. This is especially true for sailors. Their tattoos are often used as reminders of home and loved ones, to mark career milestones and more.

Old School Army Tattoo Meaning

Believe it or not, most Old School tattoo designs can be considered military tattoos. “Sailor Jerry” Collins was the one who originally came up with the Old School styling that still exists today, and sailors from all over America would come to Hawaii to have him create designs for them.

Norɱaп Keith Collins aka Sailor Jerry the tattooist came up with the Old School style

If you are looking for a military tattoo and you like that quaint school look, then chances are you will find a satisfactory design. You can check out one of Sailor Jerry’s classics, or you can even see if any of your local artists have come up with their own style.

Thigh tattoo ideas

Old School anchor tattoo meaning

Anchor tattoo Old Schools look very nice and carry some very important meanings for those who get them. The main meaning that people like to use is stability because the anchor is what keeps the boat still far at sea.

Oldschool anchor and swallow tattoo ideas. Instagram: tigerspitbalm

A lot of people like old-fashioned anchor tattoos because they can be placed anywhere on the body. They work well in any position on the arm, and you can even get a big anchor on your back or thigh.

Old School flower tattoo meaning

Rose tattoos and other floral tattoos can look great in Old School style. Bold designs can make flowers look more prominent on the skin both on their own and when combined with other older designs.

Oldschool rose tattoo ideas. Instagram: jerkergudru

In most cases, the longevity flower represents love, although it can also symbolize rebirth, death, and some other things. If you choose a floral design, you should definitely look up all the meanings associated with the flower(s) that you like before committing to it. You may find that a flower you’ve never heard of has all the meanings that mean something to you.

Old School skull tattoo meaning

The Skull tattoo has been one of the most popular Old School tattoo designs since its beginnings. They represent the acceptance of the death of the owner for one reason or another.

Oldschool skull tattoo ideas on the wrist. Instagram: elin_tattooer

For example, people who think of themselves as adventurous are great candidates for skull tattoos because it shows that they are willing to die to do what they love.

Oldchool skull tattoo ideas. Instagram: jun_hyuck_traditional

Unlike ɱaпy other Old School tattoos, most stores have dozens of skull designs instead of just one or two. That just goes to show how popular they have been and will continue to be for the foreseeable future. You’ll also find that well-blended skulls will match every other Old School tattoo design.

Old School pin-up girl tattoo meaning

In the beginning, sailors got pin-up girl tattoos simply because they knew they wouldn’t see women for a while and they wanted a sexy image to get through those difficult years. Today, men and women get their Pin-up Girl designs for a variety of reasons. Some will ask them to simply represent their own glamour, while others will ask them to show their pride in feminism.

Pin-up Girl Oldschool Tattoo Ideas

Regardless of the meaning used, most people get Pin-up Girl designs vertically rather than horizontally. They work very well with key images in the sleeve, but they can also work well alone. These are also usually larger tattoos because they are a bit more detailed than most other Old School tattoo designs.

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Old School boat tattoo meaning

The ship tattoo is another Old School design that symbolizes adventure. Of course, it can also simply represent one’s love for the sea. The classic “Clipper ship” is still one of the most popular vintage ship tattoos today, and they carry the meanings mentioned above as well as honoring Sailor Jerry for his amazing ship designs.

Old School boat tattoo ideas. Instagram: tigerkimtattoo

Just like the Pin-up Girl tattoo designs, Old School boat tattoos are often designed in great detail and bold. They are also often quite accurate compared to reality, which is why they often look as great as larger tattoo designs.

Old School dagger tattoo meaning

Dagger tattoos often symbolize a kind of ɱaпtra ’till death’. The dagger was a warrior who defended the last line in battle. If stripped of their swords or primary weapons, warriors had to rely on their small bladed daggers and cunning.

Oldschool dagger tattoo ideas in copper pipes. Instagram: bency____b

In addition, daggers can represent suffering, loss, or betrayal. This meaning is more prominent in tattoos where a dagger is stabbing something, such as a heart.

Old School swallow tattoo meaning

The swallow tattoo is another popular design favored by sailors. Unlike other birds, swallows always return to their nesting site no matter how far they have traveled or the arduous conditions they have endured. In that respect, sailors and swallows are very similar.

Oldschool swallow tattoo ideas on the chest. Instagram: stoyjunx

In the early days of Old School tattoos, swallows were also used to signify a sailor’s seafaring experience. One swallow marks 5,000 nautical miles that a sailor has passed, and two swallows mark 10,000 nautical miles. Such a feat was admirable back then, without the support or safety of modern technology.

Old School Eagle tattoo meaning

The United States adopted eagles as national birds in the late 1700s. Therefore, Old School eagle tattoos often symbolize America’s core values – freedom, majesty and prosperity. American bald eagles are ferocious and restless predators. With its powerful beak and sharp talons, eagles often hunt prey much larger than themselves.

Old School Eagle tattoo idea on the head. Instagram: nautilus.tattoo

So, eagle tattoos can also represent strength, endurance, and warrior-like attributes. It is also common to see eagles combined with military-related tattoo designs to show pride.