While tattoos are generally awesome, there is something quite special about an ink masterpiece placed on a man’s chest. Somehow, a chest tattoo is bolder, braver, and yes, more beautiful. When you really think about it, it is one of the best spots to get inked – a man’s chest is broad enough for large and intricate pieces, plus it’s upfront which makes the tattoo so easy to display.
1. Dotwork Symmetrical Owl Chest Tattoo
The owl in itself is already a great design that is rife with symbolism but what makes this piece really great as a chest tattoo is the symmetry that is in play.
Image Source: Craftzberlin
2. Maori Chest Tattoo
Big and bold, the thick lines of a Maori tattoo won’t be lost on a spot like this.
Image Source: Pelfind
3. The Eagle
What design is grand and majestic enough for the chest? The eagle – in all of its spread-winged glory. No wonder this is one of the top choice for chest pieces.
Image Source: Tattoomuch
4. Skull Tattoo
This large chest piece is simply badass. A classic symbol in large proportions, with perfect shadowing.
Image Source: Kingpost
5. The Serpent
What a biting design, isn’t it? This ferocious artwork spans from the chest down to the belly and makes excellent use of all that space.
Image Source: Lavish Toast
6. Roses and Hearts
If you think floral and heart tats are exclusively for girls, then you thought wrong. By choosing the correct shades, and incorporating other elements, hearts and roses can be very, very masculine (not to mention, sexy) as demonstrated by model Alex Minsky here.
Image Source: Black Bird Fly
7. The Realistic Boa
I know this is the second snake design on the list but just take a look at that – Can you pass that up? Nope. Thought so. You can almost hear it slithering.
Image Source: The Freakish
8. The Octopus
Here’s another design that doesn’t sit just in the chest area. Although the octopus itself is placed on the arm, much of its intricate design can be found on the chest, where the realistic tentacles are.
Image Source: Tattoos
9. Cool Sound Wave Tattoo
Not all chest tattoos on men are meant to be huge. After all, it’s not just about size, it is also about style. This sound wave tattoo may be simple but it is clean, unique, and perfect.
Image Source: Miguel Angel
10. Steam Punk Heart
This steam punk-inspired heart tattoo is very much at home on the chest area.
Image Source: Tattoo Magz
11. Winged Cross Tattoo
The cross has always been a favorite when it comes to tattoo designs. But if you are going to place it on the chest, you have to make it grand like this winged cross tattoo.
Image Source: Lolu
12. The Embellished Anchor
Bring out the sailor in you with this nautical-themed tattoo. The beauty in anchor tattoos is that they allow plenty of room for the addition of other elements such as a scripted message.
Image Source: Creative Fan
13. Koi Chest Tattoo
The Koi is another well-loved ink design because it has depth, color, and meaning. A lot of Koi tattoos start out as a sleeve and extends to the pectorals, however just like this fellow here, you can choose to target the chest and create a symmetrical design.
Image Source: Pemotions
14. The Superhero Underneath
This has been all over the internet! And why wouldn’t it be? The concept is awesome. The execution, more so.
Image Source: Forever Geek
15. Hypnotic Lines
I know, I know. You are in a trance as much as I am. This chest tattoo is hypnotic because of the clever play on the lines and shadowing, plus the sheer size of it.
Image Source: Plaintrees
So if your chest is the only clean spot you have left, I hope these ink ideas above have inspired you to get it filled in. Who knows? You might even be able to top them off and find yourself in a list like this.