Inside: Half Sleeve Tattoo Ideas.
“Are Half Sleeve Tattoos Better Than Full?” is a frequently asked question by our readers.
Before we dig into the debate, we’d like to first highlight that sleeve tattoos created to fill the entire arm aren’t for everyone – they are bold, overpowering, and intense. Getting permanently inked on any part of the body is a huge undertaking, but a sleeve tattoo takes it to an entire new level.
This bold and statement-worthy body art is pieced together by multiple tiny designs and images following a theme. Some people also choose one giant piece as a sleeve tattoo, stretching intricately across parts of their arm. Generally, sleeve tattoos cover three lengths of an arm: quarter, half, and full.
We understand that finding the right type of sleeve tattoo can be hard, but this post should make your journey a tad bit easier. Can’t say the same for the actual tattooing process, though. Getting a sleeve tattoo is definitely a longer (and painful) journey.
If you’ve been bitten by the tattoo bug and are unsure about which sleeve tattoo to get (full or half), here are some things to consider to make sure you have a positive experience and more importantly, a sleeve that you’re proud of.
Full vs. Half Sleeve Tattoos: Which is Better?
Full Sleeve
A full sleeve tattoo encompasses the entire arm length and can be stretched as far as you like it. It undeniably looks super cool when finished but the tattooing process itself is extremely strenuous and time consuming. Full sleeve tattoos usually require multiple sittings, spread between several days, and can easily take up 20 hours or more to complete.
The entire process is split into multiple sessions of 3 to 5 hours based on how much pain a client can endure in a single session. But as they say, good things come with patience and time. If done properly, there’s hardly any other tattoo style or design that can supersede the awesomeness of a full sleeve tattoo.
Since full sleeves provide ample space for creating individual designs – merging into one unified artwork – they are visually more compelling.
But their distinct appeal comes with a price: for a full sleeve, you will have to undergo more pain since sensitive areas such as the wrist, elbow, inner elbow, etc. are also part of it. These spots are highly sensitive and will hurt more than other body areas.
But then again, no pain, no gain!
Half Sleeve
If you love the idea of getting a full sleeve but aren’t really sure about getting one, then a half sleeve tattoo is a good place to start. Half sleeve tattoos go to the elbow, leaving your forearm bare. Since it doesn’t stretch to the entire arm length, it is easier to conceal compared to a full sleeve tattoo.
Another great thing about half sleeve tattoos is that you can gradually add more to it and turn it into a full-fledged sleeve. While this sleeve tattoo doesn’t encompass the entire arm, it still requires a lot of planning. Just like a full sleeve, half sleeve tattoos also require multiple sittings, spread between several days, and can easily take up to 10 hours or more to complete.
Before you make up your mind, know one thing: both types of sleeve tattoos have their unique set of benefits and shortcomings. A full sleeve will require more money, time, and confidence to wear. So, if you aren’t 100% sure whether it is the best option for you, we recommend you to start with a smaller piece, such as a half or quarter sleeve and gradually add onto it later.
Half Sleeve Tattoo Ideas
1. Flowery Half Sleeve
2. Bicep Half Sleeve
3. Mandala Half Sleeve
5. Wild Flower Half Sleeve
Irrespective of the kind of sleeve tattoo you plan on getting, it’s crucial to remember that tattoos are a permanent work of body art. And although our society is changing and tattoos are now more broadly accepted, there are still quite a few places (such as workplaces) that necessitate you to cover any form of body art or augmentation including tattoos.
Tattoos on most areas of the body can be concealed easily, however, the same can’t be said for sleeve tattoos. That’s why you should be sure to consider all important factors before getting a sleeve tattoo – half or full.
As always, we are here if you have any questions at all. Just shoot them our way and we’ll get back to you right away.
Learn More About Tattoos
- Full Sleeve Tattoos – Full sleeve tattoos are incredibly popular, fierce, and a great way to show some amazing works of ink art. All of these tattoo ideas are sure to get you in the mood to have your own elaborate sleeve tattoo designed. You’ll see a lot of variety and styles with these full sleeve tattoo design ideas. Be prepared to get some ink inspiration!
- Tattoo Background Shading Ideas – Are you looking to add a little flair to your sleeve tattoo? Or add an extra bit of depth to a unique design? Shading is the perfect filler to complete that complex sleeve or take your beautiful ink to the next level. By just adding this effect to your tattoo, you will have a one-of-a-kind finished piece. Tattoo background shading comes in all types of styles and colors, check out a few of our favorites.
- Half Sleeve Tattoo Ideas for Women – Tattoos have grown in popularity over the last decade but the half sleeve tattoos for women, in particular, have been growing rapidly. This tattoo begins either above the elbow to the shoulder or below the elbow to the wrist. This type of tattoo takes thought in creation, but it also takes thought in whether it works for each person, as it’s not as easy to cover up. Many questions arise and endless hours of research occur when looking for that perfect look. What is the statement I am trying to make? What will these tattoos represent? And the list could go on, and on, and on…
I'm Victoria Hudgins founder of Tattoo Glee and managing editor. I'm a Tattoo Stylist and love helping others find the best way to express all the fun and joy that is within them! Follow along with my posts for all the celebratory style your next ink design is needing.