Sleeve tattoo (full arm)
A sleeve is a tattoo covering the whole arm from the shoulder to the wrist, usually as one connected design. See sleeves from our studio and find out how to prepare for a full-arm tattoo.
Tattoos from our studio
How painful is a sleeve tattoo?
Pain varies by area – see the pages for the individual parts of the arm.
How long does a sleeve tattoo take?
A full sleeve takes at least 25 hours of tattooing. It usually consists of several medium or several large pieces.
How does a sleeve tattoo heal?
A healed sleeve looks good and stays sharp for life. Just choose high-contrast designs and use sunscreen in summer.
In what position is it tattooed?
Lying down or sitting, without a T-shirt.
How to prepare for a sleeve tattoo?
All clothing and underwear near the tattoo area must be dark or black. Wear comfortable clothes that are loose around the tattoo area. Take off your watch, rings and bracelets.
What is a sleeve made of?
A sleeve is either one connected design or several medium and large pieces linked by a background. It often starts as a half sleeve, a forearm wrap or a piece on the shoulder and is gradually extended to the whole arm. A full sleeve takes at least 25 hours of tattooing spread over several sessions.
Which style to choose for a sleeve?
High-contrast work lasts longest on a sleeve – black & grey, realism, ornaments and Polynesian or Maori patterns. Very fine lines and tiny details lose readability over time on a full arm, so they are better kept for smaller tattoos.
Men's and women's sleeves
Men more often choose bold compositions across the whole arm – animals, skulls, ornaments, Viking and Polynesian motifs. Women more often build a sleeve from finer elements such as flowers, mandalas, butterflies and lettering, with more free skin between them.
