Swallow Tattoo Ideas

Popular Swallow Tattoo Styles

You can go in many different directions with a swallow tattoo, as they are extremely versatile. Alone, they often symbolize the end to a journey, hope and love. By pairing them with other things, though, you can change and even enhance the meaning.

Many people pair swallows with florals such as roses to symbolize beauty or lilies to symbolize purity. You could also follow a minimalist design, with fine lines to emphasize elegance and simplicity. Or, you could go a more modern route by using dotwork and incorporating shading.

Best Swallow Tattoo Placements

Most swallow tattoos are smaller compared to some other types, and that plays out in some of the most common placements for them. The forearm is a popular choice, as you can really add a lot of detail, and even cover it up if you need to. The foot or ankle are popular for similar reasons as well.

For a bigger design, you can choose the chest, where you can place your swallow tattoo near your heart to give it a more romantic meaning. If you want to go bold and don’t mind it showing at all times, you could choose your shoulder or neck.

Women’s Swallow Tattoo Ideas

Many women take their swallow tattoos in a feminine direction by pairing the swallow itself with floral patterns. By using fine lines and soft shading, the artist can draw the swallow in a graceful or even abstract style. 

Many women choose to place their swallow tattoos on the collarbone, wrist or ankle, as they are considered more intimate parts of the body.

Men’s Swallow Tattoo Ideas

Men, meanwhile, often opt for a bolder design for a bigger message. Popular pairings include skulls, anchors and nautical stars. As for the style, men may go for brighter colors and thicker lines, which give their swallow tattoos a more traditional look.

Some of the most common placements for men’s swallow tattoos include the back, chest or forearm — all of which provide more space for a larger tattoo that has intricate design.

Swallow Tattoo Meaning

The swallow has long symbolized the experience that sailors have had out at sea, as a single swallow represents 5,000 nautical miles. In that same vein, it has often symbolized a safe return home and a homecoming.

Many people who get a swallow tattoo will play into this symbolism in unique ways for their own lives. It can also represent faith and superstition, since the swallow has also come to mean that the bird can carry a person’s soul to heaven.