Wave Tattoo Ideas

Popular Wave Tattoo Styles

If you’re looking for a timeless body art design, you can’t go wrong with a wave tattoo. People choose them because of how deeply symbolic they can be, serving as a nod to nature and the beauty of the world, incorporating themes such as power and continuous movement.

Wave tattoos can be extremely versatile, too, with a number of different designs. You can go the traditional route, with bold and solid lines that can be paired with ships or anchors to give a classic feel. You can incorporate other natural elements such as mountains, the sun or palm trees to be more holistic with your connection to nature.

You can even add splashes of color and different techniques to highlight a more artistic or dreamy vibe.

Best Wave Tattoo Placements

The arms and legs are great spots to place a wave tattoo and take advantage of their rolling, continuous nature. Your artist can follow your body’s natural lines to create a piece that accentuates this ever-flowing movement.

The back and chest are great placements for larger tattoos, especially those that are more elaborate and incorporate other elements. You can work in the mountains or a sunset, for example, on the back since there is so much space to work.

Women’s Wave Tattoo Ideas

Women tend to go for wave tattoos that are more flowing. They often wrap the tattoo around their body parts, whether it be on their side, ankle or wrist, for example. The idea behind this is that it symbolizes how life is ever-changing and constantly moving.

By using minimalistic designs and incorporating watercolors, women often create wave tattoos that evoke beauty and softness along with strength.

Men’s Wave Tattoo Ideas

Men often go for wave tattoos that are more dynamic and bold. They do this through dark shading and incorporating some masculine symbols, including tigers, anchors or ships. They may use geometric shapes and have wave tattoos that are much larger on their chest or across their back.

Wave Tattoo Meaning

Wave tattoos generally represent life itself. The fact that waves are constantly moving and going up and down mirrors how life is cyclical, and how everyone will experience ebbs and flows, turbulent times and calm ones.

Waves also commonly stand for adaptability and fluidity, as they constantly flow no matter what their surroundings are. These tattoos, then, can symbolize how one was able to navigate through all challenges in life while also embracing change along the way.