Chest Tattoos for Men – 70 Top Chest Tattoos… Ranked!

Are you thinking of getting a chest tattoo? You’ve come to the right place! This is the best collection of chest tattoos for men EVER. Chest design ranked..Chest tattoos for men have almost nothing in common except their location. There are a few elements that you might find redundant, but overall the differences are considerable. Getting tattooed on chest is a big deal for any man because that’s a very exposed area. Sometimes, the chest is more exposed than a man’s arms or, at least a part of it is.

Most chest tattoos for men look very manly and they accentuate their wearer’s features. However, the whole inking process is very painful in that area. The skin that covers the sternum is especially sensitive. In addition, those men who continue their chest tattoos on their ribs have to endure further. Any part of the body that is near bones is prone to higher sensitivity than others.

When it comes to tattoo styles and motifs, you’ll notice in the following 70 examples that the diversity is striking. Multiple guys think it’s cool to have a character from cartoons inked on their chests, while others have more profound thoughts and choose drawings of various relativity theories or religious conspiracies.

You’ll see a lot of excellent line work, dot work, realism and some awesome traditional tattoos as well. Any tattoo idea can be adapted to a previously chosen tattoo style. It doesn’t matter if you are a fan of minimalism or realism as long as you have a defined idea of what your tattoo should look like in your head.

Chest Tattoos for Men:

Lately, the majority of men who opted for chest tattoos didn’t go for any type of writing. A few years ago, it was very hip to have something written below the collar bone. I’m not saying it isn’t cool anymore, but men tend to pick more elaborate designs. Without further ado, let’s see how chest tattoos for men look like these days!

70. Unlock my earthly passion

A locket in the shape of a heart, two roses and two bees are the components of this chest tattoo and of a few other chest tattoos for men. This one is inked in black and white only, fact which denotes simplicity and a certain level of austerity. It is located right beneath the collarbones, accentuating them in a masculine matter. He looks like a model, so I guess everyone approves.

69. These are my beliefs

Strength, respect and loyalty are assets and probably this guy’s guidelines in life. As previously mentioned, lettering tattoos like this one aren’t very popular anymore. Even so, I think his choice in font and size are a great fit for the shape of his body. Nothing says masculinity more than confidence and a few principles meant to serve as guidelines in one’s life.

68. Find the right key to my heart

This is an example of chest tattoos for men that is part old and part new. Its old part is represented by the words written on the left side, but they are brought up to date thanks to the modern tattooing style. Its new part consists of the heart, keys and the decorative design inked in red. Overall, this is a mixture of styles that probably fits his personality best. This is actually the point of getting a tattoo; to find what fits you best regardless of message or style.

67. This is the symphony of abstract

Tattoos that are abstract and look like splashes of color have been around for just a few years. When it comes to style, they aren’t completely defined, but it gains more and more fans every time. At first, these tattoos had only red and black in them. Things have changed and tattoo artists everywhere started to diversify it. As a chest piece, I believe it’s inspired because it has continuity and probably a point.

66. This is my connection to the universe chest tattoos for men

The third eye in the center of a mandala, together with some awesome dot work and subtle drippings could have more meaning than we can imagine. Think about the symbolism of mandala and of the third eye alone and your mind might be blown. Chest tattoos for men are sometimes more profound than they might look at first sight. The upper part of this tattoo is on the collarbones. Ugh, that must’ve hurt!

65. This is Hulk trying to escape

For those of you who are not familiar with the movie Hulk, you should know that the connection between this tattoo and the movie is relevant. Hulk used to transform in this fierce and uncontrollable being when he was enraged, but somehow, his soul mate managed to bring him back to human form. In this case, I think it represents the part of him that wants to be hidden, although it looks like it’s struggling to get out. As for the artistic part, this tattoo is a realistic animation with excellent choice in colors.

64. These are my guilty pleasure chest tattoos for men

The child within us is always present, but some of us choose to keep it hidden. Well, this guy doesn’t! He has created a powerful contrast between his manly look and his tattoos that are all about superheroes, cartoons and videogames. Do you recognize any besides the Superman sign? If this is just the beginning, he will be a living encyclopedia of last century’s cartoons and other things alike.

63. This is the cross I have to carry

This oversized cross looks ornamentally gothic. The gothic style is beautiful and monumental at the same time. It is full of ornaments that can only compliment the muscular chest of a man. With or without a religious hint, chest tattoos for men consisting of crosses transmit a certain sincerity that seems rooted in strong principles. Black and white was definitely the only option in this case! Would you see this cross drawn with colors?

62. This is my tribute to Mara

Swallows, lots of swallows! These birds look like they are flying away over this man’s chest. Because of their symbolism, they make total sense when they are associated with the name of a person. In this case, Mara could be a person who’s no longer part of his life. I’m saying this, because swallows are all about love, affection and loyalty. Swallows could also refer to hope and freedom, but those aren’t really relevant here.

61. This is my creepy side

This might be an overstatement, but I think this tattoo brings out the creepy part in this guy. An anatomically correct skeleton couldn’t mean something else. In addition, the style of this design is a little on the macabre side. Possibly a crow, this bird looks pretty well on his chest! Thanks to his really white skin, there’s a contrast that highlights the ink job more than it usually would.

60. Reasoning with an animal

Hatching styles together with geometric forms have nothing in common with animal instincts. However, I think that’s exactly the point. This guy tried to bring together reason and basic instincts in a less obvious way. He has chosen a perfectly symmetrical design that looks amazing on his chest and is challenging for any tattoo artist regardless of his experience in this field of work.

59. Take a look of what’s inside chest tattoos for men

At first glance, you might feel like you’re actually looking inside this guy’s soul. This tattoo is so well inked, that it is visually challenging. The 3D effects are really important because they create the illusion of dimension. The surface of his skin is intact, but it looks like it has a whole inside him and various motifs engraved around it. Color intensity is an important factor as well.

58. The cruel battle for supremacy

Deer aren’t known to be aggressive animals, but that’s not important when one man’s vision can change it all. This dude settled for a tattoo that has a little bit of violence, equality, dissimilarities and an amazing shading technique. Overall, this tattoo is atypical because the symbolism of deer includes love, grace, peace, beauty, fertility, humility, swiftness, regrowth, creativity, spirituality, abundance, benevolence and watchfulness.

57. This is not heavy metal

Guns and roses are among the most tattooed things on both men and women. Chest tattoos for men that consist of these two aren’t very popular anymore, but they still look awesome; I’ll give you that! What’s definitely worth appreciating at this tattoo is its positioning. Since it’s a black and white image, there’s nothing much to be said about colors. If it’s anywhere near the concept of traditional tattoo style, then the roses are probably red with tiny green leaves.

56. Emanating shady rays

This chest tattoo looks like a graphic interpretation of rays. It’s a design that breathes modernism and it’s situated on the edge of experimental and consecrated. Solar eclipse or not, this idea is original and unique. I haven’t seen it anywhere else. Judging by the look on this guy’s face, he’s quite contempt with the result. He has all the reasons to be for thinking that pain is temporary, but his tattoo is not!

55. Rocking both butterflies and skulls

Without trying to objectify this perfectly fit man, both butterflies and skulls look fantastic on his chest. The idea behind his ink might be very profound, but hey you can’t judge a person for being weak! Fortune always hiding isn’t a positive message. However, it might have a very positive effect on this gorgeous dude!

54. This is how a fan shows love

Since we had a Superman fan as an example a few tattoos back, finding a Batman fan was a must. We have to give him credit for originality and sense of humor. The Joker is saying HA, HA, HA and the bats are furiously flying on the other side. I must admit, it doesn’t look like a Batman tattoo at first, but more like a vampire tribute.

53. Mastering the precise mechanism of a heart

Biomechanical tattoos and anatomically correct tattoos met in this chest tattoo. If you think about it, it was kind of inevitable. The intensity of the black ink is quite spectacular, which makes me think of a little photo manipulation. Even so, it is a chest piece that catches the eye and tends to keep it there. Gorgeous tattoo and a gorgeous man! What a perfect combination! He definitely knows how to trigger a woman’s internal mechanism!

52. I think, therefore I am chest tattoos for men

..or in other words, cogito ergo sum! A Latin expression on an old parchment and some roses to lighten it up, makeup one of the best traditional chest tattoos for men. The ink job is flawless as well its position and design. You might ask yourself why the roses aren’t more detailed. That’s one of the characteristics of traditional tattoos. If you are interested to see more of those, check out this link.

51. The crowning of the true King

People are constantly fighting for power these days, so a tattoo of a crown makes perfect sense. This man is certainly power-hungry and cares about honor. He looks like he would do whatever it takes to emerge victorious from any situation life puts him in. The roses are nice additions that round out his masculine image. Large tattoos are definitely fitted for robust men.

50. Spiderman is within me

This chest tattoo is quite popular already. However, I find it fitted in the category of chest tattoos for men. Ripped skin tattoos were a great hit when they originally appeared. The impression of ripped skin is very nice because it is just that; an impression. The tattoo artist used vivid colors that matter a lot when trying to create the illusion that this man has a Spiderman costume under his skin.

49. My demonic creature and his minions

A dark, horror tattoo inked in a realistic manner is a success not only for this man, but in general as well. Everything that is not angelic still exists even if we want to admit it or not. This guy certainly wanted to show his vigor by opting for a powerful image of an enraged entity that keeps his minions close. The horns and his teeth are exceptionally detailed!

48. The animal lover within me

An octopus is an excellent tattoo idea. A surrealist, highly colored octopus is an even greater idea! Besides the awesome way of inking the skin of an octopus, what really stands out are his cuppings. That shade of pink is a perfect choice that makes this octopus look both real and sort of cartoonish at the same time. I’m curious what he will chose for the other side of his chest, aren’t you?

47. Oliver was truly special

Oliver is the person for which this tattoo was inked. Chest tattoos for men aren’t always meant to be visually appealing or hold a philosophical message. Sometimes they are dedicated to people who were important and who will never truly leave us as long as they live on in our minds, through our memories. Wings, flowers and a date are enough elements to express grief and profound care for someone.

46. Fly along towards infinity

The sign of infinity, two birds and a few circles include this tattoo in the category of profound tattoos with deep meaning. I have to say that I don’t know what the spiral between the birds is, but it could be an association with the human DNA or just a more elaborate sign of infinity. Did you notice that almost every serious tattoo isn’t colored? I think the opposites of black and white are able to form a design worthy of interpretation and second thought.

45. This is the solution to problems chest tattoos for men

Covering your eyes, mouth and ears won’t send all your problems away or keep you from thinking about them, but at least you can shut them down partially. A skull that has all these body parts covered doesn’t make too much sense, but the tormented faces from each side of this tattoo, do. Drawing hands is challenging for any artist, so kudos for this one because he or she pulled it off impeccably!

44. Seeing through hexagonal shapes

The third eye is something that we would all probably want to have, or in case we have it, to activate and use it. Until then, we can get a tattoo of our third eye and hope it becomes more powerful. This tattoo is geometrical and simple, but it doesn’t lack that certain something that would make it boring. It’s wide, black and red, and it makes you wonder, doesn’t it?

43. I have a burning desire

No, not for this hot shot, but to let my heart fly free! Wings, star and a heart in flames are all signs of passion. I wouldn’t expect less from this gorgeous being. He looks like he’s a fan of traditional and neo-traditional tattoos, fact which is good. Not an amateur for sure, he has probably finished his sleeves before beginning to tattoo his chest.

42. This is a virtual armor

Totems and other things alike have accompanied us throughout history keeping our hopes up. Some of us have given them up and picked up on getting tattoos. Just as this incredibly well done armor, we tend to cover our bodies with symbols that are supposed to protect us even if they don’t have material form.

41. Love for moms is eternal

While you might tend to call this man, mommy’s boy, I think he got this tattoo because he respects her and because she is probably not by his side anymore. Loving our mothers is a beautiful thing that can be translated in pretty chest tattoos for men and women.  That plastic bottle shaped like a heart could be filled with her spirit.

40. This is my tribute to traditional tattoos

Chest tattoos for men blend nicely with traditional nautical tattoos. Without trying to be misogynistic, men used to sail a lot for various purposes, so this tattoo couldn’t have more manly traits than it already has. The execution is impeccable and the choice in colors is not only according to this style, but also more than fitted for its purpose.

39. Dressed in squares and thick red – chest tattoos for men

Not a typical tattoo, this chest tattoo spreads all over this man’s arms and lower abs. You have to admire his originality even though you might not understand it. Judging this tattoo visually only, it is a little bit on the uncommon side, but that is something that makes it even more special. Alternative art is blooming and it’s slowly infiltrating in the world of tattoos as well!

38. Kidnapping eagle fights a snake

Could this be a representation of how the animal Kingdom works? If you look closely, you’ll see that this person has another snake inked on his arm, so he must love snakes. As for the eagle, he might not win a fight against a large, powerful snake, but chances are he will never end up close enough to fight it. Chest tattoos for men often contain animals that highlight their virility.

37. Perfect symmetry obtained with ink chest tattoos for men

People are inclined to like symmetry. Those who have perfectly symmetric faces are considered more beautiful than others, so it’s only natural to search for the same symmetry in everything else. In this tattoo, for example, there’s perfect symmetry, which was easy to achieve thanks to the tribal design. All-male designs often include tribal shapes because they are thick and compliment thick bodies.

36. Nurturing the beehive on a rock-hard chest

Concentric chest tattoos are about symmetry as well. Geometrical shapes can easily be used to create symmetry because they are repetitive. Although this design includes something that looks like beehives, those are probably just components of a larger picture. Depending on perspective, you might see the shape of a butterfly on this man’s chest, or just a concentric annexation of geometrical shapes.

35. Let’s talk about evolution

This piece is self-explanatory. A person who thinks of getting a tattoo about Darwin’s theory of evolution is definitely one who can afford a good tattoo artist, hence this awesome piece of art on skin! This tattoo is simply flawless and although it represents something not everyone agrees with, it is a smart tattoo with an extensive explanation. I’m guessing he is a strong believer of Darwin’s theory. Are you?

34. Rising up to a bit of red

Visual masterpieces, chest tattoos for men can only be ornamental without holding a very deep meaning. I have a feeling that his particular tattoo is just that. I could think of a few elements that might have alternative significances, but this design speaks for itself. Wide, well-done and a little mysterious, this piece is nice to look at!

33. I accessorize my skin

Going further on the same note of slight superficiality, this is how you accessorize skin! Can you identify any culture that uses the components of this tattoo for ornaments? I think some of the motifs are Greek, but I can’t identify all of them. The point is that this guy could teach women a thing or two about accessorizing! Amazing fluency and thin lining work!

32. Let me out chest tattoos for men

Just to be in contrast with the name of the movie Let me in, we could name this tattoo Let me out. Somehow similar with the previous tattoo that contained Hulk, we don’t get any details about the person who is trying to get out. On the outside, the woman looks polished and proud, but what tries to make room and get out seems tormented and eager to spot something that could help. This chest piece is realistic. It’s like looking at a photo, isn’t it?

31. Fixing a heart that bleeds

A heart that bleeds, but it is fed by a mechanism made of bolts and other tools is hard to fix. When the tools turn into feathers and the aorta extends under the form of twigs, the solution can only be found in the metaphysical plane. Biomechanical and surrealist, this chest piece is a wonder to look at and it’s worth all the pain, money and trouble in the world!

30. V isn’t for Vendetta

V for Vendetta is a political thriller. The mask that you see in the middle of this chest tattoo is the mask that the main character used to wear in the movie. The roses are also associated with the action that goes on in the movie. Overall, among chest tattoos for men, this one is chosen by a fan of the movie and probably a sustainer of the cause presented in the movie.

29. A blend of lifeless saturation

Although it might not be correct to say that flowers are lifeless or that the wings from this tattoo are lifeless, they actually are. When they are associated with a skull, the shape of a butterfly and ornamental designs, they are part of a bigger picture that suggests nothing but life. The colors are a little faded, which is a thing that was probably intended.

28. King Skull knows how to fly

Being a king among the living or being a king among the dead could be equally rewarding. When you have a pair of wings to fly, the image tends to be complete. Without thinking of what each of these elements mean, this chest tattoo serves its purpose. It accentuates this man’s robustness and makes him a little more handsome I think.

27. I’m all into traditional

This full chest piece breathes traditional. Its wearer is all in when it comes to traditional symbols, technique and colors. The whole arrangement looks more than awesome with an emphasis on the eagle, the woman’s face and the American flag. I also like the fillings represented by tiny stars that don’t shine like diamonds.

26. Classy lady goes traditional

In another way compared with the previous chest piece, this one contains traditional elements as well. However, the difference stands in details. The arrangement of this tattoo is more ordered and there is a center of interest as well. I doubt that is a portrait of a lady this man knows or is somehow related to, but this didn’t stop him from getting her inked in his skin. She is just part of an artwork.

25. The square spiral from a black hole

A spiral isn’t square and a black hole doesn’t generate spirals. The logic of this tattoo is off records, which is exactly why it is so interesting. It might be improper to describe something round to be square, but everything is relative, so it goes. The edge that points towards his belly button accentuates his waist nicely.

24. Let’s talk with our hands: chest tattoos for men

Sign language isn’t something that I mastered, but it’s pretty obvious that this man is sending a message thorough his tattoo. His idea is beyond unique and original. He might use the sign language or he might not. That’s not really the point behind this tattoo. Its uniqueness is intriguing and I’m dying to know what it says. Any ideas?

23. I’m mighty like a dragon

An Oriental symbol without doubt, the dragon can be a female or a male. It was able to control all nature’s elements, so I can see why this guy got it inked. Its mightiness is empowering at a mental level. When its image is as detailed and as successful as in this tattoo, the whole picture becomes much more revealing.

22. Sensitivity could cover my darkness

Blue flowers tuck in a skull whose eyes are like two flames that are about to be extinguished. Part sensitive and feminine, part manly and dark, this chest tattoo is a nice addition to all chest tattoos for men. Not typical at all, it really suits the gentle guy who wears it.

21. Blind man waiting to be born

We are blind to the worlds within us waiting to be born. This message is connected to the image of the crazy bat under it. In which way do you think they resonate? Tattoos that get me thinking are special and I’d love to be the owner of one.

20. Going through a maze

Geometrical tattoos have gained more and more ground. They are not hard to do, but they require a lot of patience and a steady hand. A tattoo that contains a lot of thin lines is known to hurt a lot more than others, but I guess such a piece of work is worth the sacrifice.

19. Whale fights octopus on chest

Bloody and cruel chest tattoos for men exist too! This is one example in which a whale is fighting an octopus and the whale seems to be the winner. It’s a very well-done tattoo with proper colors and the illusion of real struggle.

18. My lion is enraged

The lion is a symbol of strength and it is known to be a nocturnal creature. Its image is imposing and offers a boost to anyone who decides to get a tattoo of it. In this tattoo, the lion looks enraged and ready to attack. Maybe that’s this guy’s way of letting everyone know they must be aware.

17. The story of the little mermaid

Ariel the little mermaid is a classical Disney story. Dating back in 1989, it seems that it was impressive enough for this man to get a tattoo of the main characters. The largest part of this design is occupied by the evil Ursula and her scary tentacles.

16. The owl and its hiding place

Owls and lighthouses don’t have much in common, but they fit just great into this image. Perfectly stretched on this man’s shoulders, it is majestically looking forward over a lighthouse. It’s actually holding a box of glass that contains what looks like a whole other world. Fantasy tattoos are among my favorites, especially when they are inked by professionals.

15. Beware the wrath of the bird

Chest tattoos for men aren’t always cute and positive. There are cases like this one when a fierce bird surrounded by flames is holding a rope over a skull. That rope looks ready to hang someone, so that’s definitely not cool. Other than that, this is a nicely done tattoo.

14. The girl living in my ribcage

This chest tattoo looks too good to be true! Maybe a very talented tattoo artist could pull of the ribcage, but that girl is scary realistic. I think it would’ve been cooler to match the tattoo with his real ribcage. Even so, this tattoo looks amazing!

13. The heart and its working minds

The heart is the first feature of working minds is a quote situated at the top of this full chest piece. Besides the actual heart, that is partially anatomically correct, there are three hourglasses incorporated in this image. I guess time has an indubitable impact!

12. Imagine dragons and they appear

Dragons are originated from the Asian part of the world. This particular and spectacular one looks Japanese, but I’m not 100% certain about that. Very similar with the tattooing techniques used for yakuza tattoos, this one occupies most of this man’s chest and abs.

11. Chest like a comic book

While I’m not familiar with the comic book this image comes from, I’m sure it’s something either funny or sarcastic about it. The presence of onomatopoeia like HA! HA! is a clear indicator of that. Excellent ink work and choice in colors!

10. Flying through bloody clouds

Chest tattoos for men sometimes talk about war. The clouds become red and the bombs follow their path to destruction. The image of this aircraft is almost surreal and looks like taken from a movie. I think the cloud’s color was custom made.

9. When an owl inflates

When an owl inflates, it occupies a man’s chest entirely. The owl was considered sacred and a symbol of intelligence and wealth. This owl has a curious look on its face, so I guess that can count as an intelligent mimic.

8. Who has forever anyway?

Well, that’s a good point! Such message goes very well together with that hourglass and since we don’t have forever anyway, we need a pair of wings to fly as far as we can! A neo-traditional tattoo, this one looks a little too delicate to be manly.

7. The king of butterflies has human heart

When I look at this tattoo I think of Dali. He has definitely revolutionized the art world and its influence is still felt. This tattoo is a proof of that. Everything about it is just perfect. From my point of view, it’s the ultimate chest tattoo for Dali’s fans.

6. Moth powered by a mechanism

Numerous men chose to ink the moth with the skull head on their chests. However, not many of them thought of reinventing this design and adding a mechanism or other elements to it. This version is unique and it looks amazing too!

5. A reinterpretation of the owl

As you’ve probably noticed, the owl is a symbol met in various tattoos. What makes this particular own special is the way it was inked. Starting from colors and going all the way to shading techniques, this tattoo stands out among all realistic owl tattoos out there.

4. Cubism and the three wise monkeys

The idea of this tattoo comes from the three wise monkeys. One of them covers her eyes, the other, her mouth and the third one, her ears. Although a classic, the image of the monkeys looks new and fresh thanks to its cubist reinterpretation.

3. Art on another level

Chest tattoos for men have almost nothing in common because there are so many styles of art and artistic currents that none are alike. This is an example of a completely different interpretation that’s difficult to categorize.

2. Time in the hands of an owl

This time, the owl that stretches on a man’s chest is very colorful, mesmerizing and holding an hourglass. Since owls are intelligent creatures, I guess we can trust them with our time and with a part of our skin.

1. Realism strikes again

Whether we like it or not, we are living in a period of time when realistic art is the most appreciated. I have to admit that the way this deer’s head looks like is more than impressive. The contrast between the background and the head itself is also mind-blowing