90 Leg Tattoo Ideas And Designs To Inspire Your Next Piece

Do you want to get a new tattoo but feel the arm is too much of a visible area? Don’t lose hope – your body has many places where the inked piece will look just as good as on your arm. One good spot is your leg.

Besides making the tattoos very easy to hide in times of need, leg tattoos have the advantage of versatility. You can settle on different sizes and designs according to your taste, the complexity of the design, or the part of your leg that you’re getting tattooed on. Are you still unsure about the model that should be added to your leg canvas? Here are some ideas that will help you choose.

What Is the Usual Price of a Leg Tattoo?

Not all leg tattoos are the same, which means prices will differ. How much your leg tattoo design costs will be influenced by factors like placement, size, complexity, customization, the studio, and your artist’s experience. If you want something small, you don’t have to worry too much, as the price is usually low, starting at $100 – $200. However, if you want something large and complex, you can expect a higher price tag, usually around $300 – $500 or even more.

Although the price shouldn’t be the deciding factor, it’s certainly an aspect that might influence your decision to get inked in the first place. The best way to determine how much this permanent artwork will cost is by choosing a design and talking to a tattoo artist. If picking a design is challenging, this article will show you the best tattoo ideas to consider for your leg. 

Tribal Leg Tattoos

Tribal tattoos seem to look good on any part of the body, so they would also be perfect for your leg You can’t go wrong with tribal tattoos, regardless of the body part you get them on. Like the arm, your leg provides a perfect canvas for a fresh tattoo. Running alongside your leg, these designs’ unique lines and patterns will make this part of your body stand out whenever you display it. Besides, you can decide to have it cover your entire leg or only a part. No matter your choice, this timeless piece will have the same incredible effect.

Japanese Leg Tattoos

Whether you have connections to Japanese culture or you simply love and respect everything related to JaJapanese tattoos can include a variety of elements and be as simple or complex as you want them to be. Getting this design on your leg is a beautiful way to show off your love and respect for Japan and its culture. Besides, you have the freedom to choose from black and white or colorful designs. Japanese leg tattoos may consist of koi fish, geishas, samurai, and others – you can’t go wrong with them.

Full Leg Tattoos

You could say that getting a full-leg sleeve tattoo is a bold move, but doing so can help you end up with truly majestic pieces of art on your skin. Since there is such a large surface to be inked, the design can include complex shapes and elements, and you’ll surely be excited to show off the art on your skin by walking in shorts during summertime. 

Lower Leg Tattoos

Lower leg tattoos for men are the easiest to display when wearing shorts. The area can be easily exposed, and it also serves as a great surface for many designs. More often than not, this part of the leg works best for vertical tattoos, but you can also cover the whole lower leg with leg tattoo ideas for men.

Dragon Leg Tattoos

The dragon is a timeless design that looks good anywhere. If you’re into colorful designs, it is an excellent way to get some colour on your leg, but you can also show off how badass you are. Dragons are fierce creatures that can be represented in various ways. Also, there’s no shortage of ideas regarding dragon tattoos – they can be smaller and less detailed or cover an entire area or even your whole leg.

Upper Leg Tattoos

Believe it or not, the upper leg remains one of the most common areas for tattoos – regardless of gender. The lack of pain – which is thanks to the extra fat, thicker skin, and fewer nerve endings finding themselves in this area – makes it more convenient for anyone looking for a new inked piece. Even better, the location is pretty large, giving you design variety, with small and meaningful pieces or big and bold ones. Your options are unlimited. 

Small Leg Tattoos

Even though legs provide such a large canvas for tattoos, not everyone is a fan of big, bold pieces that stand out. Some men are happy with small designs, especially if all they want is something meaningful. It can be anything, from a word to a symbol or anything in between. 

Snake Leg Tattoos

Snake tattoos look amazing on the leg because the creature can easily be represented while it winds around your leg. The serpent can be inked on one side of the leg or it can wrap around it nicely, resulting in a cool effect that everyone will notice. Whether you get it in black and white or opt for colours, a leg sleeve tattoo of a snake will be extremely stylish.

Angel Leg Tattoos

Religious men are not afraid to show their love for God. For this reason, angel tattoos are a very common design on the leg. The meaning is specific to the person getting it. For instance, some individuals get them to show their faith in God, while others do it to reveal that they might have a guardian angel looking over them. Contrary to popular belief, religion is not the only reason people get angel tattoos on their legs. Sometimes, the angel may symbolize a loved one who is no longer among the living.

Arrow Leg Tattoos

Due to the length of the legs, arrows make perfect tattoos for this area. But do you know what makes them so cool apart from the apparent dangerous nature of arrows? They are diverse and can even be customized for specific areas of your leg, whether it’s the thigh or the calf.

Skull Leg Tattoos

Skull pieces are one of the designs that never go out of style. Whether you get it on your lower or upper leg, you can have peace of mind that this inked artwork will not fail you. With the power to make you feel confident whenever you display it, this tattoo is perfect for your leg if you select an original design that matches your taste.

Celtic Leg Tattoos

Celtic tattoos are perfect for men with Celtic heritage who are proud of it but do not want to make it a central part of their personality. Since the tattoo will be on the leg, you can hide it when you desire and only show it to a select few. Celtic tattoos can be simple or complex, so you have plenty of options. For instance, you may even have a Celtic tattoo partially covering your leg.

Band Leg Tattoos

Contrary to popular belief, not everyone who gets inked is looking for pieces with deep meanings. In some cases, people just want something that makes them look cooler – like a band tattoo for their legs. This design is pretty simple, and you can choose to have it wrapped around your lower or upper leg.

Maori Leg Tattoos

Maori leg tattoos for men are inspired by the Polynesian culture. They can tell you more about an individual’s achievements, status, or tribe. So, if you want to honor your Maori heritage, getting a Maori leg tattoo is the best way to do it. 

Geometric Leg Tattoos

Geometric tattoos are simple and stylish, and that is maybe why they’ve become so widespread as popular leg tattoo ideas for women and men in the last few years. By combining multiple geometric shapes, you can end up with something that looks great on the area of the leg that you would like to cover. 

Side Leg Tattoos

Covering the side of the leg with a tattoo will ensure you have an art piece on your leg that you can be proud of. But it’s also something that can be easily hidden when necessary, like a small leg tattoo. This area works great for various designs, whether it’s something minimalistic or a complex model. 

Lion Leg Tattoos

You cannot deny the power of lion tattoos – not when the intimidating animal possesses respected traits such as strength. You can opt for a lion tattoo on your leg to send a message that you’re not someone to mess with. After all, they’ll do well convincing anyone that you are not the type of person to back off from any fight.

Quote Leg Tattoos

A quote tattoo can have a deeper meaning, or it can just be a line that your favorite character said in a movie. With quotes, you can express your personality more easily. And since the leg provides such a large surface, it won’t be difficult to fit even a longer quote. 

Compass Leg Tattoos

Compasses have always been useful tools. Today, men get these amazing objects tattooed on their bodies to represent guidance and logic. The leg is an ideal choice for the placement of this tattoo, as you can get both a small or large compass, depending on your preferences.

Mechanical Leg Tattoos

Some men have an attraction towards mechanical designs, particularly if they have a favorite fictional character that takes advantage of biomechanics. What makes these leg tattoos for men so great is the fact that they create a cool effect – they will make it look like you have machinery under your skin. 

Front Leg Tattoos

What is the best way to show off a leg tattoo? It can be done by putting it on the front side of the leg. You might’ve noticed that many ink lovers choose this for their fresh pieces, and for a good reason – it’s the most visible area of the leg when you are wearing something short.

Colorful Leg Tattoos

Colours can make a tattoo look more detailed, not to mention how outstanding a colourful tattoo can be when you wear something short that reveals it. Besides, everyone will probably compliment your spectacular leg tattoo if you are not afraid to add a splash of color. 

Back of Leg Tattoos

Some men prefer tattoos that are not as easy to notice, which is where the back of the leg comes into play. The spot is perfect for all sorts of designs, and whatever you settle for, it will become a part of you – especially since you may even forget it’s there, while others will notice it more easily. 

Spooky Leg Tattoos

Are you someone who takes Halloween seriously every year? In this case, a spooky tattoo on your leg is perfect for you. Whether your piece includes popular horror movie characters or classic Halloween designs, it’ll impact anyone you meet.

Black Rose Leg Tattoos

Leg tattoos look great in any color, but when it comes to roses, many men go for black ink. With the leg providing a long but narrow area, a rose is a great tattoo choice. Not to mention that an all-black tattoo would look pretty unique and stylish. 

Portrait Leg Tattoos

You may have a loved one whose portrait you want on your body forever, such as a child or a parent, or even a significant other if you’re brave enough. Black and white portraits are especially popular among tattooed men, and the piece can go on your thigh or the lower leg, depending on the size of the portrait and whether you want to hide it more easily or not. 

Tree Leg Tattoos

Trees have always been important symbols for humans. They are part of many religions and mythologies, and they often represent life. A popular way to obtain a wonderful design is by getting a tree of life piece on your leg. 

Anime Leg Tattoos

Being a man doesn’t mean that you cannot enjoy anime or that you’re not allowed to hold a childhood favorite series in your heart. If you have a character that you relate to or that means a lot to you, getting a leg tattoo of him/her will surely make your soul happy. 

Dog Leg Tattoo

Are you a dog person? More importantly, do you have a four-legged friend that means the world to you or a furry buddy that passed away? You can show your love for your pet with a cool leg tattoo. You can tattoo a picture of your dog or even his/her paw prints. 

Tiger Leg Tattoos

Tigers are not animals you want to mess with – and people will know better than to do wrong by you if you have a tiger tattoo on your leg. After all, these felines are fierce and strong. Get this tattoo if you’re a person who isn’t afraid to stand up for yourself.

Octopus Leg Tattoo

Here’s an idea you probably don’t see often – an octopus tattoo. Besides being symbols of adaptation, mystery, and diversity, octopus tattoos will also do well in the design department, especially if you have the tentacles wrapped around your leg.

Ancient Egypt Leg Tattoo

Being fascinated by Egyptian history and culture is the first step to getting a stunning leg tattoo. From pyramids to pharaohs and even Egyptian cats, these tattoos are symbolic and genuine pieces of art that people will immediately point out when they meet you. Even better, they’ll surely attract the right audience.

Cosmic Leg Tattoo

Are you fascinated by the sky and the universe? Perhaps you’ve dreamed of exploring the space all your life. In this case, a cosmic tattoo on your leg can have a considerable impact and reveal that you like to dream big and are mesmerized by how large the universe is.

Map Leg Tattoo

Whether it’s a real map or a fictional one, your leg provides enough space for your tattoo artist to clearly ink every map area, from the mountains to the main locations. Whether it’s the map of the Lord of the Rings world or one that shows where you were born, the level of detail will have you exploring the map whenever your leg is displayed.

Heart vs Brain Leg Tattoo

The battle between the brain and the heart is intense, and if you often struggle to decide and choose between what the heart wants and what the brain says, you should get this heart vs brain leg tattoo. It will surely be impactful.

Conclusion – What Are the Best Tattoos for Your Leg?

Leg tattoos for men come in various and complex designs. Whether you want to tattoo your entire leg or only a specific part of the leg, there are various models that would suit this area. Hopefully, our list has provided the necessary inspiration for your next or first leg tattoo.

Get a look at the most popular tattoo ideas for men.

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Source: @nesi_tattoo via Instagram

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Butterfly Leg Tattoo

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Source @anaisbtattoo via Instagram

The tattoo can be positioned to appear in flight, taking advantage of the leg’s elongated shape to create a sense of movement and freedom. As the butterfly is often associated with transformation and growth, placing it on the leg represents a journey of personal evolution and progress.

Messi Leg Tattoo

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The leg’s surface allows for a larger and more detailed portrait, capturing Lionel Messi’s iconic features and expressions with precision. As the leg is an area that often draws attention, the tattoo is sure to become a conversation starter, celebrating the brilliance and impact of a football legend.

Religious Leg Tattoo

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Source @platinumtattoostudiobali via Instagram

These tattoos can take many forms. Some people choose to get simple tattoos of religious symbols, such as a cross, a star of David or even a crescent moon. Others choose to get more elaborate tattoos, such as full-colour images of religious figures, scenes from religious texts, or designs inspired by religious art.

Simple Leg Tattoo

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The simple leg tattoo is an understated and stylish choice, making it suitable for those who prefer a minimalist and clean design. Its simplicity ensures the focus remains on the essence of the design, whether it be a small geometric pattern, a delicate word or a minimalist silhouette.

Steampunk Leg Tattoo

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A fascinating and creative choice, this design is ideally suited for those with a passion for retro-futuristic aesthetics. The tattoo can wrap around the leg, allowing for a visually engaging composition that emphasizes the movement and synergy of gears and machinery.

Samurai Leg Tattoo

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Source @japanese.ink via Instagram

The leg’s elongated shape lends itself to depicting the fluidity and prowess of a sword-wielding samurai, capturing their strength and prowess. It also enables you to share your reverence for samurai culture and history with others, making a statement that reflects your appreciation for the warrior’s way.

Abstract Illusion Leg Tattoo

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Source trendingtattoo.com

If you’re one who appreciates the interplay between art and perception, this might be the one for you. The placement creates an ever-changing display of visual intrigue, as the leg’s movement enhances the illusionary effect.