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Next Luxury • Tattoo Ideas • Rib Tattoo Ideas for Men: Show Your Strength

Rib Tattoo Ideas for Men: Show Your Strength

Rib Tattoo Ideas for Men: Show Your Strength

  • by — Jono Elderton
  • Published on August 4, 2015

There are innumerable concepts to explore, adapt, and depict when choosing a rib tattoo. From minimalist designs and simple quote tattoos, to realistic rib tattoo art or those exploring religious themes, the rib cage is a bold area to make a tattoo statement.

Any application or thematic concept can be applied to make a successful rib tattoo. It is your expression and art brought to life by the tattoo artist.

Getting it done as a sternum tattoo or on the side of your body in a spot that is often more painful than most, make it look good and make the discomfort worthwhile. Take a moment to look at this cage tattoo gallery collection designed to help give you inspiration for you next tattoo idea.

1. Abstract Tattoo Ideas

Man with an abstract black tattoo on his ribcage and abdomen
A tattoo of a castle and geometric face outline on a person's side torso
Person with an abstract tattoo on their side and floral sleeve tattoo on their arm
Abstract colorful tattoo covering a person's side with black text below
Black tattoo of a woman wearing an elaborate headdress on a person's side torso

2. Religious Themed

Side tattoo featuring a detailed warrior with a flowing rob
Man with an angel tattoo holding scales and sword on his chest and torso
Side-torso tattoo of a woman praying with "Believe" text below
A side tattoo featuring the word "Faith," an angel, roses, and other intricate designs
A detailed tattoo of winged figures covering a side torso
Angel and demon tattoo on the side

3. Asian Influenced

Large black and gray dragon tattoo covering a person's side and ribs
Person's side with black calligraphy tattoo on ribcage and a red stamp-like mark
Detailed dragon tattoo on a person's side torso with intricate shading
Detailed black and gray Japanese-style tattoo covering chest and right shoulder
Man with a detailed, colorful bird tattoo covering his chest and shoulder

4. Tribal Rib Body Art

Tattooed man's side profile displaying intricate black tribal designs on his arm and side
Side tattoo of a Native American woman with a headdress and a dreamcatcher

5. Neo Traditional

Tattoo of a Native American headdressed skull with vibrant feathers and red accents
Man with a large eagle tattoo on his side and other tattoos on his arm and shoulder
Detailed tattoo of a pelican and ship on a person's side torso
Tattoo of a bear, a face, and mechanical elements on a person's side
Full upper body tattoo featuring a large eagle across the chest

6. Birdlife

Person revealing a large raven tattoo on their side torso
Phoenix tattoo on a person's side torso
Owl tattoo on a person's side
Hawk tattoo with colorful background on a person's side torso
Tattoo of a crow on a person's torso side, with geometric and abstract elements
Side tattoo featuring minimalist bird silhouettes in flight

7. Rib Script Tattoos

Rib quote tattoo
Rib quote tattoo

8. Unique Tattoo Ideas

Colorful lion tattoo with green leaves on a person's side
Side tattoo featuring tall, slender pine trees in a minimalist style
Tattoo of helicopters and soldiers in action on a person's side torso
Tattoo of a detailed skull and intricate patterns on a person's chest and arm

9. Unfinished Tattoo Ideas

Tattoo of a sailing ship and octopus on a person's ribcage
A man with an intricate, large dragon and demon-themed tattoo on his arm and chest
Detailed dragon tattoo covering a man's chest and ribcage

Rib Tattoo FAQs

Do rib tattoos look good on guys?

There are innumerable concepts for men to explore from minimalist designs, matching tattoo, and simple text, to rib tattoo art exploring religious themes. Choose something you feel strongly about whether an advocacy or a passion that you have been pursuing. Getting tattooed is your expression and art.

What are traditionally popular rib tattoo styles?

There are numerous styles to choose from which will fit the contour of your rib, and look excellent as a tattoo design. Often incorporated with chest tattoo, religious iconography such as the Virgin Mary, crosses, and praying hands tattoos are also popular for rib and side chest body art.

Which new styles are increasing in popularity for rib tattoos?

Realism is an emerging style exhibiting finesse in rendering, refined lines, and big results, while watercolor tattoo mimics the brush strokes and the texture of watercolor on paper canvas. Single needle tattoos suit collectors looking for smaller, more intimate designs incorporating attention to detail and use of wider artistic principles.

Are sternum or rib tattoos painful?

A Sternum tattoo or rib cage tattoo can be some of the more painful parts of the body to ink. No matter what big or small rib tattoo design you decide to go with, one thing is for certain: it’s going to be a gruelling experience in the initial tattoo session. With a lack of padding and numerous bones poking around near the skin, the progress of the tattoo needle literally requires some guts. You’ll feel a tickling sensation on the skin near your bones, but the real treat of this experience is when you the tattoo needle hits bone.

To be honest, tattoo pain shouldn’t be too much a factor when you consider the admirable ink you’ll be left with. Getting a good night’s sleep beforehand, staying hydrated and taking breaks can make your appointment much easier to get through, and keep the pain level bearable.

If it’s your first tattoo or if you’re inexperienced, make sure you work with a tattoo artist that can help you through the most painful elements, allowing you chances to alleviate the tattoo pain as you go with changes of focus, short respites during the tattoo session, and even tall tales of the tattoo parlor.

Did you enjoy each rib tattoo idea and get inspiration for a new tattoo? For more bad ass galleries click on the links below:

  • Wrist Tattoo Ideas
  • Lotus Flower Tattoo Ideas
  • The Top 77 Best 3D Tattoo Ideas
  • Awesome Small Tattoo Ideas
  • Large Tattoo Concepts
Jono Elderton

Writer

Jono writes about booze and tattoos for Next Luxury, having spent nearly two decades experiencing both in a variety of situations around the globe.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing) from the University of Canberra and a Graduate Diploma of Professional Writing from Deakin University.

Jono writes about booze and tattoos for Next Luxury, having spent nearly two decades experiencing both in a variety of situations around the globe.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing) from the University of Canberra and a Graduate Diploma of Professional Writing from Deakin University.

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