Despite being out of the spotlight for a while, the once-popular tattoo style has been making a big comeback in the arms of gentlemen around the world.
Back in the day, tribal armband tattoos weren't the only way to indicate a man's position or rank in a community. Often, their purpose was associated with a variety of different meanings and materials as well.
Armbands made in the Bronze Age were made of bronze and jet, a gemstone formed from petrifying wood under tremendous pressure. Initially, the metal band was referred to as an "arm ring" back then.
Despite the passing of time, Kandyan drummers of Sri Lanka still use arm rings to celebrate an age-old tradition. It is believed that brides wore armlets to ward off bad luck in Sri Lankan history.
During medieval jousts, knights wore scarves or kerchiefs around their arms to show emotional attachment or commitment to their lady. You can now find out where the phrase "wear your heart on your sleeve" originated.
Regardless of tradition, armbands are found on the arms of men from all walks of life, including the military (a brassard), the press, and sports teams. Interesting enough, the modern meaning of distinguishing which group, team, rank, or role someone belongs to has a direct connection to the past.
There are lots of different reasons why you might consider getting an armband tattoo. While historically, tattoos were rarely warranted and instead cloth and metal were used, why not get inked if it is important to you? The purpose of tattoos is to express yourself.
How much does an armband tattoo cost?
Prices for small armband tattoos can range from $150 for the barest designs, such as minimalist line work done with a single needle, to $1000+ for intricate, complex designs such as bio-mechanical armbands.
The average price per hour sits between $150 and $200. A highly skilled, in-demand artist can charge up to $500 per hour, while an apprentice or a less skilled artist might charge $75.00 per hour.
What does a solid armband tattoo mean?
In the same manner that athletes wear black armbands to memorialize the death of a club great or personally important figure, solid armband tattoos are traditionally tributes to deceased loved ones.
Through the black armband, the person can acknowledge their loss and acknowledge the body art that represents their memory.
What do 2 armband tattoos mean?
They are a common way to remember someone lost. In the event of losing a loved one, a person will wear a solid black armband to symbolize their loss and to show that they want to keep that person close to their hearts. It is not uncommon for people who have lost two or more loved ones to wear multiple black armbands.
Are armband tattoos painful?
There's a good chance that most of your armband tats will only come with mild pain, but beware: the thin skin inside your arm is more sensitive. You can feel the difference by running your fingers lightly along your outer arm and then along your softer inner arm.