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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To want a sleeve tattoo done on my arm?

310 replies

JellyDiamonds · 12/10/2014 13:00

Ive been looking at getting another tattoo done for a while now but have been unsure on what to get done and where. Whilst looking online for inspiration I've seen some amazing sleeve tattoos and have decided that I want one of them, the designs and artistry are amazing. I think that if they are done properly by decent tattoo artists then they are like works of art.

The thing is that everyone I've told about it has looked at me like I'm going mad. My mum was absolutely horrified, said that they are "revolting" and that I'll look like a sailor. But I don't think I will, I saw a photo on Facebook of a friend of a friend and she had a floral sleeve on her arm and yet still managed to look feminine. Not that I'm particularly feminine and girly anyway, but the point I'm trying to make is that not all sleeve designs are for blokes who start fights in pubs which what my mum was clearly trying to get at.

Should I just bite the bullet and go for it?

OP posts:

Fairenuff · 12/10/2014 13:01

YANBU to want it on your arm, that's where it is supposed to go.

swooosh · 12/10/2014 13:02

I really like them. In my line of work I'm not really allowed otherwise I would. DP has two full sleeves and they look brilliant

KatoPotato · 12/10/2014 13:03

They're very common nowadays, hardly sailor territory! If you fancy it then go for it.

My bil is a tattoo artist and his pet hate is people wandering in at 2pm looking for 'a sleeve!' With no further instruction or inspiration. Try and sketch as much content as you can or take lots of photos but a good tattoist will take lots of time designing it for you first.

QueenElsa · 12/10/2014 13:04

If you want it, go for it! I'm building up to one on my arm, and I get compliments all the time. There's always going to be someone who doesn't agree, but it's on YOU not them!
I think sleeves are lovely!

TidyDancer · 12/10/2014 13:04

If it's what you really want and you've thought it all out well, then definitely go for it. I have a number of friends with very prominent tattoos and they neither regret them nor have been held back by them.

Original poster

JellyDiamonds · 12/10/2014 13:07

Sketching would be a problem for me as I can't draw to save my life lol

OP posts:

MorrisZapp · 12/10/2014 13:09

It's your body so you should do as you please. If you were my daughter or sister I'd say please reconsider, because sleeve tattoos are all the rage just now but fashion changes.

How many forty something dads have Celtic armbands now a la Robbie Williams, it dates them like a birth certificate.

Fairenuff · 12/10/2014 13:11

Just bear in mind that whilst it's fashionable now, like all fashions, that will change and it will become dated.

Imagine being stuck with a hairstyle or something you liked at the time but wouldn't want now. If you're ok with that, fine.

Nancy66 · 12/10/2014 13:11

is it likely to ever impact on you professionally? That would be my main reservation.

If not, then go head.

Fairenuff · 12/10/2014 13:12

Ha, similar thoughts there Morris

Only1scoop · 12/10/2014 13:12

Don't do it....could professionally hinder a career one day.

Only1scoop · 12/10/2014 13:14

Unless your already established in one where its of no consequence

SaucyJack · 12/10/2014 13:16

Agree with Fairy and Morris.

Fashions change. In twenty years time having a rockabilly sleeve will look as naff as my tribal dragon does now.

Having a tattoo ain't like a perm you can grow out when you're fed up with it.

MorrisZapp · 12/10/2014 13:17

Agree re the professional aspect. Even if OP doesn't currently work in a job that requires professional appearance, she may well want to do so in the future. Seems an unnecessary risk to me.

NotMNRoyalty · 12/10/2014 13:19

Well, if you were asking me about having it done I would look at you like you were mad too

I don't think they are revolting at all but I think they often look too dark and unoriginal. I find most tattoos look a bit generic.

However, it's up to you and I think it's nobody else's buisness.

ClapHandsIfYouBelieveInFatties · 12/10/2014 13:19

How old are you OP? I used to BADLY want a tattoo....in fact I wanted to be a tattoo artist way before there was anything remotely socially acceptable about the whole thing.

I'm 42 now and so happy that I never did it. Consider for instance if you ever put on a lot of weight...or lose a lot...or your arms become very wrinkly...droopy even....bingo wings only elude the very fit.

MorrisZapp · 12/10/2014 13:20

Also my BIL had the worlds worst tattoo done when he was young and daft. Getting rid of it by laser was extremely costly and painful. A full sleeve would be utterly awful to get layered off in the future when priorities and fashions change.

Sorry OP, I must admit I love sleeve tats on others but I would never have one, or want any of my loved ones to have one. They have the potential to limit your future life choices.

Meechimoo · 12/10/2014 13:20

Three friends of mine are currently having repeated laser sessions to remove tattoos they got twenty years ago. Please don't get one.

fizzymittens · 12/10/2014 13:24

I think that they are really ugly and not at all classy. I don't like tattoos anyway but think that sleeve tattoos are particularly ugly. They look a bit (whisper it) rough. It's up to you obviously.

MonstersBalls · 12/10/2014 13:26

I echo the posters above who say it's your arm and your tattoo so ynbu. However the fact that they are soooo fashionable at the moment would seriously put me off.

VermillionPorcupine · 12/10/2014 13:27

I would need about ten peoples hands to count the number of female friends/colleagues of mine (including me), aged 25-35 who have a generic tattoo on the bottom of their back - roses/butterflies/tribal designs.

Because it used to be all the rage, but now it's just so unoriginal...I don't see anywhere near the number of teenagers/early twenties girls with them now.

Agree with the poster who said they date you like a bc. Don't do it.

Original poster

JellyDiamonds · 12/10/2014 13:28

I'm 32 so not an irresponsible teenager. I already have a butterfly on my shoulder which I got age 18 and have never regretted, it hasn't faded at all. People still get butterfly's done now so I don't think it's the sort of design that will go out of fashion. I do agree that celtic bands and tribal stuff is awful, and so 90's. But I think tattoo artistry has improved drastically in the last 10 to 15 years or so.

OP posts:

HelpMeGetOutOfHere · 12/10/2014 13:31

I'd say as long as you know it won't affect your job then go for it. Lots of research of what you want, google pictures, tattoo magazines rip them out and have a strong idea of what you want.

H has two full sleeves a back piece and two tattoos on his calves. He wears long sleeve shirts to work and has had a few comments. Mainly positive but also a few negative. And he's easily identifiable if he's made a mistake, working in Central london it's a case of the tattooed northerner!!

I have tattoos but all easily covered. Half my back down one side is Japanese style (same tattoo as one of h's sleeves) and then a cartoon 50's style bird on my other shoulder. I actually really want another tattoo but nowhere to put it that could be covered easily.

Mintyy · 12/10/2014 13:32

You are an adult and its your decision - can't think why you've chosen to ask thousands of random strangers what they think .

But do allow your Mum to wish that you wouldn't, she can't help her feelings. Just say, sorry Mum, I'm going to do it and I hope we don't fall out over it.

moxon · 12/10/2014 13:34

With or without cufflinks?

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