Tattoo Stencils for Men

Bold-line designs that suit larger placements like the forearm, chest and calf. Each PDF prints at the size shown under the design.

How big to print for each placement

These are common starting sizes for a single design. Measure the spot first; the PDFs print about 4.5 in tall, so scale up or down in your print dialog to match.

PlacementTypical design sizeGood fits here
Inner forearm3–5 in tall (8–13 cm)Compass, raven, spartan helmet
Outer forearm4–6 in tall (10–15 cm)Lion, wolf, tiger heads
Upper arm / shoulder4–6 in wide (10–15 cm)Eagle head, bear head
Chest (one side)5–7 in wide (13–18 cm)Lion, tiger, eagle
Calf4–6 in tall (10–15 cm)Wolf, raven, compass

Why these designs use thick lines

Larger pieces are seen from further away, and thin lines on a big design can look weak once healed. The outlines here are drawn heavier so they still read clearly at 4–7 inches.

Related stencils

New to stencils? Read how to print and transfer a tattoo stencil.

Questions

Can I print these larger than the PDF size?

Yes. Set a custom scale in the print dialog, for example 130%. If the design no longer fits on one sheet, print it in two halves and line them up using the 1 inch bar as a guide.

Which design is best for a first forearm piece?

The compass and the raven have clear outlines with few fine details, so they are easier to line than the lion or tiger heads.

Are these only for men?

No. The page groups bolder designs that are popular with men, but anyone can use them.