Sailors can very well be called the forefathers of the tattoo tradition. They were the ones, as early as the 14th century, to ink in talismans and fortune markers onto their bodies before they sailed for their journeys. They also often inked metaphoric designs and souvenirs brought back from their travels, giving the memories a permanent place of existence with them. Following is a collection of the most coveted sailor tattoo designs and improvisations of the same:

Sailor Girl Tattoo

sailor girl tattoo

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A usual reminder of ladies waiting back home, getting a sailor girl tattooed on your arm with a ship in a frame is considered as a memoir to your loved one. As they become part of the sailor family once they put up with you, it is often a tribute to them to get their wishes personified and inked.

Ship Tattoo Design

sailor ship tattoo

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An old school colored tattoo from the 18th century, this one represents the bright side of a sailor’s life. Beautiful dawns on the sea with fluffy clouds dotting the sky, quiet waves and undiscovered islands – ah, the adventures one can have at sea!

Sailor Sleeve Tattoo

sailor sleeve tattoo

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Another gorgeous piece from the wonderfully detailed category, this tattoo symbolizes the waiting a loved one has to indulge in back at home while her sailor husband is out at the sea. The compass denotes the long journeys, while the roses denote her unconditional love.

Black and Grey Anchor Tattoo

black and grey anchor tattoo

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Love travelling on the sea, yet always want to come back home after an adventure to your waiting family? Well, this one’s definitely for you then! Carve in the longitude and latitude for your own home around the anchor, and let it guide you back when you’re lost.

Sailor Bird Tattoo

sailor bird tattoo

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Swallows stand for their astonishing migrating patterns, always finding their way back home after travelling hundreds of miles. Get this brilliantly designed swallow tattoo done in to represent your desires for travel, as well as longing for home.

Anchor Tattoo with Flowers

anchor tattoo with flowers

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Sailor and Nautical Chest Tattoo

sailor and nautical chest tattoo

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Classic Ship Tattoo

classic ship tattoo

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Anchor Leg Tattoo Design

anchor leg tattoo design

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Ship Tattoo with Whale

ship tattoo with whale

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Black and Grey Navy Leg Tattoo

black and grey navy leg tattoo

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Sailor Star Tattoo Design

sailor star tattoo design

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Black and Red Sailor Ship Tattoo

black and red sailor ship tattoo

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Tattoos and similar arts have often been held in close compassion with sailors across the world for ages. Inking their own beliefs, desires as well as talismans onto their bodies for survival on the seas and unbound adventure has been their way of dealing with their professions. Yet, sailor tattoos are just as popular among common folk as well because of their hidden meanings and gorgeous designs! Find your own style of nautical tattoo which you can connect to, and give it a try! We guarantee you won’t get disappointed! Do share your views in the comments below.

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