icon

January 01, 2020 6 min read

How to Wear Tattoo Print Long-Sleeve Shirts?

Printed shirts are a wardrobe staple for both men and women. From band tees and vintage tops to graphic t-shirts and silkscreens, there are endless ways to express yourself with a printed shirt. On that note, fashion and tattoos have a lot in common –– both give people the opportunity to adorn art. 

At Affliction Clothing, we design wearable art, and our tattoo men's long-sleeve shirts are exactly that. Our designs embody a laid-back lifestyle but with an authoritative edge. While the fad first cropped up in the late nineties, tattoo-inspired clothing is currently having a moment. Here’s what you need to know about integrating this style into your everyday look.

Tattoo Long-Sleeve Shirts: Art Pieces You Can Wear

People have been tattooing their skin for thousands of years. For many, tattoos are about making meaningful statements. When you get inked, it’s personal. You’re telling a story and exhibiting what matters to you through body art. Moreover, what you present is significant enough that you’re willing to make it permanent.

So, what if you have a deep appreciation for the look of tats and the way of life they represent but aren’t ready to get one yourself? On the other hand, maybe you’re covered in ink. When you can’t show off your arms, chest, back, or anywhere else you have tattoos, you might be on the hunt for clothing that makes just as much of an impression.

Tattoo long-sleeve shirts follow a similar theme as real ink, embracing the daring lifestyle of tattooed men and women. They offer a way to showcase your character through wearable designs that set you apart. Not only that, but tattoo-print clothing allows you to swap out the art you wear on a daily basis. After all, fashion is one of the most personal forms of art.

Most graphic tees display design on the front. Tattoo print long-sleeve shirts are often printed on the front, too. And yet, they take an unexpected approach to the standard graphic t-shirt. You’ll often find sleeve tattoo designs down the arms, images on the chest, on one or both shoulders, or on the back –– similar to tattoo placement.

The art is reminiscent of real tattoos. When it comes to ink-inspired apparel, nostalgic Americana tattoo designs are fundamental. We’re talking roses, flames, barbed wire, snakes, skulls, wings, hearts, American flags, dragons, tigers, eagles, and motorcycles. In addition to distinct images, some tattoo long-sleeve shirts will have words, phrases, or more abstract patterns.

When Ink Became Mainstream

Decades ago, tattoos were more of a rarity, mostly seen on bikers, rockers, rappers, and rebels. And yet, now it seems like more people have them than don’t. The popularity of the television show, Inked, and other tattoo-themed reality TV have a lot to do with the broader acceptance of permanent body art.

In the world of fashion, tattoos were rarely seen on runway or print models until about a decade ago. Now, it’s much more common. In fact, many designers are embracing the rebellious look and integrating it into their fashion lines. Ink broke out of its alternative roots and became an influential movement. This widespread appreciation for tattoo art is well-deserved.

Tats are becoming more mainstream and may not be quite the same symbol of rebellion and subculture as they used to. However, many still associate them with their legendary, rule-breaking history. The collision of fashion and the inked lifestyle isn’t erasing the heritage of tattoos. It’s honoring it.

How to Style Tattoo-Print Shirts?

If you don’t have any ink, wearing a tattoo-print shirt is a great way to achieve a similar vibe. You can rock embellishments that speak to you without committing to anything permanent. That being said, they’re a versatile clothing item that will elevate your personal style, whether you’re tatted up or not.

So, what should you wear with a tattoo t-shirt? If you’re going for an edgy look, there are many routes you can take. However, a pair of distressed urban jeans are a good place to start. Classic blue denim and black will work with most outfits, but gray, sable, and other washes are solid choices as well.

Next, you’ll want to pick out a pair of shoes. Since you’re making a statement with an edgy long-sleeve shirt, we recommend going for a somewhat straightforward pair. Simple flat-soled trainers go with basically everything. Both high-tops and low-tops will work with this outfit. We also like the look of leather boots. Try a pair of leather lace-ups or Chelsea boots for an effortlessly cool vibe.

For outerwear, opt for a leather or denim jacket. Both are badass jackets that will likely never go out of style. Just make sure you balance it out with something else that’s less casual, like Chelsea boots or wing-tips instead of trainers.

We’re also big fans of men's button-down shirts over graphic tees. A solid button-down will look best. For a more laid-back look, you could also wear a zip-up hoodie over your tattoo long-sleeve shirt. Whatever outerwear you choose, try to pick a solid, neutral hue to avoid clashing with the print on your shirt. Black, taupe, gray, tan, brown, and navy are good options.

Lastly, you’ll want to accessorize your ensemble. Tattoo-print tees are bold and eye-catching, so you won’t need much more in terms of a statement piece. Finish the look with a belt, watch, or hat –– both beanies and billed caps will go with the rest of your outfit. And depending on the time of year, a pair of sunglasses might not be a bad idea, either.

How Affliction Clothing Breaks the Mold?

When you rock a graphic t-shirt, you should feel confident. All the threads you’ll find from Affliction Clothing are created with high-quality craftsmanship, including our tattoo long-sleeve shirts. We know what true art and design look like, and we implement it into our apparel.

If you love the inked look, you’ve come to the right place. Affliction Clothing was originally known for tattoo-inspired clothing that breaks all the rules. As a matter of fact, it’s what we do best.

Our take on ink-inspired apparel is both courageous and refined. In addition to long-sleeve shirts, we have badass shirts with short sleeves, bandanas, and hats. When you wear our alternative clothing, we want you to feel like yourself –– only a better, bolder version of yourself. With Affliction Clothing, you don’t have to have tattoos to wear tattoos.

Believe it or not, you can look both sharp and daring at the same time. The expertly made clothing from Affliction is intended to make you look put-together while bringing out your risk-taking, rocker side. With our premium apparel, your personal aesthetic will never be boring.

Unapologetic Fashion

The beauty of fashion is that it gives you the ability to make changes on a whim and maintain a personal expression that evolves with you. Depending on your mood, you can adjust your look with a new jacket, hat, or oversized shirt. It’s all about adding a pop of color, a bit of texture, or some unexpected detailing to an ensemble.

We’re dedicated to creating quality men’s and women’s apparel that takes no prisoners. The result is a style that sets people apart from the pack. By embracing our afflictions and leading with grit, we ignore all outside noise and push the limits of fashion. Our unapologetic clothing is influenced by art, and it’s designed to inspire people to live on their own terms. When you shop for shirts from Affliction Clothing, you’ll find innovative and distinguished art pieces made to be worn by alphas.

Long-Sleeve Shirts from Affliction Clothing

Maybe you’re completely inked-up with full sleeves on both arms. Perhaps you’re on the fence about getting your first tattoo. Or maybe you’re somewhere in between and just want an edgy t-shirt for a motorcycle outfit or cool men's shirts. In any case, a long-sleeve t-shirt from Affliction Clothing will make just as loud of a statement as real tattoos while complementing your unique style.

Although every wardrobe needs a solid selection of basics, you have to have some pieces that stand out and highlight your personality. That’s where graphic apparel comes in. Whether you’re into tattoo long-sleeve shirts, short-sleeve silkscreen tees, cool button up shirts, or printed hoodies, Affliction Clothing has something for you. Our inventory ranges from daring designs with incredible artwork to more subtle pieces that can be worn anywhere, anytime.

Embrace your inner passion and create your edgy look with Affliction.

Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.