The compass tattoo has always been a popular design among fishermen, sailors, Navy officers, and guys who appreciate the sea. While some believe that a nautical compass tattoo will help them find their way back home, it’s safe to say that a cool tattoo is always a badass way to celebrate your passion.
However, compass tattoo meanings vary, and not all the symbolism represents water and sailing. Compass tattoos are also a favorite of travelers, adventurers, and nomads with a hunger to see the world. Similarly, the compass can symbolize love, loyalty, morality, and faithfulness – always pointing you in the direction of your family and loved ones!
From the compass rose to a world map to an arrow, there are many compass tattoo ideas that will inspire you. Men’s compass tattoos can be small and simple, or paired with other awesome designs, like a skull, anchor, star, clock or heart, for a more meaningful look.
Whether you want a compass tattoo on your forearm, arm, sleeve, shoulder, hand, chest, back, wrist or leg, you’ll love these design ideas. The styles and colors range from 3D to tribal, traditional, watercolor, and anything in between.
To inspire you, we’ve compiled examples of the best compass tattoos for men. From small and simple to cool and meaningful, explore these popular compass tattoo designs to find unique artwork.
Cool Compass Tattoo Ideas
According to historians, the compass has been around since the 2nd century BC. Believe it or not, the first compasses were not designed for navigation; rather, the compass was originally created for fortune-telling.
The best compass tattoo ideas all depend on the meaning you want to convey. For example, the compass and rose tattoo is a small play on words, and is meant to exemplify love and loyalty.
The design expresses the idea that your heart will always lead you, like the needle of a compass, towards home and to your family. An easy version of this is the arrow compass tattoo.
On the other hand, the compass and map tattoo can represent world travelers who are always looking for their next adventure. These men and women consider the compass a symbol of guidance and protection – a good luck charm that will keep them safe. For a simple and small design on your forearm or hand, just get a nautical compass.
If the intent is to show your love and passion for the water, a star compass tattoo or pairing a clock, anchor or sun with a compass can make for an amazing design.
Ultimately, cool compass tattoos come in just about every imaginable size and color. Some guys prefer black and grey, while others want colorful styles, specifically a watercolor tat.
Some are so small, they consist of only two crossed lines and directional markers (North, South, East, and West).
Others are incredibly elaborate ways to complement the drawing with globes, waves, or tribal designs in the background. You can even ask your artist to create a 3D compass to really make the artwork pop.
Lastly, you have to decide on where to get inked. A compass tattoo on your forearm, hand, shoulder, ankle, bicep, or wrist can make perfect sense because these locations are perfect for small body art.
For meanings relating to family, guys would ideally place the art over their heart for a nice chest piece.
However, if you want the drawing to be a part of a bigger design, a compass tattoo on your sleeve, back, thigh, or arm can look good.
Best Compass Tattoo Designs
Here are the best compass tattoos for guys. This collection of the top compass tattoo designs will certainly spark your imagination and help you come up with a unique idea that’s perfect for you.
