50 Bold Traditional Style Tattoos

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Is there a tattoo style that's more iconic than American traditional? Also called old-school or classic American tattoos, American traditional tattoos are recognizable for their crisp black outlines and bold color palettes, as well as their imagery of sailors, pinup girls, swallows, hearts dedicated to moms, anchors, and roses. This style has been around for centuries, and continues to go strong through today. Can we blame anyone though? Old-school tattoos are eye-catching, iconic, and all-around badass. It ain't called traditional for nothing.

Western sailors have been donning these kinds of tattoos since the 1800s, getting their names, rank, and service number inked on themselves. Like a badge of honor or way to tell a story, they also often symbolized an important part of their military journey: the places they went (like Hawaii or the South Pacific), anchors (which symbolized stability), or swallows (which represented a sailor having traveled 5,000 miles). By the '60s, artists like Sailor Jerry and Don Ed Hardy (remember Ed Hardy?!) opened up shop in the States, and the style became even more iconic.

Nowadays, people get inked with those iconic images and more. Anyone can have anything done in the American traditional style, and still channel the bold, strong, and vivid energy that sailors used to with theirs.

For those who are intrigued by old-school tattoos but don't know where to start, we gathered up 50 stunning American traditional tattoos.

old_old4tattoo/Instagram, filipkoukal/Instagram, daquelalaia/Instagram

Blue rose

How gorgeous is this blue rose? We love how it's done in the classic American style, yet it's done in unusual shades of yellow, pale pink, and blue.

Flowered fan

This fan tattoo of flowers proves that American traditional style tattoos can still be feminine.

Mandala

This American traditional style mandala is hypnotizing to look at, and we dig how it's in black and white!

Beret lady

This beret-donning woman is stunning! The American traditional style really makes her eyes pop.

Record player

This American traditional style tattoo of a record player, or phonograph if we're being exact, is perfect for music-lovers. The bright blue flower gives it a tropical feel.

Anchors aweigh

We love everything about this anchor tattoo, from the cute red flower to the rope wrapping around it.

Old-School twist

This tattoo of a woman's face is done in the old-school style, but it has a really modern twist, thanks to the design and grayscale palette.

Pink florals

This branch of pink flowers and dark green leaves is the perfect addition to this person's sleeve. It's subtle but still eye-catching!

Colorful rose

Roses are an old-school tattoo style staple; we love this colorful version, which has the petals outlined in blue.

Delicate and traditional

This tattoo of a hand holding a rose is so unique! It has a more pastel palette than typical American traditional tattoos, but still evokes the same design qualities.

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Geometric flower

Who knew an American traditional style flower could be so intricate? We love this geometric take on it.

Red cherries

These red cherries are so cute and fun! They pack a bright punch of color onto anyone's skin.

Hand-holding

This black and white tattoo of a hand holding onto the stem of a flower is incredibly elegant. The shading is spot-on!

Sweet sparrow

This sparrow has some seriously cute eyes and a great color scheme. It's bold, yet still elegant.

Twin sparrows

How adorable are these twin sparrows? They're the most fitting tattoo choice for the owner's hands.

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Black bracelet

This black floral bracelet is done in the American traditional style, and gives off serious goth vibes.

Intricate geometric

This geometric tattoo is done in the American traditional style, but still has delicate teardrops and dotwork to make it unique.

Blue butterfly

How does someone look away from this bold blue butterfly tattoo? The reds and yellows only add to its dimension.

Regal eagle

The eagle is a popular American traditional style tattoo, representing courage. With its bright colors and thick lines, this one looks both brave and bold.

Brave woman

This tattoo of a woman's head and an apple is a gorgeous reminder to "be brave." We love how this piece of ink is done in watercolor.

Wanderlust

American traditional tattoos don't just have to be nautical-themed. We adore this colorful nature landscape — especially the powerful meaning attached to it.

Purple lady

Purple usually isn't a color incorporated into old-school tattoos, but we love it here nonetheless. It adds a certain elegance, no?

Bold sparrow

This sparrow tattoo really pops with the bright red background and detailing on its feathers. Talk about bold!

Flowered silhouette

This American traditional tattoo is one of a kind! The flowers are stunning, as is the silhouette of the woman.

Subtle flower

Not all old-school tattoos have to be vivid or eye-catching. This black and white tattoo of a flower and some leaves is understated and minimalist.

Mama

What's more iconic than the heart with a banner saying "mom" running over it? We love how this tattoo plays into those classic features, but doesn't look outdated.

Teacup

This thunderstorm and teacup tattoo is powerful and bold, even though there's no color involved.

Strawberries

This strawberry tattoo done in the old-school style reminds us of summer! The colors are bright and fresh.

Grl pwr

This grayscale heart is emblazoned with "GRL PWR" and is making us feel empowered!

Granny

This classic American tattoo of a hand holding a piece of candy seems to be dedicated to the owner's granny. We think it's a sweet and beautiful tribute.

Outlined flowers

This outline of flowers done in old-school style is elegant and sophisticated just the way it is. We don't want any color to go near it!

Vase of flowers

Each flower of this bouquet is done in a unique design and all are equally gorgeous. How pretty are the little swirled details?

Gypsy

This profile of a gypsy done in old-school style is stunning. We love how her hair seems to be caught blowing in the wind.

Mermaid

What kind of American traditional tattoo collection would be complete without a mermaid tattoo? This mermaid is one Aquamarine would approve of.

Sunrise and sunset

We love how simple and powerful these matching tattoos of a sunrise and sunset are. They're making us feel some kind of way.

Snake

This black and white snake tattoo is bold and looks like it's jumping right off the skin! It's a design that both minimalists and maximalists would love.

Luna

We're not sure what we love more with this tattoo: the moon or the pale pink flower. Although we can all agree that together, this makes for one gorgeous tattoo!