I know the meaning of a sleeve tattoo. But in my opinion it seems theres many people that say or claim they have a sleeve tattoo, when really its just a bigger tattoo on there upper arm.

My artist and I were talking about this during my last session. Maybe I shouldn't let it bug me to much but when someone says they have a sleeve tattoo and it goes from there shoulder to right above the elbow and zero ink on the inner arm I don't consider it a sleeve tattoo, and almost not even a half sleeve.

The whole idea of a full sleeve tattoo is basically like wearing a long sleeve t shirt, it covers every part of your arm! A t shirt can resemble a half sleeve, but I don't see to many t shirts with only material on the outer arm!

ive actually never heard anyone say they had sleeves when they didnt... haha

Because it's an easy short hand, similar to how "beer" covers largers, ales, and what have you?

Love. Peace. Metallica.

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Yeah, well, I'd like to see you get out of the giant robot and say that -KnightHawk

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'Cos sleeves are cool?

I know what you mean though dude, I've met guys with separate, patchy tattoos on their fore arm and bicep and in their world it qualifies as a sleeve.

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It's more of a "poncho" tattoo really. Come to think of it why don't we use the terms glove and stocking for covered hands and legs?

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If I have to tattoo just one more Southern cross this week I WILL kill everyone.

Exactly, its hard for me to call it a sleeve when theres more of there actual skin tone showing than ink.

Although it shouldn't really bother me, it is a pet peeve of mine as well. Currently I'm in the process of getting a "sleeve" done but since I"m stopping a few inches from my wrist can I still call it a sleeve?

Sure it counts as a sleeve, just think of it as buying a shirt that doesn't quite fit A sleeve is a very serious tattoo and even with stopping an inch or two from your wrist it is still a very serious tattoo.

But yeah, getting one that doesn't wrap all the way around, those guys don't have sleeves. They may have a lot of nice ink, but they don't have sleeves. I suppose they just like how impressive the term sounds

My artist normally doesn't go right to the wrist and either does my brothers artist. Just a little bit before it, that way a long sleeve shirt can cover it if needed.

If yours is a few inches before it you may have a 3/4?

Do you not call the fabric that partially covers your upper arms when you wear a t-shirt a sleeve?

Love. Peace. Metallica.

__________________
If I die, pretend I said something witty and inspiring.

Yeah, well, I'd like to see you get out of the giant robot and say that -KnightHawk

Perverted old Kung-Fu Master--wandering the west, bringing law to the lawless, Big'uns in tow

My Deviant Art