Tattoo Style: Old School

Old School Tattoos

Continuing with our series of articles in which we want to let you know the origin and evolution of the different styles of tattoos (in our previous installment we talked about realistic style), today we will focus on one of the most popular today and that, on the other hand, has a greater background in the history of tattooing itself and that has influenced to make this style of body art what it is today . That's right, we talk about old school tattoo style, also known as "Old School" o «Classic tattoo».

While the tattoo itself is over 3.000 years old (although it could be even older), In the case of the old school tattoo style we have to go back to the year 1.900 and especially to both things in the United States. This style was born among the sailors who, in order to differentiate themselves from the rest (who were not few), wanted to have something very personal and different.

Old School Tattoos

He was born among the lower echelons of American society at a time when the tattoo was still believed only for Indians, sailors and prostitutes. Ironically, many aristocrats also tattooed themselves to capture on their skin the different remote places of the world that they had visited. Interestingly, during its first decades of life, this style of tattoo was known as "American Tattoo", but after the passage of time, and being the most historical style that is still in force, it was popularly called Old School.

What characterizes the old school tattoo style?

The old school tattoo style is characterized by several well-defined aspects. On the one hand we have the use of thick lines that define the motifs and flat colors at the same time as very vivid. Some of the most tattooed elements in this style and popular that we can find in tattoo studios around the world are swallows, daggers, nautical motifs, roses or skulls.

Old School Tattoos

To this day and despite being one of the oldest styles, the old school tattoo is still one of the most in demand. Many prominent pin-up models have chosen this style to decorate their body. And looking back, some of the best known artists in history in this style are: Sailor Jerry (1911-1973), Herbert Hoffmann (1919-2010), Amund Dietzel (1891-1974), Bert Grimm (1900-1985 ) and Bob Shaw (1926-1993).

Photos for Old School Tattoos


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  1.   Ronald Cuevas said

    My favorite style 🙂