Why Tattoo-Inspired Clothing? Understanding the Appeal and Message
There’s a certain flair and edge that comes with well-made, well-designed tattoo apparel. Whether you’re wearing a skull tattoo graphic shirt or tropical island tattoo board shorts, inked-up art has become the ultimate form of self-expression.
From the first Issey Miyake runway show that brought tattoo art to the runway in 1971, the popularity of tattoo clothing has skyrocketed. Streetwear graphic tees, jackets, boxer briefs, and everything in between have become a canvas for bold, meaningful designs that stay in fashion season after season.
The Appeal of Tattoo-Inspired Clothing
Tattoo-inspired clothing is now more popular than ever before. If you’re interested in tattoo apparel but aren’t sure the message it sends is what you want out there, read on to discover the appeal and meaning of tattoo art clothing today.
Unconventionality: Tattoos as a Form of Self-Expression
Tattoos have been a constant throughout different cultures in history. Stretching as far back as ancient Egypt, New Zealand, and Japan, tattoo art has played an important role in symbolizing status and spiritual beliefs. Unfortunately, the perception of tattoos hasn’t always been this constant.
Seen as marks of criminality or deviant behavior in early Western culture, proudly displaying your tattoos in public was almost unheard of. However, it didn’t take long for most of the world to change its mind.
Self-expression, individuality, style, and personal taste can all be uniquely represented through tattoos. As more people started realizing the potential of tattoos to showcase their unique personalities, the art of tattooing and incorporating tattoo art in clothing grew.
Today, tattoo clothing is a powerful form of self-expression. Whether you have permanent ink or want to engage in the expressive community of tattoo lovers but don’t want a permanent tattoo, graphic tattoo t-shirts and other clothing items featuring your favorite designs are a great way to go.
Unique Style: Incorporating Artistic, Edgy, and Unique Designs
Streetwear can quickly become repetitive, with the same graphic designs and patterns replicated across a number of popular brands so they can keep up with the trends. Tattoo clothing transcends that race to stay valid and trendy by using edgy, unique designs that have proven over and over again to be a hit in the tattoo community.
Trendsetter: Leading the Pack, Not Following
Tattoo-inspired clothing allows you to lean into the trailblazing, trendsetting lifestyle of the people who pioneered and proudly repped their ink decades before. Tattoos have always been seen as a differentiator, a way of being your own person and expressing your own views.
The same applies to tattoo clothing. Wearing a Sullen graphic shirt, hat, or jacket is a great way to channel the edgy, boundary-pushing traditions of early tattoo wearers. Instead of simply following the trends, it allows you to join a movement that’s still growing in popularity and appreciation every day.
Respect for Artistry: Honoring the Craft of Tattoo Art in Clothing
Each of our Sullen graphic tees is crafted in partnership with new and established tattoo artists that bring a sense of originality and uniqueness to every piece. By wearing tattoo clothing created by real tattoo artists, you’re paying homage to the work, talent, and heritage that goes into creating stunning tattoos and honoring the craft as a whole in the process.
Community: The Sense of Belonging in the World of Tattoo-Inspired Fashion
Tattoos and the clothing they inspire are worn by a typically creative, welcoming, and fun-loving community. By styling your streetwear and incorporating tattoo apparel into your wardrobe, you get to join a demographic of professionals, creatives, and everyday people and find a sense of belonging among people from many different walks of life who share a common appreciation for tattoos.
Sullen Clothing’s Dedication to Honoring Tattoo Art
Sullen Clothing has long been an ambassador for the value, beauty, and creativity behind tattoo-inspired clothing. Working with tattoo artists from around the world, we honor the art of tattooing by using only the best-quality materials, experienced craftsmanship, and standout designs to bring your favorite iconic tattoo designs to life. Browse our collection to find the perfect piece for you today.
