The rose tattoo is a badass symbol of strength, courage, and nobility. For men it’s a reminder that refinery wears armor, and that even the truest love is not without its thorns. Cultivated in the Far East and adopted by Europeans, the rose was an emblem to be worn on armor and borne on one’s shield, not simply bestowed upon a sweetheart.

Its heady scent, striking beauty, and sheath of thorns sent a message to the world to think twice before carelessly reaching out, lest they come away with a fistful of unexpected blood. Additionally, the rose in Christianity has come to represent sacrifice and purity: red for the blood of Christ, white for purification.

A modern badass rose tattoo is at once sophisticated and timeless, retaining all of its much-admired classic properties while effecting a more updated aesthetic. Perhaps you survived a romance that was as tragic as it was lush, and wish to commemorate the tale in ink. Or maybe, like the knights of your ancestry, the rose represents your own well-dressed valor-with a hidden blade for added insurance.

Just as the rose is beheld in infinite colors, shapes, and connotations, your rose tattoo is unique to you alone. Lavish and powerful, the rose is a reminder that a man’s strength is not in the eye of the beholder, but the hand that braves his touch. The rose is a powerful symbol that has been adorned by generations of manly men from sailors out on the rough seas, to soldiers taking their last breath on the battlefields.

If you can relate to the meaning of this beautiful flower, here the top 35 best rose tattoos for men. I’ve collected an assortment of great ideas and designs for you to cultivate and grow your own inspiration from!

See more about – The Top 75+ Best Rose Tattoos in 2020

1. Forearm Rose Tattoo Ideas for Men

2. Realistic Rose Tattoos for Men