Respect is earned and honesty is appreciated. Trust is gained and loyalty is returned. From Al Capone to John Dillinger and others, take a trip into the underworld of organized crime ink.

I’ll make you an offer on some ink inspiration you can’t refuse.

Discover design ideas taken from movies like the “The Godfather” and historical eras including Prohibition.

When it comes to gangster tattoos, men choose to incorporate everything from the iconic Tommy gun to vintage Ford Model 18, and of course, styles that represent an artistic spirit for the art of bootlegging. Most notably, portraits of the most notorious mobster and gangsters from around the world, are among the most popular pieces for guys today.

Though, another popular theme includes silhouettes with black, grey and white ink to highlight the nefarious activities of the night. You’ll find the getaway rides like the Lincoln Continental, 1928 Cadillac Town Sedan, and 1940 Lincoln coupe, among others too. More modern ideas feature ultra-realistic shattered glasses with 3D body art.

Regardless of what route you choose to go with, I’m sure you’ll enjoy a trip back into the past. Just take a moment to explore the top X best gangster tattoos for men below.

1. Gangster Noir Tattoos

Noir most commonly refers to the Hollywood movies of the 1940’s and 1950’s that revolved around a stylized criminal underworld and were characterized by stark contrast and risqué themes. These tattoos perfectly capture this aesthetic through the use of fully saturated black ink and gray wash to recreate the villains with their tommy guns and the beautiful women that were often by their side.  

2. Smoking Gangsters Wearing Hats Tattoos

The quintessential gangsters were products of their environment, and in the 1920s and 1920 of urban America men wore fedoras and they smoked. The dramatic visages of these hard as nails enforcers and slippery rum-runners were made even more interesting by the broad brimmed hats and plumes of smoke that obscured their faces; these tattoos perfectly capture this illicit aesthetic.