While many other designs suffer from natural restrictions such as the body part size or a lack of detail when scaled to a smaller piece, this is rarely a concern with Roman numeral date tattoos. Roman numeral dates scale well to fit any location without sacrificing clarity or image quality, and they can be designed in modest, unpretentious, or equally useful when inked with complexity and detail.

With this application, clarity is the key to delivering a successful date tattoo. Some script styles can be ostentatious and overworked, making your date hard to read. If you want the dates to be easily identifiable, simple clear application is often the best approach and makes for a much cleaner delivery. Wavering lines or blowouts on dates can ruin the whole piece in this style. Errors are almost impossible to fix without making the tattoo heavier and more complicated than it needs to be, so make sure your artist is skilled at precision linework.

4. Roman Numeral Armband Tattoos 

Armband tattoos have been popular in a number of styles over the past two decades. Tribal and geometric patterns are those most often used, but the extended, ribbon-like nature of Roman numbers interlinked with an important date or time can be easily adapted into an armband tattoo. The band can easily circle the bicep, wrist, or forearm in an eye-catching and artistic manner.

The results can be very subtle and understated, or you can use a bolder design incorporating thicker, darker numerals if desired. An armband application is a good way to take what otherwise seems simple and limited and provide a second dimension. Your tattoo expresses meaning through content, but importantly the design and application as well.

5. Simple Roman Numeral Tattoos 

Roman numerals are the perfect option for a simple and subtle tattoo design rather than a larger, more ostentatious piece of body art. Unlike more graphic designs that suffer detail loss at smaller sizes, a simple Roman numeral tattoo is readable at any size, provided it’s etched with craft and care. Your artist needs clean, straight lines and a steady hand to produce a high-quality, professionally delivered Roman numeral tattoo devoid of artistic flourishes. These small, simple tattooversions can be scaled up to cover a whole arm, leg, or even your spine with the same cleanly applied, easy to read style.