210+ Outline Tattoo Designs to Inspire You (2023)

Outline tattoos offer the perfect blend of simplicity along with style, so they are a great choice for anyone in search of an eye-catching design that isn’t too fussy or overwhelming.

From minimalist outlines to complex designs, tattoos are a popular way to express creativity and make a statement.

Outline Tattoo Ideas

Outline tattoo’s main purpose is to be aesthetically pleasing as well as meaningful. But this doesn’t mean that you can try just any design. We consider these outline tattoo designs to be the best that a person can choose:

1. Nature: From mountain scenes to abstract florals, nature-inspired tattoos can be simple or complex depending on your preferences. These designs evoke feelings of peace and harmony—perfect for those looking for a meaningful addition to their body art collection.

2. Geometric shapes: Whether it’s stars, circles, or squares, geometric shapes make for great outline tattoos. They are versatile enough to fit any style, from tribal or traditional designs to something more modern and abstract.

3. Words: Show off your personality by getting an outline tattoo of a meaningful phrase or word, like “love” or “hope”. Matching it with a simple design gives the piece an elegant touch that stands out from other word tattoos.

4. Animals: Animal-themed outline tattoos will always work because of their aesthetic appeal and symbolism. Outlines can be used to create realistic renditions of animals, such as cats, dogs, birds, and even foxes. Or You can tweak them to give a more stylized look.

5. Symbols: If you are looking for a tattoo piece with a deeper meaning then you should consider religious symbols in outline style. The most popular choices are the Christian cross ancient runes and even Japanese kanji characters, you can choose something that resonates with you.

6. Patterns: Outlines are also perfect for creating asymmetric patterns and repeating designs. It can either be a geometric pattern or more organic shapes like fish scales or feathers or even constellations and mandalas.

7. Celestial bodies: Stars, moons, and planets make great outline tattoos because they represent mystery and exploration—perfect for the adventurous soul. They are also quite versatile; play around with color and size to create something truly special.

8. Lettering: Outline tattoos also work well with lettering styles like calligraphy or cursive. Choose a phrase (or your favorite quote) that’s important to you and let the artist bring it to life in a beautiful script style that stands out from other lettering tattoos.

9. Hearts: A heart outline tattoo is the ultimate symbol of love and affection; something that everyone should have if they want to honor someone special in their life. It’s also a great way to express your unique style thanks to its versatility, allowing you to customize it however you like.

10. Illustrations: If you are feeling creative (and bold), why not create an original illustration for your outline tattoo? Whether it’s a complex landscape or something more abstract, this type of design ensures the piece will be one-of-a-kind.

11. Mandalas: Mandalas are complex designs made up of circles and other shapes that can be used to create stunning outline tattoos. They often represent spiritual enlightenment or reconnection with nature which is perfect for those looking for something meaningful.

12. Mythology: Show off your knowledge of mythology with an outline tattoo featuring a symbol from your favorite culture’s tales and legends. These pieces are great for lovers of history because they remind us that our ancestors have always had incredible stories to share.

13. Flower – A classic tattoo design, floral outline tattoos come in many different shapes, sizes, and colors. They are perfect for expressing femininity, positivity, and beauty while also being meaningful in their symbolic meaning of renewal and growth.

14. Tribal – These designs feature thick black lines that create powerful shapes with deep cultural significance. From Maori tribal tattoos to traditional Polynesian patterns to Aztec ink, these designs will never go out of style.

15. Star – Stars are timeless symbols of hope, dreams, and guidance on life’s journey. A star outline tattoo is a great way to evoke feelings of positivity and optimism while inspiring you to reach for the stars.

16. Skull – The skull is often associated with death and mortality but it can also symbolize protection and life-long lessons learned from difficult times. An outline skull tattoo is perfect for making a bold statement without being overly gothic, morbid, or dark.

17. Anchor – An anchor outline tattoo is perfect for symbolizing stability, security, and protection in life’s stormy seas. Its bold design will stand the test of time, reminding you to stay grounded and focused on your goals.

18. Cross – Representing faith and hope, cross tattoos are a popular choice among many religious people. An outline version with simple lines gives this classic design an elegant yet powerful look.

19. Moon – The moon represents the cycles of life, from births to death and rebirths. A moon outline tattoo is great for expressing your connection to nature while also reflecting on the cycle of life.

20. Dragon – These mythical creatures represent power, strength, and wisdom. An outline dragon tattoo is sure to make a statement about your inner strength. Moreover, it will look majestic on all kinds of wearers.

Outline tattoos can have a variety of meanings and symbolism. Some common symbolisms seen in tattoos include nautical stars for guidance, anchors for stability, wings for freedom, infinity signs for eternal life or love, butterflies for transformation or rebirth, and mandalas for meditation or protection from evil spirits.

Since these tattoos are inked with thin lines therefore they demand extra aftercare. We strongly suggest you choose a body part that is covered most of the time so that these designs don’t fade away over time. Take some time to browse our photo gallery of best outline tattoos