Tattoo Glossary — S
Sleeve
A tattoo that covers the entire arm from shoulder to wrist. A half sleeve covers shoulder to elbow or elbow to wrist. One of the most ambitious tattoo projects.
In detail
Full sleeves typically require 20-60+ hours of tattooing spread over multiple sessions and 6 months to 2 years to complete. Japanese and traditional styles are classic sleeve formats; geometric and blackwork sleeves are popular contemporary approaches.