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Want to know some of the best x tattoo ideas? Read this article to find what an x tattoo means and explore the best x tattoo ideas!
The x letter is a short tattoo but carries many complex implications behind it.
The letter x often indicates a sub-genre of punk culture, derived on a punk rock song called “Straight Edge”.
The letter x often indicates a sub-genre of punk culture, derived on a punk rock song called “Straight Edge”. Members of the straight edge scene abstain of consuming alcohol and are strong supporters of animal rights. The letter x is also known for its Roman figure of the number 10. Thus, you can see that this letter can be seen as something complicated yet straightforward with its multiple associations. It depends on the individual getting the x tattoo and meaning they want it to reflect. Let’s explore some intriguing x tattoos ideas and find the one that suits you best!
Straight Edge Society X Tattoo Designs
If you’re wondering what does an X tattoo mean, here’s your answer. Straight Edge is part of a hardcore punk movement that is often signified by an “X” or “XXX”. People who follow the straight edge philosophy refrain from consuming alcohol, tobacco or any other drug. There have been many other beliefs associated with this movement. Followers of this movement support animal rights and often follow a vegetarian or vegan diet and lifestyle.
The back of the neck is one of the most common places to get an x tattoo. This design is unique and has a style of its own. A bold black letter of x with a chain surrounding it shows how this design has a story behind it. This type of x tattoo design is usually opted for by men. It looks lovely and badass and signifies who you are as a person. As the tattoo is quote detailed, you can create this design on the chest or back as well.
X Tattoo On Wrist
This x hand tattoo is popular among straight edge members. This particular term came about from a punk rock song titled “Straight Edge”. The vibrant red color in this x tattoo design is quite eye-catching, and the font of the x is stunning. It aligns well as a hand tattoo. However, if you wish to get this tattoo on another part of your body, getting it on the back, chest, neck, and arm would look remarkable for this beautiful tattoo design. One thing that stands out for this tattoo is its simplicity. It is noticeable but not too flashy, making it the perfect tattoo for you looking for something simple.
Hardcore Straight Edge Members Tattoo
Another common design among members of the Straight Edge community is this X tattoo, one on each hand. The image shown above is a gorgeous design of x with details in it that are flawless. The font of the design fits the back of the hand perfectly, so it doesn’t look like it’s too big or small, and aligns beautifully.
The straight edge scene is quite popular for the people who were seen to be against drugs and alcohol. These people were also usually vegetarians or vegans and started to get such x’s tattoo on their hands to show the significance of that. This design is also quite bold.
Graphic X Tattoo
This tattoo has quite a big, bold letter of X tattooed on the side of the forearm. It is somehow extravagant yet straightforward at the same time. This beautiful design looks like something out of a painting. In two simple strokes, this X tattoo looks like it’s painted on the skin in black ink. The paint or ink starts fading towards the bottom.
You can place such an X tattoo anywhere on the upper arm, or the back as well. Or you could get a smaller design on the wrist. If you are a member of the straight edge society, you can consider this classy tattoo with a clean, bold look and carry your philosophy with you at all times.
Straight Edge Scene X Tattoo
This Straight Edge tattoo is more detailed than others we’ve seen here. Wrapped around the borders of the big, bold X, is a green and orange ribbon with a small quote inscribed on it. The quote reads “Out of step with the world.” It mirrors the ideology followed by Straight Edge fans, that they follow their own rules and their lifestyle sets them apart from the rest of the world.
Getting x tattoos with some wording aligning with it has become quite famous nowadays. This tattoo is stunning with bright colors and enhanced detailing. The textures of this tattoo design are vivid and overall. The border and outlined of the X along with the red, black, yellow colours make the design look a bit realistic, like a 3d model. This tattoo is placed on the upper thigh, but it would fit well on the upper arm, forearm or ankle as well.
Straight Edge Couple X Tattoo
This is a straight edge tattoo that one can get with friends, family, or significant others. One of the tattoos here has only an X-shaped outline, with the inside left blank. While the other tattoo has a thick black X on the back of the hand. Hardcore straight edgers have a whole subculture where one doesn’t eat meat or serve alcohol. The straight edge community believes it causes bodily harm to a person.
There are hardcore straight-edge vegans out there who opt to get such tattoos to be a part of the straight edge society. These hardcore straight edge members also consist of straight-edge kids who believe in the same. People often get a similar x on hand tattoo to showcase their beliefs and ideology.
Dual X Tattoos
This plain symbol with a stylish element looks like something you’d see in album covers! It is usually opted by a younger crowd. In this tattoo, there is X marked on each arm, right above the elbow. The ink style is quite polished and black X seems to be shining.
This very simple symbol showcases the straight x edge life adopted by youngsters. You can get a similar solid black tattoo placed on each leg. This particular letter can also reflect a personal story or experience one may have gone through that led them to adopt this lifestyle.
Straight Edge Scene X Tattoo
This bold straight edge tattoo shows an X tattooed behind both hands. The outline and detailing of this tattoo are gorgeous, and the overall look of it is stunning. It’s got some curving edges to it, which adds to the beauty of the tattoo design. The lettering of the design is filled with shades of black, while the outer region has a smash of red. You can ask the tattoo shop to go ahead with only the x design inked on you if you don’t want the red to be there.
Straight Edge Youth X Tattoo
This small x tattoo is placed on the wrist and looks quote sharp. The x symbol here is a beautiful color of red but can also be gotten in black. There is no outline to this x tattoo. This x tattoo on the hand is a perfect size as it isn’t too small where it isn’t visible, nor is it too big where it looks too extra. It has a friendly vibe to it and is seen to be unique. Most x tattoo designs are usually inked in black color, and this one has the gorgeous red colour of bloodlust.
You can choose to get this X tattoo in a cursive form or with straight lines. Another way to portray the important meaning of your straight edge life is to get “sxe” written instead of the just the X.
Freehand X Tattoo
As compared to the usual thick block shape, here is a freehand straight edge tattoo. The lines here look like scratch marks and have a unique design to them. The shape of the letter has been inked flawlessly, and it has an edgy, bold look to it. This plain symbol reveals a lot about a person’s belief and personality. A cross or an x tattoo on the face may signify sacrifice, forgiveness, and unconditional love.
Here are some more X tattoos where you add a stylistic element to inspire your own straight edge themed X tattoo for your reference.
- Star shape and X mark tattoo
- Straight edge bands tattoo
- Straight edge wagon tattoos
- Punk rock music inspired tattoos
- Baseball bats tattoos
- X files tattoos
- Simple X wing tattoo
- X tree tattoo
- X tattoo on chest
Feature image from Pinterest
What does the x tattoo mean?
The x tattoo is commonly seen as a symbol of both eternity and the unknown. It can also serve as a reminder to live in the moment and make decisions that are based on your own values, rather than society’s expectations. In addition, it has come to represent resilience and strength in difficult times, as well as hope for better days ahead. Ultimately, the x tattoo is a meaningful way to express your own unique spirit and identity.
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Jamie Wilson
Jamie Wilson (BA) is a professional tattooist, blogger and passionate photographer! After graduating with a BTEC Level 4 in tattoo design he has gone on to work for both private clients in tattoo parlours across the UK, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. He is also the editor in chief at Outsons. The brains behind the brand: a veteran of the industry working for some of the biggest fashion and grooming brands in the UK. Jamie has been writing for Outsons tattoo section since the beginning of 2017, providing informed and passionate content about the fascinating world of inked body art. If you would like to know more about Jamie or further details on our editorial policy then just click the links in the footer.
