Fake tattoo sleeves are often frowned on by some tat devotees, but there are some valid reasons for not getting real ink. Get the full story right here, as well as where to find sleeves if you want them.
What are Fake Tattoo Sleeves?
Fake tattoo sleeves are articles of clothing that, when worn on your arms, make it appear as if you have tattoos. Typically, they are made with nylon material and are covered in artwork that extends from the upper arms to the wrists. The base of the sleeves are flesh-toned so they blend in with your skin's coloring, although often this isn't a perfect match.
Sleeves are generally attached to a T-shirt or tank top, and this makes it easier to keep them in place. However, some sleeves fit on your arms like a pair of panty hose, making it possible to wear them with whatever fashions you like.
Other Ways to Achieve Artificial Sleeves
While clothing sleeves are the quickest and easiest way to get the tattooed look, there are other ways to go about it.
- Try temporary tattoos: Temporary tattoos adhere to your skin with water and can be washed off just as easily. You can purchase enough to build a cohesive design that covers your entire arm.
- Fake tattoo pens: These gel pens can be used to create temporary body art.
- Henna ink: Henna ink creates a temporary tattoo, but it takes weeks to wear off your skin. This might make it a good alternative for vacation time, but you may want your tats to be more temporary than that.
Reasons for Faking Your Body Ink
To some people, anything less than an authentic tattoo just doesn't cut it, and the thought of wearing fake tattoo sleeves seems incomprehensible. However, there are some valid reasons to go with fake sleeves, so it's really up to your individual circumstances whether or not you choose to have real tattoos.
Ink Allergies
Tattoo ink is made from many different substances, and at present, the ingredient list isn't always available. If your artist mixes his/her own ink, you have a better chance of finding out exactly which compounds are used to produce the pigments.
Why is this so important? If you've tried body ink before and had an allergic reaction, you certainly don't want to go through that again. Allergic reactions can cause a fresh tattoo to pit and scar, ruining the point of getting a tat in the first place.
If you happen to be allergic to a number of sources, you may not want to risk getting a real tattoo for fear of finding out after the fact that something in the ink irritates your skin. In cases like this, it really is better to be safe than sorry.
Blood Borne Diseases
It's a well known fact that there are certain risks involved when dealing with human blood. Tattooing punctures the skin and causes bleeding; this is an unavoidable part of the process. Naturally, there are concerns about transmitting diseases such as HIV and hepatitis, and this is why tattoo shops must follow such stringent sterile procedures before, during and after the actual tattooing.
It's valid to feel reluctant about getting a real tat, although really investigating a shop or potential artist may set your mind at ease about the potential risks. If you can get confirmation that an autoclave is being used properly to sterilize reusable equipment, and that the tattoo area is being properly cleaned and prepared before the inking begins, you're probably in good hands. Don't be afraid to ask a lot of questions when you pay your initial visit to the shop. A good tat artist is proud of the safety precautions he/she takes and should be more than willing to discuss them with potential clients.
On the flip side, perhaps you're someone who already knows you have a communicable blood borne disease. In a case like this, you certainly wouldn't want to risk your tat artist's health or anyone else's at the shop. In this instance, fake sleeves are a wise alternative to get the look you want while maintaining everyone's safety.
Employment Concerns
This may be the 21st century, but employers still have the right to set guidelines on what constitutes proper work place attire. Some establishments have no problem with body art, as long as it isn't vulgar or likely to scare customers away. In other employment settings, it may be necessary to set higher professional standards. While it is your choice where you want to work, you do have to follow company guidelines, and this can sometimes put your love of ink at odds with your employer.In a situation like this, tattoo sleeves may not seem like the ideal solution, but they are a way for you to have the tattooed look without worrying about how to cover up real tats at work. You can wear them out for a night of fun, and then roll them up and keep them in a drawer until you're ready for them again. As long as you're not trying to convince anyone these fakes are the real thing, no harm no foul.
Where to Shop
You can find fake sleeves at the following sites, but be aware that the quality of some products are better than others. In most cases, it's better to pay a little more for realistic looking sleeves.
- Prank Place: You'll find fake sleeve T's and full body shirts for men and women.
- Tattoo Fun: You can find temporary tats and pens here, as well as fake sleeves.
- Temporary Tattoo Sleeves: A source for sleeves and temporary tats.
