Firstly, please realize that this is permanent! Don’t get a tattoo because of a passing trend. When it goes out of style, or no one understands the reference anymore, that’s when removals happen. Removals are expensive, and hurt more than getting the tattoo in the first place. Nip your bad ideas in the bud (that goes for you too drunk selves), because you will regret them. Given that, do get a tattoo if it has personal meaning to you. If it is important enough to you to put it on your body forever, then by all means do so. Just keep placement in mind. Also, keep in mind that some tattoos are more unique and require special considerations. For example, black light tattoos are designed to be visible under ultraviolet light, creating a distinctive effect. If you’re interested in such tattoos, make sure to research and consult a skilled artist experienced in this specialized style to ensure your design turns out as intended.

A solid rule for placement is if it can’t be covered by a button down and chinos, it probably will work against you in professional and social situations. See if you don’t jump to conclusions about individuals with face or hand tattoos, I dare you. If this rule is too conservative for your taste, then the alternative is to make sure you’d be comfortable running into your boss, coworkers, or grandmother while wearing shorts and a t-shirt. If you’re still on board the tattoo train, then the next thing to consider is style.

There are as many styles as there are artists, so to make this easy, just find out what you like best. Visit different parlors, talk with different artists, and discover for yourself what styles look the best to you. Make sure you look in an artist’s portfolio before making any decisions, or you could be unpleasantly surprised by their personal touches when your ink is done. While it’s not my place to say one style is better than another, there are some that deliver very distinct messages about you. The quintessential stereotype of a questionable style is without a doubt “tribal”. I’m sure you all know what I mean by this. In reality, tribal is not related to any tribe, in any part of history. In addition to this, people associate it with the rudest of gym rats, and those most desperate to be seen as a bad ass. A good alternative are traditional Samoan tattoos, which can be both hypnotic and beautiful when done correctly. Try to also stay away from overly cartoony tattoos, as they can quickly turn you from a regular guy into an angsty teen.

The last important detail is color. Color is very hard to pull off correctly, and if you have your heart set on it, then my personal recommendation is to get predominately black and grey with splashes of color. It makes the tattoo seem more alive than just solid color everywhere. Color can be done extremely well, but you need to not only have complete trust in your artist, but be able to accept that skin is different than paper. Colors may not necessarily look the same as you picture in your head, and that is something that you should be able to live with. Black and grey is a safe bet for everyone, and usually looks very crisp and classic.

My final words for you are to please avoid being stingy with your tattoo. Don’t sacrifice quality for price. Forgive the extreme example, but would you opt for surgery in a third world country just because it was cheaper? Tattoos are permanent. You’ll have a good one forever, but the bad ones only get worse with age. Choose carefully my friends.

The post Tattoo Tastefully appeared first on FactoryTwoFour.

Say goodbye to light colored shirts. Yes, I know it’s the summer and you want to wear those pastels but the truth is sweat will show up easily on gray, light blue, red etc. Gray is one of my favorite colors to wear, but in the summer it looks like I smashed two water balloons underneath my arms. I now opt for an indigo t-shirt, which hides the sweat marks perfectly. Other colors that have worked are maroon, army green, and color block shirts where the top block is a darker shade.

Get a high strength antiperspirant. Certain-Dri has been a mainstay in my repertoire of toiletries for the past few years. Before using this product, consult your physician and see if it is right for you. I apply it before bed and I’m good to go the following day. Without getting too graphic, I have noticed I get clogged sweat ducts from time to time which are pretty uncomfortable and resemble a zit you can’t pop. Beauty has its price, as does not looking like swamp monster.

Fun fact: Sweating doesn’t cause the pit stains; it is the aluminum in the antiperspirant. The aluminum is what stops the sweating and is generally harmless because it is in a controlled area, but clothes hate it. I recommend putting on any antiperspirant at night to minimize the pit stain effect. In the morning, apply your deodorant as normal and you’ll be fresh the entire day.

The final step if none of these tips have worked: Botox. That’s right, LA’s favorite age-defying Botox. If you have arrived at this step, consult a professional as I am not an expert on Botox. It is better to hear it from specialist in the field than a guy who gives out fashion advice on the internet.

If you viewed our post on linen, we remind you that a linen shirt is a light layer that will hide the sweat. While these methods can’t stop hyperhidrosis or excessive sweat, they can conceal sweat just enough to provide you that confidence you need. Now you’re ready to head back out into the world with tell-tale rings around your arms and collar. Go forth dry man!

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