Top 81 Best Hold Fast Tattoo Ideas 2021 Inspiration Guide

Hold Fast is the epitome of old school tattoo, often etched and scarred across knuckles all over the world.  To Hold Fast can quite literally be the difference between life and death for sailors, who live their life in the heavy rigging of ships, working against rough seas and treacherous weather.  A hold fast tattoo once meant you could handle yourself on the roughest oceans. This maxim was a staple of early sailor tattoos Hold Fast remains a proud example of American traditional design as the symbolic meaning has evolved along with wider body art.  According to Aitken-Smith’s Tattoo Dictionary, Hold Fast has grown to incorporate the ideal that “no matter how rough life gets, one must always be strong to see it through.”   As this gallery demonstrates, the traditional hold fast tattoos remain at the forefront of the message, however the ideal is opening to other styles and technical application. 

1. Anchor Tattoos with Hold Fast Script Source: @jimmykuderiii via Instagram Source: @lowsodiumjim via Instagram Source: @matt_fletcher_tattoo via Instagram Source: @megan.mcnamara.tattoo via Instagram Source: @needles_tattooing via Instagram
2. Upper Arm Hold Fast Tattoo Ideas Source: @denimar_studio via Instagram Source: @kaylastattoos via Instagram Source: @smaddogsandenglishmentattoo via Instagram Source: @mandanasty via Instagram
3. Forearm Hold Fast Tattoo Ideas Source: @anton_schafer_ via Instagram Source: @bigfoottattoos via InstagramSource: @kevyn_harper via InstagramSource: @bigfoottattoos via Instagram Source: @herb.tattooing via Instagram Source: @katattackmac via Instagram Source: @metrallainktatto via Instagram Source: @mswinter via Instagram Source: @tylerhtattoos via Instagram
4. American Traditional Hold Fast Tattoos Source: @lulabelle28 via Instagram Source: @bryanmholt via Instagram Source: @dragonerotattoo via Instagram Source: @horifudo_loyaltytattoo via Instagram
5. American Traditional Linework Lettering Source: @ambro.art.tattoo.raglan via Instagram Source: @ambro.art.tattoo.raglan via Instagram Source: @big_papa_ren via Instagram Source: @wizardbarbell via Instagram Source: @wizardbarbell via Instagram Source: @ls_teeth via InstagramSource: @passionateportraitsphotography via Instagram Source: @octopink.tattoo via Instagram Source: @riot.saiko via Instagram Source: @things.we.carry via InstagramSource: @stuffikindacareabout via InstagramSource: @breeellaneeley via Instagram Source: @uh_lyss_uhhh via Instagram Source: @luisfdordzdlg via Instagram Source: @inkjoneser via Instagram Source: @drztattoos via Instagram
6. Hold Fast Thigh Tattoo Ideas Source: @aftenstormcloud via Instagram Source: @alexrobinsontattoo via Instagram Source: @blacksailstattoostudio via Instagram Source: @jluv_lucky13 via Instagram Source: @maco_oculto via Instagram Source: @mandanasty via Instagram Source: @richwarburtontattooist via Instagram Source: @roy_drage via InstagramSource: @chooglin_stu_tattoo via Instagram
7. American Traditional Filled Hold Fast Lettering Source: @allykernahan via Instagram Source: @biffbiff_29 via Instagram Source: @bigpit101 via Instagram Source: @bodyartistsd via Instagram Source: @brandon8_6ward via Instagram Source: @crazydayztattoo4life via Instagram Source: @darkstartat2 via Instagram Source: @dear_jenna_photography via Instagram Source: @edanalexander.tattoo via Instagram Source: @highfiveg via Instagram Source: @j_bachman13 via Instagram Source: @jackthomasnewton via Instagram Source: @jaime.paes.tattoo via Instagram Source: @johntheconqeror via Instagram Source: @jrgenadolfsen via Instagram Source: @misterholt.tattoo via InstagramSource: @artbydrex via Instagram Source: @painfullartstudio via Instagram Source: @pinkytbo via Instagram Source: @royals_and_rags via Instagram Source: @royaltytattoo via Instagram Source: @rumbl3_43 via Instagram Source: @showtime_2 via Instagram Source: @siwood1979 via Instagram Source: @voilierphilosoft via Instagram Source: @handsometomtattoos via Instagram Source: @ylfieson via Instagram
8. Holdfast Tattoos with Innovative Knuckle Lettering Source: @axelle_pin_up_tattoo via Instagram Source: @dynahogg via Instagram Source: @jharris_tattoos via Instagram Source: @ledarville via Instagram Source: @muintsi via Instagram Source: @savageimagez via Instagram Source: @shomase_tattoo via Instagram Source: @terence_tattoo via Instagram Source: @rosi.i via Instagram
9. Hand and Wrist Hold Fast Tattoos Source: @collybopink via Instagram Source: @kbmovement via Instagram Source: @bsas_rider83 via Instagram Source: @macieldri via Instagram Source: @riley_tattoo_art via Instagram

Source: @ink_and_iron_athletics via Instagram Source: @john_slack_tattooer via Instagram

Hold Fast is the epitome of old school tattoo, often etched and scarred across knuckles all over the world.  To Hold Fast can quite literally be the difference between life and death for sailors, who live their life in the heavy rigging of ships, working against rough seas and treacherous weather.  A hold fast tattoo once meant you could handle yourself on the roughest oceans. This maxim was a staple of early sailor tattoos Hold Fast remains a proud example of American traditional design as the symbolic meaning has evolved along with wider body art.  According to Aitken-Smith’s Tattoo Dictionary, Hold Fast has grown to incorporate the ideal that “no matter how rough life gets, one must always be strong to see it through.”   As this gallery demonstrates, the traditional hold fast tattoos remain at the forefront of the message, however the ideal is opening to other styles and technical application. 

1. Anchor Tattoos with Hold Fast Script Source: @jimmykuderiii via Instagram Source: @lowsodiumjim via Instagram Source: @matt_fletcher_tattoo via Instagram Source: @megan.mcnamara.tattoo via Instagram Source: @needles_tattooing via Instagram
2. Upper Arm Hold Fast Tattoo Ideas Source: @denimar_studio via Instagram Source: @kaylastattoos via Instagram Source: @smaddogsandenglishmentattoo via Instagram Source: @mandanasty via Instagram
3. Forearm Hold Fast Tattoo Ideas Source: @anton_schafer_ via Instagram Source: @bigfoottattoos via InstagramSource: @kevyn_harper via InstagramSource: @bigfoottattoos via Instagram Source: @herb.tattooing via Instagram Source: @katattackmac via Instagram Source: @metrallainktatto via Instagram Source: @mswinter via Instagram Source: @tylerhtattoos via Instagram
4. American Traditional Hold Fast Tattoos Source: @lulabelle28 via Instagram Source: @bryanmholt via Instagram Source: @dragonerotattoo via Instagram Source: @horifudo_loyaltytattoo via Instagram
5. American Traditional Linework Lettering Source: @ambro.art.tattoo.raglan via Instagram Source: @ambro.art.tattoo.raglan via Instagram Source: @big_papa_ren via Instagram Source: @wizardbarbell via Instagram Source: @wizardbarbell via Instagram Source: @ls_teeth via InstagramSource: @passionateportraitsphotography via Instagram Source: @octopink.tattoo via Instagram Source: @riot.saiko via Instagram Source: @things.we.carry via InstagramSource: @stuffikindacareabout via InstagramSource: @breeellaneeley via Instagram Source: @uh_lyss_uhhh via Instagram Source: @luisfdordzdlg via Instagram Source: @inkjoneser via Instagram Source: @drztattoos via Instagram
6. Hold Fast Thigh Tattoo Ideas Source: @aftenstormcloud via Instagram Source: @alexrobinsontattoo via Instagram Source: @blacksailstattoostudio via Instagram Source: @jluv_lucky13 via Instagram Source: @maco_oculto via Instagram Source: @mandanasty via Instagram Source: @richwarburtontattooist via Instagram Source: @roy_drage via InstagramSource: @chooglin_stu_tattoo via Instagram
7. American Traditional Filled Hold Fast Lettering Source: @allykernahan via Instagram Source: @biffbiff_29 via Instagram Source: @bigpit101 via Instagram Source: @bodyartistsd via Instagram Source: @brandon8_6ward via Instagram Source: @crazydayztattoo4life via Instagram Source: @darkstartat2 via Instagram Source: @dear_jenna_photography via Instagram Source: @edanalexander.tattoo via Instagram Source: @highfiveg via Instagram Source: @j_bachman13 via Instagram Source: @jackthomasnewton via Instagram Source: @jaime.paes.tattoo via Instagram Source: @johntheconqeror via Instagram Source: @jrgenadolfsen via Instagram Source: @misterholt.tattoo via InstagramSource: @artbydrex via Instagram Source: @painfullartstudio via Instagram Source: @pinkytbo via Instagram Source: @royals_and_rags via Instagram Source: @royaltytattoo via Instagram Source: @rumbl3_43 via Instagram Source: @showtime_2 via Instagram Source: @siwood1979 via Instagram Source: @voilierphilosoft via Instagram Source: @handsometomtattoos via Instagram Source: @ylfieson via Instagram
8. Holdfast Tattoos with Innovative Knuckle Lettering Source: @axelle_pin_up_tattoo via Instagram Source: @dynahogg via Instagram Source: @jharris_tattoos via Instagram Source: @ledarville via Instagram Source: @muintsi via Instagram Source: @savageimagez via Instagram Source: @shomase_tattoo via Instagram Source: @terence_tattoo via Instagram Source: @rosi.i via Instagram
9. Hand and Wrist Hold Fast Tattoos Source: @collybopink via Instagram Source: @kbmovement via Instagram Source: @bsas_rider83 via Instagram Source: @macieldri via Instagram Source: @riley_tattoo_art via Instagram

Source: @ink_and_iron_athletics via Instagram Source: @john_slack_tattooer via Instagram

Hold Fast is the epitome of old school tattoo, often etched and scarred across knuckles all over the world. 

To Hold Fast can quite literally be the difference between life and death for sailors, who live their life in the heavy rigging of ships, working against rough seas and treacherous weather. 

A hold fast tattoo once meant you could handle yourself on the roughest oceans. This maxim was a staple of early sailor tattoos Hold Fast remains a proud example of American traditional design as the symbolic meaning has evolved along with wider body art. 

According to Aitken-Smith’s Tattoo Dictionary, Hold Fast has grown to incorporate the ideal that “no matter how rough life gets, one must always be strong to see it through.”  

As this gallery demonstrates, the traditional hold fast tattoos remain at the forefront of the message, however the ideal is opening to other styles and technical application. 

1. Anchor Tattoos with Hold Fast Script

Source: @jimmykuderiii via Instagram

Source: @lowsodiumjim via Instagram

Source: @matt_fletcher_tattoo via Instagram

Source: @megan.mcnamara.tattoo via Instagram

Source: @needles_tattooing via Instagram

2. Upper Arm Hold Fast Tattoo Ideas

Source: @denimar_studio via Instagram

Source: @kaylastattoos via Instagram

Source: @smaddogsandenglishmentattoo via Instagram

Source: @mandanasty via Instagram

3. Forearm Hold Fast Tattoo Ideas

Source: @anton_schafer_ via Instagram

Source: @bigfoottattoos via InstagramSource: @kevyn_harper via InstagramSource: @bigfoottattoos via Instagram

Source: @herb.tattooing via Instagram

Source: @katattackmac via Instagram

Source: @metrallainktatto via Instagram

Source: @mswinter via Instagram

Source: @tylerhtattoos via Instagram

4. American Traditional Hold Fast Tattoos

Source: @lulabelle28 via Instagram

Source: @bryanmholt via Instagram

Source: @dragonerotattoo via Instagram

Source: @horifudo_loyaltytattoo via Instagram

5. American Traditional Linework Lettering

Source: @ambro.art.tattoo.raglan via Instagram

Source: @big_papa_ren via Instagram

Source: @wizardbarbell via Instagram

Source: @ls_teeth via InstagramSource: @passionateportraitsphotography via Instagram

Source: @octopink.tattoo via Instagram

Source: @riot.saiko via Instagram

Source: @things.we.carry via InstagramSource: @stuffikindacareabout via InstagramSource: @breeellaneeley via Instagram

Source: @uh_lyss_uhhh via Instagram

Source: @luisfdordzdlg via Instagram

Source: @inkjoneser via Instagram

Source: @drztattoos via Instagram

6. Hold Fast Thigh Tattoo Ideas

Source: @aftenstormcloud via Instagram

Source: @alexrobinsontattoo via Instagram

Source: @blacksailstattoostudio via Instagram

Source: @jluv_lucky13 via Instagram

Source: @maco_oculto via Instagram

Source: @richwarburtontattooist via Instagram

Source: @roy_drage via InstagramSource: @chooglin_stu_tattoo via Instagram

7. American Traditional Filled Hold Fast Lettering

Source: @allykernahan via Instagram

Source: @biffbiff_29 via Instagram

Source: @bigpit101 via Instagram

Source: @bodyartistsd via Instagram

Source: @brandon8_6ward via Instagram

Source: @crazydayztattoo4life via Instagram

Source: @darkstartat2 via Instagram

Source: @dear_jenna_photography via Instagram

Source: @edanalexander.tattoo via Instagram

Source: @highfiveg via Instagram

Source: @j_bachman13 via Instagram

Source: @jackthomasnewton via Instagram

Source: @jaime.paes.tattoo via Instagram

Source: @johntheconqeror via Instagram

Source: @jrgenadolfsen via Instagram

Source: @misterholt.tattoo via InstagramSource: @artbydrex via Instagram

Source: @painfullartstudio via Instagram

Source: @pinkytbo via Instagram

Source: @royals_and_rags via Instagram

Source: @royaltytattoo via Instagram

Source: @rumbl3_43 via Instagram

Source: @showtime_2 via Instagram

Source: @siwood1979 via Instagram

Source: @voilierphilosoft via Instagram

Source: @handsometomtattoos via Instagram

Source: @ylfieson via Instagram

8. Holdfast Tattoos with Innovative Knuckle Lettering

Source: @axelle_pin_up_tattoo via Instagram

Source: @dynahogg via Instagram

Source: @jharris_tattoos via Instagram

Source: @ledarville via Instagram

Source: @muintsi via Instagram

Source: @savageimagez via Instagram

Source: @shomase_tattoo via Instagram

Source: @terence_tattoo via Instagram

Source: @rosi.i via Instagram

9. Hand and Wrist Hold Fast Tattoos

Source: @collybopink via Instagram

Source: @kbmovement via Instagram

Source: @bsas_rider83 via Instagram

Source: @macieldri via Instagram

Source: @riley_tattoo_art via Instagram

Source: @ink_and_iron_athletics via Instagram

Source: @john_slack_tattooer via Instagram

                        What does Hold Fast mean traditionally?                        

To Hold Fast was the difference between life and death for sailors, who lived their life in the heavy rigging of ships, working against rough seas and treacherous weather. A line of rigging tied up and tightly secured is termed ‘fast,’ anyone braving the wild seas had to figure out quickly how to cling on tight.

                        What does Hold Fast mean in contemporary tattoo?                        

According to Aitken Smith’s Tattoo Dictionary, Hold Fast has grown to incorporate the ideal that “no matter how rough life gets, one must always be strong to see it through.” It is a symbol of strength – the metaphor of the sailor clinging to the rigging of his ship when the storm is hammering, and the seas are raging.

                        Why are hold fast tattoos often inked on the fingers?                        

Hold Fast tattoos are overwhelming chosen to be tattooed across the knuckles of both hands. The four letters of each word fit perfectly and being added to the hands used literally to hold on for dear life sum up the entire mindset behind the phrase.

                        What else could I incorporate into Hold Fast tattoo ideas?                        

For those who aren’t keen to explore finger tattoos – many seasoned collectors and rookies have reservations – a hold fast design can be placed anywhere you can fit an American Traditional tattoo. They are often etched alongside nautical seascapes, old ships, and anchors, while swallows and sparrows are also popular design themes.

                        How much does a small hold fast tattoo cost?                        

For the very quick, very small simple tattoos shops institute a shop minimum. More complex work can cost around $200 for an hour from a well-established, skilled professional for a small tattoo. In demand artists and single needle specialists can charge up to $500 per hour.

                        What does Hold Fast mean traditionally?                        

To Hold Fast was the difference between life and death for sailors, who lived their life in the heavy rigging of ships, working against rough seas and treacherous weather. A line of rigging tied up and tightly secured is termed ‘fast,’ anyone braving the wild seas had to figure out quickly how to cling on tight.

To Hold Fast was the difference between life and death for sailors, who lived their life in the heavy rigging of ships, working against rough seas and treacherous weather.

A line of rigging tied up and tightly secured is termed ‘fast,’ anyone braving the wild seas had to figure out quickly how to cling on tight.

                        What does Hold Fast mean in contemporary tattoo?                        

According to Aitken Smith’s Tattoo Dictionary, Hold Fast has grown to incorporate the ideal that “no matter how rough life gets, one must always be strong to see it through.” It is a symbol of strength – the metaphor of the sailor clinging to the rigging of his ship when the storm is hammering, and the seas are raging.

According to Aitken Smith’s Tattoo Dictionary, Hold Fast has grown to incorporate the ideal that “no matter how rough life gets, one must always be strong to see it through.”

It is a symbol of strength – the metaphor of the sailor clinging to the rigging of his ship when the storm is hammering, and the seas are raging.

                        Why are hold fast tattoos often inked on the fingers?                        

Hold Fast tattoos are overwhelming chosen to be tattooed across the knuckles of both hands. The four letters of each word fit perfectly and being added to the hands used literally to hold on for dear life sum up the entire mindset behind the phrase.

Hold Fast tattoos are overwhelming chosen to be tattooed across the knuckles of both hands.

The four letters of each word fit perfectly and being added to the hands used literally to hold on for dear life sum up the entire mindset behind the phrase.

                        What else could I incorporate into Hold Fast tattoo ideas?                        

For those who aren’t keen to explore finger tattoos – many seasoned collectors and rookies have reservations – a hold fast design can be placed anywhere you can fit an American Traditional tattoo. They are often etched alongside nautical seascapes, old ships, and anchors, while swallows and sparrows are also popular design themes.

For those who aren’t keen to explore finger tattoos – many seasoned collectors and rookies have reservations – a hold fast design can be placed anywhere you can fit an American Traditional tattoo.

They are often etched alongside nautical seascapes, old ships, and anchors, while swallows and sparrows are also popular design themes.

                        How much does a small hold fast tattoo cost?                        

For the very quick, very small simple tattoos shops institute a shop minimum. More complex work can cost around $200 for an hour from a well-established, skilled professional for a small tattoo. In demand artists and single needle specialists can charge up to $500 per hour.

For the very quick, very small simple tattoos shops institute a shop minimum.

More complex work can cost around $200 for an hour from a well-established, skilled professional for a small tattoo.

In demand artists and single needle specialists can charge up to $500 per hour.