Sleeve Tattoos: Cost, Time, and Style Options

A sleeve transforms your entire arm into one flowing composition.

When designed well, it works with the shape of your body, looks balanced from every angle, and compliments the natural flow of your arm. A sleeve is a statement piece that is a glimpse in the wearer's story, values, and aesthetic tastes.

Greek Mythology - Black and Grey realism

Greek Mythology - Black and Grey realism

Snake and Flowers - Traditional Japanese

Cost of a Sleeve in Toronto

Pricing comes down to style, coverage, and detail. 

Hourly rates at 46 Tattoo are $150–$200.

• Half sleeve: $2000–$6000+

• Full sleeve: $6000–$12000+

These are ranges for what a sleeve could cost, every project needs to be priced out individually. We provide an exact quote after a consultation once your design is mapped out. Things like the size of your arm directly affect the price of a sleeve as well, the larger the arm, the more hours needed to tattoo it, and therefore higher costs.

How Long Does a Sleeve Take?

Sleeves are done in multiple sessions with time for healing between each one.

• Session length: 4-8 hours

• Half sleeve: 2–4 sessions on average

• Full sleeve: 6–12 sessions or more

Popular Sleeve Styles

Black and Grey Realism

Portraits, statues, nature, or surreal designs with smooth shading.

Traditional Japanese

Koi, dragons, waves, wind bars, and peonies that wrap naturally around the arm.

American Traditional

Bold outlines, solid color, and classic imagery with strong readability.

Illustrative

Line-driven compositions with selective shading or color accents.

Choosing the right style is about both personal taste and how it works with the natural flow of your arm.

The Design Process

Creating a sleeve is a collaborative effort from start to finish.

• Consultation – Share your ideas, references, and the story or meaning behind the piece.

• Rough draft – We map the sleeve’s flow and overall composition.

• Feedback & changes – You review, suggest adjustments, and we refine until it feels right.

• Multiple iterations – Big projects often evolve through several drafts to get every detail perfect.

• Final design approval – Nothing starts until you’re 100% happy.

• Long-term planning – We design for both impact now and strong aging over time.

By the time we start tattooing, your sleeve will feel completely yours, built with your story, your preferences, and your vision.

→ Book a sleeve consultation with 46 Tattoo