How position of ‘black band’ tattoo can have very different meanings as X-rated meaning shared

The alleged hidden meaning of two black bands wrapped around the arm has sparked a discussion online.

While to many it appears purely aesthetic, the double arm band tattoo has been linked to a more explicit origin.

Generally, the two bands represent different stages or transitions in life, whether it's marking significant events or phases, the tattoo serves as a reminder of growth, according to Solong Tattoo.

Within the LGBTQ+ community, however, a double black band on the forearm can serve as a signal indicating a preference for fisting or, more generally, an interest in BDSM, as claimed by author Mr Lewis Laney, Pink News reports.

But some have speculated that it all depends on the position.

Forearm (Mid to Lower Arm)

For many it's purely aesthetic (TF-Images/TF-Images via Getty Images)

“I have a double arm band tattoo,” Laney said on TikTok.

“I often get asked [by] gay men what it means. They assume that it has something to do with fisting.

“The origins of these tattoos allegedly do come from fisting and it’s how far (down someone’s a**) you can go.”

That wasn't his intention when he got it done, adding: “For me, that is not the case though. I saw this tattoo on a porn star called Brent Everett when I was in my early 20s… When I turned 30 I got it, and I still like it!”

Upper Arm (Bicep Area)

The alleged hidden meaning of two black bands wrapped around the arm has sparked a discussion online (AMANDA ANDRADE-RHOADES/AFP via Getty Images)

A single thick black band in this position is widely recognised as a symbol of mourning or remembrance, in relation to the historical use of black armbands worn after a loss.

And double bands are more commonly viewed as decorative or symbolic of strength and resilience.

Number & Thickness of Bands

There could be a surprising NSFW meaning behind the popular black band tattoo (Gabe Ginsberg/FilmMagic)

While some people think a single thick band means mourning and loss, two bands allegedly indicate something more sexual.

Over on Reddit, one user speculated: "So, it’s hidden meaning is to say 'I’m a fister and the band represents how far I go in'."

On X, another person added: "That double black armband tattoo (thick band above a thinner one) has a well-known NSFW meaning in parts of the LGBTQ+ community: it signals fisting, with the bands showing how far up the arm someone can go.

"That's likely what shocked the OP. It can also just mean mourning two people or be purely aesthetic."

Clearly, the meaning behind the black band tattoos are open to interpretation, as online discussions show.