Tattoo Artists Ink Deals with Streetwear Labels and More

Tattoo artists continue to make their presence felt through fashion collaborations. Streetwear brands, especially those based in Japan, remain the leading players, but other partners are part of the landscape as well. Some examples from the past year give a sense of this sector:  

• Sock brand Stance and tattoo artist Bert Krak paired in August for a release of two pairs of collaborative socks showcasing Krak’s bold and colorful artwork, featuring images of skulls, dragons, and other icons of tattoo art, with a snow sock following in the fall. 
• In June, Japanese label Wacko Maria dropped three new pieces (a graphic t-shirt, Hawaiian shirt with an all-over pattern, and graphic open collar shirt) with San Francisco tattoo artist Tim Lei, continuing a long-running collaboration that began in 2018. The pieces, all with a tiger theme, were available in Wacko Maria’s online and offline stores, Paradise Tokyo, and other retailers. 
• Japanese luxury label Sacai paired with Birkenstock and L.A. tattoo artist Dr. Woo in June for a hybrid clog-sandal featuring Dr. Woo’s imagery and multiple straps, buckles, and neutral hues, along with Birkenstock’s trademark fit and adjustability. A matching utility bag was also part of the collaboration. 
• Norwegian jewelry label Tom Wood paired in June with French tattoo artist Guy Le Tattooer for a 10-piece capsule called the Reflections Collection. The products consist of a range of signet rings featuring mythology-inspired tattoo designs, with symbolic gemstones in each, as well as a charm. The collection is sold on the Tom Wood online shop, at the flagship Aoyama and Shibuya stores in Japan, and in other select retail locations. 
• Hawks Shop, the retail operation of the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks, paired with Atlanta-based muralist and tattoo artist Debbi Snax and JPMorganChase in May for an apparel drop inspired by the culture of Atlanta and featuring Snax’s designs combined with Hawks branding. Chase cardholders received a discount if they purchased the collection’s black crewneck at the arena. Other items included a snapback cap (available to Chase cardholders through Hawks Rewards), a red silk scarf, and a tote. 
• Cannabis marketplace Weedmaps paired with tattoo artist Mike Giant in February for a limited-edition apparel and lifestyle collection. Pieces included t-shirts, a jacket, a roll bag, and a joint container disguised as a permanent marker, all highlighting Giant’s imagery. The focus was on presenting a level of quality that took the collection beyond typical promotional apparel.  
• Vintage-inspired Japanese streetwear label Saint Mxxxxxx paired with Melbourne-born, Tokyo-based tattoo artist Coco Star Sims in February. The focus of the collab was a spring/summer 2026 statement piece, a white double-sided and reversible (double-face) hoodie featuring exclusive artwork. 
• Japanese label Beams paired with Vanson, an American leatherwork brand, and Japanese tattoo artist Tappei in January. The partners released 10 pieces of a special edition of the Model B leather jacket, along with a thermal sleep t-shirt and a crewneck knit. The collection was sold in the Beams Harajuku store. 
• Wasted Youth, a lifestyle and streetwear project from Japanese graphic designer Verdy, also paired with Tappei, in November 2025, for a range of apparel and accessories. Featuring angel-themed artwork, the collection includes crewneck sweatshirts, a zip hoodie, a t-shirt, a knit cap, a six-panel cap, a skate deck, and a sticker set. 

Tattoo artists are also pairing with consumer products companies for promotional partnerships. Jewelry brand Pandora partnered with Melbourne, Australia, tattoo artist Samy Baby in August for a pop-up tattoo studio with a zodiac theme to promote the Australian launch of Pandora’s Talisman collection.