Swallows Tattoos
Styles's torso tattoos are probably his most iconic. He has two swallows on his chest, and he told "Us Weekly" in 2012 that they symbolized traveling. "I got two swallows on my chest. I like that kind of style of tattoos, like the old sailor kind of tattoos. They symbolize traveling, and [One Direction] travel a lot!" One of the swallows also covers a previous tattoo that was a banner with the word "love" on it.
Butterfly Tattoos
He also has a large butterfly on his sternum that comes out to play often enough, but sadly, Styles hasn't ever shared exactly why he stamped this ink on himself.
Laurel Branch Tattoos
Styles used to have a tattoo on his lower stomach that said "Might as well," but he covered it with a pair of laurels — or fern leaves, depending on who you ask. He hasn't given a reason behind this tattoo, but as you can tell by how many cover-ups he has, he clearly just gets tattoos that make him happy in the moment and sometimes changes his mind later.
Theater Masks Tattoo
Two traditional theater masks are inked on Styles's left side.
Birdcage Tattoo
Styles's birdcage is tattooed on his left side.
SNCL Tattoo
Under the birdcage are the letters SNCL, which supposedly mean "smile now, cry later," which ties this all in with the theater masks if it's correct.
17 Black Tattoo
This tat is on Styles's chest, and the tattoo artist who did it told British GQ that Styles got it because he'd lost some money gambling on 17 black.
Small Cross Tattoos
Styles has a couple of small crosses on his chest, presumably for loved ones.
Broken Heart Tattoo
There's a small broken heart near one of the swallows on his chest.
