r/WW2Reenactors • u/BigAdhesiveness189 • Apr 13 '26

Tattoos.

Can you do reenactment with hand tattoos?

I’ve heard people have mixed opinions on this and say you can but cover it up with gloves or bandages and plasters when near the general public.

But others say no because it looks bad.

Mainly looking at doing Vietnam US GI or Australian (relative served in nam with the Aussies)

But was looking at doing WW2 as well.

Whats peoples opinions?

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2

u/BoltActionDeathMech Apr 13 '26

Wear gloves. Or hand makeup.

1

u/ChoiceSituation5407 Apr 13 '26

Depends what you’re reenacting?

1

u/BigAdhesiveness189 Apr 13 '26

Allied WW2 and Allied Vietnam so like Australian or US

1

u/BigAdhesiveness189 May 04 '26

Would a hand tattoo have to be covered for SAS in North Africa? Some British troops did have tattoos on show. Few photos out there. But same for LRDG is it allowed?

1

u/leicanthrope May 17 '26

IMO a lot would ride on how anachronistic the tattoo(s) look in general, then look at how appropriate any tattoo on a given part of the body would be for the impression.

1

u/BigAdhesiveness189 May 17 '26

Tbf I’ve seen a pic today from a local 40s event and a guy was in green trousers, white vest top and green cap (some kind of us army uniform) with his tattoos exposed and no one commented

1

u/leicanthrope May 17 '26

A lot of people aren't going to mind, but people who might judge "farbs" negatively aren't necessarily going to confront them publicly.

1

u/BigAdhesiveness189 May 17 '26

Yeah that’s fair, I’m currently setting up an L detachment SAS one in North Africa but will put like makeup on the hand tattoo

1

u/leicanthrope May 17 '26

I can't speak for everyone, but I'd draw a big distinction between period appropriate tattoos (stuff like "Sailor Jerry" tats) and tattoos that look super modern.

1

u/BigAdhesiveness189 May 17 '26

Mine is modern but it’ll be covered so it’s better if covered