Honestly, it’s almost weird seeing Adam Levine in a sweater. The Maroon 5 frontman has basically turned his torso into a living, breathing art gallery over the last two decades. We’ve seen him shed layers on The Voice, in high-octane music videos, and most famously, during that 2019 Super Bowl halftime show that set the internet on fire for all the wrong reasons.
When Adam Levine shirtless becomes a trending topic, it usually isn't just about the physique—though the guy clearly hasn't skipped a gym day since 2002. It's about the ink. From the sprawling mermaid on his back to the "California" script across his stomach, his skin tells a story that's cost him hundreds of hours under the needle.
The Super Bowl Incident and the Nipple Double Standard
Remember 2019? Maroon 5 took the stage at Super Bowl LIII in Atlanta, and by the time "Moves Like Jagger" hit its crescendo, Levine had ditched his shirt. People lost it. Not just because he looked fit, but because of the massive cultural debate it reignited.
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The backlash was instant.
Fans and critics alike pointed to the glaring double standard between Levine’s bare chest and the 2004 "Nipplegate" incident involving Janet Jackson. While Jackson’s career took a decade-long hit after a brief wardrobe malfunction, Levine was able to intentionally strip down on the same stage without a fine from the FCC. It was a messy moment in pop culture history that forced a lot of people to look at how gender bias plays out on the biggest stages in the world.
Even LeBron James chimed in on Twitter, though he was more concerned about why Travis Scott didn't get more stage time. Regardless of the politics, that performance cemented the "shirtless Adam" image as a permanent fixture of his brand.
Decoding the Ink: What Those Tattoos Actually Mean
You can’t talk about his look without diving into the map of his body. He’s got over 30 tattoos now. Some are deep; some are just because he was bored in Japan.
The Sentimental Stuff
- The Dove: This was his first one. He got it at 21, just five days after 9/11. He told People magazine back in 2013 that he just felt a need to put something peaceful on his body during a really heavy time.
- Mom: Pretty self-explanatory. It’s on his right forearm. He joked that it was a "last-ditch effort" to get his mother's approval for his tattoo obsession.
- Noah: His middle name, but also a tribute to his mother, Patsy Noah.
The Massive Pieces
The back mural is the crown jewel. It took artist Bryan Randolph six months to finish. It features a winged mermaid holding a skull, surrounded by crashing waves and swallows. It’s a beast of a tattoo.
Then there’s the "Tapas" script on his left chest. No, it’s not about Spanish appetizers. It’s a Sanskrit word meaning "fire" or "passion," inspired by his love for yoga. It’s a reminder of his journey from being a guy who couldn't touch his toes to someone who uses a headstand to find mental clarity before a show.
Breaking His Own Rules
For years, Levine swore he’d never tattoo his hands or his neck. He literally told reporters he’d never go below the wrist or above the collar.
Well, that didn't last.
He now has "True Love" inked across his knuckles—a nod to his wife, Behati Prinsloo. And his neck? It’s covered. Most recently, in late 2025, he added a bold arch of black roses framing his throat, a piece he called "Roses for the reaper." His long-time artist, Nathan Kostechko, handled that one.
How He Stays Stage-Ready at 46
Levine doesn't just wake up looking like that. His fitness routine is a mix of high-intensity circuits and intense yoga. He’s worked with trainers like Harley Pasternak and Austin Pohlen to build a body that can handle a two-hour set without running out of breath.
He’s a big fan of "functional" movements.
- Rear foot elevated split squats: He hates them. Everyone hates them. But they’re why he can jump around on stage for 90 minutes.
- Landmine rotations: These keep his core stable.
- The "Non-Sitting" Rule: Pasternak once said the most important part of Adam’s plan is that he just doesn't sit still. He hits 14,000 steps a day on his tracker before even stepping into a gym.
Diet-wise, he keeps it boring when he’s on the road. Egg whites, spinach, and lots of blueberries. He’s also a huge advocate for creatine, calling it a "scientifically proven thing" that everyone should consider (though he’s quick to add he’s not a doctor). When he's off the clock? It’s In-N-Out. Double-double, animal style, sometimes protein style if he’s trying to be "good."
The Evolution in Music Videos
We’ve seen the "shirtless" era evolve. In the "Memories" video (2019), it was used to show vulnerability. The camera stays tight on his face and bare chest as he mourns his late manager, Jordan Feldstein. It felt raw and stripped back.
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Fast forward to the "Love is Like" video released in August 2025. Featuring Lil Wayne, the video shows a more high-energy, classic rockstar version of Levine. He spends the second half of the video shirtless on the streets of NYC, showing off the newer leg sleeves and the blackwork on his neck.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Fitness Enthusiasts
If you're looking to take a page out of the Levine playbook, whether it's for the ink or the abs, here’s the real-world takeaway.
- Tattoo Longevity: If you're going for large-scale blackwork like Levine’s leg waves (which took Nathan Kostechko three days), understand the "ouch" factor. Large saturations of black ink take longer to heal and require strict sun protection to keep from fading into a muddy grey.
- The Yoga Edge: Don't sleep on flexibility. Levine credits yoga for his "stamina and focus." If you’re a heavy lifter, adding even two 20-minute yoga sessions a week can prevent the joint stiffness that often comes with a "rockstar" physique.
- The "Mom" Strategy: If you're nervous about a first tattoo, a sentimental tribute is the hardest one for parents (or partners) to get mad at. It worked for Adam.
Levine’s look is a "strange road map," as he puts it. It’s an ongoing project that shows no signs of stopping, despite him saying he was "done" getting inked about five different times now.
Next Steps:
- Audit your current workout for "functional" stability movements like landmine rotations.
- Research local blackwork tattoo artists if you're eyeing a style similar to his leg sleeves.
- Review the history of the Super Bowl halftime show to understand the ongoing conversation regarding performance standards.