31 Matching Tattoo Ideas For Best Friends

From minimal outlines to statement pieces.

Close up of two arms with matching butterfly tattoos

@jonboytattoo / Instagram

Sure, BFF necklaces or bracelets are good ways to pledge your friendship, but you know what makes an even better present? Something a little more permanent like some matching ink. For the BFFs that know their love will last forever, matching tattoos will prove you’re ride-or-die no matter where life may take you.

Because all friendships are unique, you may have a special design idea in mind, or maybe you need a little more inspiration before taking the leap together. BFF tattoos can be exact matches, slightly related, or complete opposites—this type of ink is as individual as you and your BFF. Keep scrolling for some fun inspo that can help you and your bestie decide on what's right for you.

01 of 31

Pinky Promise

best friend pinky promise tattoos

@alanareneephoto / Instagram

This husband-and-wife duo cemented both their union, and their friendship, with a matching set of tattoos near their elbows. The ink shows two hands engaging in a pinky promise.

02 of 31

Moon Within Sun

matching black sun tattoos on two ankles

@abstracthippo / Instagram

This two-part tattoo is layered, with one piece to represent each wearer. While it looks like a sun on first glance, there's also an unexpected crescent moon inside the design.

03 of 31

Peanut Butter and Jelly

Peanut butter and jelly tattoos on two people's arms

@boy.meets.art / Instagram

If you go together with someone like peanut butter and jelly, why not show it? These tattoos look nearly identical, but one person gets the peanut butter side of bread, and the other gets the side slathered with jelly. Together, they make an iconic sandwich.

04 of 31

Ducks

matching duck with sunglasses tattoo

These matching ducks with sunglasses convey a sense of whimsy and fun—two of the staples that make a good friendship. We love the addition of a vine at the neck of each duck for something extra.

05 of 31

Intricate Sleeves

Best Friend Tattoos Sleeve

@blackartistry101/@guyletatooer.one

If you and your best friend are both really into tattoos, consider going to the same artist to get intricate sleeves that coordinate, but don't quite match. For those with the deepest of bonds, working together with the artist to design each element can be a meaningful experience.

06 of 31

Artful Figure

Best Friend Tattoos Face with Rose

@tinytattooinc

Having a BFF is all about growing together and enjoying the beauty of your adventures. What better way to show this off than with matching designs that put a rose front and center? We love the timeless feel of the face and line work.

07 of 31

Sun and Moon and Cows

two people with complementary sun and moon tattoos and cow tattoos

@harmony_nixon / Instagram

These best friends got double doses of their twinning ink, with complementary sun and moon tats on their arms and matching cow tattoos on their legs.

08 of 31

Smiley Faces

matching smiley face tattoos on two wrists

@maggie_jorgs / Instagram

These double smiley faces offer memories of happy times. We love the placement on the inside of the wrist, where the art is just barely noticeable.

09 of 31

Always With You

Best Friend Tattoos Always with You

@vivotattoo

If you and your BFF are practically inseparable, an “Always With You” tattoo will keep you connected no matter where you go. The thin script emphasizes the daintiness of the design.

10 of 31

Moon And Sun

Close up of two hands, one with a sun tattoo and one with a moon

@danslavalisedecharlotte / Instagram

For the BFFs who are complete opposites, a moon and sun is a great way to symbolize your friendship. Getting a design that’s simple linework creates a minimal tattoo that will go with any style.

11 of 31

Avocado Halves

Best Friend Tattoos Avocado

@tinytattooinc

Show everyone that they avoca-don’t love their BFF as much as you with these matching avocado tattoos. The thick outlines and face on the food give it a cartoonish feel.

12 of 31

Lotus Flower

Close up of an arm and leg with matching lotus tattoos

@zaya / Instagram

Lotus flowers are all about purity of mind, soul, and body. If your BFF helped you find your zen, matching lotus flowers are a great way to show your spiritual friendship. The overlapping petals give it a minimal design, rather than a realistic one.

13 of 31

Head in the Clouds

Best Friend Tattoos Head in the Clouds

@blackninked

Why not get something whimsical to match your BFF? The stunning line work and shading provide an artistic interpretation of adventuring and daydreaming.

14 of 31

Linework Heart

Close up of two arms with matching linework heart tattoos

@friday_tattoo_ / Instagram

Is there a simpler way to show your love than with a heart? This fine line work heart is a small way to show your big affection for your BFF.

15 of 31

Wine Glasses

Best Friend Tattoos Wine Glasses

@nona.ink

Are you and your BFF the kind of people to call happy hour “wine o’clock?” Then consider matching wine glass tattoos. The design here is basic enough that the bare elements are present, but enough detail is paid to show the wine in motion.

16 of 31

Matching Semicolons

Close up of matching semi-colon tattoos on wrists

@evilgeniustattooclub / Instagram

A semicolon is a symbol of never stopping, only pausing briefly. And in recent history, the semicolon tattoo has become a symbol for overcoming mental health issues. Perhaps you are showing support for your bestie or you've both gone through something together, either way the symbolism here is special.

17 of 31

Diamonds

Close up of four wrists with matching diamond tattoos

@khush.ink / Instagram

Remind yourselves that you’re shining gems with these matching diamond tattoos. Placement on the inner wrist means it’ll always be visible to the person getting it, but it’s slightly hidden nature makes it feel more personal.

18 of 31

Simple Lavender

Best Friend Tattoos Lavender

@tinytattooinc

A flower, such as lavender, is a great tattoo idea for best friends. Signify the flourishing and growth of your relationship in a minimal design.

19 of 31

Anime Characters

Best Friend Tattoos Anime Characters

@blackartistry101/@michelabottin.ackerman

Do you and your BFF have a favorite cartoon or anime you love to watch together? Colorful designs from the show (here is Dragon Ball Z) are a great way to show off your favorite activity—each of you can get whichever character(s) speak most to you.

20 of 31

Powerpuff Girls

Best Friend Tattoos Powerpuff Girls

@tinytattooinc

You don’t have to only have one BFF to get matching tattoos. For the trio who understands the strength of girl power, these Powerpuff Girls designs are a great way to tie in your personality and interests.

21 of 31

No Matter What

No Matter What I Got you matching tattoos with heart on women's arms

@samanthashannontattoo / Instagram

As if two hearts weren't powerful enough, this best friend pair each got an inking of a heartfelt phrase: "No matter what, I got you."

22 of 31

Pinky Promise

Close up of the back of two arms with pinky promise tattoos

@sivxstorm / Instagram

Whatever your promise to each other might be, this tattoo is a symbol of the deep-rooted trust and safety you feel confiding in your best friend.

23 of 31

Butterfly

Best Friend Tattoos Butterfly

@tinytattooinc

Butterflies hold a deep representation of the self, and many cultures consider it a symbol of the soul. Keep the soul of your BFF with you at all times with a butterfly tattoo.

24 of 31

To Infinity and Beyond

Close up of the back of two arms with to infinity and beyond tattoos

@cecixta / Instagram

Calling all Disney fans. This Toy Story-inspired tattoo quotes Buzz Lightyear's iconic catchphrase. Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas have their own tattoo version of the phrase.

25 of 31

No Matter Where

Best Friend Tattoos No Matter Where

@tinytattooinc

For the BFFs who live hundreds of miles away or can't be together 24/7, this tattoo reminds you that your best friend is there with you, no matter how far away you may be.

26 of 31

Watercolor Heart

Best Friend Tattoos Watercolor Heart

@xposedtattoo

For the besties who have a vibrant friendship, these matching watercolor heart tattoos are a great way to show it off. These tattoos also “fit” into each other, meaning one is the outline and one is the inside of the design. It’s a great way to show that your best friend completes you like no one else.

27 of 31

Constellation

Close up of two ankles with matching constellation tattoos

@_burkus_art_ / Instagram

Seeing a constellation in the night sky may make you think of your BFF, so why not get it tattooed for a constant reminder? This design uses realistic elements, like dotted lines and circle/star symbols, to mimic the look of a real star map.

28 of 31

Evil Eye

Best Friend Tattoos Evil Eye

@tinytattooinc

Symbolize a spiritual bond or ability to get through anything together with matching evil eye tattoos. This small, yet meaningful design is sure to remind you to ward off bad energy as you enjoy life's adventures.

29 of 31

Dainty Hearts

Best Friend Tattoos Dainty Heart

@tinytattooinc

Keep your best friend close on your ring finger, which was believed in the past to have a direct connection to the heart. This also makes a great ring replacement tattoo.

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Creation of Adam

Close up of two arms with matching Creation of Adam tattoos

@sararoseinktattoo / Instagram

We love this modern, minimalist take on the Creation of Adam painting that's on display in the Sistine Chapel. Ink it on your wrists, the back of the neck, shoulders, or anywhere else you see fit—just be sure to have your tattoos pointing in opposite directions as if they're reaching out for each other.

31 of 31

Flower Power

Close up of two ankles with matching flower tattoos

@dopeartdarkskin / Instagram

Floral tattoos are popular at ink studios everywhere, but these matching tattoos stand out for their modern simplicity.

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