Let’s be honest—if you and your best friend haven’t at least joked about getting matching tattoos, are you even besties?
Whether you met in kindergarten, during a chaotic college party, or in line for overpriced coffee, your bond deserves to be inked forever (or at least longer than that phase when you both thought bangs were a good idea 🙃).
So, you’re here because you’re thinking about getting tattoos for best friend vibes—and not the basic kind.
You want something meaningful, aesthetically killer, and ideally something you won’t cringe at 10 years from now. Lucky for you, I’ve got the ideas, tips, and tattoo tea you need.
💡 Why Get a Best Friend Tattoo?
You’ve probably asked yourself, “Do I really need to get a tattoo with my bestie?” And look, no one’s twisting your arm (unless your best friend is super persuasive).
But if you’re looking for a tattoo that tells a story, captures a moment, or just celebrates your weirdly telepathic connection—this is it.
Why best friend tattoos rock:
- They symbolize shared memories, even the chaotic ones.
- They remind you that someone always has your back.
- They spark conversations (“Oh, this? Yeah, we survived a road trip with no GPS.”)
- They’re kind of the adult version of BFF bracelets—but cooler, obviously.
IMO, it’s less about the ink and more about what it stands for.
✨ Matching Tattoos for Best Friends
Let’s start with the crowd-pleasers. These are the designs that scream “we’re on the same wavelength,” whether you live in the same city or text from opposite time zones.
1. Tiny Symbols with Big Meaning
If you love minimalism, go for simple line art or tiny icons. You can match exactly or choose complementary pieces.
Popular picks:
- Tiny hearts (cute and classic)
- Suns and moons (you balance each other out)
- Matching initials or birthdates
- Puzzle pieces (cheesy? Yes. But also kind of adorable.)
Pro tip: Stick these on the wrist, ankle, or finger for that subtle-but-meaningful vibe.
2. Quotes That Hit You Right in the Feels
Got a phrase that you both overuse? A lyric you scream every time it plays? Turn that into ink.
Ideas:
- “No matter what.” / “Always.” (Harry Potter fans, anyone?)
- “She’s my person.” / “And I’m hers.”
- “Till the wheels fall off.” (a.k.a. your friendship motto)
Go for matching fonts or split the quote between two tattoos. That way, it only makes sense when you’re together. 🥲
3. Half-and-Half Designs
This one’s a fan favorite. You each get half of an image—when you’re together, it completes the design.
Examples:
- Yin and yang
- Half a heart
- Sun rays and a moon silhouette
- Two halves of an avocado (yes, really)
Ever wondered why this works so well? Because it shows you’re whole on your own, but unstoppable together.
🔄 Complementary But Not Identical Tattoos
Matching tattoos? Great. But what if you want something more individual—you know, something that reflects your personalities while still being part of a set?
1. Zodiac-Inspired Ink
If you’re into astrology (or just love aesthetics), try zodiac signs or constellations. Yours on you, theirs on them.
Add-ons to make it unique:
- Include your element (fire, earth, air, water)
- Pair it with a birth flower or moon phase
- Add coordinates of where you met
2. Different Takes on the Same Theme
Let’s say you both love nature. You could get:
- One with a tree, the other with a mountain
- A sunrise and a sunset
- A wave and a boat
Same energy, different vibes. It shows your connection and your individuality. Total best friend goals.
🖋️ Funny & Quirky Best Friend Tattoos
You know the kind of friendship where you can communicate with just a look? Or laugh over the dumbest inside joke that no one else gets? Yeah, there’s a tattoo for that.
1. Inside Joke Ink
Some of my favorite tattoos I’ve seen? Totally random and totally hilarious:
- “Chicken nugget” on one, “extra sauce” on the other
- Matching memes (yes, people do this)
- “Peanut butter” and “Jelly”
FYI: These might get you weird looks, but they’ll also make you laugh every time you see them. Worth it? IMO, yes.
2. Pop Culture References
If your friendship is built on binge-watching or fandoms, wear it proudly:
- “I’m the Rachel” / “I’m the Monica”
- “Wingardium” / “Leviosa”
- “To infinity” / “And beyond”
They’re fun, nostalgic, and guaranteed to get compliments.
🔍 Where to Place Your Best Friend Tattoos
The placement can totally change the vibe of your tattoo. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:
1. Visible and Proud
Perfect if you want to show off that friendship glow-up.
- Forearm
- Wrist
- Ankle
- Collarbone
2. Subtle and Private
Ideal for those who like a little mystery (or strict work dress codes 😬).
- Rib cage
- Behind the ear
- Inner finger
- Shoulder blade
Hot tip: If you’re going small, make sure your artist uses fine lines. You don’t want a cute minimalist design turning into a blob in two years.
💭 How to Choose the Right Design (Without Regretting It)
So many ideas, so little skin. How do you actually choose a best friend tattoo you’ll still love at 40?
Here’s how you narrow it down:
- Make it personal. Don’t just pick something from Pinterest. Add your story to it.
- Think about the long game. Will this joke still be funny in five years? (If yes, go for it.)
- Consider your styles. You don’t have to match perfectly, but a common thread helps.
- Talk it out. Seriously. Sit down and share ideas with your friend. (Pro tip: snacks help.)
- Trust your artist. A good tattoo artist can take your ideas and elevate them big time.
Remember: The best tattoo is one that makes you smile every time you see it.
✅ Tattoo Ideas Checklist (Because You Know You Love Lists)
Here’s a quick-hit list to help you brainstorm the best tattoo for best friend energy:
- Matching symbols (hearts, infinity, anchors)
- Personal quotes or mantras
- Complementary images (sun & moon, fire & water)
- Inside joke references
- Pop culture nods
- Constellations or zodiac symbols
- Birthdate numerals or coordinates
- Shared hobbies (music notes, books, travel icons)
- Cartoon characters (yep—some people go full SpongeBob)
🎯 Final Thoughts: Ink It If You Mean It
So here’s the deal: Best friend tattoos aren’t just about the design. They’re about celebrating your ride-or-die human—the one who saw you cry over both breakups and Netflix finales. Getting that ink together? It’s just a permanent reminder that you’re in this for life.
Whether you go minimal or meme-worthy, make it yours. Let it tell your story. Let it hold a memory. And above all, let it reflect the kind of friendship that deserves to be celebrated every single day.
Now go forth, grab your bestie, and brainstorm over a latte (or a bottle of wine—no judgment). Your future tattoo is waiting. 💕
Got a weird, sweet, or totally hilarious best friend tattoo idea? Slide into the comments—let’s obsess together. 😄