Alright, let’s be honest—friendship tattoos sound like one of those things you talk about at 2 AM over fries and milkshakes… but never actually do. Until one day, you look at your two ride-or-dies and go, “Wait. Why haven’t we done this yet?!”
If you and your two best friends have made it through everything from teenage drama to adulting disasters—and are still laughing, crying, and sending each other cursed memes daily—getting tattoos for three best friends might be the perfect next chapter in your story.
But what should you get? Where should you place it? Will it still feel meaningful ten years from now? Don’t worry—I’ve got all the answers, ideas, and a few friendly warnings (because hey, not all matching tattoos age well… looking at you, infinity signs with wings 🫣).
Why Get Matching Tattoos With Your Two Best Friends?
Ever wondered why friendship tattoos hit so differently? It’s because they’re not just about aesthetics—they’re about identity. When three people choose to mark their bond permanently, it says something epic: “We’re in this for the long haul.”
Here’s why people love getting trio best friend tattoos:
- Symbol of loyalty: You’re not just friends—you’re chosen family.
- Forever reminder: Even when life gets messy, that ink stays.
- Fun tradition: Some groups get a new tattoo for every milestone (trip, anniversary, or chaotic life win).
IMO, tattoos for three best friends are one of the coolest, most meaningful things you can do—especially if you pick the right design.
Best Tattoo Ideas for Three Best Friends
So here’s the fun part—picking a tattoo that represents your trio. Whether you want something cute, symbolic, or lowkey hilarious, here are the top categories to help you brainstorm.
1. Puzzle Pieces (Because You Fit Together Perfectly)
A classic for a reason. Each person gets one puzzle piece, and together they complete a whole.
Why it works:
- Totally customizable
- Looks good as line art or filled with patterns/colors
- Screams “we go together” without being cheesy
Extra touch: Add initials or a shared date inside each piece.
2. Three Matching Symbols or Icons
Sometimes, subtle hits harder. Think identical tiny tattoos—simple and stylish.
Minimalist ideas:
- Three hearts (one for each of you)
- Three stars or moons in different phases
- Tiny paper planes (for the adventurers)
- Matching flowers with a personal meaning
FYI: These work great on wrists, ankles, or behind the ear.
3. Coordinated But Unique Designs
Want something that matches, but isn’t too matchy? Go with coordinated themes.
Ideas:
- Three quotes from the same book, film, or song
- Different constellations or zodiac signs
- Three animals with shared symbolism (like wolves, birds, or butterflies)
- Elements like Earth, Water, Fire
It’s like saying, “We’re different, but we belong together.” Cute, right?
4. Three-Part Design
This one’s for the artistic trios. The tattoo only makes sense when you’re all together (like Power Rangers, but inked).
Popular styles:
- A phrase split in three (“Together / We / Rise”)
- A mandala or circle that completes across all three tattoos
- Pieces of a larger image (like a sun, compass, or infinity symbol)
Just make sure the design works well as a standalone too—because coordinating tattoos forever might be… ambitious 😅.
5. Funny & Personalized Tattoos
Let’s not pretend you’re serious 100% of the time. If your friendship revolves around chaotic group chats and inside jokes, go with something funny.
Examples:
- Inside joke symbols (like a banana if one of you slipped during a hike)
- Nicknames written in each other’s handwriting
- A three-part meme tattoo (yes, people do this and it’s incredible)
Warning: Make sure it’s something you’ll still laugh at in a decade, not cringe at on a beach trip with your future kids.
Where to Put Your Best Friend Tattoos
Okay, now that you’ve picked a killer design—where does it go?
Visible Spots (for showing off your love)
- Wrist
- Forearm
- Collarbone
- Ankle
These spots are great if you want a daily reminder or you’re low-key showing off your friendship on Instagram (no judgment 😉).
Hidden Spots (for a personal touch)
- Ribcage
- Hip
- Behind the ear
- Inner bicep
Perfect if you want the tattoo to feel more intimate or symbolic without explaining it to every curious aunt at the family BBQ.
Things to Consider Before Getting Matching Tattoos
Friendship tattoos sound amazing—but they’re also permanent. Here’s what you really need to think about before you book the appointment.
Have “The Talk” (Yes, Like a Tattoo Prenup)
Ask each other:
- Are we all 100% sure?
- Will this still mean something even if we grow apart? (Tough question, but important)
- Do we agree on size, placement, and design style?
Tip: If someone’s unsure, wait. Peer pressure and tattoos? Not a cute combo.
Choose the Right Artist
Not all tattoo artists are created equal. Find someone who:
- Has a solid portfolio with clean lines and minimalistic work (unless you want something big and detailed)
- Gets your vibe and listens to your vision
- Can handle three appointments at once (or at least back-to-back)
Bonus points if they’re down to take cute group photos after.
Plan the Experience (Make it a Day to Remember)
Getting inked together is a moment. Turn it into a memory:
- Coordinate outfits (because why not?)
- Bring snacks or celebrate after with your favorite drinks
- Take videos/photos for the scrapbook—or your TikTok archive
Some people even make friendship tattoo scrapbooks. It’s wholesome, okay?
My Personal Trio Tattoo Story
Quick story time. I got a triangle tattoo with my two best friends a few years ago. Each of us has one side of the triangle shaded in, and together we make the full shape.
At first, it was just a fun idea. But over time, that little triangle became way more meaningful—especially when life got hectic, and we weren’t in the same city anymore. Every time I look at it, I remember late-night talks, dumb road trips, and how we held each other down through breakups, job losses, and really bad haircuts.
That’s the thing about tattoos for three best friends—they don’t just mark your bond. They carry it.
Final Thoughts: Forever Starts with a Little Ink
When you get a tattoo with your best friends, you’re not just marking a moment—you’re celebrating a connection that actually stood the test of time. And in a world where group chats die out faster than your willpower on leg day, that’s something worth ink.
So if you’re thinking about getting a tattoo with your trio, do it. Be thoughtful, be a little bold, and most of all—make it yours.
You’ll never regret honoring a bond that’s seen your worst and stuck around for your best.
❤️👯♀️👯♀️
Have a matching tattoo with your besties? Planning one? Drop your design idea or story below—I love hearing about friendship ink that actually means something.