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.
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Pinky Promise
@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.
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Moon Within Sun
@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.
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Peanut Butter and Jelly
@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.
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Ducks
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.
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Intricate Sleeves
@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.
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Artful Figure
@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.
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Sun and Moon and Cows
@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.
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Smiley Faces
@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.
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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.
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Moon And Sun
@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.
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Avocado Halves
@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.
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Lotus Flower
@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.
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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.
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Linework Heart
@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.
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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.
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Matching Semicolons
@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.
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Diamonds
@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.
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Simple 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.
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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.
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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.