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.
01of 36
Pinky Promise
@inked.bydani / 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. The ink shows two hands engaging in a pinky promise.
02of 36
Lady Luck
@tinytattooinc / Instagram
There are friendships, and then there are lifelong good luck charms in human form. If your friendship is the source of all your good fortune, consider matching ladybug designs to forever memorialize that bond.
03of 36
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.
04of 36
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.
05of 36
Ducks
@tattoosbystrangers / Instagram
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 and starburst designs throughout for extra detail.
06of 36
Intricate Sleeves
@blackartistry101 / @guyletatooer.one / Instagram
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.
07of 36
Artful Figure
@tinytattooinc / Instagram
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.
08of 36
Mirror Image Ink
@humblebeetattoo / Instagram
Side by side through all of life’s ups and downs. These best friends got twinning ink of the most gorgeous floral swags.
09of 36
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.
10of 36
Always With You
@vivotattoo / Instagram
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.
11of 36
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.
12of 36
Avocado Halves
@tinytattooinc / Instagram
Show everyone that they avoca-don’t love their BFF as much as you with these matching avocado tattoos. The thick outlines and sweet faces give the design a cartoonish feel that we can’t help but love.
13of 36
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.
14of 36
Head in the Clouds
@blackninked / Instagram
Why not get something whimsical to match your BFF? The stunning line work and shading provide an artistic interpretation of adventuring and daydreaming.
15of 36
Linework Heart
@inked.bydani / 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 big affection for your BFF.
16of 36
Wine Glasses
@nona.ink / Instagram
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.
17of 36
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.
18of 36
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.
19of 36
Simple Lavender
@little.tattoos / Instagram
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.
20of 36
Anime Characters
@blackartistry101 / @michelabottin.ackerman / Instagram
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.
21of 36
Powerpuff Girls
@tinytattooinc / Instagram
Matching tattoos aren’t reserved for best friend sets of two alone. 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. For a larger friend group, find a cartoon crew that has an equal amount of members to commemorate your bond.
22of 36
No Matter What
@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.”
23of 36
Continuous Prose
@melodytattoos / Instagram
These sentimental lyrics flow from the shoulder of one friend to another. We love how the words come together in totality when the pair stands shoulder-to-shoulder beside one another.
24of 36
Words of Affirmation
@sydsmithhh / Instagram
Whether your BFF is your romantic partner or the platonic love of your life, we recommend sharing that message on the daily. What better way to do so than to ink it on your arm in each other’s handwriting?
25of 36
Butterfly
@tinytattooinc / Instagram
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.
26of 36
Butterfly Wings
@inked.bydani / Instagram
Another option for butterfly BFF tattoos, or any matching tattoos for that matter, is to have mirror image designs that come together to create a whole. Like any good BFF bracelet, these butterfly wings come together to create one majestical monarch.
27of 36
To Infinity and Beyond
@cecixta / Instagram
Calling all Disney fans. This Toy Story-inspired tattoo quotes Buzz Lightyear’s iconic catchphrase. Not a Pixar fan? Any movie (or even TV show) line that’s meaningful to your friendship will do!
28of 36
No Matter Where
@tinytattooinc / Instagram
For the BFFs who live hundreds of miles away or can’t be together as often as they’d like, this tattoo reminds you that your best friend is there with you, no matter how far away you may be.
29of 36
Watercolor Heart
@xposedtattoo / Instagram
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.
30of 36
Constellation
@_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 repeat reminder? This design uses realistic elements, like dotted lines and circle/star symbols, to mimic the look of a real star map.
31of 36
Evil Eye
@tinytattooinc / Instagram
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.
32of 36
Dainty Hearts
@tinytattooinc / Instagram
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 if you want to get it with a romantic partner.
33of 36