26 Best Friend Tattoos So You Can Match With Your Ride-Or-Die
Seriously, is there anything sweeter than best friend tattoos? We thought not. Whether you’re inked all over and itching for a new one, or have long been looking for the perfect first tattoo, here’s an idea - why not get a matching design with your best friend?
We can’t think of anything more fitting to celebrate the person you can rely on for getting you through break ups, bad dates, career highs and life milestones. Plus, you can make a day of it (AKA hold each other’s hand while the tattoo artist gets to work). No pain no gain, right?
We’ve curated a lengthy list of best friend tattoos to browse, spanning discreet small tattoos to statement pieces such as butterfly tattoos. So before you take the big leap and commit to a permanent piece of body art, you can be 100% sure that it's what you both want.
As for what to expect? We’ve got you covered with every style imaginable, from minimalist line drawings to floral fantasies, calligraphy to star signs and more…
Here's our pick of the best matching tattoo inspo for you and your best friend:
Fine lines
Delicate, dainty and undetectable under long sleeves, this is the perfect way to pay homage to a BFF who has seen you through dark times and better days. It’s especially fitting if you’re total opposites but can’t be without each other.
Double hearts
Stamp on a heart poked with love with this minimal line work drawing. A heart shape is nothing new, but adding each other’s initials to your arm is a meaningful, personalised tribute that’s completely unique to you.
Float like a butterfly
If you’re like twins about everything from your music taste to fashion choices, this matching butterfly set is all you need. Dreamy and delicate, its small size means it’ll be less painful too. It’s a win-win.
Why not?
Not every tattoo needs to have a deep meaning behind it. Case in point, this ‘Why Not’ design - perfect for a spontaneous pair of BFF’s.
Finger flashes
These so-called ‘finger-flashes’ are ideal if you're looking for a permanent tie to your best friend but are new to tattoos and want something understated. We love the combination of a leaf vine, sparkle outline and minimalist lotus flower.
Bold, bright and beautiful
Have you ever seen a tattoo as colourful as this? Us neither. Artist Pony Wave is super talented at creating realistic floral pieces and we can see why she has over 200,000 followers - we can’t wait to join her queue.
Starry skies
If you feel the stars aligned when you met your bestie, this is the tattoo for you. Perfect for anyone obsessed with constellations and delicate line work, it’s a reflection of artist ZAYA’s signature penmanship.
It’s wine time
Love to bond over a glass of wine? What better way to celebrate each other than a tattoo picturing your favourite way to unwind?
Beautiful botanicals
These teeny tiny botanical fine line drawings had us favouriting this post from German artist Lara Maju in seconds. Pretty, basic, but by no means boring, they’re perfect for a first tattoo.
A green garden
Grow your own garden with a matching floral tattoo like this arm design, which works especially well if you’re brave enough to want a large, maximalist piece rather than a minimalist style.
Polar opposites
LA-based artist Dasol Kim often looks to nature for inspiration in his work and this purple and blue duo of a jellyfish and dragonfly is a great way to represent you and your BFF’s different personalities.
Sunsets and rising moons
This is the perfect tribute to a long-distance friendship that spans continents. If you live on the other side of the world to your BFF, this sunset and moon rising design tick every box. The added colour makes it extra special.
Let the music play…
Bonded over belting out Adele at after-work karaoke drinks? Keep the fun times going with this microphone tattoo created by MR.K – an artist at New York tattoo studio BangBang, which is a favourite with Rihanna btw.
Wild flowers and star signs
If you and your BFF are obsessed with astrology, star signs and blaming bad days and dates on mercury retrograde, this floral big dipper and little dipper is too good. It’s a match made in heaven.
Why so serious?
Every BFF pair has silly inside jokes that leave you hysterical but no one else understands. Which is exactly why we love this lighthearted tattoo idea - it’s equal parts fun and meaningful.
Aviation-inspired
No matter where you and your BFF are in the world, you can always feel connected with this fine line map tattoo. Not to mention it’s very fitting if you both love travelling.
A beautiful bouquet
Black shading tattoo styles are timeless, and let’s face it, when have flowers ever gone out of style? This is going straight in our saved folder.
Pinky promise
Whether it’s trusting your BFF to keep your deepest, darkest secrets, or simply a symbol of the love you have for your friend, this pinky promise tattoo is a classic.
In full bloom
Roses aren’t just for lovers you know. A yellow rose actually represents friendship and while this shoulder tattoo doesn’t have colour in it, it’s still a sweet reminder that meaningful friendships can grow from nothing.
Sweet and simple
Have a signature saying that only you two know? Make it permanent with this calligraphy tattoo. Minimalist and simple, the cursive lettering is the prettiest we’ve seen yet.
A sky full of stars
A matching BFF tattoo doesn’t have to mean it's between just two people, especially if you’re an inseparable group of three. Always planning your next adventure with your BFF? Celebrate your love of travel and each other with this dainty moon and stars.
Making memories
Celebrate your favourite travel moments together with this mountain-inspired line drawing with a sky full of stars, sunset and sunrise to match.
Gummy bear delight
Hear us out, how adorable are these gummy bear tattoos? Colourful, playful and entirely unserious, they may just be the perfect representation of years of friendship.
Peas in a pod
Are you described as two peas in a pod? This is another design we can’t get enough of. Meant to be together and always coming in a pair, we can’t think of a more fun way to pay tribute to each other.
The missing piece
If you couldn’t be without your other half, AKA your BFF, this cartoonish avocado pairing is super sweet.
Flower power
Keen for colour? We’re obsessed with this pretty bunch of orange poppies, and let’s face it, who doesn’t love getting flowers? With this tattoo, you can make it a permanent fixture for you and your BFF.
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7qLjApqauqp2WtKLGyKecZ5ufY8Kse8Crq6KbnJp8o7HSrWSfqpmau6V505qrraefqA%3D%3D