Skip to Content

50 best friend matching tattoos you and your bestie need to copy ASAP

Matching tattoos = BFF goals

Listen, I know couples tattoos tend to be the most *romantic* tattoos (hi, Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly! Looking at you Bennifer! So what is neither of those A-list relationships lasted...), but I’m here to advocate for an even better version: the best friend tattoo. I mean, be honest, who’s really your partner in crime? That rando you met on Tinder (AKA your partner of three years) or your ride-or-die since your school days? Yup, thought so.

So, if you’ve been hankering for a new tattoo to represent the unbreakable bestie bond, you’re in luck, ’cause we've found the prettiest best friend tattoo ideas on Instagram (which would also make excellent sister tattoos, btw). From identical matching designs to artwork that perfectly complements each other's inking. Trust me, you’ll be sending your BFF at least 10 of these. Just keep scrolling, and then immediately start looking up tattoo artists on Instagram. You can thank us later.

1

Tiny best friend tattoos

Your best friend tattoos don’t have to occupy a big space. Even a tiny tattoo like these stars are a sweet tribute to your friendship without being extra or obvious.

2

Best friend ankle tattoos

How cute will you and your bestie’s ankle tattoos look in an Insta story this summer? Honestly, the pose options are endless. And don’t forget to keep this bb protected from the sun with a tattoo-friendly sunscreen – yup, even when you’re indoors.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
3

This simple best friend tattoo idea

You and your best friend might have different ideas of good tattoo placement, so don’t confine yourself to needing them both to be in the same spots. Just like in this pic, one of you can get an ankle tattoo while the other gets it on their wrist.

4

This cheese and bread tattoo idea

You already know who’s the cheese and who’s the bread in your friendship, right? This best friend tattoo would be equally cute on your ankle, wrist, hip, or shoulder (or wherever you want it – there are no rules).

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
5

Minimalist best friend tattoos

Want to keep your tattoo hidden? Opt for these sweet rib cage letter tattoos with your first initial as a personal memento that only you and anyone who really knows you gets.

6

This fine line best friend tattoo idea

ICYMI, fine line tattoos are having a moment right now. They’re sweet, simple, and minimalist, and perfect for a best friend tattoo IMHO. Heads-up, fine line tattoos require a lot more precision than thicker-lined tattoos, so make sure you find an artist whose work closely resembles what you want before you make an appointment.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7

This king and queen chess piece idea for best friends

While this would also make a great couples tattoo idea, there’s no stopping you from getting it with your best friend. If you like bigger tattoos, getting it on your calf will give you enough room, but if you like smaller ones, you’ll have even more flexibility on where you place it.

8

Butterfly best friend tattoos

These butterfly tattoos are basically those best friend necklaces you had as kids (you know, the ones where you each got half a heart), but in a way cooler and *adult* way. The half butterfly will look cool even when you don’t have your bestie with you, but it will always remind you who your other half is.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
9

Matching letter tattoos

The best part about this best friend tattoo idea is that they hold up equally well on their own as they do together. And it’s a major step up from that old friendship bracelet you’ve had for years.

10

Airplane matching best friend tattoos

The fact that I was never able to actually make a successful paper airplane won’t stop me from getting this paper airplane forearm tattoo, with or without my best friend (sry, love u).

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
11

Best friend wrist tattoos

Want something you can look at and show off whenever? A wrist tattoo is the ideal spot. It’s also perfect if you want to keep the tattoo on the small side. Pro tip: slather your wrist tattoo with SPF daily to keep the ink from fading, since it’ll get near constant sun exposure.

12

These matching hearts

Sure, you could go basic with a regular ol’ heart tattoo, but why not crank it up a notch and get these Death Star-inspired hearts – truly ideal for die-hard Star Wars fans.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
13

Matching quotes tattoos

While script lettering tattoos are pretty and delicate, block letter tattoos like these ones have a certain minimalist quality that I’m really into. Plus, if you and your BFF like different quotes, just get them in the same spot and font so they’re still coordinated.

14

Star best friend tattoos

PSA: your matching best friend tattoos don’t have to match exactly. You can each get tattoos that are similar in design but unique to your own style, like these tiny star tattoos. Plus, if you want to really make it your own, you can each get it in different places.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
15

Script best friend tattoos

Make these matching tattoos even more personal by giving your tattoo artist a copy of your and your BFF’s handwriting.

16

Moon and sun best friend tattoos

Feel free to get creative when placing your best-friend wrist or hand tattoos – they don’t need to be in identical spots, like this moon-and-sun combo.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
17

Flower best friend tattoos

This super-subtle design is perfect for best friends who are looking for something cute and minimalist. And it’s almost a watercolour tattoo, with just a subtle hint of pink.

18

Pinkie-promise best friend tattoos

Sure, pinkie promises are supposed to last forever, but this sweet best-friend tattoo really takes it to the next level.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
19

Lotus best friend tattoos

Matching tattoos definitely don’t need to be in the same place – this mini lotus design is perfect for your wrist or ankle tattoo.

20

Elephant best friend tattoos

Did you know elephants can form lasting friendships just like humans? This tattoo is perfect for friends who are in it for the long haul.

Headshot of Sami Roberts

Sami Roberts was the previous beauty assistant at Cosmopolitan. Keep up with her cat-filled life in New York on Instagram

Headshot of Valeriya Chupinina

Valeriya Chupinina is a freelance beauty and wellness writer exploring the multifaceted connection between the aesthetic and internal. You can find her work in outlets like Coveteur, HYPEBAE, and NBGA. In addition to her editorial work, she consults on social media strategies for brands. You can keep up with her on Instagram @valeriyaliyevna

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below