Getting a tattoo is a significant experience, a personal mark that tells a story. But sharing that experience with your closest friends, immortalizing your bond with matching or complementary ink, takes it to a whole new level. Friendship Tattoos are more than just designs on skin; they are a testament to enduring connections, shared memories, and unwavering support.
I’ve always cherished the tattoos I share with my loved ones. From matching roses with my sister to symbolic flowers with my mother, each piece tells a story of love and connection. One of my most memorable tattoo experiences was getting spontaneous matching hair grip tattoos with my three best friends at the Brighton Tattoo Convention, designed by the talented Abbie Williams. It was a whirlwind of fun, laughter, and now, a permanent reminder of our unique friendship etched onto our skin forever.
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The world of friendship tattoo ideas is vast and varied, offering something for every kind of bond and aesthetic. Whether you’re drawn to cute and minimalist designs, bold and meaningful statements, vibrant colors, or classic blackwork, the perfect friendship tattoo is out there waiting to be discovered. We’ve explored Instagram to bring you some of the most inspiring best friend tattoo ideas, celebrating the beauty of friendship in ink.
Same But Different Sister Tattoos
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These captivating sister tattoos by Los Angeles-based artist Miryam Lumpini, known as The Witchdoctor™, showcase the beauty of individuality within unity. The octopus designs, while distinctly different in color and detail, share a cohesive aesthetic, perfectly symbolizing the unique yet intertwined nature of sisterhood. This approach is ideal for friends who appreciate matching elements but value their personal expression within the friendship tattoos.
Teeny Tiny Matching Tattoos for Besties
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Following the theme of subtle variations, these delicate, tiny tattoos by LA-based artist E-nal are perfect for friends who prefer minimalist aesthetics. Small friendship tattoos like these offer a discreet yet meaningful way to celebrate your bond. Their simplicity makes them versatile and easily adaptable to personal preferences, proving that impactful friendship tattoos don’t need to be large or elaborate.
Matching Wine Glass Tattoos for Girlfriends
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For friends who bond over shared evenings and laughter-filled conversations, these adorable wine glass tattoos are a fun and relatable choice. Created by Shibumi from Lucky Horse Tattoo in Donostia, Spain, these small friendship tattoos are a lighthearted nod to shared moments and the joy of companionship. They are a perfect example of how friendship tattoos can reflect shared interests and inside jokes.
Tarot Sun and Moon Friendship Tattoos
Matching tarot card tattoos of the sun and moon, representing friendship and balance.
Close-up of a moon tarot card tattoo, showcasing detail and delicate linework.
“It was a pleasure to tattoo Eve and Caitlin with matching Tarot cards,” shares Sarah Louise, owner of Sacred Coven in Nottingham. “The Sun and The Moon – a beautiful way to commemorate their friendship.” These tarot-inspired friendship tattoos are rich in symbolism, representing balance, harmony, and the complementary nature of true friendship.
Two friends displaying their matching sun and moon tarot card tattoos on different parts of their bodies, highlighting personal placement.
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What makes these friendship tattoos even more meaningful is the individual placement chosen by each friend. This highlights that matching tattoos don’t require identical placement to hold deep significance, allowing for personal expression within the shared symbol.
Matching Feminine Energy Tattoos for Twin Sisters
Matching feminine symbol tattoos on twin sisters' arms, representing growth and sisterhood.
“This is my matching tattoo with my twin,” says Jade Cooper-Collins, Art Director at Cosmopolitan magazine. “We wanted something embodying feminine energy and growth.” These twin tattoos perfectly capture the essence of sisterhood with delicate, feminine symbols representing shared growth and intertwined journeys. The spontaneity of their tattoo experience adds to the charm, demonstrating that meaningful friendship tattoos can sometimes be the result of impulsive and joyful decisions.
Matching Tattoos for Soulmates with Different Styles
Matching moon tattoos held by hands, a symbol of deep friendship and connection, on Amber and Jess.
Tattoo collector Amber Carnegie shares her experiences with friendship tattoos: “My first matching tattoo was in 2015 to celebrate 10 years of friendship with my best friend, Jess! We chose matching moons held by a hand, designed by Meg Langdale.” These moon tattoos symbolize a decade of enduring friendship and the comforting presence of a soulmate connection.
Matching 'Be Kind' heart tattoos in black dot work, symbolizing a shared ethos of kindness and resilience, on Amber.
Matching 'Be Kind' heart tattoos in bold color, showing adaptability of design for different tastes, on Aime.
Amber’s second friendship tattoo, “Be Kind” hearts by Becky Pope, shared with her friend Aimee, further emphasizes the adaptability of friendship tattoos. “They solidify our ‘be kind, work hard and take no shit’ ethos.” Becky Pope’s artistic versatility allowed them to create designs that resonated with both Amber and Aimee’s different tattoo preferences, proving that friendship tattoos can bridge diverse styles while maintaining a unified meaning. “These women are truly my soulmates, and I can’t think of anything more fitting than sharing a tattoo with them!”
Drowning Girl Tattoo: A Symbol of Solidarity
Drowning girl tattoo on Alice Snape, representing resilience and overcoming challenges.
The “drowning girl” tattoo, popularized by Glasgow-based artist Fidjit, has become a powerful symbol of resilience and solidarity. With over 3,500 “drowners” inked, Fidjit has created a community known as the Drowning Girl Club. “It represents keeping your head above water,” Fidjit explains. “For some, it’s about overcoming struggles like sexual assault, domestic violence, or mental health issues. For others, it’s a sign of standing with those who have suffered.” These friendship tattoos carry profound meaning, offering a shared symbol of strength and support amongst friends who have navigated life’s challenges together.
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Super Cute Matching Ant Tattoos
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These charming ant tattoos, inked by Amie Culver from Good Company Tattoo Studio in Brighton, on a mother and son, demonstrate that friendship tattoos aren’t limited to just best friends; they can celebrate any cherished bond. These cute and quirky designs are a testament to the playful and enduring connections we share with loved ones.
Friendship tattoos are a beautiful way to visually represent the invisible threads that connect us to our closest companions. They are lasting reminders of shared experiences, unwavering support, and the love that binds us together. Whether you opt for matching designs, complementary symbols, or unique variations on a theme, the most important aspect of friendship tattoos is the shared intention and the celebration of your invaluable bond.
Share your matching tattoos with us on Instagram @storiesandinkskincare, we’d love to hear your stories!
Explore More Tattoo Inspiration
For further tattoo ideas, discover incredible artists, and get expert tattoo aftercare tips, visit the Stories & Ink Journal.
