Things to Think About Before Getting Your Best Friend Tattoos
Tattoos can be a lot of fun. But before getting inked, it’s wise to consider a few things.
Professional Aspirations
The times aren’t “a’changing” — at this point, we’ve completed the move, and tattoos are nowhere near as “risque” as they were 50 or 60 years ago.
However, if you aspire to be a client-facing banker, an auction house account manager, or something along those lines, getting your face inked probably isn’t the wisest move. Instead, something small that’s easily hidden is a better bet.
The Strength of the Friendship
Yes, you love each other now — but what will things look like in a year? Five years? How about twenty? While friendships come and go, tattoos last forever.
Sure, tattoo removal is possible; but it’s costly and not always effective.
Relationships can feel intense and everlasting in your teens and twenties. But by the time you look around your thirties, the people in your life are often very different than they were a decade earlier. So choose your design accordingly.
Religious Restrictions
Some religions forbid people with tattoos from being buried in certain cemeteries. If that may ever be a concern for you, think thrice about it now.
Will you regret your decision in a few decades? Could you see yourself becoming religious? Think clearly and soberly about that question before jumping in head first.
Shifting Trends and Style
What did you wear 15 years ago? Would you be caught dead in it today?
Trends and styles are fluid. What’s “hot” today may be “not” tomorrow. Plus, your vibe and look will change several times throughout your life.
In your 20s, you may think a giant Phoenix back tattoo is the way to go. (Looking at you, Ben Affleck.) At 40, there’s a strong chance you’ll feel differently.
We’re not trying to caution you against getting inked — just think carefully about the size, design, and location.
The Cost
Before committing, make sure you have the funds. Tattoos aren’t cheap — especially a good one. And don’t forget to budget for post-tattoo care.
A word to the wise: Don’t settle for a sub-par tattoo parlor. The last thing you need is an avoidable infection that winds up costing you quadruple the amount it would have to go to a reputable place.
75 Meaningful Tattoos for Best Friends
Are you searching for meaningful best friend tattoos?
In the market for some best friend tattoo ideas?
We’ve scoured the Internet for options and hope you find something that hits the spot.
Sentimental Good Friend Tattoos
1. Opposites Attract
These complementary best friend tattoos are perfect for an odd couple. Sometimes, the best relationships are between two people who occupy opposite sides of the same coin.
2. You Mean the World to Me
Are you each others’ worlds? This two-person tattoo conveys the sentiment beautifully. Consider getting it in a favorite color instead of black ink.
3. Two Shooting Stars
These simple star tattoos can be sized up or down. Plus, the design is fun yet elegant. It would also work well on the ankle.
4. Never Tell Me the Odds
Do you and your best friend share a long-running inside joke or sentiment? Would it work well as a tattoo? Before going with a custom design, make sure you get a talented artist to sketch it.
5. Soul Sister Ivy
Sometimes, our favorite “sisters” don’t have the same mothers. This discreet “soul sisters” tattoo is great for best friends whose bond has lasted a lifetime.
6. Ride or Die
Unique best friend tattoos needn’t be identical. Take this “ride or die” option. Each person got a font that worked for them. Yet, it still rocks as a buddy tattoo option.
7. Coffee Time
These adorable coffee tattoos are super for friends who’ve developed a strong relationship over java. The takeaway cup, contrasted with the more formal option, is a nice touch.
8. I Pinky Swear
Making meaningful promises with your best friends is one of life’s joys. This tattoo of two hands making a “pink swear” captures the essence of such closeness.
9. Our Stories Will Never End
This small, elegant tattoo has a special meaning. The heart paired with the semicolon indicates that while the friendship may take a pause or change, it will go on and not stop.
10. Ohana
Ohana is the Hawaiian word for “family.” It also carries the connotation that nobody will be left behind or forgotten. Ultimately, it’s a lovely sentiment for a best-friend tattoo.
11. Steaming Hearts
These cute hot-drink cups are cute tattoos for friends searching for something dainty. They would also look great with a dash of color.
12. Keep Me
You don’t have to use “safe” and “wild.” Customize your “keep me” sayings to make them more meaningful and relevant to your relationship.
13. Different Flowers From the Same Garden Initials
“Different flowers from the same garden” is a great way to describe good friends. And, it’s a cute idea to get the saying shaped like your initials.
14. Better Together
Want to declare to the world that you and your buddy are “better together”? This tattoo should do the trick.
15. Always
Sometimes, a single word can say so much. This “always” tattoo is a sentimental option for two buddies who share unconditional love.
16. Beyond Infinity
We picked another “infinity and beyond” option to show that the famous words without an accompanying graphic can work, too. The placement of these is excellent as well. Flirty and fun for the beach — but easily covered up if necessary.
17. Roman Numerals
Roman numerals just look cool. Get a special date you share with your friend inked on both your bodies. It could be a powerful, positive reminder.
18. Beating Hearts
Instead of getting a traditional simple heart, why not go for something more anatomically accurate?
Unique Best Friend Tattoos for Two
19. Star Wars Connection
Are you and your best pal superfans of the Galactic Republic? Or, who knows, maybe you’re #TeamEmpire. Whichever the case, these spaceship tattoos inspired by the film may be a great choice for unique best friend tattoos.
20. Capture the Cactus
Maybe you’re from the southwest, or perhaps cacti hold a special meaning for you both. Either way, this design may work. Notice the different sun and moon accents on each.
21. Lighthouse Watch
Are you sailing pals? Or maybe you hail from a coastal town. These nautically themed, complementary tattoo designs work for either.
22. Setting Over the Ocean
These small, corresponding tattoos represent the setting sun and rising moon. Get the same one or a complementary pair.
23. Devil and Angel
Looking for something a little more goth? These tiny skeleton spirits — and angel and devil — manage to be both dainty and edgy.
24. Geometric Memories
Geometric shapes look great as tattoos. Pick a design that’s meaningful to you — or create a custom one for yourselves.
25. Constellations
Why not get your favorite constellation inked with your best bud. Getting your astrological one is a fun idea.
26. Beam Me Up
These fun alien-themed tattoos are super for two friends who are all about extraterrestrials. Who knows, they may be among us sooner than we think!
27. Spooky Sisters
Are you into spirits? These adorable, traditional ghosts look cute and are a good conversation starter.
28. Animals and a Glass
How cute are these!? If two friends have a history of enjoying a glass of wine with each other, this could be a fun option, especially if you have animal familiars.
29. Little Folks
We thought these little folks were fun. Are they aliens, human babies, or cartoons? You decide!
30. Puff People
Are you and your best friend a little silly? Two goofballs navigating life as best you can? If that sounds like you, these tiny but telling tattoos may work.
31. Fist Bump
Fist bump activate! Memorialize your togetherness with this fun design that speaks to the power of friendship.
32. Lotus Ladies
The lotus represents perseverance — life’s beautiful struggle. They’re an apt symbol to use in friendship tattoos. Logistically speaking, you can scale them as small or large as you want. Colored ones are also lovely.
33. Live by the Sun; Love by the Moon
“Live by the sun; love by the moon” is a popular saying that encourages people to explore their complexities — because nobody is all one thing.
34. Koala and Panda
Who’s that peeking up on your ankle? These simple but charming panda and koala tattoos could work well as friendship tattoos.
35. I See You
I spy a super tattoo! Not only is it cheeky and playful, but the depth perception adds a little something special to the look.
36. Two Parts of the Same
This geometric tattoo design is cool, and the way they make up a whole (one is the outline; the other is the “filling”) is symbolic.
37. Pac-Man Forever
This play on Pac-Man works as a pair tattoo. It’s playful, colorful, and represents your love of video games.
38. Suggestive Hardware
OK, we admit, these are a little suggestive. But they’re also super cute! If anyone asks why you and your best friend got them together, explain that you fit perfectly together.
Unique Best Friend Tattoos for 3
39. Three Little Birds
Whether you’re Bob Marley fans or just nature folks, this winsome birds-on-a-heart-branch tattoo is a possibility.
40. Threeway Telephone
This triumvirate tattoo is the perfect match for three friends who want to keep in touch.
42. Triangle Connection
Not every tattoo needs to be a recognizable image. Geometric shapes work very well as an alternative. This trio of triangles is a subtle, elegant option for three besties.
43. Birds in Flight
These pretty birds in flight may work for three friends flying off in different directions but want to commemorate their time together.
44. Letters
Do you and your closest friends share initials? Even if you don’t, getting letters to symbolize your relationship is a subtle, elegant option.
45. Hand Signs
These tiny hand signs are great tattoos! They’re perfect for friends who like to rock out, promote peace, and hang ten.
46. Beach Memories
Are you and your buds water babies? If so, these beach-centric tattoos may hit the spot.
47. Puzzle Pieces
Are you and your crowd like found, missing-puzzle pieces with each other? If yes, these tattoos would fit the bill perfectly.
48. Infinity Arrows
The infinity symbol is part of this clever arrow design. Instead of the flower at the end of each one, you could put flowers, dice, or something else significant to your friendship.
49. Initials Crossing
These neat tattoos feature the first initial of a friend group of four. But think twice before getting something like this before heading off to college. There’s a 99% chance you won’t be close friends with them in a decade — but tattoos are forever.
50. Astrological Stars
These are another constellation tattoo option. If you want to do something different, instead of getting your sign on you, consider getting your buddies as a way to remember them.
51. Celtic Knot
The Celtic knot is meaningful to many people. It symbolizes many things, including sisterhood, friendship, and strength. Also, there are many Celtic knots. So read up on them to discover which best fits your outlook and life.
52. Card Counters
The suits of a card deck are small, and they can be a fun reminder of good times. All of you can get the same one, or one each for a quad of friends is also a playful idea.
53. The Four Suits
This is another twist on the card suit idea. These are perfect for people who want something tiny and concealed.
54. Triangle Talisman
Color-coded shapes are a popular tattoo option. And though it’s popular, it’s also unique. This five-set of triangles looks great.
55. Color-Coded Clovers
These color-coded clovers could be a super choice for Irish friends and sisters — or anyone who appreciates a clover. The heart-shaped leaves are a nice touch.
56. Basic But Bodacious
These simple shapes and symbols are simple — but iconic. Plus, they look very cool!
57. Leaving the Nest
Most bird tattoos feature the same exact design. These are unique because each person has a different number leaving the wire. When everyone is together, the effect is striking.
58. Sisters of the Heart
Keep it simple with this tattoo of three simple hearts connected to the word sisters. In terms of discretion, getting inked on the top of your foot is a flirty option.
59. A Trio of Thirds
This is a fabulous tattoo trio. The concept of ⅓ is depicted in three different ways. Perhaps each rendition reflects the personality of the owner?
60. Wine-T-oes
What a great place for a secret tattoo! These adorable tipsy wine glasses are great for folks who don’t want something large — and want to minimize the pain. Notice how the two goblets are toasting each other. It’s a lovely detail.
61. I’ll Pour
Another wine-themed option. This pair tattoo features a wine bottle on one arm and the glass on the other. Don’t you love how the wine is coming out in heart shapes?
62. Fractional Friends
Is math your thing? These one-of-two (aka, one-half) tattoos are simple but meaningful.
63. Remembering Together
Tie a graphical ribbon around your fingers to signify that you’ll always be in each other’s lives.
64. Holding Hands
These stick-figure tattoos are sweet, simple, and stylish. For a personal touch, ensure each person has a detail representative of their human counterparts.
65. Oh Sister, My Anchor
Is your sister your anchor and best bud? This creative design captures the sentiment well. If this font doesn’t do it for you, choose another.
66. Flower Power
Sometimes, a pretty flower gets the job done. Get it done in a single hue or add some colors — the choice is yours. As an added touch, include the date you and your pal first met.
67. Pinkies and Hearts
This mid-size tattoo depicting a pinky swear crowned by hearts is an option for a friendship built on unconditional love.
If three or more buds are getting matching tattoos, add the appropriate number of hearts to represent each person.
68. Sister Status
Is your sister your best friend? These stick-figure ladies declaring your birth order are fun for two siblings who vow always to keep in touch.
69. Bisected Butterfly
You may have seen tattoo designs of half hearts — but have you ever seen a butterfly? When they reunite, they’re whole.
70. Secret Flames
You contain multitudes. By day, you may be on the straight and narrow. And yet, there’s always a little fire behind the facade. Honor your wild streak with these burning hot finger tattoos.
71. Exploding Hearts
These diamond-accented hearts with a color-outside-the-lines aesthetic are unique. You can also opt to leave out the splashes of color or opt for a more precise color distribution.
72. Put a Diamond On It
These discreet diamond tattoos are perfect for people who want to keep a low ink profile. Secret tattoos like this are a super source of self-empowerment. You can always look down at it as a reminder of something good.
73. Avocado Adoration
Avocados evoke a certain, shall we say, vibe. They’re cute and healthy, pear-shaped with a big center. If that describes you and your bestie, and the two of you fit together like two halves of an avocado, consider this friendship tattoo.
74. Buzzy Bees
Are you and your bud always buzzing around — hither and thither? If so, these quaint bumble bee tattoos may be perfect for you.
75. Together Forever Elephants
How precious are these elephants!? The poem is cute too. Before you go with something like this, think how you’ll feel with this on your ankle at 60.
Hey, we know plenty of adults who are lifelong, diehard members of the Disney brigade. Just give some thought as to whether you’ll always love the playful aesthetic.
And that concludes our list of the best friend tattoos. We hope you found some inspiration.
