Best friend tattoos are more than a trend. They are a way to literally capture memories, inside jokes and your bond. Whether you’ve been best friends for years or have just grown closer through a special time, a tattoo makes it tangible. And honestly: there’s no better excuse to do something lasting together. In this blog you’ll discover the best ideas, what to look out for and how to choose a tattoo you’ll still be happy with 10 years from now.
Why choose a best friend tattoo?
A tattoo is personal. But getting a tattoo together? That makes it even more special. Best friends tattoos stand for:
- Memories you share
- Moments that shaped you
- A bond that goes beyond words
Many designs revolve around symbolism. Think small, minimal designs or just something that only you understand. That’s what makes it so powerful: it’s yours. As is often said, these types of tattoos are actually “wearable memories,” a way to carry your story, every day .
Matching or just complementary?
Before you choose anything, here’s the most important question: are you going for the exact same thing – or something that complements each other? Both work. It depends on your vibe.
Matching tattoos are ideal if you like clean and simple. This is all about a design that you both wear – the same or almost the same – so that your connection is literally visible.
Consider, for example:
- Little hearts – subtle, sweet and always matching any style.
- Initials – of each other, or of something that connects you together. Minimalist, but with a lot of meaning.
- Minimal symbols – like an asterisk, arrow or tiny sun. They are small enough to wear discreetly, but still tell a story.
The beauty of matching tattoos is that they are timeless. You don’t have to go overboard with big, bold designs; sometimes a small symbol says just the most. And the best part? It always works as a subtle reminder of your bond, whether you’re sitting next to each other on the couch or across town.
Tip: combine a matching tattoo with a little extra detail that only you guys understand. That way it stays personal, playful and unique.
Matching tattoos
This is just a little more playful and interesting than the exact same design. It involves two tattoos that together form one story or image. For example:
- Sun & moon
- Lock & key
- Two half-quotes
More and more people are choosing this because it feels more personal and less literal than the exact same tattoo. This shows that you are connected, yet each has your own twist.
Minimal tattoos (always good)
Small, subtle and easy to place. Consider:
- Tiny heart
- Sterretje
- Arrow
These types of tattoos are popular because they are simple, yet have a lot of meaning. They are ideal if you are getting your first tattoo because they are small and uncluttered, allowing you to quietly get used to the idea of a permanent tattoo. Moreover, they are timeless and fit almost anywhere: from wrist to ankle, behind the ear or even on the fingers. The great thing is that you can combine endlessly with these small designs, for example several subtle tattoos in one ear stack or a series of small symbols that together tell a story. That way, even a small, minimalist design becomes super personal and unique.
Symbolic tattoos
Want something with more meaning? Then symbolism is a strong choice. Instead of something literal, choose a design that represents a feeling or story, keeping it personal without being too explicit. Consider, for example
- Infinity sign (infinite friendship)
- Flowers (growth and connection)
- Anchor (stability and confidence)
Symbolic tattoos are timeless and less sensitive to trends, so they still feel good in the long run, exactly what you want with something permanent.
Fun & playful tattoos
Not everything has to be heavy or meaningful. In fact, the very tattoos that make you laugh often stay the longest. A good inside joke sometimes says more than an entire quote. Fun & playful tattoos are all about your vibe. About who you are together. Maybe you have a regular snack after going out, a series you binge endlessly or a joke no one else gets. Those are the things you can translate to a tattoo.
For example, consider matching food tattoos – two half avocados, a slice of pizza or your favorite drink. Cartoon characters also work well. Something nostalgic or just something totally random that you both instantly recognize. In addition, we often see that inside jokes work best. Small, subtle and meaningful only to you. To outsiders maybe “just a symbol,” but to you there is a whole story behind it.
Styling tip:
Keep it small and clean so it remains timeless. Fun doesn’t mean it has to be messy. With proper placement and high-quality workmanship, it will continue to look good – even years from now.
Quotes or text
Sharing a sentence together can be super powerful. It is as if you literally wear words on your skin, a daily reminder of your bond or a special memory.
Consider, for example:
- One sentence split into two parts – that way each of you has a half and fit together as one.
- Words with personal meaning – a short word or phrase that only you understand, for example, a nickname, a quote or a word from an inside joke.
- Handwriting of each other – have each other write and put that on each other. It feels intimate and authentic, as if you carry each other with you always.
Tip: Choose something timeless. Trends come and go, but a text with meaning will always remain relevant. And fair is fair: a well-chosen phrase or word not only remains beautiful to look at, it also gives you a smile or a memory every time you look at it. Think of a shared phrase like: To infinity … and beyond!
Where do you get a best friend tattoo?
The location of your tattoo determines how visible (and how personal) it feels.
Popular spots include:
- Wrist (visible and subtle)
- Ankle (clean and elegant)
- Behind the ear (discreet)
- Finger (small and intimate)
Small tattoos work best here. They are easy to combine and remain stylish .
Tips INKORPORATED (so you won’t regret it)
We say it honestly: a tattoo is forever. So take your time.
Consider this:
- Choose something that also works loose (for yourself)
- Listen to your tattoo artist
- Start small when in doubt
In addition, we often see people wanting everything at once. But precisely by building up slowly, you make better choices.
Mother’s day idea: tattoos with meaning
Something a little different than flowers or chocolate, but at least as special. Mother’s Day is coming up, and more and more people are choosing to celebrate that bond with their mother in a lasting way: a tattoo. It’s personal, unexpected and often much more valuable than a standard gift.
Consider:
- Matching tattoos with your mother – for example, a small symbol you both wear, such as a heart, star or a miniature flower.
- A symbol that represents your bond – a sun and moon, an anchor, or something that symbolizes your favorite activity together.
- A subtle reminder – a date, initials or a short word that is meaningful between you.
What is so great about this idea: it is all yours together. It can be minimalist, subtle and elegant, or playful and unique. It will be a memory that you will literally carry with you.
Tip: stop by INKORPORATED together and get advice from our tattoo artists. We will be happy to think with you about a design that perfectly fits your bond, style and personal story. That way, Mother’s Day will not only be special, but also unforgettable every time you look at your tattoo.
Ready to do something lasting together?
Whether you go for a minimal tattoo or something with a story – the important thing is that it fits you. At INKORPORATED, we help you with:
- Choosing the right design
- Plaatsing die klopt
- High-end finishing
Book your appointment or walk in with your bestie and make a moment of it.
Recap
- Best friend tattoos are a way to capture your bond
- Choose between matching or complementary
- Go for something personal and timeless
- Think carefully about placement and style
- Make it an experience, together
A best friend tattoo is not just any tattoo. It is a memory that you will always carry with you.
And that makes it perhaps the most beautiful one you can put 🖤
