Matching Tattoos: Best Ideas for Couples and Best Friends
There’s something special about getting inked with your person. Whether it’s your ride-or-die best friend, your partner, your sibling, or your whole chaotic friend group—matching tattoos hit different.
It’s not just about the ink. It’s the experience. The inside joke. The permanent reminder that you chose each other. And unlike promise rings or friendship bracelets, tattoos don’t fall off in the shower.
Why Matching Tattoos Are Having a Moment
Couple tattoos and best friend tattoos have always been a thing, but they’ve evolved. Gone are the days of cheesy puzzle pieces and “best/friends” splits. Today’s matching tattoos are subtle, stylish, and actually cool.
The new rules? Match without being too matchy. Complement each other without being identical. Show your connection without needing to explain it to every random person on the subway.
Matching Tattoo Ideas We Love
Looking for inspiration? Here are some of our favorite concepts that actually work:
Same Design, Different Placement
Both get the same tiny star—one on the wrist, one behind the ear. You know they match, but it’s not obvious to everyone else. It’s like a secret handshake in ink form.
Complementary Designs
Sun and moon. Lock and key. Two halves of the same geometric shape. These work together as a pair but also stand alone as individual pieces.
Matching Symbols
Small hearts. Simple stars. Minimal line drawings. When the design is simple enough, you don’t need to get creative with variations—just get the same thing and own it.
Coordinates or Dates
The coordinates of where you met. The date of something meaningful. It’s personal, it’s permanent, and strangers will have no idea what those numbers mean.
Line Art Portraits
Minimalist line drawings of faces that represent each other. Abstract enough to be artistic, personal enough to be meaningful.
Inside Jokes
That one phrase that makes you both crack up. A symbol that references a shared memory. These are the best matching tattoos because they’re impossible for anyone else to decode.
Pet Portraits (Yes, Really)
If you share custody of a dog, why not both get matching tiny versions of their face? It’s cute. We’re not judging.
Why Flash Designs Work Great for Matching Tattoos
Here’s a secret: flash tattoos are perfect for matching ink. Here’s why:
Consistency
When you pick a flash design, you know exactly what you’re getting. Both of you get the exact same art, executed the same way. No variations, no “well yours looks slightly different” disappointment.
Speed
Flash is ready to go. No back-and-forth with design consultations. You pick it, you get it. This is especially clutch if you’re doing a spontaneous matching tattoo situation (we’ve seen it happen).
Affordability
Getting matching custom work means paying for custom design twice. Flash eliminates that. Our designs start at just $44 for micro pieces—that’s $88 total for you and your person to get matching ink.
Proven Designs
Flash designs exist because they work. They’ve been refined, they age well, and they look good on different body types and skin tones. No design regret.
Planning Your Matching Tattoo Session
So you’ve decided to do it. Here’s how to make it smooth:
Come in Together
Half the fun is the shared experience. Book at the same time, get tattooed together (or back-to-back if the shop has one artist). Make an afternoon of it.
Agree on the Design First
This sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised. Hash out what you both actually want before you walk in. Browse our flash designs together online or come in and pick from the walls.
Think About Sizing
Matching doesn’t have to mean identical size. If one of you wants it a little bigger or smaller, that’s fine. The design stays the same.
Consider Placement
Same spot on each of you creates a stronger visual match. Different spots give you both more individual ownership. Neither is wrong—just decide what vibe you’re going for.
Walk-Ins Welcome for Groups
Here’s the thing we love about matching tattoo sessions: they’re spontaneous. You’re hanging out, someone says “we should get matching tattoos,” and suddenly you’re googling “tattoo shops near me.”
We get it. That’s why we’re walk-in friendly at all three of our locations—Greenpoint, Williamsburg, and Bowery. You and your crew can roll up, pick a design, and make it happen same-day.
For bigger groups (three or more), it might be worth calling ahead just so we can make sure we’ve got enough artists available. But couples and duos? Just come on in.
What If We Break Up?
The question everyone thinks but doesn’t always ask. Here’s the honest answer: it happens. People get matching tattoos and then life changes.
A few thoughts:
Pick designs that stand alone. A tiny heart is a tiny heart—it doesn’t scream “I have a matching one with someone.” If things go south, you still have a cool tattoo.
Avoid names. Just… avoid names. Symbols, images, abstract designs—all good. Names are risky.
Consider the memory, not just the person. Even if relationships change, the memory of getting tattooed together can still be meaningful. Some people keep matching tattoos with exes because it represents a chapter of their life.
Cover-ups exist. If you really hate it later, a skilled artist can cover or rework almost anything.
Friendship Tattoos: Different Vibe, Same Energy
Best friend tattoos often have lower stakes than couple tattoos—friendships tend to be more stable than romantic relationships (sorry, but true). This means you can go a little more overt with the matching.
Friendship tattoos are also great for bigger groups. Three best friends? Three matching moons. Five cousins? Same tiny symbol on everyone. It’s a group bonding experience that creates a permanent memento.
Ready to Match?
Grab your person. Pick a design. Make it permanent.
We’ve got flash designs perfect for matching tattoos at all price points, starting at just $44 for micro pieces. And we’re always down for the energy that comes with a group walking in ready to get inked together.
Walk-ins welcome. Appointments available. Brooklyn’s waiting.
Let’s make some memories. 🖤