One summer night my friend Claire and I sketched stupid little cartoon ghosts on our arms and promised we’d get matching ink someday – we were more drunk on fries than on bravery, but the idea stuck. I still giggle looking at tear-streaked photos of us trying to hold perfectly mirrored fingers, imagining a tattoo artist trying not to laugh.
I’m writing this because funny matching tattoos for best friends are the kind of small rebellion that turns into the best stories, and you deserve a gallery of ideas that make you grin first and overthink later. I have a few of my own tiny shared pieces and learned a lot about placement, size, and how to avoid regret (spoiler – start tiny).
Below you’ll find 25 playful, slightly ridiculous, and actually sweet ideas for funny matching tattoos for best friends – each pin is paired with my real reaction, a tiny anecdote, and notes to help you pick the perfect laugh-and-love design.
These 25 Funny Matching Tattoos for Best Friends Will Make You Want to Book an Appointment
Three Cartoon Crew
Cute little trio vibes here. My immediate thought was that this would be perfect split across three friends who never stop roasting each other. If you love playful black-and-white linework, this design screams “inside joke” without shouting.
Two Chirpy Birds
Perfect for the friends who gossip over coffee. The simple silhouettes make for an easy small tattoo you can hide or flash. Imagine them perched on matching ankles – adorable and low-commitment.
Sunglass Ghosts
This one made me laugh out loud – three little ghosts wearing shades like they own the night. I once convinced a tattoo artist to add a tiny party hat to a ghost and they actually did it; worth every giggle. These are ideal when you want a silly shared symbol that feels unique.
Hat-Wearing Animals
A hat makes everything snobbier, apparently. This design would work great as matching calf tattoos if you and a friend have complementary styles. Try swapping hat types between you for subtle personalization.
Cheese & Hands
This cracked me up since someone always brings snacks. There’s something delightfully domestic about two people holding hands with one person clutching a slice of cheese. If you and your bestie have a favorite snack, think about a tiny riff like this for a laugh-and-love tattoo.
Sponge & Buddy
Nostalgia plus nonsense equals a winner. I can see SpongeBob and Patrick as matching ankle tats for childhood-best-friend duos. Also, matching cartoon pieces age well if you pick clean linework.
Tiny Foot Tattoos
These look like the kind of thing you’d get at a beach weekend – discreet and flirty. Feet heal weirdly, so be prepared for extra aftercare, but the payoff is cute shared tiny art. Consider matching toes for a summer-only reveal.
Matching Arm Lines
Clean, minimal, and surprisingly meaningful. I recommended a similar simple arm line to my cousin and she loved how subtle it felt. This is a safe bet if you want something chic and not too silly.
Wine Leg Tats
A match made in happy hour heaven. These would be fantastic for friends who share a love of corks and bad decisions at brunch. Think about small glass silhouettes so it’s cute but not over-the-top.
Crafty Drawings
Hand-drawn sketches translate well to tattoo flash when kept simple. I once turned a doodle on a napkin into a tiny arm piece with a friend – it felt like carrying a private joke. This one would be great split into mirrored halves.
Snail Stack
So absurd and soft at the same time. This would make a cute small wrist or ankle tattoo for two pals who move at their own pace. Use matching placement for the full “stack” effect.
Party Cats
Cat wearing sunglasses with a beer? Yes please. If your crew worships weekend vibes, these little partying cats say it all without words. A matching set like this is low-effort high-fun.
Ghost Graffiti
Tiny marker ghosts have such a joyful DIY energy. You could literally draw these on a napkin and take them to your artist. For best results, keep lines bold so they age nicely.
Finger Doodles
Simple finger faces are the original inside joke. Match these with a friend and you get a micro-tattoo that winks every time you point. I love how tiny and communicative these are.
Music Legs
Two people, two playlists, one matching tattoo – very poetic. This design would suit festival friends who bonded over shared earbuds. Placement on the shin looks playful and keeps it visible.
Simple Leg Pair
Minimal matching legs say “we’re in this” without screaming it. If you want a low-key but meaningful mark, consider these right above the ankle. Matching size keeps things harmonious.
Four-Foot Crew
Group tattoos for the squad are my favorite kind of chaos. Four small letters split between friends is such a fun concept for bachelorette crews or lifelong pals. Make sure everyone agrees on the exact placement before booking.
Finger Friends
Two fingers interacting is the cutest possible micro scene. These tiny tattoos are great for people who want an everyday reminder of their other half. Consider matching the angle so they “complete” each other when you hold hands.
Matching Arm Art
Classic and comforting – arm tattoos like these read as friendship badges. I once matched a tiny moon with my best friend and it still makes me smile when the light hits it. Keep them small to avoid fighting over future touch-ups.
Tiny Leg Symbols
Subtle ankle or calf symbols are perfect for friends who want matching without matching loudly. Think about symbols that mean something private to you both – a plant, a number, a tiny bird. Those little choices make a tattoo feel like a secret handshake.
Cozy Leg Matches
This design seems soft and friendly, like a wearable inside joke. Two people getting matching leg tats at the same appointment is an unspoken ritual. If you’re nervous, schedule a consult together first.
Hand-Holding Wrist Ink
Wrist tattoos are intimate and visible – a daily nudge toward each other. My best friend and I have mirrored wrist dots and they function like tiny anchors on anxious days. Consider how often you’ll see it before committing.
Arm Embrace
This feels like a hug that doesn’t go away. Matching arms can be literal or abstract, and they’ll always photograph well when you take a thousand concert selfies. Keep the lines clean for longevity.
Cartoon Leg Duo
SpongeBob adjacent art plus a pet? Eclectic and hilarious. If your friendship is built on shared cartoons, this would be a perfect memorial to lazy afternoons together. These kinds of tattoos invite compliments and questions – be ready with the story.
Paper Menagerie
Multiple tiny animals look like a casual sticker sheet you haven’t finished peeling. A set like this is ideal for friend groups where everyone picks a different critter. Wait, actually… I once matched a tiny panda with my roommate and we got mistaken for twins for a whole weekend – hilarious and slightly confusing.
How to Actually Make This Work For You
Pick placement and size first, then design – it sounds backwards but you want the tattoo to suit the spot rather than forcing a giant goofy idea onto a tiny wrist. Talk to an artist whose style you love and bring reference images from this list, then ask for mockups at the exact scale you want; most shops will stencil it on so you can see how it moves with your body. Discuss color, line thickness, and future touch-ups honestly with your friend, and set clear expectations about care and cost so nobody feels awkward later. If you’re debating whether to do it now or wait, try a temporary or henna version on the exact spot for a week – the daily reality will tell you everything you need to know.
Frequently Asked Questions
Think about shared jokes, memories, or obsessions that still make you both laugh; choose a small, readable design and ask your artist for a life-size stencil so you can see it before inking. Match size and placement rather than forcing a large piece onto a small area.
Pain is placement-dependent and varies by person, not by whether you’re getting inked with someone else. Being with a friend often makes the experience less stressful, which helps.
Try tiny line tattoos, placement that can be covered when needed, or temporary henna to test your feelings. These let you live with the idea without the forever part right away.
Follow your tattoo artist’s aftercare instructions: keep it clean, use recommended ointment, avoid soaking, and protect from sun while healing. Proper care preserves detail and prevents infection.
Alright, pick a few favorites from above and save them to your phone or share this post with the friend who will always say yes to stupid matching ideas. If you need a plan, start small and book a consult together – you’ll get a feel for what actually works on your skin. I can’t wait to hear which goofy design you two choose – promise you’ll text me a photo?
