Some people just belong with you. Your best friend since primary school, the brother who's been through everything with you, the sister who knows you better than you know yourself. What better way to celebrate that than with a tattoo you both wear? Matching tattoos are hugely popular, and for good reason. In this post you'll find ideas, tips for choosing a design you'll both still love in ten years, and how to plan your appointment together.
What are matching tattoos?
Matching tattoos are tattoos that belong together. That can mean the exact same design, two halves that form one whole, or the same symbol in each person's own style. Friends, siblings, parents and their adult children and of course couples all get them. The idea is always the same: a lasting reminder of a bond.
Thinking of tiny matching symbols on your fingers? Read Finger tattoos first, because tattoos there tend to fade quickly.
Ideas for friendship tattoos
- The same small symbol: a heart, star, moon or wave. Simple, and that's what makes it timeless.
- An inside joke: a word, doodle or date that only you two get.
- Two halves: sun and moon, a lock and a key, or two puzzle pieces.
- A place that connects you: the coordinates of your city, a skyline or a tiny building.
- Handwriting: a word in each other's handwriting is beautiful and very personal.
Ideas for sibling tattoos
Brothers and sisters often choose something about family. Think of:
- Birth flowers: everyone gets their own flower, together they make a bouquet.
- Dots or lines: one for each child in the family, with your own spot marked.
- Initials: the first letters of all siblings, or of your parents.
- A childhood memory: that one cuddly toy, the house you grew up in or a drawing you made as a kid.
How to pick a design you'll both keep loving
A matching tattoo is a shared choice, but it's still your skin. A few tips:
- Choose something that works on its own too. A tattoo that means something to you alone stays meaningful, whatever happens.
- Same motif, own twist. One of you wants fine lines, the other something bolder? No problem. Your tattoos don't have to be identical to belong together.
- Size and placement can differ. What fits a slim wrist looks different on a broad forearm. Your artist adapts the design to each body.
- Nobody has to go along. If someone has doubts, that's fine. A tattoo should be a wholehearted yes for everyone.
Planning your appointment together
Coming as a duo or a whole group? Then planning helps. You can walk in, but with several people it's smart to book a tattoo appointment in advance so there's time for everyone. Usually you'll take turns in the chair, so you can cheer each other on.
Everyone gets a personal quote, because the price depends on size, detail and placement. Read more in how the price of a tattoo is determined.
Good to know: we only tattoo people aged 18 and over. Is your little brother or sister younger? Then wait together a bit longer. It'll make the moment even more special. Want to match in the meantime? Piercings are possible from age 12: between 12 and 16, a parent or guardian comes along and signs a consent form, and both your sibling and the parent or guardian bring ID. From 16 your sibling can come on their own with ID. All the details are on our minimum age page.
Aftercare: everyone their own
Even if you get the same tattoo, everyone looks after their own. You'll get aftercare advice from us, and everything is in our tattoo aftercare instructions (PDF). In short:
- healing usually takes about 2 weeks;
- touch your tattoo as little as possible and wash it twice a day with a mild, fragrance-free soap, then pat it dry with a clean towel or tissue;
- if you like, apply a thin layer of Bepanthen Wound Cream or another suitable tattoo aftercare cream with clean hands, and don't share your cream, not even with your tattoo twin;
- while it heals: no swimming pools, hot tubs, natural water, saunas or tanning beds, and no sun, not even with sunscreen.
Frequently asked questions
Do matching tattoos have to be exactly the same?
No. Many people choose the same motif in their own size, placement or style. Talk it through with your artist.
Can we get tattooed at the same time?
Usually you'll go one after the other. That's why it's best to book ahead when you're coming as a group.
Can my 16-year-old brother get one too?
No, we only tattoo people aged 18 and over.
Ready to make your bond permanent?
Piercings Works has been at Reguliersbreestraat 46 in Amsterdam since 2004 and around since 1998. We hold a GGD licence, have more than 2,000 reviews and our team speaks six languages, handy if your group of friends comes from different countries. Drop by or book your appointment, and we'll make it a moment to remember.