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Matching tattoos have a reputation problem. Mention the idea and someone will inevitably bring up the couple who got each other’s names tattooed and broke up four months later. But matching tattoos can mean so much more than that. They can be a small symbol shared by sisters, a line from a favorite song chosen by a group of friends, or the same flower picked by a mother and daughter for completely different reasons.

We’re a tattoo studio in King’s Cross, London, and we see pairs and groups come through our doors regularly. The best matching tattoos tend to have one thing in common: they mean something to the people wearing them, even if nobody else would understand the significance. We’ve gathered 16 examples below, along with the stories behind them.

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#1

Two Dogs Climbing Out Of Portals

Matching ink ideas: two people showcasing matching pet portrait tattoos on their arms.

Two friends who live in different cities. Each got the other's dog holding their drink of choice, which tells you exactly what these two do when they finally manage to be in the same place.

Tattoos done by Shanji.

Sacred Gold Tattoo London Report

The best part about a matching tattoo is that there really aren't any rules. You don't have to get the same design, put it in the same place, or even choose something that makes sense to anyone else. It can be a tiny symbol, a shared reference, two completely different designs, or simply something that reminds you of a particular person and a particular time in your life.

If you're getting tattooed together, make the day part of the memory too. Choose an artist whose style you both love, take your time deciding on the designs, and enjoy the experience rather than worrying about making everything perfectly identical.

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    #2

    Husband And Wife, No Hidden Meaning, Just Two Apples Having A Lovely Time

    Matching ink ideas: two people with adorable matching apple tattoos on their legs.

    Sacred Gold Tattoo London Report

    #3

    Two Robins, Two Moods

    Two arms with matching ink of a small and large robin bird, perched on a branch with flowers, showcasing matching ink ideas.

    Same bird, same branch, completely different tattoo for 2 sisters. One went minimal, one went full colour.

    Neither of them compromised, which is rarer than it sounds.

    Tattoos made by Shanji.

    Sacred Gold Tattoo London Report

    And don't be afraid to make it personal. The tattoos in this list work because they belong to the people wearing them. Some celebrate family, some friendship, some shared adventures, and some are simply an excuse to do something fun together.

    Years from now, you might not remember exactly what the tattoo looked like on the day you got it. But you'll probably remember who was sitting next to you, what you were laughing about, and how excited you were to walk out of the studio together.

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    That's what makes a great matching tattoo worth getting: it's not really about matching. It's about sharing a moment you'll always have with you.

    #4

    Two Wizards

    Two individuals showing off matching ink ideas of gnome tattoos on their forearms, with other tattoos visible above.

    A slightly grumpy cartoon wizard tattoo as a reminder of the childhood toy they both loved.

    Not every matching tattoo needs a reason. Sometimes you both just think something is funny or brings you warm emotions.

    Tattoos made by Marie.

    Sacred Gold Tattoo London Report

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    #5

    "Love You Always"

    Two arms with vibrant, matching butterfly ink, each with 'love you always' text, showcasing matching ink ideas.

    Two sisters, a butterfly each, and their mum's handwriting underneath both.


    Tattoos done by Fernando.

    Sacred Gold Tattoo London Report

    #6

    Two Small Sardines

    Matching ink ideas: two people showing off fish tattoos on their forearms.

    Two friends and one inside joke. They know why it's a fish. Nobody else does, and that's usually the sign of a good one.


    Tattoos made by Junior.

    Sacred Gold Tattoo London Report

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    #7

    Three Friends, Three Tattoos, One Very Good Day

    Three friends show off their fresh matching ink ideas, bandaged on their arms and legs after getting tattoos.

    Matching tattoos don't have to mean matching designs. These three came over from the US and walked in together to mark the friendship, then each picked something completely different.

    Same day, same artist, three personalities intact, one shared experience.

    Tattoos done by Edyta.

    Sacred Gold Tattoo London Report

    #8

    Coldplay Fans

    Matching ink ideas: a couple showing off their matching ink on their forearms, featuring colorful phrases.

    They went to a Coldplay gig, had a lot of fun and decided to take home a souvenir with their favourite lyrics.

    Husband and wife, straight from a Coldplay show in London, decided the night needed something more permanent than a tour t-shirt.


    Tattoos done by Edyta.

    Sacred Gold Tattoo London Report

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    #9

    A Hen Party That Ended In A Tattoo Studio

    A group of friends with a tattoo artist, celebrating matching ink ideas and personal stories.

    Sashes, a bride-to-be, and five friends who decided the day needed a permanent souvenir.

    Most hen parties come with a list of things you're made to do. This is the only part still visible the next morning.

    Tattoos made by Matt.

    Sacred Gold Tattoo London Report

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    #10

    "What Color?"

    Two people with matching ink of the phrase What Color? on their arm and thigh, showcasing matching ink ideas.

    Two words from a film they both love, in color letters.


    Tattoos made by Junior.

    Sacred Gold Tattoo London Report

    Julie S
    Community Member
    Premium
    36 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Spelt wrong/ j

    #11

    Two Sisters, Two Stingrays

    Matching ink ideas: two people with matching heart tattoos on their forearms, standing with a tattoo artist.

    And honestly, stingrays make a pretty great sister tattoo. They glide through life looking completely unbothered — which is probably a useful quality to share with your sister.


    Tattoos made by Junior.

    Sacred Gold Tattoo London Report

    #12

    Family Trip To King's Cross Escalated Slightly

    A group of five people smiling in front of a tattoo shop, showcasing their positive experience with matching ink ideas.

    Getting four people to agree on lunch is hard. Getting them to agree on something permanent is another sport entirely.


    Tattoos made by Fernando.

    Sacred Gold Tattoo London Report

    #13

    Three Good Colleagues And Their Employer’s Logo

    Three forearms crossed, each displaying a small, simple matching ink idea of a citrus slice tattoo.

    Three people who work at the same company got its logo tattooed on their forearms, then went to a corporate event that afternoon.

    Nobody made them do it, and that's the part of the story and shows the great culture they work in.

    Tattoos done by Shinji.

    Sacred Gold Tattoo London Report

    #14

    Three Tourists Taking Home A Permanent Souvenir From London

    Four women stand outside Sacred Gold, a tattoo, piercing, and jewelry shop, showcasing matching ink ideas from tattoo artists.

    Tattoos made by Carou.

    Sacred Gold Tattoo London Report

    #15

    The Pixies Logo, Inked Twice And Matt Having Fun

    Three men pose in a tattoo studio, two of them showing off their fresh matching ink, demonstrating matching ink ideas.

    Two fans, son and dad sharing the same passion and taste in music.


    Tattoos made by Matt.

    Sacred Gold Tattoo London Report

    #16

    Mum's First Tattoo

    Close-up of three people's hands and forearms displaying various matching ink ideas, including small stars and text tattoos.

    Her daughters have been tattooed for years. When their mum decided to get her first one, they got the same sparkles to give her courage and mark their bond forever.

    Tattoos done by Junior.

    Sacred Gold Tattoo London Report