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Trio tattoos are three matching tattoos that show a special connection between three people, like siblings or best friends. They can have the exact same design or slight variations. These tattoos are a creative and heartfelt way to ink a special bond on your skin. The chosen symbol can represent shared experiences, common interests, or a strong emotional memory between the trio.

One of the latest surveys from the Pew Research Center states that 32% of Americans have a tattoo, and 22% of them have more than one. In this research, tattooed Americans were also asked why they got tattoos. 69% of tattooed American adults say they got a tattoo to honor a special someone or remember something particular in their life. Less than 47% of them got a tattoo to make a statement about their beliefs. Only 32% of them got at least one tattoo to look physically better. 

A true best friend is forever, and so are tattoos (in theory). Therefore, besties honor that friendship with a pair of matching BFF tattoos. If your siblings are your besties, then you can get 3 family members tattoos. We’ve compiled a list featuring everything from bees, birds, whales, feathers, skeletons, and ghosts. Oh, and pandas, of course! Don’t forget to vote for your favorite!

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    #3

    Three arms with matching feather tattoos, showcasing a creative trio tattoo design concept.

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    Yvonne Bernal
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    VERY different from any tattoo I've ever seen before. Very tasteful

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    #4

    Arms with matching bird trio tattoos, colorful nails, showcasing unique tattoo ideas.

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    Amanda Panda
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My best friend and I (of 22 years) actually have something similar. Just 2 black birds, on the outside of our wrists, to remind us that we always fly together.

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    Where is the Best Place to Get a Bff Tattoo?

    There is no perfect place to get trio matching tattoos. According to Cosmopolitan, the wrist is ideal for small tattoos. At the same time, the calf is best for medium or large matching tattoos. Here are other things to consider when you decide to go matchy-matchy forever with your bestie: 

    Get Something Meaningful

    Choose a meaningful design for both of you. It could represent a shared interest, an inside joke, or a symbol of your friendship.

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    Agree on the Tattoo Placement

    Decide where both of you want the tattoos on your body. Typical spots include wrists, ankles, or shoulders. But you don't have to have them in the same place. Choosing a location you’re both comfortable with is essential. Your daily life plays a unique role in whether you can ink a matching tattoo on a visible body part or keep it under a shirt.

    Get a Customizable Design 

    Opt for a design that can be personalized in friendship or special sibling relationships. A matching BFF tattoo or meaningful siblings tattoo for 3, may not be identical, but two customizable parts complete a pattern. This way, while the tattoos match, they still reflect your unique personality.

    When getting a matching BFF tattoo, the best place is wherever feels most special and meaningful to you and your bestie. It’s the bond you’re celebrating, not the tattoo.

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    What is the Symbol for Friendship Tattoos?

    The most common symbol for friendship tattoos is the infinity symbol with a heart. This design represents an everlasting and heartfelt bond between friends. 

    Another popular symbol is the Trinity Knot from the Celtics, which signifies eternal friendship and loyalty. Trinity Knot is very popular for its unique 3 best friends tattoos. 

    Besides, the quatrefoil, a four-leafed clover-like design, is often used to represent friendship and luck in tattoos for 3 friends. However, the symbol for a friendship tattoo can be any design that holds personal meaning and significance for the individuals involved. 

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    #20

    Two matching triangle tattoos on forearms, showcasing a night sky design.

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    Yvonne Bernal
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They must like triangles... the background is also filled with them. It's the same shape made when holding hands!

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    #22

    Trio tattoos of paper airplanes on skin with dotted flight paths forming hearts.

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    #23

    Minimalist trio tattoos of flowers on intertwined wrists, showcasing vibrant colors and delicate designs.

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    #25

    Two women showing trio tattoos on arms, featuring a heart and colorful designs, smiling at each other.

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    Yvonne Bernal
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    These girls look like twins. I LOVE it when your sister is also your BEST friend. <3

    #26

    Compass and anchor trio tattoos, symbolizing "keep you wild" and "keep you safe," on two people's arms.

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    #34

    Wolf design duo tattoos on forearms, part of trio tattoo ideas for group expression.

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    Dessira Buchholz
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So they have to link arms for them to match? The halves should be the other way to make this work.

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    #35

    Minimalist trio tattoos of linked hands on wrists, featuring small red hearts above each design.

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    #42

    Three matching pineapple tattoos on ankles, symbolizing trio tattoo ideas with vibrant, fun designs.

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    Ddie
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Omg my aunt and her friend literally have the same tattoos in the same places

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    #44

    Three matching elephant trio tattoos on ankles, symbolizing unity and friendship.

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    Kirsten Lee
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    my boyfriends brothers girlfriend has a tattoo like that and i like it i want one

    #45

    Two feet with bee trio tattoos on wooden floor.

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    #46

    Two women showing trio tattoos on their backs, featuring celestial designs.

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    #47

    Three hands with matching small trio tattoos on fingers, symbolizing unity and friendship.

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    #50

    Three legs with trio tattoos: sun, small moon, and a minimalist design, standing on sandy ground.

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    Cal the dragon (she/her)
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    ANOTHER idea for me and my bestie. Her with the sun, me with the moon. We have friendship bracelets like this actually 💖

    #56

    Delicate trio tattoos of flowers on collarbone with cursive script, showcasing simple and elegant design.

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    #59

    Trio hand tattoos on two arms, showcasing minimalist design and creativity.

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    How Do You Combine Tattoo Ideas?

    Combining tattoo ideas is the most important process. Especially if it’s a 3 friends tattoo. Here’s a simple guide to ease the process of customizing your permanent friendship symbol.

    1. Define the Concept. 

    Choose a special memory or a specific mutual interest that best represents the connection of the 3 of you. It can be anything from initials, dates, figures, animals, etc.

    2. Agree on the Design. 

    Will it be the same design for the three of you? Is it best to place it in the same body part? If you’re going to be flexible about the matching tattoos, how do you want your piece to be designed?

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    3. Get Inspired Online.

    Look for images, photos, or illustrations related to your tattoo idea. These will serve as visual references and inspiration for your design.

    4. Make a Sketch

    Sketch a draft of your tattoo combining elements from your chosen references. If you can't create it, use a design tool and help the tattoo artist understand your idea. 

    5. Consider the Overall Composition

    The final results in trio tattoos are a good combination of different elements. Three different pieces complete a pattern, and they should all fit together. Consider size, placement, and how the pieces will flow together.

    6. Consult With an Expert 

    Accepting suggestions after bringing your concept to a skilled tattoo artist is your smartest move. Experts know best. They can provide feedback, make adjustments, and eventually get your design to life even better than you imagined. 

    #60

    Minimalist trio tattoos featuring dinosaur and rhino designs on two people's arms.

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    #61

    Matching trio tattoos with birds and leaves on ankles, two women in sandals.

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    weatherwitch
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I wish this had been taken at a lower angle, it looks like a lot of good detail isn't showing up from the angle of the pic.

    #62

    Mountain trio tattoos on inner arms, showcasing minimalist design.

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    #64

    Two hands with geometric trio tattoos on ring fingers, against a yellow brick wall.

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    #66

    Feather trio tattoos on thighs, showcasing detailed, matching designs with a bohemian style.

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    #67

    Matching trio tattoos on forearms, featuring a vertical line design resembling a pine tree.

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    #68

    Two individuals with matching trio tattoos featuring arrows entwined on their sides, showcasing friendship-themed body art.

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    #69

    Black and white photo of two people showing trio tattoos on their calves, featuring a planet, key, and moon.

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    #70

    Minimalist trio tattoos of mountains and a crescent moon on wrists by the ocean.

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    #77

    Minimalist trio tattoos of stick figure girls with tin can phones on forearms.

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    #78

    Matching crescent moon tattoos on two forearms, representing trio tattoo ideas.

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    #80

    Two small flower trio tattoos on wrists amidst green foliage.

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    #82

    Two friends showing matching key tattoos on their arms, symbolizing trio tattoos and friendship.

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    #84

    Two feet with matching avocado tattoos, showcasing trio tattoo ideas on grass background.

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    #86

    Three hands forming a complete geometric tattoo pattern, symbolizing trio tattoo ideas with a floral design.

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    #87

    Matching winged helmet trio tattoos on two forearms, symbolizing unity in a creative design.

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    #88

    Three minimalist tattoos on fingers, featuring small geometric designs. Perfect trio tattoo inspiration.

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    #90

    Matching compass trio tattoos on thighs with feather details.

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    #91

    Trio tattoos of crescent moons and stars on ankles, symbolizing unity and friendship.

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    #92

    Close-up of two hands with geometric trio tattoos, depicting simple diamond shapes in black ink.

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    #94

    Three matching outline tattoos of hands making pinky promises on different people’s arms.

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    #95

    Minimalist trio tattoos on two arms featuring pinky promise line art.

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    #96

    Two women with flower crowns and matching trio tattoos on their necks, symbolizing unity and friendship.

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    #97

    Trio tattoos of skull outlines on two arms, facing each other.

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    #98

    Trio tattoos featuring whimsical designs on arms, highlighting unique and artistic expressions.

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    #99

    Minimalist constellation trio tattoos on two forearms, showcasing a simple yet creative design.

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    #100

    Trio tattoos of pink roses on two forearms, showcasing matching floral designs.

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    #102

    Trio tattoos featuring a hand with plants growing from the wrist, symbolizing growth and connection.

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    #103

    Two people with matching trio tattoos of mountains and a sun on their ribs, showcasing creative tattoo designs.

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    #104

    Matching trio tattoos of hands holding pears on two arms.

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    Rajani Sarasan
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I HAVE to understand some of these tattoos... Why would someone get a pear on their body?

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    #105

    Two women with matching trio tattoos of a tent and phrase "Partons à l'aventure" on their upper backs.

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