Zendaya and Tom Holland’s Matching Tattoos: A Hidden Message Before the Big Proposal
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Zendaya and Tom Holland’s relationship has captured the public’s imagination ever since they confirmed their romance in 2021. Their undeniable chemistry, both on-screen and off, has kept fans captivated, and their recent engagement, announced in early 2025, represents the latest chapter in their love story. Adding an extra layer of significance to their bond, the couple got matching tattoos just a month before Tom’s romantic proposal, marking a pivotal moment in their journey together.
Matching Tattoos: A Symbol of Connection
On November 27, 2024, Zendaya and Tom Holland made a discreet yet meaningful commitment by visiting the Boston Tattoo Company on Newbury Street in Massachusetts to get matching tattoos. Tom opted for a small “z” tattooed on top of his ribcage, while Zendaya chose a tiny “t” just beneath her armpit. The tattoos, representing each other’s initials, serve as a subtle yet powerful symbol of their deep connection.
Tattoo artist Lily Jarnryd, who had the honor of inking the couple, described the experience as delightful, saying, “They were lovely to meet and it was a lot of fun!” The tattoo session wasn’t just a couple’s activity; Zendaya’s mother also joined in on the fun, getting a small tattoo of her own, adding a family touch to the occasion. Despite the shop’s usual minimum charge of $150, the tattoos were reportedly discounted to $100, signaling the special nature of the event.
The tattoos would later attract even more attention when Zendaya’s “t” tattoo was visible at the Golden Globes in January 2025, peeking out from her strapless dress. This moment coincided with her debut of the engagement ring, fueling public interest in both the tattoo and the proposal.
A Romantic Proposal: A Month After the Tattoos
Between Christmas 2024 and New Year’s 2025, Tom Holland proposed to Zendaya in a romantic and intimate setting—one of Zendaya’s family homes in the United States. The proposal came just a month after the couple’s tattoo session, with the timing of their commitment captured in the timeline. Sources close to the couple confirmed the proposal as “very romantic and intimate,” with no family present to witness the moment. Holland had reportedly sought Zendaya’s father’s blessing months prior, showing that the proposal had been carefully planned and considered.
The engagement was officially confirmed by media outlets like TMZ and People on January 6, 2025, following Zendaya’s Golden Globes appearance, where she sported her engagement ring. This confirmed the rumors circulating on social media and solidified the couple’s status as one of Hollywood’s most adored pairs.
Public Reaction and the Cultural Significance of Tattoos
The news of Zendaya and Tom Holland’s matching tattoos, coupled with their engagement, quickly went viral. Fans noticed Zendaya’s tattoo at the Golden Globes, sparking a flurry of posts on social media platforms like X, where users celebrated the couple’s commitment. The matching tattoos have become a symbol of their enduring love, capturing the hearts of fans and fueling conversations about the role of body art in celebrity culture.
Tattoos as symbols of romantic partnership have become increasingly popular among celebrities, and Zendaya and Tom’s matching tattoos add a personal and unique element to their public narrative. The involvement of Zendaya’s mother in the tattoo session also underscores the importance of family in their relationship, contrasting with the private and intimate nature of the proposal itself.
Conclusion: A Love Story Sealed in Ink and Commitment
Zendaya and Tom Holland’s relationship continues to evolve in a beautiful and public way, with the couple marking key milestones through personal gestures like their matching tattoos. These tattoos, along with their recent engagement, reflect the couple’s growing commitment to each other. Fans have eagerly followed their journey, celebrating their connection at every turn—from their shared on-screen chemistry to these intimate, real-life moments. As they embark on this new chapter together, the tattoos serve as a permanent reminder of their bond, one that continues to thrive both in the spotlight and behind the scenes.