When making class T-shirts for sports festivals or cultural festivals, many people also add a name on the back.
Speaking of back names, the classic style is to put a name above the jersey number.
Recently, though, it’s become common to use nicknames, catchphrases, or even little jokes that make people chuckle.
There are surely many who want matching back names that pair up with close friends, too!
In this article, we’ll introduce ideas for paired back names that friends can use together.
Use them as inspiration to create class T-shirts that will make lasting memories.
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Back-of-shirt pair nicknames for friends: Top class T-shirt ideas (1–10)
the ◯◯ community
How about using the word “kaiwai” (community/scene) on nicknames or class T-shirts to clearly show that you’re part of one group? What matters is what you put in the “XX” part—think carefully about the common traits your pair or class shares and coin a term accordingly.
You can put any word there, but since it’s followed by ‘kaiwai,’ using kanji for the word gives it a cohesive look and is recommended.
The process of collaborating to decide which word best represents you might also help strengthen your group bond.
Please give me (some) height / I will give you (some) height
When there’s a height difference between you and your friend, we’d love for you to try these back-name prints! On the taller person’s T-shirt, write “I’ll give you height,” and on the shorter person’s shirt, write “Please give me height.” It’s a strong comedic twist, so it’ll probably become a talking point with everyone.
It also gives the impression that you complement each other’s shortcomings, which showcases how close you are.
If you think in terms of “I’ll give you ___,” there seem to be lots of fun variations you can try!
Telepathy / Transmission of the mind
How about using the first and second halves of a four-character idiom as matching nicknames on your backs with friends? You can choose any idiom you like, but some of you might be thinking, “If we’re doing it anyway, I want words that have meaning and match with my friend.” In that case, we recommend “以心” and “伝心.” It’s a perfect phrase for friends who are truly in sync! When you take a photo that shows the names on your backs, be mindful of your positions so that it reads as “以心伝心.”
MBTI assessment
The MBTI test is a personality assessment that became popular on social media.
By answering questions, your personality is identified from among 16 types, and the results are expressed in four-letter Roman characters like INFP or ESTJ.
This idea is to use your MBTI result as the name on the back of a shirt.
Since just using the result might overlap with friends, it’s a good idea to make the back name “Your Name + the four-letter MBTI type.” It’s fun to do this with a close friend, and it could be an even more interesting idea for a larger group.
S pole / N pole
The S pole and N pole naturally attract each other, right? In other words, this is a back-name that gives people around you the impression of destiny—like it was inevitable that you’re best friends or would get along well.
If you want to show off how close you are with a friend, this back-name is highly recommended! The message is easy to understand, so it will resonate with anyone.
It might also be fun to express the S and N poles not just with words but through the design.
You could even make the T-shirt color blue for the S pole and red for the N pole.
Kinoko no Yama / Takenoko no Sato
Try using something that comes as a pair for your jersey names with a friend to feel that “two-as-one” team spirit! For those who love sweets, we recommend “Kinoko no Yama” and “Takenoko no Sato.” Since debates often arise over which side you’re on, these two snacks are commonly seen as a set! Discuss together and decide who will be the mushroom and who will be the bamboo shoot.
It’s a jersey name idea that’s playfully topical while also having a cute charm.
What time is it now / You matter to me
Ask “What time is it?” and reply, “You’re what matters.” At first glance they don’t seem like a pair, but side by side these back names really shine with style.
Once people see they’re a set, you can clearly show off your close bond—perfect for matching with a best friend! Of course, they work great for couples too.
Adding a heart, star, or exclamation mark after the words changes the vibe, so that’s recommended as well.
If you want an unexpected twist or a back name that won’t overlap with others, give this a try!