A new trend is emerging among Gen Z for photo poses, with the "boob rest" pose gaining traction. This pose, characterized by casually draping a hand or hands across the chest, has been adopted by numerous young celebrities, including Selena Gomez, Dua Lipa, Hailey Bieber, and Millie Bobby Brown.
The pose can convey various messages, from a demure "caught off guard" look to a more overt acknowledgment of one's body. Content creator Lizzie Kloehn finds the pose natural and easy to adopt when photographed, comparing it to other common hand gestures like placing a hand on the hip or making a peace sign.
Neriyah Perez, a 22-year-old from Austin, Texas, notes that the pose can be interpreted differently. For some, it might highlight jewelry or a well-manicured hand, while for others, it draws attention to the chest area. Perez suggests that the pose can be used to project elegance and grace or to express comfort and confidence in one's own body.
Wedding photographer Mariela Campbell observes that the "boob rest" often emphasizes cleavage, a function she believes is intentional. However, she acknowledges that generational trends in posing are common. Previous generations had their signature poses, such as the millennial "teapot pose" or the "shmile" and "Gen Z pout" popular with younger demographics today. These trends evolve, with older styles like the "mustache finger" on Tumblr or the formal poses of the Sears-portrait generation becoming relics of the past.
Discussion has arisen regarding the appropriateness of the "boob rest" pose for formal occasions like weddings. Some, like band strategist Lindsay Hyatt, believe brides may later regret featuring the pose prominently in their wedding photos. Campbell, while guiding clients toward more natural poses during wedding photography, allows for more playful posing if it aligns with the couple's desires.
Photographer Kim Marquez stated that while she doesn't typically suggest the "boob rest" pose, she supports clients who feel confident doing it, viewing it as a collaborative effort to ensure their comfort and positive self-image. The pose, she notes, can be flattering when executed with confidence, and there's no reason men can't adopt it as well.