Teapot Posing: Why It Is Considered Irrelevant & How to Replace It

Teapot posing has earned a reputation for being one of the most infamous photographic poses ever. However, in 2022, one millennial TikToker called out the teapot pose and suggested it was time to let it go and adopt other postures while taking pictures.

People who love posing for pictures may not know the names of the stance they take to get their good angles, so it is normal for some to ask: "what is a teapot pose?" With the subject placing one hand on their hip, this pose has been called one of the industry's most overused and outdated poses.

Now, photography lovers are calling on everyone to experiment with different poses that allow them to express themselves more authentically and create a unique visual story that is more engaging and memorable.

Kerry Washington in a teapot pose backstage at "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" show on March 8, 2023 | Source: Getty Images

What Is a Teapot Pose?

The teapot pose, once called "The S Curve," is typically adopted by people under 30. It involves bending one knee while hyperextending the other leg. With the legs in place, the hand opposite the bent knee is placed on the hip.

The placement of the hand on the hip creates a certain angle with the arm, which is supposed to help the subject achieve a skinnier frame. The pose can be struck while standing sideways or facing forward.

Teapot posing is very popular among celebrities, who take this stance during red-carpet events. In 2022, a TikToker realized that 35 percent of stars who arrived at the SAG Awards red carpet alone did the teapot pose.

What Is the Problem with Teapot Posing?

In 2022, a millennial TikToker specializing in posing tips for all body types, Christine Buzan, sparked a debate by calling out the teapot pose. She suggested it was time to retire this clichéd pose and explore other postures that could add creativity and spontaneity to photos.

In her video, she remarked that the teapot pose looked fake and forced, and her content earned her an invite to "Good Morning America." On the show, she further stated that people choose the posture because of its reliability.

Long before the debate of whether or not to ditch the teapot pose, it was listed as one of the most flattering poses for the camera. The pose was credited as a universally flattering look that made one look slimmer because of the angle trickery created by the hand on the hip.

One expert even characterized Emily Ratajkowski by this pose as they suggested it was one of her signature postures for pictures because it made her look smarter and edgier while giving off a hint of attitude.

Adrienne Houghton in the teapot pose at the 65th GRAMMY Awards on February 5, 2023, in Los Angeles | Source: Getty Images

Ways to Replace the Teapot Pose

Buzan, who is all about body positivity, recommended a pose that could replace that of the teapot. She remarked that instead of putting one hand on the hip, the subject could rest both hands in front at the top of their legs.

Other poses that could replace the teapot are more natural poses like the walking man, where the subject is captured in motion, and the no-photos pose, which looks like the subject does not want to be photographed.

Phoebe Bridgers in the raptor pose at the TIME Women of the Year on March 8, 2023, in Los Angeles | Source: Getty Images

However, the raptor is the most popular pose set to replace the teapot on the red carpet. This pose, called the teapot's cousin, has the subject posing like they are holding an invisible mini purse. While teapot posing was once a famous photographic pose, it has become outdated and repetitive.

The call to explore new and diverse poses is a welcome change, as it encourages creativity and authenticity in photography, resulting in more dynamic and engaging images. If you need help with your posture, tap into the benefits of yoga.