Pose & style reference · Hand gestures
Chin pose: L hand under the chin (八字手势)
Also called: 八字手势, L hand under chin, chin V pose, hand under chin pose
In short
The chin pose rests the open thumb and index finger in an L or V shape along the jaw, with the chin sitting in the angle between them. In China it is called 八字手势, the eight-character gesture, because the two fingers look like the character 八, and it is a popular selfie pose that frames the jawline and looks quietly confident.
Reference photos
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What the chin pose says
The hand acts as a frame. Fingers along the jaw draw the eye to the face and suggest a sharp jawline, while the relaxed thumb-and-index shape looks thoughtful rather than posed. Worn with a slight smirk it reads as cool or self-assured; with a big smile and tilted head it turns playful.
The name comes from the Chinese character 八 (eight), whose two strokes spread apart like the thumb and index finger. The same shape is the Chinese hand sign for the number eight.
Variations
- One-hand classic: thumb under the chin, index finger along the jaw toward the ear.
- Two-hand frame: both hands in L shapes, chin resting between them like a flower in a cup.
- Thinking chin: index finger on the cheek, thumb under the chin, eyes looking up and away.
- Pointed chin: L shape held a little away from the face as if presenting it.
- Cool mirror version: hand under the chin with the head turned to three-quarter view.
How to draw a hand under the chin
Decide which surface carries the weight. If the head rests on the hand, the thumb pad presses into the soft area under the jaw and the skin bulges slightly; if the hand only frames, leave a tiny gap. The index finger follows the jaw line toward the ear, slightly curved.
Fold the remaining three fingers loosely so they sit below the jaw, not in front of the mouth. The wrist should angle down and away from the neck. A frequent mistake is drawing the index finger straight up the cheek, which looks like a pointing gesture instead of a frame.
Posing and selfie angles
Hold the camera slightly above eye level and turn the face a little to one side; the hand on the near side frames the jaw best. Keep the elbow low and close to the body so the arm does not dominate the frame.
Do not let the hand push the face up: rest it lightly so the cheek keeps its shape. A short telephoto or the phone's 2x lens flattens the hand and face into a neater shape than the wide selfie lens.
FAQ
What is the 八字手势 pose?
A Chinese selfie pose where the thumb and index finger form an L or V under the chin, named after the character 八 (eight).
What does the hand under chin pose mean?
It suggests confidence or thoughtfulness and frames the jawline; with a smile it becomes cute and playful.
How do I do the chin pose without looking stiff?
Rest the hand lightly, keep the elbow low, tilt the head slightly and look just past the lens.