Understanding the Meaning Behind the Hand on Hip Pose

Co-authored by Devin McSween

Last Updated: January 20, 2023 References

The hands on hip pose can tell you a lot about what someone is thinking and feeling. According to body language experts, a person with their hands on their hips usually shows that they are confident, assertive, and ready to tackle a challenge. Plus, this pose (sometimes called a "power pose") can even make people feel instantly more capable and energized. Below, we’ll tell you everything you need to know. For your complete guide to understanding the psychology behind the hand on hips pose, read on.

Things You Should Know

Boost your confidence by placing your hands on your hips.
The hand on hip pose most commonly means you are confident, ready to take action, or angry.
Look out for someone’s hand placement to determine if their pose means they’re confident, aggressive, curious, or annoyed.

Section 1 of 4:

Power Posing

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The hand on hip pose can actually make you feel more confident. Studies show that poses that open up your chest and make you appear taller and wider, called power poses, can increase your confidence and make you feel more powerful.^{[1]
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- While research demonstrates that power posing helps people take risks and perform better in interviews, subsequent studies haven’t been able to replicate these findings.
- Try power posing with your hands on your hips for 2 minutes before heading into a stressful situation, like taking a test or giving a presentation. The pose might calm you down and help you feel more confident.^{[2]
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You can also reassure yourself with the hand on hip pose. Just like how the pose can make you feel more confident, placing your hands on your hips can assure you that you’re capable and know what you’re doing.^{[3]
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- It’s common to use this pose when you’re fixing something complex, such as a leaky sink, and need a moment to acknowledge that the task is hard but that you have the power to do it.

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What does it mean when someone puts their hands on their hips?

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The hand on hip pose usually means you're feeling confident. This is one of the most common, expert-backed reasons why people put their hands on their hips. This assertive pose commands attention which makes you look and feel more confident.^{[4]
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- Superheroes like Superman and Wonder Woman perfectly demonstrate the confidence, assertiveness, and authority this pose exudes.^{[5]
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- Models and celebrities put their hands on their hips to look confident and show that what they’re wearing is modern, cool, and fashionable.^{[6]
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This pose can also mean that you're ready for action. This is another very common meaning behind the pose. When you put your hands on your hips, you appear ready to take on any task or challenge that’s thrown your way.^{[7]
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- Police officers often place their hands on their hips to show that they’re ready to take charge. This pose is so common in police officers that you might be able to tell that someone is a cop when they’re not in uniform!^{[8]
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- Athletes use the pose to look dominant and show that they’re ready for their opponent.^{[9]
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A hand on hip pose can show that you're angry or threatening. Irritation and annoyance is another popular reason why people put their hands on their hips. Experts believe that this pose is a territorial display that signals to others that you will stand your ground if irritated or attacked.^{[10]
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- You often see this pose in confrontations. When you are arguing with someone, you might notice that you directly face them and put your hands on your hips.
- Parents often put their hands on their hips to lecture or reprimand their children.
- You will also see athletes put their hands on their hips when they don't agree with a referee’s call or judgment.^{[11]
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The hand on hip pose can also convey flirtatiousness. In a playful conversation, you might notice a woman put her hands on her hips to subtly draw attention to her waist and indicate her interest. Men will also use the pose to flirt because it makes them look taller and more confident.^{[12]
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- This meaning isn’t as popular, but be aware of this pose when you’re getting to know someone!
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Boredom is a less common meaning behind a hand on hips pose. During a dull conversion, you might find yourself looking for an exit with your hands on your hips. This is a more passive way to let someone know that you want them to change the subject, or else you might leave.^{[13]
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The hand on hip pose can also mean you are just relaxing or tired. This meaning is less common but will be easy to understand based on context. For example, runners often put their hands on their hips after a race to catch their breath and support their tired muscles.^{[14]
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Section 3 of 4:

Body Language Cues

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Look out for hands on their hips, with thumbs behind their back. This is the most common way someone will stand with their hands on their hips. The wide, open stance of this pose usually shows that someone's feeling confident, ready for action, or being aggressive and threatening.^{[15]
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- The stance of this pose makes people look large and intimidating. It can appear threatening because the hands are at a better position to defend the face if a confrontation turns physical.
- Men typically stand with their feet straight at about a shoulder width apart. Women might bend one knee or stretch one leg to the side.
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Notice if both hands are on their hips, with thumbs facing forward. This pose often indicates that someone is feeling curious. It still might mean that they are ready for action, just that they might not know what that action is yet.^{[16]
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Look out for just one hand on the hip, one hand resting by their side. This pose typically means that a line is about to be crossed with someone and they’re threatening action. If you see someone take on this pose while you’re talking, this can tell you that they disagree with what you’re saying.^{[17]
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See if the backs of both hands are resting on their hips. A pose like this usually means that someone is annoyed. This pose is more passive than when someone’s palms are resting on their hips, but still, they are probably exasperated about something and might even take action soon.^{[18]
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Notice when someone's balled fists are resting on their hips. This indicates that a person is angry or aggressive, and they might even be ready to fight. If you witness an argument where someone is in this position, give them something to hold to relax their fists.^{[19]
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Other Cues to Consider

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Look at someone's facial expressions to understand their pose’s meaning. You can’t always tell what the hand on hip pose means based on your conversation and hand placement. Look for anger cues like a furrowed brow and tight lips to tell if the pose is threatening and challenging, or for a high chin and bright smile to see if it’s confident and authoritative.^{[20]
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Trustworthy Source
American Psychological Association
Leading scientific and professional organization of licensed psychologists
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Consider the situation you’re in. If you’re having a heated conversation with a friend, you can assume that the hand on hip pose means they’re challenging you or are offended by the discussion. However, if you’re at a party and talking to someone you’re interested in, the pose probably means they’re flirting with you.^{[21]
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