Arms-crossed pose

Crossed forearms make a clear horizontal shape across the upper body.

Visual traits

• Forearms crossing before the chest
• Visible hands or elbows
• Stable upper body

Expected changes

• Forearms are more likely to cross before the chest
• Hands and elbows are more likely to remain near the upper body

Definition

An arms-crossed pose holds both arms crossed before the chest or torso. It covers the temporary bodily arrangement only; it does not determine expression, emotion, occupation, or attitude toward another person.

In more detail

Showing the shoulders through hands makes the crossing legible. It can combine with standing, sitting, or leaning, without prescribing any of them. It is distinct from simply placing hands at the chest, reaching forward, or holding an object.

Includes

• A person crossing both arms before chest or torso
• Standing or seated views where crossed arms are legible

Excludes

• A gesture with hands merely overlapped
• The action of holding an object
• A rear view where arm placement cannot be seen

What this does not imply

• Anger or a defensive emotion
• Standing or sitting
• Particular clothing or background

Variability

Hand position and arm height can vary. Keep enough of the upper body visible to avoid hiding the arms.

Usage

• Show enough of the upper body for both arms and hands to read

Distinguish similar expressions

• Specify expression or emotion separately

Typical uses

• Clarify a person's static bodily arrangement
• Give the upper-body silhouette a stable shape

Possible failure modes

• Only one arm bends
• The pose becomes holding an object
• Extra or unnatural hands appear