Look, I’m not going to deny that some women post thirst traps for themselves (like, yes, body empowerment, here for it!). But I’m also not going to deny that some women post thirst traps seeking attention from a particular f*ckboy who didn’t text them back last night.
But regardless of whatever reason you’re showing off that bod, every woman and thirsty man on Instagram can recognize the goddamn art that’s behind this perfectly edited picture. You con your friends into becoming your personal photographers, you stretch your back in ways that no back should be stretched, and you edit pictures that make Photoshop professionals look amateur.
It’s honestly a high-key skill and you should be proud. If you need some ~celeb~ inspo for your next post, here are the 11 types of thirst traps we’re stanning.
Right, Zoey. As if you didn’t see the large camera standing right beside your face, huh? But honestly, we don’t care. Pretending like we don’t see the camera—or our haters—is honestly a skill in and of itself. Keep looking out that window, girl.
Chin up, mouth parted, hair slightly in face—we see you, RiRi. Pair this lewk with a bold lip so you can really glamify the shot.
Remember when I mentioned that we know how to stretch our backs in ways that no back should be stretched? Please see exhibit A. Our Euphoria gal leans in an ever slight contortion. Also, it’s a pipe dream to glam this shot with some red-bottoms, but a girl can dream, right?
The only thing better than one thirst trap is two thirst traps…together…in the same photo. This one’s easy because you and your bestie can work a camera. The hard part is: With your bestie in the frame with you, who the eff takes the pic?
I mean, anywhere with water seems like a natural place to take a very sexy thirst trap, right? The tub selfie is easy and efficient, and it gets all your followers wondering what you’re wearing (or not) underneath the water.
The universally flattering Myspace angle remains notorious for trying too hard, but when done right (aka not a full bird’s-eye view), you can reap all the benefits of good lighting and a hint of cleave without making anyone think of the year 2007.
Duh, bikinis are hot, and your tropical vacation might as well be a gold mine of thirst traps you can conveniently #TBT when you need a lil ego boost.
It’s easy to only think of body shots for thirst traps—but a standard, close-up selfie when your makeup’s on point and your skincare routine has more than paid off is a pretty great way of thirst trapping, especially if you’re still shy about the concept of posting overt ones.
Getting a full body shot of your outfit that also happens to make you look bomb is the best way to show off your style AND your assets.
Getting your friend to snap a photo of you where you look like the hottest date ever can make your crush (or hopefully remorseful ex) think of just that. Alt: Take a photo of the table to actually make it look like you’re on a date with someone, when it’s really just your BFF. Cher Horowitz would approve!
The arguable queen of thirst traps is none other than Kim Kardashian, and for good reason: She enlists help. While you may not be able to afford a professional selfie photographer, you can just ask your friend to really work with you to get that shot you could never achieve on your own.
See? Thirst traps bring people together in all kinds of ways, best friends included.
Taylor is the former Sex and Relationships editor who can tell you exactly which vibrators are worth the splurge, why you’re still dreaming about your ex, and tips on how to have the best sex of your life (including what word you should spell with your hips during cowgirl sex). You can follow her on Instagram here.
