When a woman crosses her legs, it’s not just a habit – it shows confidence, comfort, and awareness of social situations. This simple action has deep psychological roots and has been influenced by culture for many generations. It says a lot, revealing much more than what you might first think.
Let’s explore the hidden psychological signals and the cultural history behind this classic pose to find out what it really means.
A pose with a past
Long before ergonomic chairs and pantsuits, how women sat was seen as a sign of social grace and femininity. In the 19th century, women were usually expected to sit with their ankles crossed or legs neatly to one side – crossing at the knees was thought to be improper in many social circles.
Jumping to the 1960s – fashion icons like Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Kennedy changed the game of elegance with their crossed legs, often wearing stylish heels. It wasn’t just about how they sat – it was about power and confidence.
Nowadays, crossing legs is still a common part of how women express themselves, but it now has a much broader range of psychological and social meanings.
Psychology behind the pose
While it might seem like women cross their legs simply because it’s comfortable, experts say there’s a deeper layer at play.
Nonverbal communication
Experts in body language say that crossing your legs is a way of communicating without words.
Katia Loisel, a dating and body language expert from Australia, explained to Men’s Health, “The legs and feet are among the last parts of our body that we can control consciously, so they provide us with important clues about what someone is really thinking, their feelings, and how [a woman] feels.”
Also, the way legs are crossed – whether toward or away from someone – can show if a person is open or defensive.
- Toward someone: Interest, comfort, connection.
- Away from someone: detachment, disinterest, discomfort.
“We point our feet and legs toward what we like and move away from what we don’t,” Loisel says, adding that the direction of the feet and legs speak volumes.
Subconscious modesty
Let’s be honest – fashion hasn’t always been practical. When wearing skirts or dresses, crossing your legs can be an automatic way to stay modest, particularly in public or work situations. This action is tied to manners, even though modern clothes offer more freedom.
Self-comforting
Interestingly, psychologists say that crossing your legs can be a way to calm yourself. It creates a feeling of a boundary, a method to establish personal space – especially in busy or new places.
Professional and personal situations
In the workplace: In a job setting, crossing your legs at the knee or ankle usually shows that you are confident and in control. This is a common way to sit in meetings and interviews – but be careful: if you cross your legs too much or bounce your foot, it might make you look anxious or impatient.
For people in charge, sitting with one ankle on the opposite knee – which is sometimes called the “figure-four” position – is seen as a stronger, more masculine way to sit. Not many women do this, but when they do, it shows they are bold.
Casually with friends: When hanging out with friends, crossing your legs becomes less serious and more about being comfortable. Imagine a relaxed posture with knees casually draped – in this case, body language shows that you are easygoing and open instead of precise or formal.
On a date: Crossing your legs can also be a part of flirting. If you cross your legs toward someone, it shows you are interested and paying attention. Moving slowly (like uncrossing and then crossing your legs again) can even be seen as a subtle way to flirt – all without saying anything.
Powerful language
While comfort plays a role, it’s clear that crossing legs is also a powerful, silent language that expresses everything from confidence to caution, modesty to mood. Whether at work, at brunch, or just waiting for the train, women across the globe continue this gesture, often without a second thought – and yet, it’s full of meaning.
So the next time you catch yourself crossing their legs, remember that it’s not just posture. It’s personality in motion.
