Why Women Cross Their Legs: Understanding Female Body Language

When a woman crosses her legs, it's much more than a habit—it's a silent statement of self-confidence, comfort, and social awareness. This simple gesture, rooted in psychology and influenced over generations by culture, communicates far more than it appears at first glance.

Let’s dive into the subtle psychological signals and centuries-old cultural conditioning to uncover the truth behind this timeless pose.

A Posture with History

Long before ergonomic chairs and pantsuits, the way women sat was a benchmark for grace and femininity. In the 19th century, women were often expected to sit with crossed ankles or with their legs tucked neatly to the side—crossing the knees was sometimes deemed inappropriate.

Fast forward to the 1960s: fashion icons like Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Kennedy redefined elegance by crossing their legs, often paired with stylish heels. For them, it was about more than form—it became a symbol of power and confidence.

Today, crossing the legs remains a cornerstone of modern female body language, but its function is much broader, spanning psychological and social messages.

The Psychology Behind the Posture

Although it may look like women cross their legs simply for comfort, experts say there’s more going on.

Non-verbal Communication

Body language specialists agree that crossed legs are a form of non-verbal communication.

“The legs and feet are among the last body parts we consciously control, so they give us valuable information about what someone really thinks, their attitude, and how [a woman] feels,” says Katia Loisel, an Australia-based dating and body language expert, in an interview with Men’s Health.

Depending on the direction of the cross—towards or away from someone—it can reflect openness or defensiveness.

  • Crossed towards someone: suggests interest, comfort, connection.
  • Crossed away from someone: signals detachment, disinterest, or discomfort.

“We point our feet and legs toward what we like and move away from what we don’t,” Loisel adds, noting that foot and leg orientation speaks volumes.

Unconscious Modesty

Let’s be honest: fashion wasn’t always about practicality. For women wearing skirts or dresses, crossing the legs is often an unconscious way to maintain modesty, especially in public or professional settings. The gesture, deeply rooted in etiquette, endures even as today’s clothing allows for more freedom.

Self-Soothing

Interestingly, psychologists note that crossing your legs can be a self-soothing gesture—a way to define your personal space, especially in busy or unfamiliar environments.

At Work and in Social Situations

  • In Professional Settings: Crossing the legs at the knees or ankles exudes confidence and control. It’s a common posture in boardrooms and interviews, but be careful: excess leg crossing or fidgeting can signal nervousness or impatience. The “figure-four” (ankle resting on the opposite knee) is a more assertive, traditionally masculine posture. Few women use it, but when they do, it radiates confidence.
  • Relaxing with Friends: Among friends, crossing the legs is often less formal and simply about comfort—think of casually draped knees, signaling approachability and ease instead of poise.
  • On a Date: Here, crossing the legs can become mildly flirtatious. Crossing towards someone signals interest and attention, while slow movements (like uncrossing and recrossing legs) can even be interpreted as subtle flirting—all without saying a word.

A Powerful Silent Language

While comfort plays a part, it’s clear that leg crossing is also a powerful, silent language—expressing everything from self-confidence to caution, modesty to mood. Whether at work, during brunch, or while waiting for the train, women everywhere use this gesture, often without thinking, yet always packed with meaning.

So next time you cross your legs, remember—it's not just a posture. It's personality in motion.

Source:
https://nl.newsner.com/samenleving/vrouwen-benen-kruisen/