Crossing legs while sitting isn’t just a personal habit—it holds cultural and social meaning, especially for women.

In many cultures, it’s seen as a sign of grace and elegance, while in others, it may be viewed as disrespectful. This posture reflects changing ideas about femininity and how women are expected to appear in public.

Despite evolving norms, leg-crossing remains common. Psychologists say it can hint at personality traits. For example, “It may be a sign of self-confidence and a way of establishing personal space.” However, a tightly crossed position might also signal nervousness or discomfort.

As one part of body language, its meaning depends on more than just legs. “These interpretations rely on additional signs, such as facial expressions, hand gestures, and overall body posture.” Much of this nonverbal communication happens unconsciously, say experts.