The Psychology Behind Leg-Crossing: What It Really Reveals

Many of us cross our legs without thinking about it, but did you know that this body language can communicate various messages? For example, some ways of crossing your legs help maintain modesty, while others can make you appear more attractive and show interest in someone. This article explores why people cross their legs, whether these postures are appealing, potential health risks from frequent leg crossing, and more.

Why We Cross Our Legs

To relax: Crossing your legs helps loosen tight muscles and provides balance.

To display confidence: Placing your leg or ankle over your knee can convey dominance and self-assurance.

To maintain modesty: When wearing a miniskirt, crossing your legs can help cover your private areas.

Comfort as a Reason People Cross Their Legs

Both men and women often sit with their legs crossed because it feels comfortable. Sitting cross-legged helps reduce muscle fatigue in the torso and eases pressure on soft tissues. It also helps stabilize the lower parts of the body, such as the feet, ankles, and legs.

Try these comfortable cross-legged positions: crisscross applesauce, one foot tucked behind your buttocks or opposite thigh, or simply crossing one leg over the other at the knees.

Feeling Empowered

Cross-legged postures are used by both men and women to convey confidence. For instance, men frequently choose to prop their ankle on top of the opposite knee or thigh in the Figure 4 pose. Rather than tucking their top foot demurely back, women usually point it outward and cross at the knees.

Sophistication

Women often display elegance and grace by crossing their legs at the ankles. Female members of the British royal family, like Princess Kate Middleton and Duchess Meghan Markle, are known to favor this posture.

Rather than pointing your feet outward, you can create a refined look by crossing your legs and gently tucking them at an angle behind the chair legs.

Restfulness

No matter where they sit or who they’re with, crossing legs can show that a person feels comfortable and relaxed. When they uncross their legs, it might mean they’re getting ready to leave or simply shifting to get some fresh air. Depending on the situation, crossing legs can have different meanings

Humility

Women often cross their legs at the ankle or knee to keep their thighs together and maintain modesty when wearing a short dress or miniskirt. Men may also seem more relaxed and less assertive by crossing their legs at the knees.

However, men tend to avoid crossing their legs at the knees because it can cause uncomfortable pressure in the crotch area.

The meaning behind crossing legs when standing

Crossing your legs while standing can help relieve foot and leg tiredness. After standing for a long time, you might find yourself lifting your back foot so only your toes touch the ground when crossing one foot in front of the other. This weight shift helps reduce pressure on each leg, at least for a short time, without needing to sit down.

For women, standing with crossed legs can highlight their figure. Models and influencers often use this pose because it creates a modest, delicate look that complements their outfits. It also gives the illusion of a slimmer silhouette and makes the legs appear narrower than they are.

Is crossing legs toward you a sign of attraction?

When someone crosses their legs facing you, it might suggest they’re interested in you.

In a crowded setting, if a person’s crossed knee or foot is pointed toward you, it may not be accidental. They could be positioning themselves to catch your attention, give you a sharp look, or even lightly touch your foot. This stance can express various kinds of interest, whether romantic, friendly, or professional.

However, sometimes they might just be stretching their toes or sitting that way without any particular intention. Not every leg-crossing position carries a hidden message or thoughtful meaning.

Is a crossed-leg posture considered appealing?

Many people find it attractive when women cross their legs at the knees.

This position not only highlights the legs but also allows for subtle movements—like pointing the foot forward or tucking it back—that can be quite alluring. A well-known example of this is Sharon Stone’s iconic leg-crossing moment in the 1992 film Basic Instinct.

Certain leg-crossing styles are seen as appealing by some. For instance, crossing the ankles may give off the impression of being guarded or secretive, which can be less attractive, so men might want to avoid that.

On the other hand, sitting with one leg draped over the other, or adopting the “Figure 4” position, is often viewed as more confident and stylish. However, body language plays a key role—if someone seems tense or overly self-important, it can quickly diminish the overall effect.

Can sitting cross-legged negatively affect your health?

One downside of sitting cross-legged is joint pain.

Frequent leg-crossing can contribute to various health issues, such as poor circulation, bad posture, back pain, nerve compression, and joint discomfort. This position can restrict blood flow, potentially leading to vein irritation and increased blood pressure. It may also cause misalignment in the spine and pelvis over time or compress nerves, resulting in tingling sensations.

Some studies suggest that crossing your legs might offer certain benefits, like improved joint stability and reduced muscle fatigue. However, the hip flexion and spinal twisting involved in this position are generally considered less ideal than sitting upright, especially when assessing long-term posture health in otherwise healthy individuals.