Josefine Bagger Sommerlund
It has carried meaning all the way back through history.
Does it actually matter if a woman crosses her legs?
A Historical Look at Women’s Leg Positioning
- In the 1800s, it was standard for women to sit with their ankles together.
- Crossing one’s legs was considered improper and a sign of indecency.
The Iconic Shift of the 1960s
- Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Kennedy helped change perceptions of how women sit.
- They crossed their legs gracefully at the knees – and made it fashionable.
- Crossed legs became associated with style, confidence, and sophistication.
From Taboo to Trendy
- What was once frowned upon turned into a symbol of elegance and taste.
- The way a woman sits became a statement of personality and cultural freedom.
Body Language That Speaks
- Experts say the way we position our legs reveals unconscious feelings.
- According to body language expert Katia Loisel, the legs and feet are among the least consciously controlled parts of the body.
What Your Legs Say About You
- Leg direction can signal emotions and intent:
- Pointing toward someone: Openness, comfort, and possibly flirting.
- Pointing away: Disinterest or a desire to distance oneself.
- We tend to face what we like – and turn away from what we don’t.
Leg Position as a Social Signal
- A woman’s sitting posture has evolved from being about control to being a form of communication.
- It’s not just about comfort – it’s about sending signals, showing status, and expressing identity.