Physical attraction can be subjective. It can also be scientific. There are numerous innate — and some learned — reasons why women are drawn to certain men and types.
If you spot a guy in real life across the bar or on a screen while swiping left on a dating app and can’t quite figure out what about him makes your pulse quicken and your eyes linger, we might have the answer for you.
It could be his facial hair, a sexy scar on his cheek, his hair color, or a six-pack of abs. It might also be something less obvious: from the color of his shirt to his subtle body language. Your interest may even be situational. Want to understand the motivation behind your attraction to some guys? Read on to discover all the surprising physical traits in men that are absolutely irresistible to women.
Women are attracted to men they perceive to be on their level
“Matching” is the concept that people are generally attracted to others whose looks they consider similar to their own. Women often choose guys they believe are on their level and in their league.
A study found that people on a dating site were more likely to respond to a suitor’s request if they were of equal attractiveness. Separate judges ranked the looks of both parties to maintain objectivity.
Dr. Mark Sergeant, a Nottingham Trent University psychologist, explained to The Independent that the rationale is quite simplistic — if not slightly shameful: “If they are much better-looking than you, you worry about them having affairs. If they are much less attractive, you think you could do better.”
Women like men with a little stubble
While many women trim, wax, pluck, and shave their body hair, men hoping to attract these fuzz-free ladies should consider letting their stubble grow. Most women find a five o’clock shadow (or even more) a highly attractive feature in a male partner — even if it sometimes feels like sandpaper.
In a 2013 study published in Evolution and Human Behavior, women ranked men’s attractiveness and gravitated to images of guys with “heavy stubble.” Interestingly, a separate group of men agreed with this assessment. Both genders found men with full beards appeared more paternal and healthier.
A second study published in Personality and Individual Differences found that women prefer light stubble, rating these guys as more suitable partners for both non-committed flings and long-term relationships.
Women prefer men who are a bit older and more mature
As noted by PsychCentral, the “George Clooney effect” is real. Crow’s feet are sexy, and salt-and-pepper hair works in your favor — step away from the Just for Men.
A study cited by the site showed that while men often rank a woman’s looks above her accomplishments, women care more about a man’s success than his facial features. Naturally, accomplishments and success come with age. Dr. Fhionna Moore, the lead researcher, noted that even independently successful women preferred older men.
Moore explained, “Greater financial independence gives women more confidence in partner choices, attracting them to powerful, attractive older men.” They don’t call them silver foxes for nothing.
Women like muscle definition (but not too much)
An analysis of multiple studies in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that women do find muscular males sexier, but they prefer “moderate muscularity.” Chiseled abs? Yes. Bodybuilder biceps? Not necessarily.
Interestingly, the research found women also see muscular men as “more physically dominant and volatile, and less committed to their mates.” Women reported more flings with muscular men versus longer relationships with less brawny individuals.
Some women like a more undefined build. Remember the #dadbod craze of 2017? Research by Planet Fitness found that 69 percent of women liked the “dad bod” look (via Shape). Rest assured, even a bulkier body type can be irresistible to someone out there.
Women love a man in red
Want to catch a specific lady’s eye? Wear red. A study published by the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General found women find men in red more attractive than those in other colors.
Andrew Elliot, lead researcher at the University of Rochester, explained in an interview with the university that red triggers something deep and biologically ingrained. Women may associate red with success, leading to attraction.
However, outside a study setting, a red shirt is unlikely to make or break a woman’s opinion. Rutgers University anthropologist Helen Fisher told The Week that a red sweater won’t fool anyone if the man isn’t well put together overall.
Women may prefer a man who at least appears to be successful
First impressions matter. Seeing a man in an expensive suit or a luxury car can lead to assumptions about his wealth and status, potentially increasing attraction.
A study in the British Journal of Psychology had women compare photos of a man in various settings. The man was consistently rated higher when pictured with luxury items. Similar research in the Journal of Evolutionary Psychology showed similar findings.
Interestingly, when the roles were reversed, men did not rate women in “higher status” situations as more attractive. So, next time you think a guy looks sexy in his sports car, ask yourself: Is it the man, or is it the car?
Women are attracted to men who take some physical risks
Women generally perceive men engaging in athletic activities involving low-level risk positively. This may explain the attraction to guys who surf, skateboard, or mountain bike.
A study published in The Journal of Applied Social Psychology found women liked men who took physical risks associated with hunting and gathering. This suggests they see these traits as resourceful and capable.
On the other hand, women were less interested in men engaging in modern risks like drug use or reckless behavior. A bad boy surfer? Yes. A reckless bad boy? No.
Women like their men to smell good, but not for the reason you’d think
Women are attracted to men who wear cologne, but it might be more about perceived confidence than scent.
In a study published in The International Journal of Cosmetic Science, men using fragranced cologne were rated more favorably, even though women couldn’t smell them through video. Researchers deduced women picked up on increased self-esteem.
The act of applying cologne can give a man more confidence, affecting “impressions on others even without odor cues.”
Women find men’s scars to be sexy
Men with mild facial scars needn’t worry about being unattractive. Women seem to like a man whose scar tells a story. A study published in Personality and Individual Differences confirmed that women found men with “non-severe facial scarring” attractive, especially for short-term flings.
Live Science explained that the attraction might be less about the scar and more about the associated traits: bravery and masculinity. Men were indifferent to scars on women, finding them equally attractive with or without scars.
Women want men who present themselves with open body language
Non-verbal cues speak volumes, and body language makes a significant impression on the opposite sex.
A study from Princeton University showed that “postural expansiveness” makes someone more attractive. When a man stands tall with open palms and proud posture, a woman is more likely to find him appealing than if he were slumped or closed off.
“Expansiveness makes the dating candidate appear more dominant,” which can be crucial in online dating, where first impressions matter. Stand up straight, as your mama taught you.
Women like men who appear (modestly) proud
Fake it till you make it. Acting proud (whether you feel it or not) can make you more desirable. At least for men.
Using pictures, a study published in Emotion had women rank men’s attractiveness based on facial expressions. Women preferred men who appeared proud over those who looked happy, even ranking moody men above the latter. Interestingly, men preferred happy women.
Be true to yourself. Though initial attraction matters, a partner who experiences a range of emotions — including happiness and pride — is more likely the catch you’re seeking.
A man who can laugh and make a woman crack up is a keeper
Never underestimate the power of laughter. A sense of humor is a sign of a sexy personality, so women like men who embrace humor.
A study in Personal Relationships confirmed that women ranked men with humor as more desirable for long-term relationships, whereas men prioritized attractiveness over humor.
University of Kansas researcher Jeffery Hall led a study with similar findings. He said, “If you meet someone you can laugh with, it might mean your future relationship will be fun.” While looks may fade, shared laughs will keep you united through thick and thin.
Women may prefer men with darker hair
Blondes may have more fun, but brown and black-haired men get more love. In a study published in Psychological Studies, men wore different colored wigs to a nightclub on separate nights and asked women to dance. Brown-wigged men were positively received 30 percent of the time, black-haired men 35 percent, while blondes got 27.5 percent. Red-heads? Only 13.8 percent of women said yes (via Psychology Today).
Interestingly, men responded most enthusiastically to blonde women. However, take these results with a grain of salt. Several caveats exist, so no need to rush to the drug store for hair dye just yet.
