11 qualities in men that women find attractive, according to science (2024)

FAQs

What do women find attractive in men scientifically? ›

Approachability is attractive

Of course, men blessed with symmetrical features, chiseled jaws and great hair will always score higher in the attractiveness stakes, but several studies have shown that women tend to be more attracted to approachable, average looks when looking for a long-term partner.

Facial symmetry has been shown to be considered attractive in women, and men have been found to prefer full lips, high forehead, broad face, small chin, small nose, short and narrow jaw, high cheekbones, clear and smooth skin, and wide-set eyes.

The hypothalamus of the brain plays a big role in this, stimulating the production of the sex hormones testosterone and estrogen from the testes and ovaries (Figure 1). While these chemicals are often stereotyped as being “male” and “female,” respectively, both play a role in men and women.

A man's height is one of those physically attractive qualities that can be hard to come by. It can make a woman feel more protected. A tall man can also appear stronger and more masculine when compared to other men.

Studies show that men are most attracted to faces, followed closely by women's rear ends. The same study tells us that women like a man's chest and his hair.

A low waist- to-hip ratio (a thin waist but wider hips - a curvaceous body) demonstrates fertility with optimal fat distribution, and has been shown to be highly attractive to men [8].

According to science, men find women more attractive when they are smart, intelligent, caring, confident, humorous, kind, independent, and supportive. Although these qualities may generally apply, what one man may find the most attractive may differ from another.

One of the most important characteristics that most women seek is modesty. Outspokenness, charity, and honesty are further feminine appeal traits that are always observed, along with humility. Nothing appeals to a woman more than a man with a great sense of self.

Studies show that men find faces with attractive and radiant skin most attractive. A symmetrical face, luscious lips, expressive eyes, and defined cheekbones can also add to the allure. While these are general complexes, don't use them as an archetype of what true beauty is all about.

What is the first thing a man is attracted to in a woman? ›

The eyes most definitely get all the attention, especially when a man first meets a woman. The shape, size and color can easily tempt a man into wanting to know who the woman is behind those eyes. Yes, a smile is one of the things that a guy will first notice about you.

Taller women are generally perceived as being more attractive by men, and surveys show that guys rank height as one of their top traits in a woman. This is probably because evolution has hardwired us to be attracted to signs of fertility, including large breasts and hips and long legs.

Women are attracted to masculine traits greater in sexual dimorphism (e.g. strong jawline, a more muscular body, a taller height). Indeed, men who are more masculine tend to have a higher number of sexual partners.

According to recent studies, the most attractive male body shape is a muscular upper body. When asked to rate images of shirtless guys, women consistently found the ones with the stronger looking, more muscular men to be more attractive.