Physical attraction plays a major role in human mate selection. While people are attracted to others for a variety of reasons, research has shown that certain physical traits tend to be universally desired by men across cultures.
Face
A woman’s face tends to be the first thing men notice and can significantly influence perceptions of attractiveness. Some facial features that men tend to find attractive include:
- Big eyes – Large, prominent eyes with long lashes are commonly cited as an attractive female facial feature. Eyes are often called the “windows to the soul” and can convey youthfulness.
- Full lips – Lips with more volume and a pronounced Cupid’s bow are associated with femininity and sexuality. Collagen in the lips declines with age, so full lips may signal fertility.
- High cheekbones – High, prominent cheekbones are linked to high estrogen levels during puberty, signaling fertility. They also give structure to the face.
- Clear, smooth skin – Facial skin quality is optimized during peak fertility years. Clear skin with minimal blemishes or wrinkles can indicate good health.
- Symmetrical features – Faces with symmetrical proportions are perceived as more attractive. Symmetry may correlate with an optimal hormonal environment during development.
While individual preferences exist, cross-cultural research indicates that men across ethnicities, on average, show consensus on finding these facial traits appealing.
Body
When evaluating a woman’s body, several physical features catch men’s attention.
Hourglass Figure
The classic hourglass figure, with a slim waist and curvaceous hips and bust, is consistently rated as attractive by men across a wide range of research studies. Preferred waist-to-hip and waist-to-bust ratios exist, which may signal fertility and health:
- Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR): 0.7
- Waist-to-bust ratio (WBR): 0.7
An hourglass shape may indicate:
- Higher estrogen levels
- Optimal fat distribution
- Youthfulness
Breast Size
Larger, fuller breasts tend to be favored by men across cultures. However, extremely large breasts may not be as aesthetically pleasing.
One study found the most attractive breast size for men was a C cup on average. There are various theories why larger breasts are appealing:
- Signal higher estrogen exposure
- Indicate ability to nourish offspring
- Appear more feminine
Buttocks
Along with breasts, larger, rounder buttocks capture men’s gaze. A 45-60 degree curve along the spine to the buttocks is considered optimally attractive.
Possible reasons include:
- Associated fertility cues like the hourglass shape
- Indicator of youthfulness
- Ethnic/cultural preferences
Leg-to-body ratio
Longer legs compared to torso length are often perceived as attractive. One study found the ideal leg-to-body ratio is around 1.43.
Long legs may signal:
- Youthfulness
- Health
- Fertility
Weight
While obesity is not considered optimally attractive, emaciated thinness does not appeal either. Men tend to prefer normal weight and some soft tissue. However, weight standards have fluctuated throughout history.
One analysis of drawings and paintings over centuries found the preferred female body size correlated with economic conditions – thinner during recessions and heavier when prosperity increased. Waist-to-hip ratio remained similar despite weight fluctuations.
Height
Throughout cultures, men express a preference for shorter women compared to themselves. However, women of average height are generally found most attractive.
One study analyzed data from a major European dating site and found the most preferred heights for women among men were:
- 5’4″ (162 cm)
- 5’6″ (168 cm)
- 5’5″ (165 cm)
Shorter stature in women may signal:
- Femininity
- Neoteny (retention of youthful traits)
- Need for protection
However, heights up to 5’10” were still rated as reasonably attractive, suggesting flexibility from absolute height preferences.
Hair
Hair is one of the most changeable aspects of appearance. However, some hair traits tend to be rated as more attractive:
- Longer length – Long, lustrous hair is prized across cultures as a sign of fertility and femininity.
- Shinier, smoother hair – This can indicate health and youth.
- Lighter hair – Blonde and light brown shades are often rated as most attractive. One theory is lighter hair unconsciously correlates to youth.
However, trends come and go. Currently, full, thick hair seems to be in favor for women rather than tightly pulled back styles.
Facial cosmetics
Cosmetics altering facial contrast, eyes, and lips can significantly change attractiveness perceptions. When applied skillfully, women can appear more attractive to men by:
- Increasing facial contrast – Using foundation, blush, eyeshadow, and lipstick
- Making eyes appear larger – Eye liner, mascara, shadow
- Making lips appear fuller – Lipliner, lipstick
- Concealing blemishes/skin imperfections
However, heavy makeup with an artificial look is not optimally attractive. The most appealing cosmetic enhancement looks natural.
Voice and odor
While less researched, voice and odor also factor into physical attraction.
Voice
A higher pitched, breathy, smooth voice tends to be judged as more feminine and attractive. Vocal qualities underlie perceptions of traits like warmth, generosity, and flirtatiousness.
Scent
On a chemical level, men show preferences for certain female body odors and pheromones, which can indicate fertility and immunological compatibility.
Conclusion
Physical attraction in humans is complex, spanning from faces to voices to smells. Yet some unifying patterns regarding what men find appealing emerge. Face and body features like large eyes, full lips, an hourglass figure, and long legs demonstrate consistent male preferences.
Attractive traits largely center on cues to fertility, youth, health, and femininity across cultures. Some desirable qualities like smooth skin and shiny hair indicate well-being. Others like large breasts, a low waist-hip ratio, and shorter stature relate to estrogen and ability to bear children.
Ultimately, men gravitate to physical markers of reproductive value and genetic fitness when evaluating attractiveness. But societal trends also influence perceptions, along with individual differences in taste.