How to be more attractive to women, according to science | Gentleman's Journal (2024)

Intelligence is all well and good. Humour’s a lovely quality. But physical attractiveness is the holy grail for all modern men. Like it or not, admit it or don’t; but we all wish we were a little more handsome.

Unfortunately, unless you were born with piercing Brosnan eyes, Clooney cheekbones or the majestic hair of Tom Hiddleston, you’re pretty much stuck with your lot. That being said, many studies and scientists have dedicated time to researching what makes men attractive. So, if you’re looking to amp up your allure, here are ten surefire, scientific ways to boost what you’ve already got…

1. Try wearing red

An easy one to start; wear red. Whether it’s scarlet or cerise, next time you buy a shirt, jacket or jumper, go for the crimson option. Why? Because back in 2010, the American Psychological Association published a study in the Journal of Experimental Psychology that revealed women perceive men wearing red as more generally and sexually attractive —as well as higher in status.

2. Grow some stubble (but not a beard)

Another fairly simple tip; stop shaving for a couple of days. In 2013, a research team at the University of New South Wales asked 400 women to look at and rate photos of the same men, each with varying lengths of facial hair. The findings, published in the journal Evolution and Human Behaviour, showed that ‘heavy stubble’ beat out every other style of razor-related look.

3. Improve your posture

Stand up straight, slumpers! If you want to look more attractive to the opposite sex, scientists from the University of California would recommend you make yourself look larger. Revealed in a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, it was found that “displays of expansive posture” — including outspread limbs and stretched torsos — suggest dominance and, therefore, desirability.

4. Don’t smile so much

This one may seem counter-intuitive —but the science is sound. Sociologists at Vancouver’s University of British Columbia analysed the facial expressions of over 1,000 study participants and discovered that, whilst women are deemed more attractive when they smile, men’s desirability actually drops. So, to capture some of that ‘bad boy’ allure, try looking a little downtrodden.

5. Get to the gym (and build particular muscles)

It’s no secret that muscles are advantageous in the dating game. But a 2019 study by researchers at the Institute for Advanced Study in Toulouse applied some science to determining which muscles are the most worthwhile working. 500 women ranked 14 muscle groups, and reported preferring larger obliques, followed by glutes, abdominals, biceps, shoulders, triceps, calves, deltoids, quadriceps, pectoralis, latissimus dorsi, forearms, tibialis anterior, and finally trapezius.

6. Sweating more may (inexplicably) help

Another exercise-centric one — and an eyebrow-raiser to boot. While most of us likely consider sweat an embarrassing or unseemly side effect of heat or workouts, a 2007 study from the University of California would suggest otherwise. Researchers found that a few quick whiffs or sniffs of a chemical called ‘androstadienone’ (found in male sweat) can have pheromone-like effects on women’s hormones.

7. Angle your head a little higher

In a 2018 study — conducted by researchers at the University of Glasgow and published in the journal Psychological Science — the most desirable ‘masculine’ facial features were identified, and included small eyes, large noses and heavy brow ridges. But the most attractive feature? A strong, square jawline. And, by keeping your chin up whilst dating, you can give it more definition and radiate self-assurance. It’s a win-win.

8. Show off your scars (especially on your face)

Like sweat above, a scar may be something you’d likely to try to hide. And yet, back in 2008, psychologists at the universities of Liverpool and Stirling discovered that the perceived attractiveness of men increased by 5.7% when he had a scar visible on his cheek, jawbone or forehead. “It signifies strength or bravery in a guy,” said evolutionary psychologist Rob Burris. “It’s another way of assessing a man’s masculinity”.

9. Go to the dentist (but not for whitening)

While white teeth are thought to be the gold standard of desirable dentistry, a 2012 study from the University of Leeds found that good tooth spacing is actually of more importance to women. Published in peer-reviewed journal PLOS ONE, the research found that men with widely spaced teeth were customarily rated as being less attractive than those with naturally coloured, normally spaced gnashers.

10. Dye your hair (and go brunette)

Once you’re done at the dentist, head to the hair salon. In 2018, a study published in Florida Scientist and compiled by the College of Natural and Health Sciences for the University of Tampa uncovered that 71% of women consider brown hair as the most attractive option for men. Only 23% of women would opt for blonde, and a mere 6% plumped for redheads.

Want more tips? Here are 10 ways to make yourself more charismatic…

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