Girls who can pig out
Deciding what to eat on a first date can be a source of intense anxiety, as most people want to steer clear of foods that are difficult to eat elegantly. However, the stress may be unwarranted, at least for women, as men often confess that they find it attractive when a date digs into her food with reckless abandon. Some men like to know that a potential partner knows how to have fun without worrying about the way she looks, and getting stuck in to a plate of hot wings or a messy burrito without a concern shows exactly that.
Eyes that are far apart
A lot of guys confess that they’re physically attracted to girls with eyes that are spaced far apart, and science might have the explanation. The more oestrogen a foetus is exposed to in utero, the further apart its eyes will be. Thus, wide eyes are a biologically feminine trait, such as wide hips, narrow waists and an absence of facial hair.
A bit of emotional instability
According to a survey, some men confess that they like a little bit of emotional instability in their partners. A touch of unpredictability can add heat and passion to a relationship, and guys are often drawn to “fiery” women. It should be noted, however, that this really doesn’t apply to everyone, and a lot of men will flee at the first sign of drama.
Girls who can handle their drink
Most guys want to be able to go on a night out with their partner without feeling like they have to look after them, which probably explains why so many men report feeling attracted to girls who can handle their drink. This doesn’t necessarily mean having a high alcohol tolerance; rather, if you know your limits and can have fun without disintegrating into a drunken mess, guys will be likely to view you as someone they can have a good time with, rather than a potential liability.
Deep voices
Higher-pitched voices are often described as more feminine, and, as a result, women with deeper voices often feel self-conscious. However, according to a Reddit thread discussing traits that men find sexy, a lot of guys are turned on by deeper, husky voices. Some of the most lusted-after women in Hollywood – such as Angelina Jolie, Scarlett Johannson and Penelope Cruz – all have voices notably lower in the register.
Ovulation
Researchers at the University of Texas have discovered that men find women’s scent more appealing when they’re ovulating. It makes sense from an evolutionary standpoint, as it’s only possible to get pregnant if you have sex in the days around ovulation. If you notice an uptick in male attention roughly halfway your cycle every month, this is probably why.
Messy hair
Next time you spend hours making sure every last strand is immaculate before you go out, it might be worth remembering that some men find messy hair more attractive. No one seems to know exactly why, but it have something to do with the fact that your hair tends to be on the unkempt side after a night of carnal passion. It might also suggest a wild streak that some men are drawn to.
Features that are similar to their own
This might sound like the height of narcissism, but apparently it’s actually quite common for men to gravitate towards women whose facial features are similar to their own. This is known as homogamy, and there seems to be quite a lot of evidence to support it. It might have something to do with unconscious preferences that have developed through evolution, in much the same way that we pick up on hormonal cues without even realising.
Sweating
It’s hard to feel attractive when you’re red faced and dripping with sweat, but apparently some men find it wildly alluring. It might be something to do with pheromones, or it might be because it reminds them of certain other hot and sweaty activities. Either way, it’s definitely something to bear in mind next time you’re feeling self-conscious in the gym.
Stubbornness
This might seem highly counterintuitive, but research shows that a lot of men find stubbornness to be an attractive trait – even if they won’t admit it. Stubbornness indicates strength of character and resolve, traits that many people value in a long term partner. However, there are limits to this, and stubbornness for the sake of it can quickly spell doom for a relationship.
Wearing glasses
Many women are self-conscious about their glasses, but it turns out they shouldn’t be; a lot of men find them to be a major turn-on. Glasses can indicate that a woman possesses brains as well as beauty, and can lend a certain “sexy librarian” appeal. Owning the fact that you wear spectacles also indicate self-confidence, as a lot of people choose to hide the fact that they need glasses by wearing contact lenses.
Not wearing makeup
The thought of stepping out without applying at least a bit of makeup is unthinkable to many women, but research shows that plenty of guys find natural women to be the height of sexiness. Not wearing makeup demonstrates exceptional self-confidence, a personality trait that is extremely attractive for both men and women. Whether unfairly or not, women who wear a lot of makeup tend to be perceived as more high-maintenance, so its absence can attract men looking for more laid-back relationships.
Being asked for help
Asking a guy for help is a surefire way to make him feel masculine and powerful, and many men find it highly attractive when women seek out their assistance. If you’re trying to figure out a way to get a guy’s attention, try asking him for a favour. It doesn’t really matter what you need help with, but your best bet is to go for something that requires physical strength, such as opening a jar. Word of warning: make sure he can actually do what you need before you ask, or the whole endeavour might backfire spectacularly.
Being a bit messy
Many guys find it extremely attractive if a woman is a bit of the messy side, as it signals that they’re carefree and won’t relentlessly nag them. It’s important to note, however, that there’s an important distinction between being a bit messy and slovenly. A small pile of dirty laundry in the corner of your bedroom is fine; a stack of mouldy plates next to your bed is not.
Curiosity
Curiosity may have killed the cat, but it’s also an extremely attractive quality. Curious minds tends to be inquisitive, open to new experiences and always seeking to grow. What’s more, curious people tend to ask a lot of questions, a habit which – according to a number of studies – dramatically increases likability.
Unusual jobs
When it comes to dating, having a cool job can definitely help you stand out from the crowd. Earning a living in a quirky or unusual way can show that you’re an independent thinker who forges their own path in the world, which is incredibly attractive to some people. The specifics of the job don’t matter, just that it’s unusual and interesting.
Being kind to animals
At the evolutionary level, the purpose of relationships is to reproduce. Consequently, humans are primed to look for traits in their partners that indicate they will be good parents. Men are often attracted to women who care about animals for this precise reason, as it indicates that they have they have strong maternal instincts.
Bags under your eyes
If you’ve had a sleepless night, chances are you’ll spend the next day feeling highly self-conscious about the dark bags under your eyes. Before you reach for the makeup, however, bear in mind – according to an article in Women’s Health – a lot of men find the ‘raccoon eye’ look completely adorable.
Scars
Scars can lend a man a certain ruggedness and show that he’s prepared to face danger when necessary, so it’s no coincidence that many action heroes sport visible marks from previous injuries. However, it’s not just guys who can benefit from signs of wear and tear. Studies have shown that some find scars on women attractive, as they can make them seem adventurous and daring.
Having interests outside of him
A lot of men find the idea of a clingy girlfriend suffocating and will cut things off at the first sign of excessive neediness. One of the best ways to avoid this fate is to have your own life and your own pursuits. If a man sees that you have projects or hobbies that you’re passionate about, he’ll know that you aren’t going to make him the sole focus of your existence, which can be a relief.
Mocking him
According to an article in Glamour, most men want a partner that they can have some banter with, and they love it when you tease them – to a point, of course. On the flip side, if a guy reacts badly to some lighthearted mockery, it’s a huge red flag that he has a fragile ego which is likely to cause problems down the road.
Laughing freely
Since your partner is the person you’ll spend the most time with throughout your life, being able to have fun together is of paramount importance. Laughter is a great barometer for how fun a person is, and studies have shown that we’re instinctively drawn to people who laugh a lot. Sharing a joke together is also one of the single quickest ways to form a lasting bond – hence why strong couples tend to share so many in-jokes.
Wearing old jeans
Most women feel at their best when they’re dressed to the nines, but, according to Glamour magazine, some men find it sexy when you rock a pair of old, worn-out jeans. Apparently, it’s because it reminds them of times when you’ve just thrown on whatever clothes were to hand – such as after sex.
Not caring what others think
Confidence is a universally attractive trait, and a surefire sign of confidence is not caring what others think. Rather than focussing on ways to show that you don’t care what people think (which is kind of a self-defeating exercise), instead practise actually not caring, and eventually your confidence will effortlessly radiate.
Baseball caps
According to a Cosmopolitan article, many men report feeling attracted to women wearing baseball caps (especially if they have a ponytail pulled through the back), as it suggests that they will be laid back and fun. For bonus points, wear a baseball cap adorned with the badge of the sports team that your crush supports.
Sharp canines
Multiple users commenting on a Reddit thread admitted to finding it a turn-on when girls have extra-pointy canine teeth. This almost certainly has to do with the ‘sexy vampire’ trope, which films like Twilight have brought to the mainstream in recent years. This one’s still fairly niche, however, so it’s probably not worth investing in dental implants just yet.
Girls who use casual terms like “dude”
One of the biggest red flags for men is signs that a woman is going to be high maintenance. On the other hand, guys are naturally drawn to girls who come off as easygoing and laid-back. Using terms of endearment like “dude” and “mate” can show that you’re not fussy, stuck up or demanding, and that a relationship with you is likely to likely to be fun and relaxed.
Girls who don’t mind getting dirty
No, not like that. Well, also that, but in this case we’re talking about girls who literally don’t mind getting dirty. Guys – especially those who live active, outdoorsy lifestyles – are likely to be instantly put off if a girl has meltdown at the thought of getting a bit of dirt on them. Conversely, they’re likely to be seriously turned on by a girl who doesn’t mind getting plastered with mud on a hiking trip or mountain biking holiday.
Girls who have nerdy hobbies
Having nerdy interests – and proudly talking about them – is attractive for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it shows that you’re comfortable enough with yourself to not worry about what other people think. Secondly, it’ll make guys with nerdy interests of their own feel an instant sense of connection and will give you something to bond over, which can take a lot of the awkwardness out of the getting-to-know-each-other phase of a relationship.
Not having social media
Research has shown that overuse of social media can lead to intense cravings for external validation, which often manifests itself in hours spent trying to get the perfect photos to impress others online. Needless to say, this can be extremely exhausting for everyone involved, and often ruins holidays and events. The easiest way to show guys that they won’t have to deal with this issue is simply to not have social media in the first place.
Girls who are good with technology
Whilst some guys feel validated when girls ask them for help with technology, others are turned on by women who effortlessly know their way around their kit. This can range from the basic – such as setting up a new sound-system or games console – to the more complex, like knowing how to code.
Watching girls put on makeup
The world of makeup seems alien to most men, and they are often fascinated by the skilful precision with which it is applied. This fascination can easily border on attraction, and a lot of guys report feeling slightly turned on – for reasons they can’t exactly pin down – when they’re watching girls put on makeup.
Girls who drive old bangers
No one seems to know exactly why, but according to Reddit a surprising number of guys think it’s extremely sexy when attractive women drive old, banged-up cars. There’s probably some complex psychology relating to status going on behind this, but whatever the reason, you can stop feeling self-conscious about driving around in a rust bucket.
Using expressive gestures
A lot of guys report feeling especially attracted to women who their hands expressively when they talk. Research has shown that effective use of hand gestures is an easy way to appear more charismatic, which might explain this one. Fortunately, with a bit of practise anyone can get better at using their hands when they communicate.
Women who work on cars
There’s a reason both Megan Fox and Rosie Huntington-Whitely are shown fixing cars in the Transformers franchise. Whilst you might think that men would be put off by a girl smeared in grease and sweat, in reality most of them find it hot. Getting stuck into the bowels of an engine shows that you’re independent, self-sufficient and not afraid of getting your hands dirty, characteristics that a lot of guys look for in a partner.
Random talents
Having a random party trick – like being able to moonwalk or juggle – can instantly help you to stand out from the crowd. It also shows off that you possess the determination to learn difficult skills, and can show that you have a fun, quirky side to your personality that many guys will find irresistible.
Women who play video-games
The stereotype of gaming being a predominantly masculine hobby is starting to disappear, but it hasn’t gone away just yet. As a result, girls who game are still likely to hold a competitive edge in the dating world. The thought of having a partner to stay in with and play video games with is incredibly appealing to a lot of men, even if they’re not hardcore gamers themselves.
Clumsiness
A lot of guys find clumsiness an adorable trait, and watching you trip over yourself or continually drop things will make their heart melt a little. This is probably because it activates nurturing, protective instincts that some men naturally possess. Just make sure you don’t injure yourself trying to look cute.
Big gums
A lot of women with large gums report feeling incredibly insecure about it, and will often avoid smiling or – in extreme cases – seek dental surgery to rectify the issue. However, a non-insignificant number of guys confess that a woman’s big gums are quite attractive, because they add to her uniqueness.
Smoking
Smoking has traditionally been seen as a predominantly masculine habit, and a stigma towards women who smoke still exists. However, this is the precise reason that some men find it sexy when a woman lights up. Deliberately going against societal expectations can make you seem free-spirited, independent and self-assured, traits that are commonly recognised as attractive.
Laugh lines
Laugh lines can be a source of great insecurity for women as they get older, but many men confess that they actually feel drawn to them. The reasoning for this is fairly self-explanatory. Laugh lines tend to be more prominent on people who laugh a lot – hence the name – so they can be used as a good barometer for whether or not someone takes life too seriously.
Wearing winter clothing
Don’t be fooled into thinking the only way to catch a guy’s eye is through a flattering outfit. A study in 2008 found that men are often actually more attracted to women’s bodies during the winter months, when they tend to have less on it on display, as it adds an element of mystery that can be incredibly alluring.
Wearing odd socks
A Reddit user revealed that he’s inexplicably attracted to girls who wear odd socks, and a number of other users chimed in to express their agreement. This probably boils down to the at this point well established phenomenon of guys being drawn to women who give off subtle signs that they’re not going to be high maintenance and demanding.
Chewing gum
Chewing gum – especially when done in a deliberate way – can give off a vibe that indicates a lack of respect for authority. Guys who like girls that are on the wilder side are likely to find this a turn on, but it should be noted that this isn’t going to work on everyone, especially not men who value traditionally feminine qualities.
Red cheeks
This is another one that can be explained by biology. Flushed cheeks are a robust indicator of sexual arousal, which is why guys often report feeling turned on by them. This is the reason blusher exists, but the results don’t have to be achieved with makeup. Red cheeks caused by working out, playing sports or even embarrassment are likely to quicken guys’ pulses.
Hair bands around your wrist
This comes up a lot in online discussions, with many guys reporting that they feel strangely aroused by women keeping hair bands around their wrists. There doesn’t seem to be a clear-cut explanation for this inexplicable attraction, but it might simply come down to it being a stereotypically feminine behaviour.
Shyness
This may seem counterintuitive, but a lot guys report feeling attracted to girls who are shy. Perhaps this is because it allows men to feel confident in comparison, or it might be down to the stereotype that shy girls are the wildest in the bedroom. Either way, if you’re insecure about your shyness in social settings, know that it’s getting you the attention of at least some of the guys there.
The colour red
According to a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, men tend to perceive women dressed in red as more attractive. Culturally, the colour red is often associated with romance, conditioning men to make the link. Biology also plays a role, as women tend to appear flushed around ovulation and when they’re turned on.
Lower back dimples
Known as “dimples of Venus” thanks to a painting of the Greek Goddess that prominently displays them, many guys report feeling highly attracted to the two small, symmetrical indentations that some girls have on their backs. Technically, these dips are formed by a ligament that stretches between the posterior superior iliac spine and the skin, but that sounds much less alluring than dimples of Venus.
Girls who skateboard
Girls who skateboard are alluring for a number of reasons. First, the sport is still dominated by men, making women skaters stand out by default; second, it shows a fearless streak that a lot of guys find sexy; and third, skater culture in general is famous for being cool, laid back and edgy, qualities that can be incredibly appealing.
Stretch marks
Stretch marks are often a source of deep anxiety and insecurity for the women who possess them. They shouldn’t be. Most guys are completely unbothered by stretch marks, and some are even actively attracted to them. Despite what beauty product companies would have you believe, most men aren’t looking for an unobtainable standard of perfection and would rather their partner looks “real.”
The smell of pumpkin pie
A study by the Chicago Smell and Taste Research Centre compared the ability of various aromas to increase blood flow to men’s nether regions. The winner, somewhat surprisingly, was pumpkin pie. Whilst this is a bit difficult to exploit when you’re out and about, at least you know what to make for dessert next time your crush is over for dinner.
Girls who have muscles
Whilst some guys might feel intimidated by girls who can match them in the gym, a lot of men confess that they’re turned on by girls who visibly workout. As well as the purely aesthetic considerations, guys who enjoy going to the gym will love the idea of having a partner to go with them.
Crooked teeth
This is definitely a “within reason” kind of situation, but a lot of guys find it cute when a girl’s smile reveals some crooked teeth. For one thing, it’s a good indicator that a woman isn’t going to be self-absorbed and narcissistic, and it also suggests that she’s unlikely to get hung up on minor details.
Sarcasm
Despite the age old aphorism that “sarcasm is the lowest form of wit,” research suggests that it just might be the opposite. To effectively use sarcasm, one has to grasp the complexities and expectations of a conversation well enough to subvert them, with studies finding that teens who are highly sarcastic also tend to perform better on tests of cognitive ability. This link between sarcasm and intelligence might explain why a lot of guys find it attractive on girls.
Using their name
One of the principles from Dale Carnegie’s timeless self-help book How to Win Friends and Influence People is to find out someone’s name and use it often, as it makes them feel special and increases the odds of them liking you. It seems that this advice can also translate to success in the dating world. Many men report feeling particularly attracted to girls who make the effort to learn their name and then use it frequently.
Clinginess
A lot of the points on this list revolve around giving off signs that you aren’t likely to be clingy, but some guys do actually find needy behaviour attractive. Clinginess can make a guy feel valued and lets him know that he’s an important part of your life, which some men find attractive. A word of caution, however: too much clinginess, especially when it comes from both parties, can quickly lead to unhealthy patterns of codependent behaviour.
Tomboys
A lot of girls go through a tomboy phase in their childhood, but they often grow out of it due to the pressure of conforming to standards of femininity. However, those that don’t are likely to find that a lot of guys are actually attracted to tomboys. Women who enjoy more male-dominated domains are likely to be irresistible to men who are looking for a partner that will enjoy the same pursuits as them.
Deep armpits
One Reddit user confessed that he found something about his ex-wife’s “deep armpits” to be highly arousing. It quickly emerged that he wasn’t alone, as a number of other men also voiced their attraction. There might be some obscure biological mechanism at play here, or it might just boil down to aesthetics.
Physical weakness
A lot of guys report feeling attracted to girls that are “physically weaker” than them, and it probably doesn’t need a psychologist to unravel this one. Feeling stronger than their partner (or potential partner) makes men masculine and powerful, which is why guys love it when a girl asks for their help with a task that requires brute strength.
Long, slender arms
Men’s supposed infatuation with long legs is the reason high heels were invented, but a study from the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia, questioned this age-old orthodoxy. When asked to rank photos of women based on their attractiveness, men consistently gave higher marks to those with long, slender arms. Leg length, meanwhile, didn’t seem to make any difference.
Drinking beer
Beer is a typically masculine drink, so when a girl orders one it shows that she’s not worried about conforming to superficial standards of femininity. It’s also much more casual than a fancy cocktail, demonstrating that she’s able to kick back and chill. Many guys report that they get a good feeling when a girl they’re thinking of dating goes for a beer.
Wearing a man’s shirt
Seeing a woman in your smart work shirt will always be sexy. Especially the oversized one that hovers over bare legs and has a few buttons suggestively undone. Maybe men like to see women dwarfed by what is to them a regular-sized shirt. It makes them feel masculine and mature. Did we mention it’s also just sexy?
Being nice to random toddlers
Whether you and your girlfriend or wife are in a shop, restaurant, or park, there’s a special magic in seeing them toying with a young kid. The obvious appeal is in the maternal instinct. If your girlfriend is someone you plan on having children with, seeing her at ease with one will make your heart sing.
Kettlebell swings
This is a purely physical trait. A kettlebell swing tends to show the whole body exuding strength, showcasing a knack for power and concentration. When it comes to sex appeal, this is one of those things that will have men drooling at the gym. It’s the male equivalent of someone flaunting their back muscles by doing pull-ups.
Being modest
Studies in Thailand show that modesty ranks high in traits men look for in others, especially women. In this world of content theft and infinite repetition, to have a woman give credit where it’s due for something - say, a work assignment - is very attractive. It displays a complete lack of ego and insecurity.
Head tilts
In a highly specific study undertaken in Australia, one of the most attractive positions for a woman’s head is a slight tilt with eyes looking up. Maybe because it’s playful and relaxed, and if a woman is playful and relaxed around you, it gives the impression that she probably enjoys your company.
Sipping a drink
Nobody wants to see a woman sloppily swigging back any drink, at any time, in any event. A series of careful, tidy sips is what really gets a man’s motor running. It displays a simplistic level of class and self-respect. It also shows they want to drag the drink out for as long as they possibly can – and if you’re on a date, this is a great sign.
Towel-drying their hair
When men get out of the shower, they may tussle their hair with a towel, but it’s a very quick and practical manuever. For women, however, it’s methodical. It’s almost therapeutic. There’s no science to explain why this does it for many men. Seeing a woman slowly towel-drying her hair is just one of those displays of femininity that men can’t get enough of.
Making the first move
One study in speed dating showed that simple behaviours that indicate a woman is showing initial interest are a big turn-on for men. Typically, men are bad at flirting and hitting on women, so to have the woman do it instead is not only helpful but sexy, as it contradicts their usually non-desperate personalities.
Not replying to texts straight away
In the initial stages of getting to know someone, fast replies to messages may be more beneficial for the average courting male. However, once things are solidified and long-term, there are fewer things sexier than a slow reply. For a woman to take her time responding implies that she is not preoccupied with her phone nor desperate for attention. Slower replies make the messages all that more special.
Girls who read
In the United States alone, 64.3% of readers are female, so it’s not exactly rare to find a woman that reads. Still, there is something special about seeing a loved one curled up in bed or on a sofa indulging in something so far removed from the self-obsessed frantic world of social media. No wonder so many men are into ladies with literary leanings.
Girls who cosplay
Nerd culture is increasingly seen as cool, which has led to a lot of geekier interests moving into the mainstream. This includes cosplay, and as it becomes more popular a number of guys are discovering they find it a major turn on. Cosplaying as a sexy character isn’t even necessary, as it’s more about being strongly passionate about something and not caring what others think.
Girls who do martial arts
Although some guys might be intimidated by a girl who can knock them out, others are likely to find it highly alluring. Mastering a martial art demonstrates discipline, courage and focus – all incredibly attractive traits – and, as an added bonus, dedicated martial artists tend to be in seriously good shape.
Girls who are passionate about sports
At the end of the day, most people are looking for someone they can share the things they find important with, and for a lot of guys that’s sports. Being passionate about sports is likely to be a major turn on for a lot of guys, and sitting screaming at the TV together is a great way to bond.
Pointy ears
Although they are considered a physical defect by some, a surprising number of men report feeling particularly attracted to girls with slightly pointed ears. This could be because they impart a slightly elven quality, or simply because they’re unusual and stand out. Plastic surgery to make ears pointier is even a growing trend in China, although we’re not suggesting ladies should go that far.
Girls who drive fast
Driving fast is seen as a predominantly masculine activity, hence the striking gender imbalance in the world of professional racing. As a result, women who love to put their foot down when they’re behind the wheel are automatically going to stand out, and any guys who love a bit of adrenaline will likely swoon.
Being career driven
In the not-so distant past, most men longed for a domestic goddess who would keep the house clean and make sure dinner was on the table when they got home from work. Fortunately, these days are a lot of men rather more enlightened, and are likely to be more attracted to women who are ambitious and driven in their careers.
Being a bit mean
The stereotype of the mean, popular girl at school that all the guys lust over is definitely grounded in reality, and most people can remember someone who fit into that category. As a result, many guys are still drawn to girls who act this way. Less is more though, and being genuinely nasty is always going to be a turn off.
Having strong opinions
A lot of guys report being attracted to girls who have strong opinions and aren’t afraid to share them (a slight caveat: this doesn’t apply if your opinions are abhorrent). Getting heated in a debate is a fantastic way of showing how passionate you can be, and sends the signal that you’re fierce and self-assured.
