Physical attractiveness plays a big role in our lives. Research shows that people who are perceived as more attractive tend to have advantages in many aspects of life, from dating and relationships to hiring decisions and promotions at work. But what exactly makes a person attractive? While attractiveness is subjective, there are some physical features that tend to be universally desired. Here we explore what body parts are generally considered most attractive according to science and popular opinion.
Faces
The face is often the first thing we notice about someone. Facial attractiveness can convey important information about a person’s health, genetic fitness, personality, and more. Symmetry, youthfulness, averageness, and sexually dimorphic features are known to enhance facial attractiveness across cultures.
Symmetry is desired because it signals good health and good genes. Faces that are more symmetrical are rated as more attractive. Youthfulness is attractive as it indicates fertility and reproductive potential. Faces with childlike features such as large eyes, small nose, round cheeks, and full lips are seen as more feminine and attractive.
Averageness suggests genetic diversity and the absence of genetic or acquired defects. Faces closer to population average in appearance are judged as more appealing. Sexually dimorphic features accentuate masculinity in men and femininity in women. A masculine, square jaw and prominent brow are handsome on men while delicate features are pretty on women.
Eyes
Eyes are pivotal to facial beauty. Large, wide-set, bright eyes with long lush lashes are considered ideal. Dark limbal rings, created by pigmentation around the iris, can make eyes stand out more. Eye color itself does not significantly influence attractiveness, though contrast between iris color and rest of the eye does.
Lips
Full, plump lips are associated with youthfulness and femininity. A moderate gap between the upper and lower lip, known as “the golden ratio”, is most preferred. Well-defined lip borders with a sharp Cupid’s bow also enhance appeal. Moderate lip redness adds to the attractiveness.
Hair
Hair is central to our impressions of attractiveness and masculinity/femininity. Thick, lustrous, lightly colored hair is considered the most desirable trait for women. Longer hair lengths are judged as more feminine. Tidiness and glossy sheen matter more than styling. For men, visible hair loss detracts from appeal but fuller, darker hair increases attractiveness and masculinity.
Texture
Straight, smooth, silky hair is prized in women as it evokes youthfulness and health. Coarse or frizzy hair is seen as less feminine. Wavy and curly hair can be attractive when well-defined and shiny. Men with straight, short, well-groomed hair are considered most appealing.
Length
Longer hair, especially when worn loose, boosts attractiveness and femininity ratings in women. Medium to long hair is ideal, suggesting health, youth, and fertility. Short hair does not have the same effect. Men are considered most attractive with short to medium length hair or a clean-shaven appearance.
Color
For women, medium to light brown shades are rated highest. Blonde and black hair can also be desirable if very lustrous. Graying generally decreases attractiveness. Vibrant color can be intriguing on younger women but is less favored after middle age. Darker more dominant hair boosts masculinity and appeal in men.
Body Shape
Ideal body shapes emphasize feminine or masculine traits. For women, a low waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) of around 0.7 is most attractive. This indicates wide hips, a slim waist, and good childbearing ability. An hourglass shape with a balanced top and bottom half is considered universally appealing.
In men, a V-shaped torso with broad shoulders tapering to a narrow waist conveys genetic strength and masculine sexuality. An average WHR around 0.9 and muscularity with low body fat is viewed as optimally attractive.
Body Weight
Women with lower BMI (Body Mass Index) and men with higher BMI are judged progressively attractive up to a point. Underweight and overweight are seen as less appealing. For women, a moderately low BMI around 20, and for men a moderately high BMI around 25, are most attractive.
Body Height
Average height is most preferred in both sexes. For men, taller stature up to around 6′ is considered attractive as height suggests dominance and status. Short stature in men reduces attractiveness ratings significantly. For women, medium height is ideal while unusually tall height is less appealing.
Body Shape Ratios
A hip to waist ratio of 0.7 for women and shoulder to hip ratio of 1.6 for men are ideal. The “golden ratio” of 0.618 for female waist to bust ratio is also desirable. Male muscularity with broad shoulders and narrow hips is attractive when combined with low body fat percentage.
Breasts
Breast size and shape influence attractiveness and femininity ratings. Medium to large breasts with ideal silicone implant dimensions of 385cc are rated most appealing. Fuller upper pole volume, tear-drop shape, symmetrical proportions and natural softness enhance attractiveness.
A 45:55 upper to lower pole ratio and an aesthetic inframammary fold are desirable. Nipple size and pigmentation also affect ratings. Though implants can improve attractiveness when done well, most men and women consider natural breasts most beautiful.
Ideal Implant Dimensions
| Implant Volume | Implant Dimensions |
|---|---|
| 385cc | Moderate profile, diameter 12.7cm, projection 6.3cm |
| 350cc | Moderate plus profile, diameter 12.1cm, projection 5.8cm |
Beautiful Breast Traits
- Medium to large size
- Tear-drop shape
- 45:55 upper to lower pole ratio
- Symmetrical
- Youthful perkiness with natural hang
- Smooth, luminous skin
Buttocks
Buttocks shape and size also influence attractiveness. The ideal female buttocks is moderately large and protrudes back and up with a convex lumbar curve. A 45-60 degree incline from back is preferred.
Fuller, rounder buttocks are judged more feminine and attractive. A hip to butt projection ratio of around 1.4 to 1.6 is considered most appealing. High, prominent buttocks that are symmetrical and free of cellulite are rated highest.
Factors Affecting Buttock Attractiveness
- Volume – Fuller, rounder more protuberant shape preferred
- Position – High, tilted 45-60 degrees from back
- Shape – Round, convex, tear-drop shape more appealing
- Symmetry – Both sides identical
- Skin Texture – Smooth, blemish and cellulite-free skin
Legs
Leg shape influences attractiveness and masculinity/femininity. Long, smooth, cellulite-free legs on women represent youthfulness and health. Muscular, thicker, hair-covered legs boost masculinity in men.
A thigh gap with inner thighs not touching is considered most feminine and attractive in women. Lean legs with ideal hip, thigh and calf circumference ratios enhance appeal. Visible muscle definition adds aesthetic value to men’s legs.
Ideal Female Leg Ratios
| Leg Segment | Ideal Circumference |
|---|---|
| Thigh | 1.5 to 2 times hip circumference |
| Calf | 40-50% of thigh circumference |
Skin
Clear, smooth, blemish-free and radiant skin boosts attractiveness significantly. A healthy glow conveys youth, health and good genes. Even pigmentation and soft, delicate features are feminine and pretty.
Tanned skin is considered attractive, especially on lighter complexions, as it suggests health and masculinity. Scars, acne, wrinkles and sun damage detract from appeal in both sexes. Good skin care enhances beauty and slows visible aging.
Traits of Attractive Skin
- Clear and blemish-free
- Luminous, even tone
- Smooth texture
- Youthful elasticity
- Delicate features in women
- Tanned in moderation
Teeth
Teeth significantly impact facial attractiveness and smile appeal. Well-aligned, white teeth are highly valued across cultures. Straight, bright white teeth represent health and good genes.
Increased buccal corridor space with broader arch forms make smiles more attractive. Upper teeth exposure of up to two millimeters while smiling is ideal. Proportional tooth size and shape also enhances smile aesthetics.
Traits of an Attractive Smile
- White, blemish-free teeth
- Well-aligned and straight
- Broad arch form
- Moderate buccal corridor space
- Upper teeth exposure while smiling
- Proportionate tooth size and shape
Voice
Voice and speech patterns also influence perceived attractiveness. Deeper male voices and higher pitched female voices are judged most appealing as they emphasize gendered traits.
Masculine voices with lower pitch, intensity, resonance and inflection are viewed as attractive in men. The opposite speech patterns boost femininity and appeal in women. Accents, tone, articulation and speed also affect ratings.
Attractive Voice Traits
Men
- Lower pitch
- Lower intensity
- Downward shifts in inflection
- Less punctuation and breathiness
- Slower articulation and pace
- Rich timbre
Women
- Higher pitch
- Greater intensity variation
- Upward shifts in inflection
- More punctuation and breathiness
- Faster articulation and pace
- Youthful tone quality
Scent
Natural body scent influences perceived attractiveness especially in terms of biological compatibility. Scents seem to communicate information about immunity, reproduction, and mate suitability.
In men, more masculine “musk” scents are found attractive. In women, more feminine floral or fruity scents have appeal. Compatible natural scents can indicate biological complementarity between partners.
Factors Influencing Scent Attractiveness
- Intensity – Moderate intensity most preferred
- Composition – Musk for men, floral/fruity for women
- Sexuality – Androgen-based scents for men, estrogen-based for women
- Compatibility – Scents signaling biological complementarity
- Cycle – Scents change according to cycles to attract mates
Movement
Our motions and gait also influence perceived attractiveness. Smooth, graceful movements are considered feminine while dominant, robust motions seem masculine.
A hip-swaying, light step enhances femininity and appeal in women. Upright posture with strong, steady movement boosts male desirability. Coordination and fluidity of movement adds to beauty in both sexes.
Attractive Movement Traits
Women
- Graceful, fluid motions
- Hip sway while walking
- Light, delicate steps
- Upright, erect posture
- Head level, shoulders back
Men
- Controlled, coordinated motions
- Confident, expansive gestures
- Firm, steady gait
- Upright, open posture
- Robust, purposeful steps
Conclusion
Perceived physical attractiveness is complex and multidimensional. Faces, bodies, voices, scents, and motions all influence appeal. While subjective, certain traits are universally desired as they convey reproductive fitness, health, youth, and gender traits. Maximizing these qualities can increase attractiveness across cultures.
Symmetry, averageness, sexually dimorphic features, clear skin, vivid coloration, feminine/masculine proportions and movements enhance beauty. Optimal volume in breasts, buttocks and lips also boosts ratings. Good grooming and fitness amplify appeal significantly.
Attractiveness is more than just physical traits though. Personality, confidence, intelligence, success, values and compatibility also matter for relationships. Striking a balance between looks and character offers the best chance for appeal and connection.