According to research by the University of Rochester, women find men wearing the colour red more sexually attractive than other colours.
The colour’s charm ultimately lies in its ability to make men appear more powerful. Researchers found that women view men in red as higher in status, more likely to make money and more likely to climb the social ladder. And it's this high-status judgment that leads to the attraction.
This could be linked far back to our most basic and primal instincts. In the wild, animals perceive red as a symbol of fertility and sexuality. For us humans, the colour red has become associated with danger, power and romance.
Interestingly, it was found that wearing the colour red made women more attracted to men, but the colour of clothes a man wears did not make a difference to men perceiving the attractiveness of other men.
If you don’t like the colour red, or you don’t think it looks good on you, there’s no need to fear. Don’t feel pressured to go out and buy lots of red clothes for the sake of it. Wear what makes you feel good!
Research has revealed that there are plenty of physical factors that can influence a woman’s attraction to a man including how symmetrical their face is, how tall they are, how deep their voice is, and even how much facial hair they have (a light beard was found to be most attractive, for anyone wondering).
There are also many non-physical characteristics that make men more attractive to women including kindness, intelligence, status, emotional stability and politeness. Kindness never goes out of style.
Multiple studies indicate that women are also more attracted to men who can make them laugh. Interestingly, men generally aren't more attracted to women who can make them laugh.
March 03, 2021 — Jalpesh Patel
As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of human behavior and psychology, particularly in the context of attraction, I can shed light on the intriguing research findings mentioned in the article. The research conducted by the University of Rochester delves into the fascinating realm of color psychology and its impact on sexual attraction.
The evidence presented in the research suggests that women are more likely to find men wearing the color red sexually attractive compared to other colors. This phenomenon is attributed to the perception that the color red makes men appear more powerful and higher in status. The study indicates that women associate men in red with characteristics such as financial success and an increased likelihood of social advancement.
To explain this preference, the research draws a connection to our primal instincts. In the animal kingdom, red is often perceived as a symbol of fertility and sexuality. For humans, the color red has become associated with danger, power, and romance. This association is believed to influence women's judgments of men wearing red, contributing to the allure of high-status individuals.
Interestingly, the article notes that the effect is one-sided, as the color of clothing does not significantly impact men's perceptions of other men's attractiveness. This one-way influence suggests a gender-specific response to the color red in the context of sexual attraction.
However, the article also emphasizes that personal preferences play a crucial role. If someone doesn't like the color red or feels it doesn't suit them, there's no need to feel pressured to conform. The overarching message is to wear what makes individuals feel good, reinforcing the idea that personal comfort and confidence are key elements of attractiveness.
Moreover, the research extends beyond the realm of color psychology, highlighting various physical and non-physical factors that influence a woman's attraction to a man. Physical factors include facial symmetry, height, voice depth, and even the presence of facial hair. Interestingly, a light beard is identified as particularly attractive.
Non-physical characteristics also contribute to attractiveness, such as kindness, intelligence, status, emotional stability, and politeness. The article emphasizes that kindness remains a timeless and universally attractive quality.
Finally, the article touches on the role of humor in attraction, noting that women are generally more attracted to men who can make them laugh. This stands in contrast to men, who may not prioritize humor as a significant factor in their attraction to women.
In summary, the research explored in the article provides a comprehensive view of factors influencing sexual attraction, ranging from the color of clothing to both physical and non-physical characteristics. It serves as a valuable insight into the complexities of human attraction and the multifaceted nature of the qualities that contribute to perceived attractiveness.