When it comes to attraction, there are many factors that come into play. One interesting area of research looks at how color might influence what women find attractive in potential male partners. Studies suggest certain colors may be more likely to catch a woman’s eye and signal desirable traits in men.
Quick Answers
Some quick takeaways on what color do women find attractive in men include:
- Research suggests women are most attracted to men wearing black, red, and blue.
- Black clothing tends to make men appear more intelligent, powerful, and mysterious.
- Red clothing can signal status, dominance, and increased attractiveness.
- Blue clothing conveys stability and reliability.
- Bright, warm colors like yellow, orange, and pink are seen as more feminine.
- Neutral colors like white, gray, and green don’t make a strong impression.
- The color a man wears impacts his perceived personality traits.
- Women may link certain colors with resources and the ability to provide.
The Psychology Behind Color and Attraction
The connection between color and attraction stems from an evolutionary perspective. Researchers suggest color perception once helped humans find mates who were more likely to survive and have resources to provide for a family. So what people find aesthetically pleasing today is rooted in these primitive instincts.
The psychology of color plays into mate selection in a few key ways:
- Color can convey certain personality traits that are deemed desirable in a mate.
- Some colors represent status and resources more than others.
- Color can influence perceived masculinity and femininity.
While reactions to color are partly cultural, the biology behind human color vision means some reactions are universal. Certain hues may subconsciously signal genetic fitness.
What Colors Do Women Find Most Attractive on Men?
Research confirms women are most attracted to men wearing certain colors. Black, red, and blue tend to make men more appealing and signal desired traits in potential mates.
Black
Many studies have found black is the most attractive color on a man from a woman’s perspective. One study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology had women look at pictures of men in different color suits and rate their appeal. The men in black suits were consistently ranked as most attractive.
Black conveys power, authority, and status. A man dressed in black may subconsciously seem more intelligent, mysterious, and sophisticated. The color black can also hide flaws and make a person appear thinner.
Red
After black, red was found to be the most attractive color on men. Red is associated with dominance, aggression, and passion. Wearing red can increase a man’s perceived status, making him stand out from other potential mates.
One study had women view photo pairs of men wearing red and green. The women overwhelmingly chose the men in red as more attractive. Researchers believe red signals increased social and sexual desirability.
Blue
Blue is another top color women are drawn to. Unlike the bold statement of red, blue conveys stability, intelligence, and reliability. Studies show both men and women find potential partners more attractive when wearing blue clothing.
While blue is thought of as a masculine color, it doesn’t provoke feelings of dominance like red. Blue has just the right balance to increase a man’s appeal.
Least Attractive Colors on Men
On the other end of the spectrum, certain colors make men seem less attractive to women. Bright, warm tones like yellow, orange, and pink are perceived as more feminine. Neutral hues like white, gray, and green don’t make much impression at all.
Yellow, Orange, Pink
Vibrant warm colors give off more playful, feminine energy. Women view men in shades like yellow, orange, and pink as softer and less dominant. While these colors aren’t repulsive, they don’t heighten a man’s masculinity or appeal.
White, Gray, Green
Colors like white, gray, and green don’t tend to sway perception. They are seen as more gender-neutral. A man wearing plain white, gray, or green doesn’t stand out against the competition.
While green can represent nature and growth, it’s such a common color it blends into the background. White and gray are blank slates that don’t give much indication of the wearer’s personality.
Personality Traits Associated with Color
Part of what makes certain colors more or less attractive is the personality traits associated with them. While these color associations are partly cultural, some universal patterns exist.
| Color | Personality Traits |
|---|---|
| Black | Powerful, mysterious, intelligent |
| Red | Dominant, passionate, aggressive |
| Blue | Trustworthy, stable, reliable |
| Yellow | Playful, cheerful, youthful |
| Orange | Energetic, adventurous, extroverted |
| Pink | Sweet, romantic, feminine |
| White | Simple, pure, clean |
| Gray | Moody, sophisticated, neutral |
| Green | Balanced, laid-back, natural |
Women tend to find the traits associated with black, red, and blue most desirable in potential mates. Colors with more feminine or neutral associations don’t increase a man’s attractiveness.
Color and Resources
On a more subconscious level, color may indicate resources and the ability to provide. Throughout history vibrant dyes were more expensive and associated with wealth.
- Black, red, and blue all require substantial dye resources to produce.
- Neutral colors like white, gray, and beige are cheaper and easier to achieve.
- Bright warm colors tend to fade more quickly with washing.
A man wearingpersistently dark, rich colors may subconsciously convey access to resources women find attractive in a mate.
Cultural Differences
While some reactions to color seem universal, cultural norms also influence color perceptions. What’s deemed masculine or high-status varies by culture and changes over time.
Some cultural differences include:
- In China, red is considered lucky and positive while white symbolizes death and mourning.
- In South Africa, blue is associated with mourning and loss.
- In Japan, white represents simplicity while pink signifies masculinity.
Because color associations are learned, cultural background impacts what hues people find attractive. But some innate reactions remain no matter what the cultural norms are.
Optimizing Attractiveness With Color
For men looking to use color to appear more attractive, studies suggest:
- Wear black, red, or blue for dates and social gatherings.
- Avoid wearing exclusively yellow, orange, pink, white, gray, or green.
- Black suits and shirts signal authority, power, and mystery.
- Red shirts project confidence, passion, and status.
- Blue shirts or accessories convey intelligence and stability.
Color should coordinate with skin tone as well. Olive complexions pair well with deep reds or purples. Neutral tones compliment lighter complexions. Don’t wear a color that completely washes you out.
Finding your most attractive colors takes some trial and error. Notice which hues get you the most compliments and positive attention from women.
Conclusion
Research strongly suggests color influences what women find attractive in potential male partners. Colors like black, red, and blue make men more appealing across cultures. These colors signal desirable personality traits and status. Subconsciously, women may link these hues to the ability to survive and provide.
So wearing flattering shades can be a simple way for men to increase their attractiveness. While cultural differences exist, the innate biology behind color preferences means some universal patterns prevail. Harnessing the psychology of color is one small part of the complex human mating dance.
