When it comes to attracting the opposite sex, the colors you wear may have more of an impact than you think. Studies have shown that certain colors can increase your appeal and attractiveness to potential partners. The color psychology of attraction says a lot about what men visually notice on a woman. Understanding what colors guys find most appealing can help you accentuate your best features when putting together an outfit for a date or night out.
Quick Summary
Research has found that the colors red, black, blue, and green tend to be the most alluring on women from a male perspective. Shades like crimson red and bright blue attract the most attention. Darker colors like black and navy are sophisticated. Earth tones like hunter green are associated with natural beauty. The colors guys are drawn to can vary somewhat based on factors like culture, age, and personal preference. But overall, wearing these hues in the right ways can increase your aesthetic appeal to men.
What Science Says About Attraction and Color
Scientists have conducted experiments for decades looking at how color, hormones, and psychology intersect. When it comes to sexual attraction between genders, the color red in particular has some profound effects.
One study had men view images of women in red, white, and green. The men expressed greater interest in the women wearing red. Researchers believe this is because we subconsciously associate red with lust, passion, and fertility due to it mimicking biological cues like flushed cheeks and labia.
Another study found that men feel more amorous toward women in front of a red background. The color seems to amplify their desire and affectionate feelings. So wearing a bold red outfit on a date may subconsciously communicate romance and chemistry.
Black is another sensual shade for women in male eyes. Darker colors enhance your curves and create an air of mystery. Black especially accentuates the contrast of your skin tone in an alluring way. It’s perceived as elegant and sophisticated.
The Most Attractive Colors to Men
While red and black are classics, they aren’t the only hues that catch a man’s eye. Here are the top colors that research suggests guys find sexy and appealing:
Red
Studies consistently find that red makes women more attractive to heterosexual men. It signals fertility and sexual availability. Shades like crimson, scarlet, and cherry red grab the most male attention according to scientists.
Black
Black outfits highlight a woman’s curves and mystery. The color evokes sophistication and elegance. Little black dresses are a go-to for looking hot on date night.
Blue
Bright, vivid shades of blue like royal blue attract men the most. Something about the color signals sensitivity, emotion, and depth to the male psyche. Ocean blue also complements most complexions.
Green
Earthy hues like hunter green are associated with natural beauty, health, and youth. Green brings out eye color and works well for formal and casual wear.
Pink
Despite pink being a traditionally feminine color, men are attracted to it. Soft shades of pink appear innocent. Hot pink pops against darker skin tones.
Purple
Purple is connected to luxury, creativity, and magic. Vibrant purples complement warm skin tones. Pale lavender can act as a neutral. The color intrigues the male eye.
White
Crisp white against tanned skin arouses male desire. A white dress highlights sensuality and lightness. The color also amplifies other bright shades.
How Age Impacts Color Attraction
Men’s preferences for specific colors can shift subtly as they age. While red retains its passions appeal across the board, other hues grow in attractiveness.
One study showed that young men under 25 preferred blue on women over green. But men over 25 found green more alluring. This may be because green is associated with maturity.
Black becomes more attractive to middle-aged men seeking sophistication over signals of fertility. And older men prefer purple for its creative and spiritual connotations.
For Younger Men
Bright, vivid hues like:
- Royal blue
- Red
- Hot pink
- Turquoise
- Lime green
For Middle-Aged Men
Sexy, sensual colors like:
- Black
- Deep red
- Navy
- Purple
- Emerald
For Older Men
Mature, subtle tones like:
- Lavender
- Silver
- Sea green
- Burgundy
- Mustard
How Culture Impacts Color Attraction
The colors heterosexual men are most attracted to can also vary slightly across cultures. While red retains its universal appeal, other colors hold different meanings.
For example, in China, red is considered lucky. But yellow is seen as imperial and noble. Chinese men may favor a woman in yellow for its regal implications.
In the Middle East, a bright blue evil eye amulet is believed to protect against harm. So blue has superstitious meaning, and men find it lucky.
In western cultures, black is viewed as sexy. But in some Asian cultures, white is the traditional color of mourning. So black may be more appealing in casual dating outfits.
While colors hold symbolic meaning in every culture, the basics of attraction often hold. Bold shades like red and blue speak to men on an instinctual level across all backgrounds.
Tips for Using Color to Attract Men
Now that you know what hues heterosexual males tend to find irresistible, here are some tips for working these shades into your wardrobe:
Opt for red lipstick and accessories
Adding a pop of red through lipstick, shoes, or a handbag is an easy way to use the passion color to your advantage. Avoid going overboard with an all-red outfit.
Wear black dresses and formalwear
Make black your go-to for little black dresses, elegant gowns, and dresses. The color excels at special occasions. Black heels are also sensual.
Try on blue tops and jeans
Blue tops accentuate facial features like eyes and hair. Dark wash blue jeans also flatter curves and elongate legs, so they’re perfect for casual dates.
Experiment with different shades of green
Green adds vibrancy in any shade, from emerald to hunter green. But beware of unflattering hues like olive green.
Use jewel tones for night outs
Deep shades like sapphire, amethyst, and topaz flatter when going out at night. They give off an air of glamour.
Mix various hues for maximum effect
Try combining two or more preferred colors like red and black. This helps one shade stand out against another for visual interest.
Colors for Different Occasions
Certain hues lend themselves better to day versus night outings, or casual versus dressy affairs. Consider occasion when selecting attraction colors:
| Occasion | Best Colors |
|---|---|
| Casual day date | Soft blue, pink, green, white |
| Night out at bar/club | Black, red, jewel tones |
| Outdoor music festival | Bright blue, pink, purple |
| Cocktail party | Black, deep red, emerald |
| Dinner date | Navy, purple, maroon, green |
| Formal event/gala | Black, silver, gold, blue |
Which Colors Look Best on You?
While certain shades are universally flattering, you’ll also want to select colors that enhance your individual features and complexion. Determine which hues complement your skin tone, hair color, and eye color specifically. The right colors will bring out your beauty.
Some tips for finding colors that flatter:
- Fair skin looks great in pastels and jewel tones
- Olive skin glows in emerald, purple, and turquoise
- Darker skin wears vivid colors like red beautifully
- Blondes shine in light blues and pinks
- Brunettes dazzle in forest green and burgundy
- Redheads pop in shades of blue-green and purple
- Brown eyes stand out with purple, blue, green
- Green eyes look bright with red, pink, yellow
- Blue eyes shine in orange, yellow, pink
Get a friend’s opinion and test out new shades to learn which hues make you radiate confidence. Combine colors preferred by men with those ideal for your appearance.
Conclusion
Research indicates that heterosexual men feel an inherent attraction to bolder, brighter colors like red, blue, and green on women. These shades enhance female features and signal desirability on a primal level. Black and other darker hues evoke sophistication and intrigue. Understanding how to use color psychology to your benefit can boost your visual appeal and attractiveness. But also select shades that complement your complexion and personality.
With so many colors to experiment with, have fun discovering new date night outfits and combinations. Use color strategically, but also dress in ways that make you feel happy and confident above all else. A genuine glow of self-assurance will make you shine no matter what hues you choose.
