First 10 Things Women Notice About Men – What Attracts Women to Men

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Modern dating happens at lightning speed.

Scientific research shows that people form lasting impressions within seven seconds, and up to 93 % of those judgments are based on non‑verbal cues (researchgate.net)

The way you look, move and speak is processed before anyone hears your life story, so understanding what women notice first can help you present your most authentic self.

This article draws on peer‑reviewed studies and psychology research to outline the top ten traits women tend to notice in men and offers practical tips for each one.

1 • Facial symmetry and masculine features

Faces are powerful social signals.

An international study published in PLoS ONE showed that symmetry and sexual dimorphism (how masculine or feminine a face is) are among the most important variables determining facial attractiveness (sciencedaily.com)

Symmetric male faces were found to have more masculine facial proportions and symmetric female faces more feminine ones across European, African and primate samples.

These traits likely signal genetic quality and health, which is why women’s brains are wired to pick up on them.

Tips

  • Look after your skin and teeth: A symmetrical face is partly genetic, but clear skin and a bright smile enhance overall facial harmony. Develop a consistent skincare routine and visit the dentist regularly.
  • Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Nutrition, sleep and exercise support balanced facial development. Weight management also preserves the jawline and cheekbones, features associated with masculine attractiveness.
  • Groom facial hair strategically: Well‑kept stubble or a beard can add masculine definition and hide minor asymmetries. Keep lines neat and adapt length to suit your face shape.

2 • Height and shoulder‑to‑hip ratio

Although women’s preferences vary, multiple studies show that many women consider taller men with broader shoulders more attractive, masculine and dominant.

In controlled experiments, women rated male images as increasingly attractive as height and shoulder‑to‑hip ratio (SHR) increased. Interestingly, women who rated themselves as more attractive amplified these preferences, suggesting that self‑confidence influences expectations.

Tips

  • Improve your posture: You cannot change your genetics, but you can maximise your physical presence. Stand tall, pull your shoulders back and engage your core; good posture conveys height and confidence simultaneously.
  • Strengthen your upper body: Resistance training builds shoulder and back muscles, boosting your SHR. Focus on exercises like pull‑ups, rows and shoulder presses.
  • Dress to elongate: Vertical stripes, monochromatic outfits and well‑fitted clothes can make you appear taller. Avoid baggy garments that hide your shape.

3 • Voice depth and tone

A cross‑cultural study involving over 3,100 participants found that lower voice pitch makes both men and women sound more attractive to potential long‑term partners.

For men, a deeper voice also signals formidability and prestige, especially among younger listeners.

Evolutionary psychologists suggest that deep voices exaggerate perceived body size and signal strength and maturity.

Tips

  • Relax your larynx: Nervousness raises your pitch. Practice deep breathing and speak from your diaphragm to naturally lower your tone.
  • Slow down: Speaking slightly slower and with pauses conveys confidence and allows your natural resonance to emerge.
  • Avoid monotony: A low voice is attractive when it carries energy. Vary your intonation to sound engaged rather than bored.

4 • Scent, grooming and hygiene

Smell is a powerful, often subconscious cue. Research on mate choice found that women in the fertile phase of their cycle prefer the body odour of dominant men and are attracted to the scent of men with low fluctuating asymmetry (symmetry is a marker of genetic and developmental stability).

These findings suggest that scent conveys information about genetic quality and testosterone levels.

Tips

  • Master personal hygiene: Daily showers, clean clothes and fresh breath signal health and consideration. Wash your hair and beard regularly.
  • Choose a subtle fragrance: A light, quality cologne can enhance your natural scent without overwhelming. Test fragrances on your skin and stick with one signature scent.
  • Mind your diet: Spicy foods, alcohol and tobacco can affect body odour. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables promotes a fresher scent.

5 • Body language and posture

Non‑verbal cues speak louder than words.

During the first seven seconds of a meeting, body language and posture account for 38 % of the impression someone forms.

Within body language impressions, people notice posture first (42 %), followed by hand gestures and walking style. Open, confident postures suggest social dominance, whereas closed or slumped postures can communicate insecurity.

Tips

  • Adopt an open stance: Keep your chest open, avoid crossing your arms and angle your body slightly toward the person you’re speaking with.
  • Use purposeful gestures: Moderate hand movements emphasise points and demonstrate engagement; avoid fidgeting or hiding your hands in pockets.
  • Practise your walk: Stride with steady, relaxed steps. A purposeful gait radiates confidence and helps you appear taller.

6 • Clothing and personal style

Clothing is the first thing people notice.

A Harvard Business School–related breakdown reveals that clothing and overall appearance account for 55 % of first impressions.

A study summarised in the Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management found that people notice color first (37 %), then fit and silhouette (32 %), followed by style/design (25 %) and brand indicators (6 %).

Wearing colours like red can increase perceived attractiveness and status, while black is associated with leadership.

Tips

  • Prioritise fit: Clothes that fit your body properly enhance your silhouette more than expensive brands. A good tailor is an investment.
  • Use colour strategically: Incorporate red accents (a tie, pocket square or shirt) when you want to stand out; choose black for an authoritative look.
  • Build a versatile wardrobe: Classic pieces—dark jeans, crisp shirts, well‑fitted blazers—can be mixed and matched. Avoid overly trendy items that may not suit your personality.

7 • Smile and facial expressions

A warm smile can make you appear approachable, but context matters.

Researchers found that people can register facial expressions in as little as 33 milliseconds, and a genuine smile is particularly important.

However, a University of British Columbia study discovered that women found smiling, happy men less sexually attractive than men who looked proud or brooding.

Evolutionary psychology suggests that proud expressions highlight masculine features and signal status.

Tips

  • Cultivate a genuine smile: Think of something that makes you happy to produce a real smile that reaches your eyes. Fake smiles are easily spotted.
  • Balance warmth and confidence: When meeting someone new, offer a brief, authentic smile and then relax into a neutral, attentive expression. Avoid grinning constantly.
  • Manage facial tension: Relax your jaw and brow. Excess tension can make you appear stressed or angry.

8 • Confidence and presence

Confidence is magnetic. Lower voice pitch and upright posture both signal dominance and social status.

In the emotion‑expression study, women preferred men who displayed pride and power or even a moody, ashamed look over those who smiled broadly.

Pride accentuates masculine physical features and may imply competence and an ability to provide.

Tips

  • Lead with purpose: Whether you’re speaking or entering a room, move with intention. Avoid timid gestures or hesitant language.
  • Develop self‑belief: Confidence is rooted in self‑esteem. Set and achieve personal goals, celebrate your strengths and learn from failures.
  • Stay calm under pressure: Practice breathing and mindfulness techniques to remain composed in social situations.

9 • Humour and wit

Humour signals intelligence and social skill.

A series of four studies published in Evolutionary Behavioral Sciences found that women prefer funny men, viewing humour as a sign of investment potential. Crucially, a joke has to be genuinely funny—failed attempts provide no advantage over neutral statements.

When humour hits the mark, women perceive the man as more attractive and intelligent and as having greater earning potential.

Tips

  • Use situational humour: Observe your surroundings and comment on shared experiences. This shows emotional intelligence.
  • Practise your storytelling: A well‑delivered anecdote with a punchline is more attractive than rehearsed one‑liners. Keep jokes appropriate and avoid controversial topics.
  • Appreciate her humour: Women often evaluate humour; laughing at her jokes shows receptivity and builds rapport.

10 • Kindness and emotional warmth

Beyond first impressions, character matters.

An international study involving students from five countries asked participants to allocate “mate dollars” to desired traits and found that kindness emerged as the most important characteristic in a long‑term partner across cultures.

After kindness, men tended to prioritise physical attractiveness, while women valued good financial prospects.

The researchers concluded that certain preferences, such as kindness, appear universal.

Tips

  • Show empathy: Listen actively, validate her feelings and respond thoughtfully. Genuine kindness cannot be faked.
  • Practise small courtesies: Hold the door, say “please” and “thank you”, and respect boundaries. These behaviours demonstrate respect and reliability.
  • Give back: Volunteering or helping others not only makes you feel good; it signals altruism, a trait associated with long‑term partner suitability.

Final thoughts: attraction is holistic

Science shows that what attracts women to men is a blend of physical cues, behavioural signals and character traits.

Facial symmetry and stature catch the eye, while a deep voice and confident posture convey strength and status.

Scent and grooming provide subconscious clues about health, and clothing colour and fit shape first impressions. Beyond appearance, a balanced mix of warmth, humour and kindness predicts long‑term attraction.

Importantly, cultural and individual differences mean there is no single formula for being attractive.

Use these insights to amplify your authentic self rather than perform a stereotype. In the end, confidence, empathy and authenticity remain timelessly appealing qualities that transcend trends and pass the most important test: compatibility.

Until next time,

Stay safe,

Tasos