What women find sexy in men; what you need to know

PLENTY of movies and men’s magazines trade on the idea that the hyper-masculine “manly man” is what makes women swoon, but when you ask actual women what they find attractive, you'll find a lot of unlikely, cute or straight-up weird answers that veer away from what’s traditionally considered sexy in a man.

What women like in men is as varied and individual as each of us is, of course, but certain themes tend to emerge when women are given the mic to discuss what we’re really into. So without further ado, here are 10 things you may not realise that women find super hot in men:

1. When you pay attention to how you're dressed

There’s a stale trope that men can throw on any old thing that’s vaguely clean and be good to go; that it’s an affront to a man’s masculinity to care too much about how he looks.

However, it’s clear that tons of women are turned on by the very opposite: Men who know their exact suit measurements, meticulously launder their white T-shirts, and wear clothes, like shorts that come above the knee and very tight jeans, that "manly men" might shy away from.

Women are firm on this one: Men who pay careful attention to their presentation are devastatingly sexy.

2. When you say "you're right" without a qualifier

Everyone appreciates having a discussion with someone who can concede a point without getting babyish and defensive about it, and women are no exception.

There’s no turnoff like a man who insists on wringing the last word out of every conversation, and the opposite is also true: Men who are graceful conversationalists are in high demand amongst women.

3. When you're good in the kitchen

People who don’t appreciate being cooked a nice meal are few and far between, but the frequency with which women report cooking as a turn on has certainly been underreported.

Some women like a man who can whip up a fancy signature dish, and others are happy with smaller gestures, like a simple breakfast or great cup of coffee. One thing’s for sure, though: An apron is a good look on you.

4. When you genuinely love animals

Speaking to an animal in a funny voice may strike you as a bizarre thing for women to find sexy, but we’re just reporting the facts here, and men who are goofy and gentle with pets immediately increase their attractiveness levels.

5. When you dance (even if it's kinda goofy)

A lot of men are scared to dance because they know they’re no Usher or JT, but men who can be playful and light-hearted without taking themselves too seriously consistently find favour with women.

Don’t be a stranger to the dance floor even if you don’t rate your own moves. The more you try it, the more comfortable you’ll get out there

6. When you read. (Seriously. Read.)

What’s not to love about a man with a healthy intellectual curiosity and interest in the inner lives of other people? Nothing.

7. When you smell nice

This is an easy one to check off and it’s being passed up by too many men. Guys: It’s not good enough to merely smell not-bad, and there are plenty of masculine scents for you to play with.

Find a cologne that works on you and make it your signature scent — and watch as women start sidling closer.

8. When you play with her hair

This one shouldn’t come as a surprise to you if you’re just a human being with nerve endings in your scalp. Having your hair touched feels so good! Having it brushed or played with is like an intimate, at-home version of a head massage, and plenty of women find that irresistible.

9. When you really listen

After asking women what they find attractive, a clear turn-on emerges that outstrips almost all others: being genuinely listened to. It’s a shame that something so basically decent is fawned over by women.

Letting us finish our sentences? Making a sincerely thoughtful face when we explain our point of view? We’re positively craving it. 

10. When you respect people who are serving you

If you’re pushy, rude and demanding to people you encounter in shops and restaurants, what’s to stop you from acting like that towards her? Conversely, if you’re courteous, kind and thoughtful towards people you don’t owe anything, that bodes well for your ability to treat her the same way. Thus, it becomes a seriously sexy trait.