Rules of attraction: What really makes men and women fancy each other?

Singer Chris De Burgh was right, a woman in red really is more attractive to men. But you might be surprised what other secrets govern sexual attraction

It's the colour of danger – but scientists have discovered that red can also be a strangely powerful signal of passion and primal attraction.

And it turns out that singer Chris De Burgh got it spot on – ladies in red really are more desirable.

The study in scarlet, by psychologists at Wuhan University, China, found it not only boosts a woman’s sex appeal – it also makes her appear warmer and more confident.

Girls also find men in red attractive, but to a lesser extent as the colour can also have connotations of aggression.

Researcher Dr Wen, says: “Red has been associated with romance, passion, lust and fertility across nearly every civilisation.” But the shade you wear isn’t the only thing which will colour the opinion of the opposite sex…

Figure

Forget a cleavage boosting push-up bra – experts say a perfect waist is what does it for a man.

Dr Dixson said: “Men rated images with an hour-glass shape and a slim waist as most attractive, irrespective of breast size.” He explained: “It is all about the distribution of fat which is directly linked to fertility.”

But if you don’t have Marilyn Monroe’s perfect proportions, you could always wear padded pants like Michelle Williams, who played the star in a film biopic.

Hungry for loving

When single women think they’re having a “fat day”, they should seek out a man with an appetite.

Researchers from University College London and Newcastle University found men who like to munch prefer women with higher body weights.

Don’t make-up anything

Most women wouldn’t dream of leaving the house without a full face of slap but psychologists claim men prefer the fresh-faced look.

In his study, Dr Alex Jones, from Bangor University, found women with 40% less make-up on are more attractive. And swapping time in front of the mirror for some extra beauty sleep is sure to make us feel better too.

Getting lippy

They may like less make-up, but men love lipstick, according to researchers at the University of Manchester.

Again red scored highly. Men were asked to look at photos of women wearing red, pink or no lipstick.

On average they spent 7.3 seconds staring at the women wearing red, 6.7 seconds at the pink ladies and only 2.2 seconds at those who wore none.          

Mean & moody

Brooding Hollywood actors Russell Crowe and Tom Hardy aren’t short of female admirers because women really do find the strong, silent type sexy.

Studies at the University of British Columbia found they are less attracted to smiling, happy fellas and happy men and instead prefer those who look mean and moody.

Battle scars

Facial scars can give a man a certain ruggedness and make him more attractive.

Robert Burriss, a psychologist explains: “Scarring is seen as the result of a violent encounter and can signifies strength or bravery. When it is the result of an accident it indicates a risk-taking personality. Either way, it’s another way of assessing a man’s masculinity.”

Not a close shave

Don’t bother with a beard, or a smooth shave – women are more attracted to a few days' David Beckham-style stubble.

An Australian study published in the journal Evolution & Human Behavior concluded it makes blokes appear more rugged.

Pitch perfect

The tone of your voice can be a turn-on too. Typically, women prefer men with deep voices, while men like women with a high-pitched trill.

Scientists say men like their women small and women prefer a big man – with voices to match.

Plucky in love

What do Jimi Hendrix, Lenny Kravitz and Kurt Cobain have in common besides sex appeal? They all play the guitar.

And according to a survey it’s the musical instrument that makes them attractive. French author and researcher Nicolas Gueguen conducted an experiment where an attractive man paid a compliment to a series of women then asked for their phone numbers.

The study showed that he got far more successful responses when carrying a guitar case. Nicolas says: “Music plays a big part in courtship.”