Broad shoulders and slimmer hips:

RIVALS. One study from 2001 examined whether high shoulder-to-hip ratio caused higher jealousy in males that considered themselves rivals.

They found that males that viewed potential rivals with high shoulder-to-hip ratios viewed them with greater jealousy and rated them as more attractive.  

Females also viewed men with broad shoulders and narrow hips to be more attractive.  Men with high shoulder-to-hip ratios were rated as more socially and physically dominant by rival males.

SUMMARY: Men with broader shoulders and a slimmer waist are perceived as more attractive, more confident/dominant, and more physically strong, and provoke stronger rivalry and jealousy in males who are potential rivals – an effect that can be leveraged in any business or social setting where a man wants to come across as more dominant and confident among potential rivals (like a job interview).

Reference: Dijkstra, P., & Buunk, B. P. (2001). Sex differences in the jealousy-evoking nature of a rival's body build.Evolution And Human Behavior, 22(5), 335-341.

HORMONES.  Men with broad shoulders and narrow waists were found to have more testosterone than those who don't.  This shows that there are probably unconscious cues that are being communicated by body configuration.  Broad shoulders and narrow hips indicate greater hormonal masculinity.

SUMMARY:  Strong shoulder-to-hip ratio communicates more masculinity because it indicates greater levels of testosterone.

Reference:  Kasperk, C., Helmboldt, A., Borcsok, I., Heuthe, S., Cloos, O., Niethard, F., & Ziegler, R. (1997). Skeletal site-dependent expression of the androgen receptor in human osteoblastic cell populations. Calci?ed Tissue, 61, 464 – 473.

SEX APPEAL.  Men with more wedge-shaped torsos (broad shoulders, narrow waist) have more sex partners and have sex earlier than men who don't.

The take-away message here is obvious.  It's not just about perceptions, it's also about strong mating success (whether you want to actually promote sleeping around is not my department, but suffice to say it shows that certain body styles have more sex appeal).

Reference: Hughes, S. M., & Gallup, G. G., Jr. (2003). Sex differences in morphological predictors of sexual behavior: Shoulder to hip and waist to hip ratios. Human Behavior and Evolution, 24, 173-178.

EVOLUTION: The evidence of body shape on sex appeal, human hormones, rivalry, and social dominance lead two researchers, Gordon Gallup (University at Albany, SUNY) and David Frederick (UCLA) to conclude that there are probably strong evolutionary factors at work in determining attractiveness and perceived fitness – exactly what you argue in your paper.

Reference:  Gallup, G. G., Jr., & Frederick, D. A. (2010). The science of sex appeal: An evolutionary perspective. Review of General Psychology, 14(3), 240-250.

Symmetry

HEALTH:  The research is permeated with studies that show that body symmetry is related to overall health.  

This is because body symmetry relates to the person's developmental course – an “uneven” developmental path relates to uneven physical development.  

Thus, attempts to “correct” visual body symmetry will give an indication of better health, and health is attractive.

Reference: Weeden, J., & Sabini, J. (2005). Physical attractiveness and health in Western societies: A review. Psychological Bulletin, 131(5), 635-653.

Wealth and Attractiveness

MASCULINITY:  This is by far the craziest study I found in my search.  Three researchers in England in a recent (2013) study showed women a series of images corresponding to direct male-to-male competition, violence, or items with high monetary value (as opposed to peaceful scenes), and then asked them to rate the attractiveness of various masculine face traits.

What they found is that highly “masculine” faces were rated as more attractive after the women saw images of wealth and male-male competition.  Yeah, that's right – images of wealth, and competition, caused masculinity to be more attractive.

What does that mean?  Having a wealth-related item (such as a nice watch) can actually enhance your masculine features and make them seem more attractive to women.  

This means that fashion that enhances masculine traits, combined with items that indicate wealth, causes a “double-whammy” effect.  

Reference: Little, A. C., DeBruine, L. M., & Jones, B. C. (2013). Environment contingent preferences: Exposure to visual cues of direct male–male competition and wealth increase women's preferences for masculinity in male faces. Evolution And Human Behavior, 34(3), 193-200.

The post Man’s Sex Appeal – Effect of Clothes and Masculine Traits appeared first on Real Men Real Style.

Summer sweater? Who needs something thick, woolly, and warm in the middle of the hot months? The summer's all about short sleeves and linen shirts … right?

Hold up there, guys. You might have more need for a warmer summer garment than you might think. After all, when those cool nights roll in and the drinks are still flowing, you don't want to be the only guy going home early because he's too cold.

Stick with me as I break out some of the key features of a stylish summer sweater and explain why every man should have at least one in his closet.

Why Wear a Sweater in the Summer?

The question seems almost counterintuitive, doesn't it? Sweaters are for winter, right? Well, not quite.

Summer sweaters provide a level of elegance and comfort that's hard to beat. They can be the perfect companion for chilly summer nights or air-conditioned interiors, offering warmth without causing overheating.

Transitioning from Day to Night

One of the key benefits of a lightweight summer sweater is the smooth transition it provides from daytime casual wear to nighttime sophistication.

Paired with chinos or even shorts during the day, then dressed up with slacks for a night out, it's a versatile choice for the modern man.

What to Look for in a Summer Sweater

Choosing the right summer sweater isn't as simple as grabbing one off the rack. Here's what you need to keep in mind:

1. Material

The foundation of a perfect summer sweater is the material, and here's a more in-depth look at what works best:

• Cotton: Soft, breathable, and versatile, cotton is an ideal choice for casual wear. It's also great for those with sensitive skin.
• Linen: Linen brings a textured, breathable quality that's perfect for tropical or humid climates.
• Merino Wool: Despite being wool, fine merino is lightweight and comfortable in warm weather, regulating body temperature effectively.
• Bamboo: With a smooth texture, bamboo is a sustainable choice that offers fantastic moisture-wicking properties.

2. Fit

The right fit makes all the difference in your comfort and appearance. Here are some considerations:

• Slim Fit: Choose a slim fit that follows your body line without clinging.
• Relaxed Fit: If you prefer a more casual look, opt for a relaxed fit that gives more breathing room.

3. Color and Pattern

Summer is a time to experiment with lighter shades and subtle patterns. You can mix and match, but keep the following in mind:

• Classic Shades: Whites, creams, soft blues, and grays work excellently in the summer sun.
• Subtle Patterns: Stripes, herringbones, or gentle textures can add a touch of character without overwhelming your look.

4. Style and Occasion

Match the style of the sweater to the occasion:

• V-Necks: Perfect for semi-formal gatherings, as they can be paired with a collared shirt.
• Crew Necks: More casual and versatile, crew necks work great with jeans or chinos.
• Cardigans: An excellent option for a relaxed, laid-back look, yet still refined.

Top Picks for Summer Sweaters

Let's delve into some top picks that bring together all the elements of a perfect summer sweater:

• Uniqlo's Linen Blend V-Neck Sweater: Affordable, stylish, and comfortable.
• Brooks Brothers Cotton-Cashmere Polo Sweater: Combining casual with luxury.
• Everlane's ReCashmere Button Mockneck: Sustainable and elegant.
• J.Crew's Summerweight Sweater in Cotton-Linen: A blend that offers the best of both worlds.

Tips for Care: A Comprehensive Guide

Maintaining your summer sweaters isn't just about keeping them looking new; it's about preserving the comfort, fit, and quality that make them a prized part of your wardrobe. Here's how you can do it:

1. Washing

• Hand Washing: This is the gentlest method for cleaning your summer sweaters. Use a mild detergent and lukewarm water. Gently swish the sweater in the water and allow it to soak for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly. Avoid wringing the fabric as it may stretch or distort its shape.
• Machine Washing: If you must machine wash, make sure to use a gentle cycle and place the sweater in a mesh laundry bag to prevent snagging. Always read the care label, as some materials may require specific settings.

2. Drying

• Dry Flat: Lay the sweater flat on a clean, dry towel away from direct heat and sunlight. You can reshape it gently if needed. Drying flat helps maintain the garment's original shape and prevents stretching.
• Avoid the Dryer: While it may be tempting, avoid using a tumble dryer. The heat can cause shrinking, pilling, or other damage to the fibers, especially with delicate materials like merino wool or cashmere.

3. Storing

• Fold, Don't Hang: Hanging sweaters can cause them to stretch out at the shoulders. Instead, fold them neatly and store them in a drawer or on a shelf.
• Use Cedar or Lavender Sachets: These can keep moths and other insects away without the harsh smell of mothballs.

4. Dealing with Stains and Pilling

• Stains: Treat any stains promptly. Dab a small amount of mild detergent on the stain and gently rub it in before washing.
• Pilling: Those little balls of fiber that sometimes form on sweaters are called pills. Use a fabric comb or a specialized pill remover to gently eliminate them. Doing this regularly can keep your sweater looking fresh and new.

5. Seasonal Care

• End-of-Season Storage: If you store your summer sweaters during the off-season, make sure they are clean and dry before packing them away. Use breathable storage bags or containers to prevent mildew and mustiness

Summer sweaters are more than just an afterthought; they're a vital part of a stylish gentleman's wardrobe. Choose the right materials, fit, colors, and styles, and you'll have a versatile and elegant addition to your summer attire.

Whether at a beachside dinner or a casual outdoor event, the right lightweight sweater will set you apart as a man of true style. Embrace the warm weather without losing your cool.

The post Summer Sweater for Men | How To Wear Warm Clothes In Hot Weather appeared first on Real Men Real Style.