Tag: dad bods

Women are more attracted to ‘dad-bods’ than chiselled abs, study finds

The key findings

* 68% of women say they prefer a dad-bod over a gym-honed physique.

* Bodybuilders are out, balance is in – just 6% of women found overly muscular men appealing, favouring a more relaxed, relatable look.

* Nearly three-quarters of women say men with dad-bods feel more approachable and less intimidating.

* Study conducted by IllicitEncounters.com, the UK’s largest extramarital dating site.

In a revelation that might have gym fanatics rethinking their routines, a recent poll conducted by IllicitEncounters.com, the UK’s leading dating website for married people, has found that the ‘softer’, more relatable physique is overwhelmingly preferred by women over sculpted abs.

The survey of 2,000 female members delivered a clear verdict: a significant 68% of women stated they find a ‘dad-bod’ the most attractive physique. 22% prefer an athletic build, and just 6% said they’re attracted to bulked-up bodybuilder frames. On the opposite end of the spectrum, only 4% said they’re attracted to overweight physiques.

When asked why the dad-bod was so appealing, the top response – at 73% – was that women felt these men were more approachable and less intimidating. Many ladies (58%) also felt that men with this physique seemed to prioritise fun and enjoyment over rigid routines, suggesting a more balanced lifestyle. 

Confidence was another key factor – 52% said a man with a dad-bod seemed more self-assured in his own skin. Women also described the look as more real and less high-maintenance (45%), and 25% insisted dad-bods simply make better cuddlers.

Expert comment from Jessica Leoni

Jessica Leoni, sex and relationships expert at IllicitEncounters.com, commented on the surprising findings: “This poll confirms what many of us have long suspected – the dad-bod is no longer just accepted, it’s adored. 

It reflects a shift in what women want: someone comfortable in his skin, who’s fun to be around and doesn’t take himself too seriously. Let’s face it – a partner who prioritises pleasure over protein shakes can be incredibly appealing.”

Results
Preferred Male Physique:
Dad-bod – 68%
Athletic build – 22%
Bodybuilder physique – 6%

Overweight – 4%

Top Reasons for Dad-Bod Preference:
More approachable and less intimidating – 73%
Looks like they prioritise fun/enjoyment over strict routine – 58%
Suggests more confidence – 52%
More ‘real’ and less high-maintenance – 45%
Better cuddlers – 25%

Women Vote Blue Eyes as Sexiest Feature on a Man!

The key findings

*  Eyes are the sexiest feature women look for in a man
*  Dad bods are in, and six packs are out!
*  Shockingly veins make it into the top 10, and hands are not sexy at all
*  The results comes as part of a survey of 1200 people on lllicitEncounters.com, the UK’s leading extramarital dating site

Eyes come in top place with 15% of the vote for sexiest feature on a man. With more than half of women agreeing that blue is the most attractive eye colour (52%). Perhaps the attraction to somebody’s eyes is more prevalent now we’re seeing so much of them behind masks.

Nice lips comes in second top feature (12%), followed by a strong jawline (10%).

Dad bods come in at 9th place with a respectable 6%, compared to only 2% of women voting for a man with a six pack (14th sexiest feature overall).

Veins are worth a mention, coming in at 10th place and 5% of the vote.

Hands come in last with only 1% of the vote.

Expert comment from Jessica Leoni

Jessica Leoni sex and relationships expert at IllicitEncounters.com said “It’s all in the eyes, blue eyes in fact! Lips are sexy, so is a strong jawline – the face is winning prizes out here. 

What’s also interesting is dad bod is listed in the middle, compared to a six pack which is second to last on the list. Dad bods are comforting and homey, whereas a six pack is just intimidating. Nobody fancies a man who counts calories.

Who knew veins were so important? They are a sign of strength and health, and women are attracted to strong men.

Lucky for those with ugly hands – it seems they’re not important at all.”

Members of IllicitEncounters.com have voiced their opinions:

Louisa, 34, Bradford
“The first thing I notice in a man is their eyes, especially blue. You get lost in that ocean, and then boom, you’re in love, spellbinding. What is even coming out of his mouth? Who cares, his eyes do all the talking!”

Charlie, 39, London
“You can tell everything about a man just by looking into his eyes, they’re the window to the soul. The next best thing for me is veins, I know it’s a tad weird, but I find something really masculine and sexy about prominent veins.”

Kathleen 43, Bristol
“Six packs are not attractive to me, they just scream high maintenance. I prefer someone who’s a little more round in the middle – someone I can enjoy eating with.”

These are the qualities that women find most sexy in a man.
Eyes 15%
Nice Lips 12%
Strong Jawline 10%
Facial Symmetry 9%
Eyebrows 8%
Muscles 8%
Cracking Calves 7%
Broad Shoulders 6%
Dad-Bod 6%
Veins 5%
Haircut 4%
Body hair 3%
Nose 2%
Six Pack 2%
Hands 1%
Other 2%

What eye color is most attractive in a man?
Blue 52%
Green 30%
Brown 13%
Other 5%

NOTES TO EDITOR

IllicitEncounters.com is the UK’s leading dating website for married people and the leading authority on infidelity. With over 1,000,000 genuine UK users since 2004, you’re sure to find your perfect match.

Established in 2004, we have been providing a meeting place for like-minded married and attached people for nearly 12 years. Our members have one thing in common – they are all looking for a little romance outside their current relationship. Whether that’s the occasional bit of flirtatious chat, a regular coffee date, or a full-blown affair, that’s up to them.

Check out what our users are saying to each other in our live lockdown forum: www.illicitencounters.com/lockdown/pr
Username: pr
Password: openthel0ck4me

About the research

We’re always more than happy to talk about IllicitEncounters.com – please contact Christian Grant through the details below – but we’re not willing to speak publicly about SaraHartley.net at this moment in time.

Email: presspr@illicitencounters.co.uk

Mobile: 07824 353986

Twitter: @cheatsafer