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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

What do you find hot in a man? What do you think men like on a woman? Lighthearted Friday chat 🤷‍♀️

243 replies

freedomformeismotherhood · 10/04/2026 12:08

In a man:
Muscles
Height (sorry)
Aura - are they strong or weak?

I think straight men notice:
Skin (does it have that dewy look)
Shape
How much you care for yourself (manicure, hair, etc)

OP posts:
freedomformeismotherhood · 10/04/2026 14:02

MidnightMeltdown · 10/04/2026 13:35

As I’ve got older, I’ve realised that men notice clothing a lot more than I ever thought too. In my 20s I tended by shop cheap fashion brands, and when I got into my 30s, I got more picky and started buying higher end and putting more effort into outfits. I expected women to notice, but I was truly shocked by the number of compliments that I got from men. Prior to this, I honestly thought that men didn’t really notice what women wore (unless it was something tight and revealing).

This is what I think, they notice when a woman has spent some money taking care of herself 👀👀

OP posts:
freedomformeismotherhood · 10/04/2026 14:01

Impossiblyme · 10/04/2026 13:35

OP you’re so wrong.

Men don’t care about “dewey” skin or fingernails. They literally couldn’t give a toss.

It’s boobs, body shape, a nice smile and being approachable/friendly, but not too loud and garish. It’s not let me down so far!

Really 👀

Ive had a few comments re nails 😄, I really didnt mean super long ones!

Okay - agree that being friendly helps. But not too friendly! I feel like holding back a little helps, no?

OP posts:
Blueyrocks · 10/04/2026 14:00

Userengage · 10/04/2026 13:52

Previously, I would have said long hair for women but since I’ve had mine cut super short, I’ve got more attention from men. I didn’t consider how they would view it when I was in the barbers for the first time though.

Interesting. I've considered cutting mine, just to save the daily faff of washing, brushing etc. But DH isn't keen. He likes to hold onto it at certain moments iykwim.... And I kinda thought a lot of men liked that / the idea of that.

Personally though I find women with shaved heads and tattoos the most attractive women to me. I'm straight but if I had to pick, that looks would definitely win for me

Blueyrocks · 10/04/2026 13:57

freedomformeismotherhood · 10/04/2026 13:54

Do you know what, randomly I like long hair on men 😄

No idea why, I wear extensions myself - then again I think women look better with long hair so maybe that's it.. maybe i'm going bi in my old age 🤔

Oh ok. I have to disagree with you here. I've never met a man with long hair I fancied. Nope nope nope. I don't care if he can lift me in one arm and build a tree house with the other. It just doesn't work for me 😂

Except, maybe, Jack Sparrow...

SinisterBumFacedCat · 10/04/2026 13:56

For me it’s:
Sense of humour
Practical and capable
Nice forearms
Glasses

I think men like a woman’s silhouette, so slim waists but curvy hips
Hair
a pretty face
Curiosity in them

freedomformeismotherhood · 10/04/2026 13:54

Do you know what, randomly I like long hair on men 😄

No idea why, I wear extensions myself - then again I think women look better with long hair so maybe that's it.. maybe i'm going bi in my old age 🤔

OP posts:
freedomformeismotherhood · 10/04/2026 13:52

Blueyrocks · 10/04/2026 13:28

Ooh, for me, in all honesty because it's anonymous, what I find attractive in men is:
Height - nothing silly, but 5'10 + please.
Build - strong and broad. IRL, that basically means I don't find skinny men remotely attractive. But I also don't find fat attractive. There's a fairly wide range, but it has definite limits on either side! Drives me wild when I see DH lift something heavy, oh my...

Eyes and hair I'm not fussy. I like decisiveness and competence, like a feeling that he can take control and sort it out (it being pretty much anything - broken dishwasher, puking toddler, missed flights, sad PMS-y wife etc etc).

I like tattoos but don't require them. He has to be funny and generous, and have interests/ hobbies that aren't phone or watching sports. And has to be sufficiently sized (which doesn't mean silly big, just, you know, at least bit of a mouthful so to speak 😂) and know what he's doing.

Lucky me, DH ticks all the boxes.

I have no idea what men find attractive. I'm guessing slim, good shaped boobs and bum, long hair, ready to laugh, enthusiastic about sex, and not grabby?

Love this

I like tall slim but muscular though, but agree with everything else

OP posts:
Userengage · 10/04/2026 13:52

Previously, I would have said long hair for women but since I’ve had mine cut super short, I’ve got more attention from men. I didn’t consider how they would view it when I was in the barbers for the first time though.

Brandyb · 10/04/2026 13:52

Springsucks · 10/04/2026 12:12

Intelligent
Well spoken
Dark hair
Strong forearms
Hairy chest
Above all a sense of humour!

How about the men?

ainsleysanob · 10/04/2026 13:50

Northern
Dark hair
must be bearded and hairy
Must have a manual job
Rough hands

Blueyrocks · 10/04/2026 13:49

Gonnagetgoingreturnsagain · 10/04/2026 13:47

Lucky you!

Haha, like I say, the sample size is small - I met DH when I was still in my teens. So maybe I've missed out on a whole world of skill and endowment. But I don't think so...

Gonnagetgoingreturnsagain · 10/04/2026 13:47

Blueyrocks · 10/04/2026 13:43

From the very small sample size of my experience, the biggest was by far the worst. The second biggest was the best, but not because of his size. I married that one.

Lucky you!

Gonnagetgoingreturnsagain · 10/04/2026 13:47

SnowFrogJelly · 10/04/2026 13:44

😂

not asking for much are we?! 🤣😱

Gonnagetgoingreturnsagain · 10/04/2026 13:46

I always smile and am friendly.

freedomformeismotherhood · 10/04/2026 13:46

NorthernJim · 10/04/2026 13:16

As a man, I don't tend to notice skin, unless it really leathery and over UV exposed and makes you look older than your years. I notice a woman's shape, but to me it's not really a yardstick for attractiveness, I'm attracted to lots of different body shapes, except maybe the extreme ones. No interest in manicures or salon fresh hair, or over groomed/perfect presentation. If anything I find that slightly off putting/intimidating. Long, pointy nails look like talons and are somewhat terrifying!

It's taken me til my mid 40's to realise it, but I'm a sucker for blue eyes. Not saying I don't find women with other eye colours attractive, but for me having blue eyes is a trump card.

😄 I must say, I didnt mean long pointy nails

Just clean french manicured types!

Ditto on blue eyes though!

So you dont really have a type, but blue eyes get you?

OP posts:
Gonnagetgoingreturnsagain · 10/04/2026 13:46

Impossiblyme · 10/04/2026 13:35

OP you’re so wrong.

Men don’t care about “dewey” skin or fingernails. They literally couldn’t give a toss.

It’s boobs, body shape, a nice smile and being approachable/friendly, but not too loud and garish. It’s not let me down so far!

A smile and friendliness goes a long way in my opinion. I was in the pub the other week with my boyfriend who’d gone outside and a younger man shyly came running up to me with my scarf and said “you forgot your scarf. I’ve got to tell you that I can see you’re attached but you’re stunning” and then smiled in a friendly way, and I’m definitely no Kate Moss. I went on my way happy with my scarf and a compliment.

Blueyrocks · 10/04/2026 13:44

KeeleyJ · 10/04/2026 13:37

I think men want to marry a naturally attractive lady, minimal makeup, similar level of education, family values and income etc.

But, they want a one night stand with the daft eyebrow, implants, caked on makeup 'all look the same Russian Doll ' types.

Gosh, I don't know. The men I know at least claim to hate that fake eyebrows/ fake eyelashes/ fake teeth look.

SnowFrogJelly · 10/04/2026 13:44

L0V315 · 10/04/2026 12:18

Swords
Bare thighs
A bit of armour
A decent size cock

😂

Blueyrocks · 10/04/2026 13:43

Gonnagetgoingreturnsagain · 10/04/2026 13:39

Most well endowed men I’ve known as friends or lovers have been complete and utter arseholes, perhaps I’ve just been unlucky. Current boyfriend just over normal size maybe 7” but chemistry and likability is off the scale and he definitely knows how to use his tackle and pleasure me. Asks for me to tell him what I want.

From the very small sample size of my experience, the biggest was by far the worst. The second biggest was the best, but not because of his size. I married that one.

Westfacing · 10/04/2026 13:41

Well yes I sort of agree on a man mountain type...

but you know, if he opened his mouth and said he was gonna vote Reform, or that the moon landing was a hoax, then I wouldn't care about the size of his cock or forearms he'd immediately lose his hotness 😄

Gonnagetgoingreturnsagain · 10/04/2026 13:41

Oh I can’t stand indecisive men, who don’t know where to go for a date and so on. Also prefer a confident man. Not too outgoing though.

ImDoneBeingNice · 10/04/2026 13:40

What do I find attractive in a man 🤔

Firstly, what I don't find attractive at all;

A man who talks too much, loves the sound of their own voice, talks over people.
A man who doesn't take care of their hygiene, physical and mental wellbeing
Someone who is really into clothes, accessories and flashy watches
A man who is into flashy cars
Work shy, or lacking in ambition (not about money)
Who flirts with other women, or has a wandering eye

So, what I find attractive

A quiet man, a thinker, listens more than talks.
Dark and moody looks (olive skin and dark hair)
Goes the gym, looks after their skin and teeth, makes healthy choices, but not into fashion and bling
Hardworking and ambitious on some level
Loyal

Gonnagetgoingreturnsagain · 10/04/2026 13:39

Evaka · 10/04/2026 13:02

My partner is nuts in many ways but is also:

  • tall
  • incredibly clever
  • hairy
  • well endowed
  • kind
  • a lovely singer
  • sexy
  • in possession of sparking blue green eyes and curly dark hair.

He's ruined other men for me.

Most well endowed men I’ve known as friends or lovers have been complete and utter arseholes, perhaps I’ve just been unlucky. Current boyfriend just over normal size maybe 7” but chemistry and likability is off the scale and he definitely knows how to use his tackle and pleasure me. Asks for me to tell him what I want.

HellonHeels · 10/04/2026 13:39

The rare ability to see what needs to be done and to do it.

KeeleyJ · 10/04/2026 13:37

I think men want to marry a naturally attractive lady, minimal makeup, similar level of education, family values and income etc.

But, they want a one night stand with the daft eyebrow, implants, caked on makeup 'all look the same Russian Doll ' types.