Women Attracted to Men in Red, Research Shows

University of Rochester ^ | August 2, 2010 | Unknown

[decimon]

What could be as alluring as a lady in red? A gentleman in red, finds a multicultural study published Aug. 2 in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General.

Simply wearing the color red or being bordered by the rosy hue makes a man more attractive and sexually desirable to women, according to a series of studies by researchers at the University of Rochester and other institutions. And women are unaware of this arousing effect.

The cherry color's charm ultimately lies in its ability to make men appear more powerful, says lead author Andrew Elliot, professor of psychology at the University of Rochester. "We found that women view men in red as higher in status, more likely to make money and more likely to climb the social ladder. And it's this high-status judgment that leads to the attraction," Elliot says.

Why does red signal rank? The authors see both culture and biology at work. In human societies across the globe, red traditionally has been part of the regalia of the rich and powerful. Ancient China, Japan and sub-Saharan Africa all used the vibrant tint to convey prosperity and elevated status, and Ancient Rome's most powerful citizens were literally called "the ones who wear red." Even today, the authors note, businessmen wear a red tie to indicate confidence, and celebrities and dignitaries are feted by "rolling out the red carpet."

[JenB987]

No...I hate the color red.

IMO, it’s not flattering on any skin tone, hair color, man or woman.

But maybe it’s because I was in a wedding once where the bridesmaid dresses were the most awful color of pink and red I have ever seen and I lamented having to spend $158 on something so awful.

[csmusaret]

BRB. Changing shirts.

[Mere Survival]

[AngelesCrestHighway]

It’s also the color of communism....No thanks

[BuffaloJack]

Are implying that I shouldn’t be wearing the red shirt that I currently have on?

[MNDude]

this would explain Ginger constantly trying to seduce Gilligan.

[Red_Devil 232]

[TexasFreeper2009]

interesting... don’t many types of apes have red on their faces?

[Ol' Dan Tucker]

A red shirt means you're dead after the commercial.

Not always.

[ReneeLynn]

I would have to see a photo first.

[OneWingedShark]

I can put this in simple terms:

Red —> Blood; Blood —> Killing things; Killing things —> Power; Power —> Manliness

So, by the transitive property of implication:
Red —> Manliness

[Joe 6-pack]

[driftdiver]

[AngelesCrestHighway]

[Jewbacca]

[mirkwood]

[DCPatriot]

[Smokin' Joe]

Reality, folks. Either he’s the guy who is going to be hauling her bags to the room, or he knows where he parked the car and will be bringing it around in a minute...

[ansel12]

I’m currently working on a study to ascertain who has the shortest life expectancy, a red shirt on Star Trek, or a love interest of one of the Cartwright boys on Bonanza.

[Secret Agent Man]

RED, not red print upholstery fabric.