What is your Preference for Male Body Type?

InevitableKiwi5776 · 2023-11-05T11:33:38+00:00

I think a broad chest and shoulders, strong arms and nice legs are all more attractive than a six-pack. And I agree with u/Egoistchan that strength and health is more attractive than just being as jacked as possible and using steroids. Like, perhaps I’m being an asshole here, but if a guy is too jacked then I start to assume he’s probably kinda dumb. Or perhaps by “dumb” I mean that I assume he’s prioritizing bodybuilding to the detriment of other things in life, but that is purely my own assumption and I could be wrong.

Also, personally I am more attracted to how a man is dressed and presents himself than actual body type after a certain threshold, like a muscular but overweight (not obese) guy with great style is more attractive to me than a super ripped guy in like sweatpants, and that attraction carries over after the clothes come off.

I know how important lifting is for men’s health and mental wellbeing, so if he isn’t getting that through his job or other hobbies, I would absolutely support him taking the time to do as much gym as he wants, but not so he’s getting the body I prefer, it should be about his own goals and desires. And yes I would change how I exercise if he asked and gave me his help and support.

Also, feeling a man’s strength, regardless of what he looks like, like makes a way bigger impact than how his body looks, in my opinion. Or even seeing it. I happened to see a clip of a guy I knew in junior high, and he is apparently into lifting now, idk, but he had deadlifted 500lbs, so he posted the video to show his accomplishment, and like just seeing that made my brain go kinda like “boioioioing!!” lol

foxesgloves · 2023-11-05T11:34:04+00:00

I like a man who’s fit and strong (good shoulders really get me). My partner works out a lot and we’re an outdoorsy couple with lots of hiking and such. So he’s very fit, you can tell by looking at him that he’s a fit man, but he isn’t ripped. He’s got that nice mix of a strong figure but some softness so he’s a nice cuddle partner.

He’s told me before that to achieve a super ripped figure is really difficult and unsustainable. It involves a strict diet and to make the muscles visable lots of people dehydrate themselves or end up abusing steroids.

AChromaticHeavn · 2023-11-05T14:59:56+00:00

I actually only care enough about body type to know if I can comfortably put my arms around them and hug them/hold them. I don't care about height, abs, overall strength (its a man, they are stronger than me no matter what), looks are generally unimportant as personality carries more weight for me.

I prefer a strong healthy sex drive (I often want it way more often), a kind heart, an intelligent brain, and quick wit. Men who served, nerds/geeks, intellectual men are who I prefer.

Sweatpant-Diva · 2023-11-05T15:43:54+00:00

My husband is “overweight” technically but he’s also 6’4” and 275. He is a giant human. He makes great money being a Marine Engineer and through that work onboard ships he’s got really amazing back muscles and legs that I think are super hot. He’s super strong and can pick me up no problem.

I would hate if he got a six pack, I honestly think they are gross.

RatchedAngle · 2023-11-05T12:43:56+00:00

Men who appear “ripped” (visible abs) are often dehydrated. Bodybuilders at their peak performance are insanely unhealthy. Also, if you imagine a “ripped” guy in your head, chances are you’re seeing someone who is on gear. Most celebrities who get really muscular for action movies are on PEDs (steroids). In fact, a lot of men you see at the gym are on steroids. Tren is a really big problem right now in the male fitness community.

A lot of women are turned off by that look specifically because we identify it as unnatural (even if we don’t know why, it turns us off, our brains naturally recognize unnatural male musculature). It’s the same reason a lot of men are turned off by breasts implants and BBLs.

I like a man who’s big and muscular, preferably with a flat stomach, but not abs. Once you get to the point where abs are highly visible and outlined, I start losing attraction.

I prefer strength that has been achieved naturally.

Mommy_Koala · 2023-11-05T16:03:53+00:00

I’d describe my husband as bulked, he’s tall and broad and has muscle mass but isn’t shredded or lean by any means. I’m half his size and like feeling small so this body type works for me.

I have no problem voicing concern about his weight if I think he’s getting too soft, and I have in the past. But working out and diet have always been a collaborative effort in our house, especially since having kids. He’s receptive to these conversations because he knows I make 99% of his meals and will make adjustments to our household routine to ensure he has time and space to workout.

youllknowwhenitstime · 2023-11-05T16:48:42+00:00

First, a few basic RP theory observations:

1) What women on birth control prefer vs. are not on birth control differs. Studies have confirmed this.

2) The average woman has no idea how much effort is required for even a low-level muscled look. They'll often say "I don't like muscles," when what they mean is they don't like the steroid look. Meanwhile the guy who spends three or four hours in the gym a week is a hottie and they're clueless what it took to get there.

3) What women say they want vs. who they actually give attention differs.

My husband is currently bulking on Creeping Death II for a gym program if that's any indication of what I like 😂

DarceysExtensions · 2023-11-05T16:26:45+00:00

I like men with broad shoulders. Overly muscular (bodybuilder type) isn’t something that I find attractive. Having a six pack is not anything that I find necessary. I find big bellies unattractive and am more drawn to slim men.

Egoistchan · 2023-11-05T09:29:40+00:00

I like guys who work out/are strong and eat healthy, not a specific body type.

There's actually some really good scientific evidence that "shredded" men have some very unhealthy habits and mindsets, no matter how strong or masculine they appear to be. Now I want to preface this by saying "not every shredded guy/gym rat" (of course) but I have my own personal experience with eating disorders and orthorexia, plus a lot of research done over the years. And also the anecdotal but relevant evidence that the STRONGEST men I know are not the most RIPPED men, not by a long shot.

Fact number one: a visible six pack is mostly a dietary thing, not a strength thing, and can in fact be a sign of malnutrition. Multiple men in my life have told me a six pack is just a result of very low body fat and a highly restricted diet. Sure, some guys are naturally very lean and have visible abs, but keyword is "natural" - if you have to train for hours every day and cut to a below-healthy level of body fat to maintain visible abs, you're not training for strength or power, you're training for looks.

Fact number 2: a lot of shredded guys are taking steroids or shots, and will never admit to it. Studies estimate between 15%-30% of regular gym goers and members of weightlifting clubs admit to taking enhancement drugs. Multiple studies have confirmed links to steroids with increased risks of stroke, tumors, psychiatric problems, plus permanent damage even if you go off them.

Now I'm not using this post to fear monger about going to the gym, or looking ripped, but I'm always going to talk avoid the blurred line between ACTUAL strength and health vs the superficial appearance of power and wellness. Going back to my earlier anecdote, my father is INSANELY strong; he's worked construction his entire life and even in his sixties he can easily lift, carry, and haul around 200+ pound objects with ease. He can lift me like I'm a fly and I'm nearly 6 foot tall myself. He has never once gone to a gym and to look at him you'd not guess how strong he is. He's definitely not "ripped", has no six pack, and is very much a solid "older dad" build. But boy is he strong.

diaryofalostgirl · 2023-11-05T14:11:24+00:00

10, which to me is dead-on normal BMI with a small cushion. Like me. Then, in order, toned, slightly overweight, slightly underweight, and all of them should know how to dress it.

And if you cannot be one of those, be honest about it. No fatfishing. It isn't just women who show up to dates looking nothing like their photographs.

SunshineSundress · 2023-11-05T20:06:51+00:00

I love a gym body, but there’s a fine line and once you cross it, you start to go into uncanny valley territory. I definitely don’t require abs, and I think too much muscle isn’t attractive to me.

My man trains for strength instead of bodybuilding. He loves the gym and has told me it is definitely one of the motivating things that get him out of bed and ready to start the day, which I love because it makes him happy and also is a great way to stay active and healthy. He goes 5-6 times a week, and has been training since before he met me. He naturally has pretty wide shoulders, and because he’s in the gym a lot, has great arms with lots of muscle. He can throw me around like I weigh nothing, which definitely scratches a cavewoman itch in me 😅

However, he is very against steroids and even unnecessary supplements like creatine or protein powder. He eats a completely natural diet but is relatively strict on what he can or cannot eat most of the time. Even so, I don’t think he’s ever had super visible abs, even at his leanest after a cut. Most of the time, he has a flat stomach, but he always has enough body fat on him that it’s still fun to hug him lol. He always complains that he looks fat on a bulk, but I actually think he looks super sexy with a little more body fat on him too 😅

I love the way he looks - he has the ideal male body for my personal preferences. He’s super strong and sometimes outlifts his own personal trainers in certain lifts, but looks much more normal compared to them. I love the broad shoulders, defined chest and arms, and how large he is compared to me - he’s a whole foot taller than me, and that plus the strength and muscle is swoon worthy. But he just looks like a strong human instead of someone who bodybuilds.

buttermiIk · 2023-11-05T15:55:15+00:00

I’m very obviously attracted to men who look toned and are in shape, but if they are too jacked it turns me away. I feel that men who are overly bulky focus too much on the way they appear to others and it consumes too much of their life and mind. Ultimately it’s not just the appearance but the way they behave that’s just as important when it comes to attraction. I was at a bar with my girlfriends yesterday when a very handsome man pulled me away to chat. He was physically very fit, a taekwondo instructor, showed me his new Tesla. But as soon as his mouth opened I lost interest. He was very self centered and made fun of one of my friends. Even if he had assets all my respect for him was down the drain

cbunni666 · 2023-11-05T22:15:10+00:00

When I was 20 I wanted an Adonis for a man. Then I learned looks don't last forever. As long as he was in shape and cared about his health I'm happy. My husband is not close to what he was at 20 but he's alive, more or less healthy and able to provide for me and that's all that I care about. After 17 years of marriage and 15 of it being military, I want a live body type.

CranberrySoftServe · 2023-11-05T13:33:28+00:00

Something I think a lot of my fellow women don’t realise is many muscular men only look “toned” when they’re posing (or during a cut which is very effort intensive).

This short shows exactly what I mean:

https://youtube.com/shorts/kEUXFriWHs0?si=MkG9xsL9TylUyNwj

Mighty_Wombat42 · 2023-11-05T19:39:17+00:00

I am open to a range of body types if he has good character, personality, style, grooming, and hygiene. Skinny guys are not necessarily a unattractive as long as they’re not underweight, but I’m not a super tiny woman and I’d feel self conscious with a partner I’m both taller and wider than. I’m not into the super bulky or super shredded look, I do find abs attractive but they’re not a requirement. Basically I just want someone who’s at or around the same level of fitness as me.

I don’t mind if a guy is a little overweight and has a strong upper body, but in my experience even as a woman who’s a bit overweight still (working on it!), guys who are a similar degree of overweight are generally not interested at all in physical activity. Many of them also dress sloppy and neglect hygiene. It would be unrealistic for me to expect a bodybuilder or athlete when I’m not one myself, but if a guy needs me to carry in the groceries for him or can’t walk a couple miles without taking a break, that’s a turnoff. Of course if it’s due to a disability rather than being out of shape, that’s a different story, and I would certainly never leave a husband just because he “let himself go”. However, I’d prefer to marry a man who does value taking care of his health so that I wouldn’t have to nag him, and who encourages me to do the same without nagging me.

blueberrypanda1 · 2023-11-05T09:05:12+00:00

To be honest men with six packs are more likely to be gay. I’ve been a member of a private club for a decade that has a sauna and I could usually tell who’s gay or not based off their ab definition. Gay men are very competitive with one another and care a ton about their appearance.

It’s not that masculine men don’t care about their appearance, they do, just not as much 🤷‍♀️.

DeplorableStranger · 2023-11-05T18:17:28+00:00

I have no idea what category this would go under from OP’s list, but I like my men…I guess. “Thick?” I love larger arms, not defined, but obviously muscle. Broad chest and shoulders, squishy, but not a huge belly or beer belly. I like strong legs, and just… idk, meaty with some squish but not obese. I’ve dated men with 6-packs, one with an 8-pack even…to each their own, but I’m a cuddler and need some softness lol. At the same time, I need to feel as though I’d be safe with my man and that he could carry me out of a dangerous situation if my legs didn’t work :p

FloristsDaughter · 2023-11-06T13:58:56+00:00

Team Dad Bod!

My husband is a Hobbit (5'5", soft and cuddly, fuzzy) and I looove his bod! I'm 5'1, Hobbit-like and we fit together nicely swoon

Scared-Tea-8911 · 2023-11-05T13:17:10+00:00

Hey there!

My personal preference is for 2 (bulked), 3 (toned), 6 (ok if he’s slightly over, but with a good foundation of muscle underneath).

I would never tell my husband to get to the gym… it would be so damaging to his confidence and completely out of line. And I would probably be hurt if he just told me to go to the gym out of the blue. In a healthy and functional marriage, these conversations are usually more about health, both being healthy, and having a plan where we are both supported to have healthy habits.

angelicasinensis · 2023-11-05T17:15:22+00:00

skinny, not overly muscular. blue eyes dark hair. I specifically do not like really muscular large guys at all.

Mobile-Outside-3233 · 2023-11-05T20:08:36+00:00

Posture is important for me, in addition to physically fit.

It’s much of a turn off if a man’s shoulders are slumped

PersephonesPleasure · 2023-11-06T05:53:15+00:00

I can work with #1 through #6. I grew up in the emo scene, so I still find thin men attractive. I also grew up among overweight Mexican relatives, so being a little overweight or stocky doesn't bother me. I could see myself with a partner ranging from 1-6. My husband is somewhat overweight, but it's not too obvious since he's 6'4."

I suppose it's better to be muscular or toned when being short in order to help with the lack of height. It may be better to be not so lean when tall - or look like beanpole. Being short and obese or short and skinny are probably the least attractive options.

Let's be honest, wealth, intelligence, career, sex, ethics, and emotional stability are going to be more important than fitness to most women. It's nice when a man can make it through an easy hike though.

Cosima_Fan_Tutte · 2023-11-06T15:28:24+00:00

What is the male body type you find most attractive?

Shredded (muscles, no drugs)

Bulked (muscles + mass)

Toned

Skinny

Underweight

Overweight

Obese

Morbidly obese

Do not care

Other

All of these besides besides fat+ are fine, although some tall or sturdy/stocky men can carry their extra weight well.

If I liked the man and "clicked" with him emotionally/sexually, his body type would become my preferred one.

ArkNemesis00 · 2023-11-06T21:26:52+00:00

Toned I guess? Is that lean + muscular?

My husband is 5'11, 155 pounds or so. His biceps are large and he looks fantastic shirtless. I did see a picture of him when his exercise/diet was at its peak and that was even nicer, but I'm a very lucky woman now. I'm a sucker for prominent forearm veins.

I've never been attracted to any man the way I am to him.

TheBunk_TB · 2023-11-05T19:27:36+00:00

Something I have heard from other women but never saw in forums: The ability to properly fill the back end of a pair of pants. No flapping in the breeze, blank ass disease

CellBig4354 · 2023-11-06T00:45:21+00:00

I don’t care, to be honest I find a man that provides for his family and woman attractive. He automatically becomes attractive to me. I don’t care about six pack, I don’t care about being shredded or overly muscular. As long as he is healthy, keeps a good hygiene, takes care of himself, and provides, I’m good.

DangerousPride · 2023-11-05T22:46:48+00:00

Average body type but slightly muscular. I do like a curvier bum tho. 👀

Emotional-Raise2732 · 2024-11-16T08:42:30+00:00

Not a big fan of huge muscles. Anything a little toned does my way (Its so much better to cuddle and hug). Athelitic males with high stamina are just 🔥. Love some nice abs but just a line or two there is infact hotter!

davidbasil · 2025-05-01T06:55:21+00:00

When men ask such questions, they mean "out of all body types available out there, which one is the most successful?". And the answer is a male stripper body.

Yes, some women will say that it's too much or something but if you compare that body to other types (dadbod, slim, etc), the stripper body would be the most successful. He might get only 30% of female gaze but if you compare other types, they are getting even less than that.

Agile_Breadfruit5772 · 2025-08-11T13:22:38+00:00

For me personally I like natural looking muscle, like the kind that farmers or blue collar workers have from physical labour. But if a guy replicates that kind of muscle in the gym that is also good BUT I don’t like the excessive kind that is built by steroids or bodybuilders. that’s actually a turnoff. But everyone likes different things. Some women prefer other body types

submechanicalbull · 2023-11-05T19:55:43+00:00

i like skinny, toned, or chubby. that is all.

4rch-Angel · 2025-07-10T16:34:46+00:00

tall skinny, or tall lean muscular. thats for looks i guess. broader frame in general with broader shoulders. masculine facial bone structure but feminine facial features. guess you can say i like twunks

Photo_Creative1234 · 2026-05-31T19:49:31+00:00

I’m not small but not technically unfit. I need a man who can pick me up, if you know what I mean. Some women are like that. You can be curvy and not unfit just like men can be fit and not assholes.

patchouliflowers · 2023-11-06T03:57:33+00:00

Ok- so first of all… you want women to say I like obese men? Your categories are semi offensive. A man can be very strong and work hard, not go to gym, have a little extra to love and not need to be called “obese”. Also, how would any of us feel if our husbands said- I would be more attracted to you if you spent a little more time in the gym? I find this post very superficial.

Leonhart93 · 2023-11-06T19:21:30+00:00

When people hear "ripped" they probably imagine those body builders on steroids that are at like 8% body fat for short periods of time to look good in pictures. That is because the social media perception starts to affect everything in our lives.

My usual physique is at around 12% body fat and looks reasonably ripped, and I've had it ever since I started working out like 14 years ago. It wouldn't be a nice thing to hear anyone saying that my hard work and dedication is a sign that I am dumb, vain or obsessed, it's part of my life and without working out I will probably not be myself anymore.

AutoModerator · 2023-11-05T08:12:35+00:00

Title: What is your Preference for Male Body Type?

Author TheRedPilledLurker

Full text: A little while ago I was reading an old post here and it mentioned that generally speaking women were attracted to men who looked strong and then specifically mentioned muscles and a six pack as facets of looking strong.

I thought that this made sense for several reasons:

Men having muscles requires dedication and consistency, both of which are good qualities in a leader
They look/are strong, and strength is an attractive quality in a leader
He clearly thinks about and looks after his health and fitness; so he might also became as concerned about his girlfriend/wife’s health and well being
It is less likely he will “let himself go” after marriage
People who workout tend to age better in terms of appearance
If he keeps it up into old age he is less likely to become physically frail as frailty is caused by age + inactivity
It is very masculine

I am sure there are other reasons too but those were the 7 I thought of immediately.

Recently I was in another subreddit and I read a post asking women what they thought of men with six packs and they were very negative. The most common responses were:

Nice to look at but I would not want to date someone with one
I prefer to have a man with cushion
He will probably spend too much time in the gym
He is probably vain and self-obsessed • 6 packs are unnatural and do not look good
Too intimidating
You can only get abs if you are unhealthily obsessed
Too much muscle is “gross”

It was not a redpill sub, so a lot of them would have had different values for how they see men which might explain the difference; however it could be that lots of us here have the same opinions and it was just the original posts I read that were in the minority.

What are your thoughts?

What is the male body type you find most attractive?

Shredded (muscles)
Bulked (muscles + mass)
Toned
Skinny
Underweight
Overweight
Obese
Morbidly obese
Do not care
Other

Also what to you think about asking your captain to workout more or less so he has a body you prefer? How would you feel about him asking you to exercise more or less?

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Few_Gas_6041 · 2023-11-05T18:15:27+00:00

Us skinny guys are taking a lot of L's in this thread. Sad. Even worse because of all the 'no skinny guys but also no muscular guys'.

Men definitely have to deal with some ridiculous body standards.

No-Contribution797 · 2023-11-07T18:52:32+00:00

I like muscles and think they are attractive. I think abs are very hard to maintain so I wouldn’t make a decision about a man just because he has or doesn’t have abs. I think someone just needs to care about their health. I do not like skinny guys at all. I have friends who love the guys with a belly but I do not relate.

Title	What is your Preference for Male Body Type?
Author	TheRedPilledLurker
Upvotes	48
Comments	73
Date	November 5, 2023 8:12 AM UTC (2 years ago)
Subreddit	Posted in /r/RedPillWomen
Original Link	https://old.reddit.com/r/RedPillWomen/comments/17o7bcq/what_is_your_preference_for_male_body_type/
Archive Link	https://theredarchive.com/r/RedPillWomen/what-is-your-preference-for-male-body-type.1237444 https://theredarchive.com/post/1237444

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