9 popular trends women love that men actually can’t stand
A revealing study from Bangor University highlights a massive “aesthetic gap” in the dating world: men find women most attractive when they wear 40% less makeup than women believe is necessary. It’s a harsh reality check. You spend hours curating the perfect look, convincing yourself it’s the epitome of chic, only to find out the men in your life see it as a barrier rather than a beauty statement.
While we ultimately dress for ourselves (and let’s be honest, for other women), this disconnect is fundamental and statistically significant. To help you navigate this minefield, we’re breaking down nine popular trends that women love, but men actually can’t stand—backed by data, expert insights, and the unfiltered truth.
The “Birthday Makeup” Phenomenon
We love the transformative power of a full beat—contouring, baking, and overlining our lips until we feel like goddesses. But most men see this artistic masterpiece as a barrier rather than an enhancement. They don’t see “glam”; they see a mask that hides the person they actually want to get to know.
Research consistently shows that men prefer a much more natural look. A study from Bangor University found that men found women most attractive when they wore 40% less makeup than the women thought they needed. Additionally, a survey by St. Ives revealed that 45% of men view heavy makeup as a massive turn-off, often describing it as “deceptive” or “clown-like.” IMO, that’s a harsh critique, but it highlights how much they value seeing your actual skin.
The “Claws”: Long Acrylic Nails
There is perhaps no trend more divisive than the long, sculpted acrylic nail. We love the click-clack sound on our phone screens and the way they elongate our fingers. However, men look at those talons and feel a primal mix of fear and confusion.
Their primary concern is purely logistical and, frankly, a bit gross. In almost every male-centric forum on this topic, the number one question is: “How does she wipe?” A Reddit poll on this very subject saw “I hate them” receive nearly 3,000 votes compared to a measly 176 for “Yes, definitely.” Men view them as unhygienic “bacteria traps” and legitimate safety hazards during intimate moments.
High-Waisted Shorts (The “Diaper Butt”)
I live in high-waisted denim because it holds everything in and makes me feel secure. But ask a guy, and he’ll tell you it creates the dreaded “long butt” silhouette. To the male eye, these shorts obliterate the natural curve of the lower back, making your backside look flat and elongated.
Men frequently compare this look to wearing an adult diaper or, even worse, “mom jeans” from the 1980s. One vocal critic on a relationship forum described them as “denim disasters” that ruin a woman’s visual appeal. While we see vintage chic, they see an unflattering distortion of anatomy.
The “Bull Ring”: Septum Piercings
This edgy piercing has exploded in popularity, signaling a cool, alternative vibe that many women love. Yet, for a significant portion of the male population, the septum ring triggers an immediate, unromantic association: livestock.
Men relentlessly compare this jewelry to the rings used to lead bulls around a farm. Beyond the farm animal jokes, the data paints a grimmer picture for your dating prospects. A study on attraction found that wearing a septum ring significantly lowered a woman’s perceived intelligence and trustworthiness in the eyes of men. It seems this specific accessory acts as a “do not approach” sign for many guys.
The “Sloppy” Ugg Boot
We can all agree that slipping into a pair of Uggs feels like walking on clouds. They are the ultimate comfort item for coffee runs and chilly mornings. But men view them as the footwear equivalent of giving up on life.
In a UK poll, Ugg boots were voted the number one most hated item of women’s clothing, with most men expressing active dislike. They hate the shapeless, “elephant foot” silhouette that hides the ankle and makes the wearer look clunky. You might feel cozy, but he thinks you look like you’re wearing blocks of carpet on your feet.
Astrology Obsession
“What time were you born?” might seem like a harmless question to check compatibility, but it sets off alarm bells for men. While 37% of women believe in astrology, only 20% of men do. To the logical male brain, judging him based on the alignment of stars at his birth feels irrational and unfair.
Men often view an obsession with zodiac signs as a red flag for critical thinking skills. Surveys show that men frequently cite “magical thinking” or blaming behavior on star signs as a major turn-off. If you dismiss him because he’s a Scorpio, don’t be surprised if he dismisses you for being “illogical.”
Playing “Hard to Get.”
Movies told us that men love the chase, but modern dating exhaustion has changed the rules. In the era of swiping and ghosting, men do not have the patience for manufactured unavailability. If you act disinterested, a secure man will respect your boundary and move on, leaving you with only the toxic guys who don’t take “no” for an answer.
Research suggests that while “uncertainty” can attract men with anxious attachment styles, secure men prefer clear indicators of interest. One expert notes that playing games filters out the good guys and attracts “pushy, obnoxious men.” Directness is the new sexy; mind games are just tiring.
The “Baby Voice” and Vocal Fry
You might slip into a higher pitch or a creaky “vocal fry” (think Kim Kardashian) to sound cute or trendy. Unfortunately, this often backfires spectacularly. Men tend to associate these speech patterns with a lack of intelligence or capability.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that women who use vocal fry are perceived as less competent, less trustworthy, and less educated than those who speak in their natural register. Men see the sound “grating” and often interpret it as a sign of vapidity. Your natural voice is powerful—use it!
The “Camera Eats First” Ritual
We all want to capture that beautiful brunch spread for the ‘gram. But stopping your date from eating while you arrange the lighting and angles is a massive mood killer. It signals that you value social media validation more than the experience you are sharing with him.
- Disruption: It halts the flow of the date and lets the food get cold.
- Vanity: It screams, “look at me” rather than “I’m enjoying this moment with you.”
A YouGov survey found that 25% of men consider taking pictures of food on a first date among the “worst” behaviors. Furthermore, 40% of people admit to posting food photos they didn’t even eat, which adds a layer of phoniness that men detect and dislike.
Key Takeaway
We shouldn’t dictate our style choices based solely on what men think—fashion is self-expression, after all! However, recognizing these friction points can help you navigate the dating scene with your eyes wide open. Men generally value authenticity, approachability, and “honest signals” of health over high-maintenance trends and artificial enhancements.
So, keep rocking what makes you happy, but maybe save the “birthday makeup” and Uggs for girls’ night. FYI, confidence is the one trend that never goes out of style.
Disclosure: This article was developed with the assistance of AI and was subsequently reviewed, revised, and approved by our editorial team.
20 Odd American Traditions That Confuse the Rest of the World
20 Odd American Traditions That Confuse the Rest of the World
It’s no surprise that cultures worldwide have their own unique customs and traditions, but some of America’s most beloved habits can seem downright strange to outsiders.
Many American traditions may seem odd or even bizarre to people from other countries. Here are twenty of the strangest American traditions that confuse the rest of the world.
20 of the Worst American Tourist Attractions, Ranked in Order
20 of the Worst American Tourist Attractions, Ranked in Order
If you’ve found yourself here, it’s likely because you’re on a noble quest for the worst of the worst—the crème de la crème of the most underwhelming and downright disappointing tourist traps America offers. Maybe you’re looking to avoid common pitfalls, or perhaps just a connoisseur of the hilariously bad.
Whatever the reason, here is a list that’s sure to entertain, if not educate. Hold onto the hats and explore the ranking, in sequential order, of the 20 worst American tourist attractions.
