Men are attracted to women with arched backs as pushing away the pelvis signals females’ sexual interest, new research suggests.
A curved-back posture, as adopted by the likes of Kim Kardashian, Taylor Swift and Jennifer Lopez on the red carpet, is more appealing to both males and females, a study found.
Previous research suggests female animals draw back their pelvises to signal they are ready to mate.
The researchers of the current study believe this posture may have evolved in humans to demonstrate women are willing to be courted.
Lead author Farid Pazhoohi from the University of Minho in Portugal, said: ‘This also might explain why women wear high heel shows and why wearing high heel shoes increases womens’ attractiveness.’
Men are attracted to women with arched backs, like Kim Kardashian, as it suggests interest
A curved-back posture, as adopted by Taylor Swift, signals animals are ready to mate
Humans, like Jennifer Lopez, may have adopted the posture to show willingness to court a man
How the research was carried out
The researchers created six computer-generated 3D models of a woman’s upper body.
The models’ backs were manipulated at slightly different, but normal, angles.
These six models were shown to 82 men and women from the front, side and back.
The study’s participants rated how attractive they found each posture.
Eye-tracking technology monitored the participants’ gazes while they viewed the pictures.
‘Arching of the back might signal willingness to be courted’
Results reveal the more arched a back is, the more appealing it becomes to either sex.
Mr Pazhoohi said: ‘Increased curvature increases the perception of attractiveness.
‘The perception of attractiveness and visual attention to the hip region suggests that lordosis or the arching of the back might signal human females’ proceptivity or willingness to be courted.
‘This also might explain why women wear high heel shows and why wearing high heel shoes increases womens’ attractiveness.’
Previous research on rats, guinea pigs, sheep, cats, ferrets and primates reveals pushing back the pelvis signals females are ready to mate.
The researchers believe humans may have evolved this posture to display willingness to date a man.
The findings were published in the journal Evolutionary Psychological Science.