In the age of viral glow-ups, red-carpet close-ups, and social feeds that treat male beauty like a competitive sport, the definition of an attractive man has never been more dissected, or more performative. In the 1950s, the ‘executive’ look dominated: crisp suits, broad shoulders, and a brooding stare strong enough to make a houseplant wilt. Today, the spotlight has shifted to sculpted physiques, rugged edges, and a cinematic kind of masculinity seemingly lit by permanent golden-hour sunshine.
Grooming culture has transformed, too. Skincare shelves overflow with serums and moisturisers ‘for him’, barbershops have become temples of reinvention, and the once-simple male routine now leans on precision, polish, and a touch of vanity. Which raises a natural question for the data-driven age: what actually counts as attractive now? Which traits rise to the top when the filters come off, and the numbers speak?
This study by PlayersTime digs into that curiosity, analysing patterns from People magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive selections to reveal what the modern ideal really looks like, not in theory, but in hard, irresistible detail.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but what are the common features held by the men considered to be the sexiest in the world? We analysed People’s Sexiest Man Alive lists from 2017 to 2025 to find out.
- Athletic40%
- Average30%
- Muscular28%
Most Attractive Attributes
- Yes54%
- No46%
- In a Relationship44%
- Married24%
- Single16%
- Virgo14%
- Taurus14%
- Libra12%
- Aquarius12%
Men with tattoos (54%) are considered more attractive than those without tattoos.
The least attractive signs appear to be Scorpio, Pisces and Leo.
It’s a curiuos fact that the most attractive men are actually the married ones. In fact, almost half of the individuals featured on People’s lists were married at the time.
Data sourced from People’s Magazine Sexiest Man Alive lists, 2017–2025.
Marital status, age, and physical features reflect the year in which each man appeared
The Survey Methodology
The Sexiest Man Survey is grounded in data from People magazine’s annual ‘Sexiest Man Alive’ rankings, spanning 2017 through 2025. It provides verified information on each nominee’s name, profession, birthdate, marital status, and defining physical characteristics. Key features analysed include eye colour, hair colour, and style, as well as facial hair type, height, body type, and the presence of tattoos – attributes consistently associated with contemporary standards of attractiveness and mainstream appeal.
A total of 50 celebrities were included in the dataset, encompassing actors, athletes and singers. Each profile corresponds to the period when the individual was featured in People’s ‘Sexiest Man Alive’ rankings. To ensure data accuracy and completeness, additional verification was conducted using recognised public sources, such as IMDb and The Hollywood Reporter. Data was structured into standardised categories to allow for comparative analysis across nominees.
The voting process for the Sexiest Man lists enables readers to select their favourite celebrities in numerous categories through online polls to form the final list. This approach captures a wide spectrum of opinions, providing a multifaceted view of public and industry perceptions of attractiveness. By combining fan preferences with cultural trends and media attention, the process reflects not only who is considered physically appealing but also who resonates most strongly within contemporary popular culture. So, what do the results reveal?
The Most Irresistible Men
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Short54%
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Mid-Short32%
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Shaved10%
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Dark Brown38%
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Black18%
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Light Brown16%
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Other28%
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Brown40%
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Blue38%
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Hazel14%
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Other8%
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Short Beard34%
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Stubble28%
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Clean Shaven26%
Data sourced from People’s Magazine Sexiest Man Alive lists, 2017–2025.
Marital status, age, and physical features reflect the year in which each man appeared
What does the ideal modern heartthrob look like? Who is this so‑called Mr Perfect, drifting somewhere between Hollywood red carpets, chart-topping singles, and the stadium lights of Major League Baseball?
In today’s pop‑culture imagination, the quintessential alluring man stands tall, rarely under 1.83 m, towering just enough to stand out from the crowd. His charm typically arrives packaged in dark, classic features: brown hair, warm brown eyes, and a neatly trimmed brown beard. Think a Ben Affleck archetype, only slightly shorter and with the casual, off‑duty ease of someone who might be glimpsed at a coffee shop rather than a film premiere.
The nominees form a fascinating blend of newcomers and established icons. Veterans like George Clooney, John Krasinski, and Usher maintain their long‑held status in the unofficial ‘handsome hall of fame’, built on decades of films, music, and cultural influence. Meanwhile, rising stars like Jacob Elordi and Timothée Chalamet enter the scene to challenge established norms and broaden the definition of mainstream attractiveness.
Hairstyles and facial hair make a statement of their own. Short hair dominates the scene, sported by 54% of nominees, while short beards stand at 34%. The classic cut still holds more sway than the fully shaved look, and the short beard endures as a symbol of rugged masculinity, a quiet declaration of confidence and strength that has survived centuries of shifting trends.
It’s a curious fact that the top-rated participants were mostly ‘spoken for’ at the time they were chosen: 44% were married, 24% were in relationships, and just 14% remained single. Far from diminishing their appeal, commitment seems to add an extra layer of charm, suggesting stability and reliability alongside physical allure. In other words, the most magnetic men are often those who already have someone, projecting an aura of trustworthiness that resonates as strongly as a chiselled jawline or sculpted physique.
Certain physical traits remain remarkably consistent. Height stays firmly at six feet (183 cm), the benchmark of commanding presence, while athletic builds narrowly outpace muscular ones (40% versus 30%), creating a balance of strength, agility, and visual appeal. Towering athletes such as Aaron Judge, the Yankees slugger, seven-time All-Star, and three-time MVP, exemplify this ideal, combining sheer power with poise and presence, the kind of physicality that instantly captures attention both on the field and in popular imagination.
Tattoos continue to wield undeniable appeal: 54% of votes go to inked contenders, showing that body art still carries connotations of individuality, intrigue, and charisma. Yet, despite these observable patterns, personal taste proves endlessly diverse. The ‘ideal man’ exists at the intersection of fantasy and statistics, where cultural ideals, physical traits, and sheer magnetism collide to create the most compelling combination of allure.
Star Sign Analysis
People have long looked to the sky for guidance, from ancient Egyptians aligning the pyramids to modern fascination with zodiac signs. Interestingly, the most desirable men tend to be Virgos or Tauruses, each claiming 14% of the top spots. Earth signs’ grounded, practical, and stable nature seems to resonate strongly with contemporary ideals of attractiveness.
Virgos, born between August 23 and September 22, are celebrated for their practicality, analytical minds, and relentless work ethic. They are detail-oriented, orderly, and loyal – the type of partner who notices the little things that make a big difference.
Taurus, covering April 20 to May 20, brings a complementary set of traits: reliability, patience, and a devotion to practicality, combined with a love of sensual pleasures, beauty, and comfort. It’s easy to see why these qualities translate into appeal in the public eye; stability and grounded charm remain irresistible.
On the flip side, Scorpio, Pisces, and Leo rank lower in this particular measure of desirability. Perhaps their intense, unpredictable, or fiery natures resonate less with mainstream ideas of magnetism, or maybe their allure is subtler, more niche, and harder to quantify.
There is plenty more to explore in the cosmic catalogue, but star signs already reveal a fascinating slice of the traits that make individuals distinctive. Whether a Virgo, Taurus, or someone close to them, the sky seems to offer clues about personality, charm, and yes, even the traits that capture the collective imagination.
Summary
The latest edition of People’s Sexiest Man Alive has arrived – right on schedule. This year’s title goes to Jonathan Bailey, who fronts the cover alongside his beloved dog, Benson, adding an extra layer of charm to the announcement. Visually, Bailey aligns strikingly well with the prevailing profile identified in this study: dark features, well-groomed styling, and a clean, classic look that mirrors many of the most highly ranked men in recent years. His appearance fits seamlessly into the aesthetic trends that continue to dominate public perceptions of attractiveness.