A recent survey conducted by the CREO Clinic has illuminated changing perceptions of physical attractiveness among different generations in the United Kingdom. The study, which involved 1,000 participants from four distinct age groups—Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z—sought to identify the qualities deemed essential in the “perfect” partner.
The findings indicate notable shifts in preferences across generations. Boomers, defined as individuals born between 1946 and 1964, expressed a fondness for men standing between 5’7″ and 5’9″, with traditional builds, blue eyes, and dark brown hair. For women, the ideal image featured blonde hair, a button nose, and fuller lips.
Generational Preferences Shift
In contrast, the younger demographic of Gen Z, comprising those born from 1997 to 2012, exhibited a marked preference for men with athletic physiques and women with raven-black hair. “Overall, the research shows that preferences for attractiveness shift from lighter hair in Boomer women to darker hair and more athletic body types in Millennials and Gen Z,” said a representative from the CREO Clinic.
Men across the generations were found to be most attractive with either an inverted triangle or trapezoid body shape. While Boomers preferred blue eyes, there was a clear transition to brown eyes in younger generations. Hair preferences also varied, with wavy styles favored for men and straight hair preferred for women.
For Gen X men, born between 1965 and 1980, almond-shaped brown eyes were the top choice, along with a button nose and heart-shaped lips. This group showed a preference for dark brown hair styled in a short fade, with heights ranging from 5’10” to 6’0″ being the most popular. Women in this age bracket preferred similar eye and nose shapes but favored a round face and medium-length, light blonde hair.
Moving to Millennials, those born between 1981 and 1996, the trend continued with almond-shaped brown eyes and button noses remaining popular among men. This group also favored an athletic build characterized by broad shoulders and a narrow waist. Dark brown, wavy hair styled into a short fade was prevalent, with height preferences mirroring those of Gen X.
Gen Z’s Distinct Preferences
The final group, Gen Z, displayed consistency in their preferences, choosing almond-shaped brown eyes and button noses for males. The ideal man for this generation featured dark brown, wavy hair styled in a short fade. Women from this cohort preferred long, black, straight hair, marking a departure from the lighter and shorter styles favored by older generations.
The CREO Clinic noted an increase in interest among Gen Z for cosmetic treatments targeting lip enhancement, reflecting their desire for fuller lips. “Research shows that lip fillers continue to be a popular treatment in the UK, and Gen Z patients are showing more interest in treatments targeting their lips,” the clinic stated.
This study underscores how societal standards of beauty and attraction are influenced by generational perspectives, illustrating a dynamic evolution over time. As physical ideals shift, the findings provide insights into the broader cultural changes occurring within the UK.
