A recent survey conducted by the CREO Clinic, a cosmetic surgery practice based in London, has unveiled significant insights into what individuals from various generations consider the ideal partner. This research involved 1,000 participants, spanning four distinct age groups: Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z. The findings highlight the evolving preferences for physical attributes, demonstrating how ideals of beauty differ across generations.
Generational Preferences Uncovered
Among the Boomers, individuals born between 1946 and 1964, the ideal man is typically between 5’7″ and 5’9″, with a traditional build, blue eyes, and dark brown hair. In contrast, the ideal woman is envisioned with blonde hair, a button nose, and full lips. For the youngest demographic, Gen Z, born from 1997 to 2012, preferences shift towards an athletic physique for men and raven-black hair for women.
The CREO Clinic stated, “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.” The study also revealed that men are generally perceived as most attractive with inverted triangle or trapezoid shapes, whereas the hourglass figure remains the preferred body type for women. Notably, eye color transitions from blue in Boomers to brown in younger generations, with wavy hair being favored for men and straight hair for women.
Insights from Each Generation
For Gen X, comprising individuals born between 1965 and 1980, almond-shaped brown eyes were the top choice for men, alongside a button nose and heart-shaped lips. This group showed a preference for dark brown hair styled in a short fade and leaned towards slightly taller men than Boomers, with heights ranging from 5’10” to 6’0″. Women in this demographic preferred similar eye and nose shapes, complemented by straight, light blonde hair of medium length.
Millennials, born between 1981 and 1996, continued the trend of almond-shaped brown eyes for men, maintaining a preference for button noses and full lips. The ideal male figure was characterized by an athletic build and dark brown, wavy hair styled in a short fade. Height preferences increased slightly, aligning with the earlier generation at 5’10” to 6’0″. For women, rounded brown eyes remained popular, alongside a button nose and a rounded face shape.
The survey also highlighted the preferences of Gen Z, where almond-shaped brown eyes, a button nose, and full lips emerged as the ideal traits for males. Dark brown, wavy hair styled in a short fade continued as the favored choice. For women, the ideal appearance included almond-shaped brown eyes and full lips, with a heart-shaped face. This group also showed a notable preference for long, black, straight hair, contrasting with the hair preferences of older generations.
The findings of the CREO Clinic provide a fascinating glimpse into how societal standards of beauty evolve over time, reflecting changes in cultural values and individual preferences. As attraction criteria shift, the impact of these preferences on cosmetic trends, particularly among younger generations, is becoming increasingly evident.
