An estimated 15% of American men have tattoos. What do women think of men with a little ink? Is it a turn on or a turn off?
Research shows that women don’t think men with tattoos are attractive, and what’s more, they also believe that men who sport tattoos make worse prospects or partners.
More on the study
Researchers from Poland asked a group of 2500 heterosexual men and women what their impressions were of men with tattoos. Each sex was shown pictures of shirtless men with tattoos. Most women didn’t give high marks to men with tattoos in terms of attractiveness, compatibility, or the potential for a long-term relationship.
Men in the study thought the exact opposite. Men felt as though the guys with inked bods were what women wanted.
Women’s feedback on tattoos
While the study may suggest that tattoos aren’t high on a woman’s list of attractive features, some women are really into them.
To provide more perspective, here’s a look at some female comments from Men’s Journal on the topic. You’ll notice that most of the comments are positive. Many women say tattoos are okay, as long as they aren’t of something obnoxious.
Here are some of the quotes from readers:
“I don’t like sleeves. And that barbed wire shit is the male tramp stamp.” – Tracy A.
“I like tattoos as long as they’re done well. Also, it doesn’t hurt if they’re meaningful with a story behind them.” – Grace C.
“I don’t mind tattoos depending on where and what they are. Stupid quotes you got tatted on your ass in college: hard pass.” Amanda J.
“I sometimes feel tattoos take away from a guy’s attractiveness. You have a beautiful (sorry…sexy, masculine?) body, but then you’re distracting from it by tossing on some poorly thought-out ink.” – Anne L.
