The pursuit of masculinity is a huge part of life for men worldwide who want to be perceived as manly by others. In recent decades, activities like bodybuilding and martial arts have exploded in popularity as men attempt to achieve a more masculine image. Here are 17 things men think make them look more manly.
Engaging in Extreme Sports
Participating in extreme sports like snowboarding, base jumping, and cliff jumping is often seen as a testament to a man’s bravery and ability to face fear. An adventurous spirit is frequently associated with masculinity; for some men, it’s fulfilled through extreme sports.
Having a Muscular Physique
Having a muscular physique and regularly lifting weights is synonymous with masculinity for men. Psychology Today notes that “muscular Christianity” began in the late 19th century in Britain, connecting a muscular physique to masculinity, and that Teddy Roosevelt was a famous advocate of the movement. Today, weightlifting is incredibly popular with men, and some are turning to steroids to enhance their muscular appearance.
Drinking Whiskey or Beer
Whiskey and beer are stereotypically more masculine alcoholic drinks than cocktails, prosecco, and wine. For men worldwide, drinking beer at a pub is a key part of male bonding, while whiskey is a more sophisticated masculine drink.
Pursuing a High-Paying Career
Men have traditionally been providers for their families, and a successful, high-paying career has been linked to fulfilling this role. Many men still connect financial success with status, power, and masculinity and prize career ambition.
Engaging in Manual Labor
Manual labor showcases physical strength and endurance, key aspects of traditional masculinity for some men. Fixing and building furniture and housing involves a skill in craftsmanship that is often romanticized in male stereotypes.
Displaying Stoicism
Emotional restraint and stoicism in men, the “strong, silent type,” have long been seen as signs of strength. Enduring hardship without complaint is less celebrated as discussions around male mental health are becoming more open, but some men still prize stoicism.
Mastery of Technology and Gadgets
Proficiency with technology is often equated with intelligence and forward-thinking, traits many men admire. Men are stereotypically portrayed as interested in gadgets, and some link technological mastery and problem-solving skills with masculinity.
Driving a Powerful Car
High-performance and luxury cars are symbols of success and masculinity for some men. WHYTT Magazine notes that groups of men “can go on and on about engine characteristics, design, and horsepower” and that men “often view their cars as extensions of themselves.”
Practicing Martial Arts
Practicing martial arts requires discipline and mental fortitude that parallel what some men perceive as traditional masculine values. The rise of the UFC since 1993 has increased interest in various martial arts among men, who associate it with masculine celebrities like Joe Rogan.
Owning a Dog
Pet ownership, especially dog ownership, showcases responsibility and a nurturing side that many men think makes them look more manly. Larger dogs are especially associated with an active and outdoorsy lifestyle that some men strive for.
Growing a Beard
Sporting a beard has been a popular grooming choice for men in recent years. The Telegraph explains, “Researchers trace the renewed trend back to the 2013 Oscars, which George Clooney and Ben Affleck attended with full beards.” Some men use hair growth treatments like minoxidil to grow their beards and achieve the rugged look they associate with masculinity.
Mastery in Cooking Meat
Mastery over the barbecue is a highly coveted skill for men, who associate the activity with male bonding and masculinity. Cooking meat for Sunday dinner and holidays, including Christmas and Thanksgiving, is also considered a stereotypically masculine task by many men.
Collecting Watches
Collecting watches as a symbol of status and personal expression is popular among men, and male celebrities often sport expensive timepieces on their wrists. Men often perceive fascination with the mechanical complexity of watches as a masculine interest.
Wearing a Suit
A well-fitting suit exudes authority to some men who associate the garment with professionalism, ambition, and the pursuit of success. BBC Style notes that “the suit has long been synonymous with a certain kind of masculine, ‘gentlemanly’ persona.”
Engaging in DIY Projects
DIY projects demonstrate creativity and a level of problem-solving skills that men perceive as practical and masculine. These skills also showcase independence, which is highly valued in traditional masculinity.
Having a Deep Voice
Many men assume deeper voices are perceived as more attractive to women and more authoritative to other men. NBC News reported on a study that revealed that men associate lower voices with dominant men, but women react less strongly to them.
Playing a Musical Instrument
Playing a musical instrument, predominantly acoustic and electric guitars, is popular among men who idolize musicians. Mastering an instrument requires dedication that reflects valued traits of discipline and focus.