The Surprising Body Part That Makes Women More Attractive To Men

What is the one female body part that makes men weak in the knees? Big breasts? No. Shapely butt? No. Pretty face? Nope. Legs-for-days? No. Plush eyelashes? No way. You'll never guess.

So we'll tell you: It's long arms. Yes, it's true. Scientists from Australia and Hong Kong conducted a comprehensive study to determine what body measurements corresponded with women perceived as attractive (per ScienceDaily). In the study, published in the Journal of Evolutionary Biology, researchers presented videos of 96 Chinese women between the ages of 20 and 49 to a group of Australian adults, and then to a similar group in Hong Kong. The results showed that overall, women who were younger, taller, and lighter were more attractive. In particular, women with narrow waists (hip-to-waist ratio) and lower BMI (body mass index) were considered most attractive. But the most surprising finding is that men preferred long arms on a woman (per HealthDigest). Not endless legs, as we've all been led to believe, but long, shapely arms.

Because the study covered two different parts of the world, the results can be interpreted to mean that long arms are a desirable trait across cultures (per Time). But you may be asking, why are they so desirable? The researchers explain that "the dimensions of someone's body can tell observers if that person is suitable as a potential mate" (per YourTango). One might assume that would apply generally to, let's say, a symmetrical face. But it still leaves the long arm preference a mystery. 

Perhaps it has to do with the fact that arms are essential for many tasks, such as hugging and holding (an infant). And those that are long and shapely may fit in with the notion of "survival of the fittest." 

Whatever the reason, it gives women hoping to attract a mate another tool in their "look at me" armamentarium. (See what we did there?) Think short sleeves, cap sleeves, or sleeveless. And unlike deep-cut tops or stiletto heels, bare arms are suitable for just about any situation. Tank tops, we're coming for you!