Study Reveals Evolutionary Basis for Men’s Innate Attraction to Breasts

Why Do Straight Men Love Breasts? Study Suggests It’s Innate

[Image: Stock photo of a woman’s silhouette with focus on breasts. Caption: Scientists explore whether men’s attraction to breasts is cultural or biological.]

For decades, researchers have debated whether men’s fascination with breasts is learned or innate. A new study from the University of Wrocław sheds light on this by examining the Dani tribe in Western New Guinea, Indonesia, where women traditionally went topless until Western influence prompted covering up around 20 years ago.

[Image: Dani tribe members. Caption: Researchers compared older men (raised with topless norms) and younger men (exposed to covered women).]

The team surveyed 40 older Dani men, who grew up when toplessness was common, and 40 younger men from the same tribe. Both groups reported similar levels of breast-touching during intimacy and arousal when seeing bare breasts. Published in Archives of Sexual Behavior, the study concluded that attraction appears biologically rooted, not culturally imposed. Lead researcher Michal Stefanczyk noted, “Breasts are sexy—naturally so. Men like breasts.” However, breasts weren’t a primary factor in long-term partner selection for Dani men.

[Image: 1990s Wonderbra ad. Caption: Western media often sexualizes breasts, but the study suggests deeper biological roots.]

Psychology professor Steve Stewart-Williams endorsed the findings, arguing against the idea that Western culture alone drives this preference: “Could it randomly create an obsession with elbows? This study is a win for common sense.”

The ‘Perfect’ Female Body: Curves Over Ratios

A separate University of Konstanz study challenged past notions of attractiveness, proposing that overall “curviness” (an S-shaped contour from chest to thighs) matters more than waist-to-hip ratios. Stars like Marilyn Monroe and Kim Kardashian exemplify this ideal. While a 0.7 waist-to-hip ratio was once considered optimal, the study found curviness trumps slimness in larger body types.

Changing Beauty Standards

Ideals of female beauty have shifted over time—from the 1910s “Gibson Girl” to 1990s “heroin chic.” Today, muscular tones gain favor, yet some attractions, like men’s fondness for breasts, may transcend culture.

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