Summary
Deep-set eyes are widely regarded as a hallmark of masculine attractiveness, with several studies highlighting their significance. Holzleitner and Perrett (2016) identified deep-set eyes as a “masculine” trait linked to testosterone-driven facial morphology. This characteristic, combined with a pronounced brow ridge and angular features, signals strength, dominance, and attractiveness. Similarly, Adamson and Galli (2009) found that women perceive men with deeper-set eyes and other “mature” traits as more attractive, associating these features with leadership and masculinity. Further supporting this, Caton et al. (2022) demonstrated that male faces are sexually dimorphic, with deeper-set eyes contributing to perceptions of aggressiveness and dominance. Reiman (2012) also noted that men typically have deeper-set eyes compared to females, attributing this to testosterone-influenced traits that enhance their allure. Together, these studies suggest that deep-set eyes not only reflect strength and maturity but also play a key role in defining male attractiveness.
Research
According to a study by Holzleitner and Perrett (2016), for males, deep-set eyes are considered a “masculine” trait that aligns with perceptions of strength. The authors mentioned that “the muscle-associated face shape revealed characteristics previously described as ‘masculine’ (such as more protruding brow ridges, deeper-set eyes, pronounced cheekbones, and a larger jaw). This suggests that deep-set eyes, influenced by testosterone, contribute to a facial morphology that signals strength and masculinity. Such traits are seen as advantageous in terms of attractiveness and perceived dominance.
Moreover, deep-set eyes are also a hallmark of masculine attractiveness, as they convey strength, maturity, and dominance. According to a study by Adamson and Galli (2009) published in the Journal of Plastic and Aesthetic Nursing, women find men with deeper-set eyes along with other “mature” features more attractive. The authors further suggested that this trait, combined with a pronounced brow ridge, signals masculinity and leadership qualities, enhancing their overall attractiveness.
Similarly, according to a recent study by Caton et al. (2022) titled “Facial masculinity predicts men’s actual and perceived aggressiveness” human faces are sexually dimorphic wherein men tend to have deeper-set eyes.
Additionally, according to a book written by Reiman (2012) titled “The Body Language of Dating: Read His Signals, Send Your Own, and Get the Guy“, men usually have deeper-set eyes compared to females. The author suggested that this is due to the masculine and testosterone-crafted features that surround their eyes.
References
Holzleitner, I. J., & Perrett, D. I. (2016). Perception of strength from 3D faces is linked to facial cues of physique. Evolution and Human Behavior, 37(3), 217-229. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.evolhumbehav.2015.11.004
Adamson, P. A., & Galli, S. K. D. (2009). Modern concepts of beauty. Plastic and Aesthetic Nursing, 29(1), 5-9. DOI: 10.1097/01.PSN.0000347717.98155.8d
Caton, N. R., Zhao, A., Lewis, D. M., & Dixson, B. (2022). Facial masculinity predicts men’s actual and perceived aggressiveness. Preprint available PsyArxiv. 10.31234/osf.io/qejga
Reiman, T. (2012). The body language of dating: Read his signals, send your own, and get the guy. Simon and Schuster.