Symmetry depicts healthy genetics

Jan 11, 2007 07:44 GMT  ·  By

You think sexy women means big boobs, round buttocks or nice legs? In fact, scientists have found that size has nothing to do with beauty but symmetry does.

"What we are attracted to, what we find sexy, are things that are symmetrical. Research backs that up," said fashion designer Bradley Bayou.

"Women try to force their figures into fads and trends, even if they're not flattering to them, because they think they're 'sexy.' ... But it's really all about balancing the body. Short hourglass shapes might consider jackets that fit snugly at the waist, perhaps adorned with a peplum, and skirts with either semicircles or A-lines. Tall boyish shapes would be better served by open necklines, such as a V or a scoop, and a pleated skirt or straight-leg pants with angled pockets," Bayou suggests.

"Everywhere you look in nature, it's always balanced. A tree is balanced, even looking, even though it's not exactly the same on both sides. Yes, you'll have imperfections, but if you pull it all together, they'll be balanced."

In fact, our genes encode perfect symmetry but there will be always environmental factors during the development of the body, which are not constant. Because they are not constant, they produce environmental stress (which can be chemical: hormones, contaminants, acidity and others; or physical: temperature, humidity and others). The way in which an organism succeeds in balancing these factors on being as much symmetrical as possible reflects healthy, strong genetics.

"The bottom line is developmental health. The general finding for animals - not just humans - is that as the individual begins development, optimal development is bilateral symmetry. Most don't achieve it," said Randy Thornhill, a biology professor at the University of New Mexico who has studied the link between symmetry and physical attraction.

"Symmetry, whether most of us realize it, may signal that an individual can be a strong, healthy mate capable of producing healthy offspring. It indicates an ability to deal with any environmental problems encountered in the person's life."

He focused on facial symmetry, but further research has proven the same thing with breasts, buttocks and thighs.

"With women, bodily symmetry is conveyed in the face but also how she mobilizes - how she walks, a more attractive gait. When dancing, symmetrical people are more attractive when they dance. It comes out in the grace and movement," he says.

That means genetic background is more important than body weight in determining sexiness. Bayou is known as a source of red-carpet gowns for Oprah Winfrey, Queen Latifah, Salma Hayek and Eva Longoria - women of varying body types.

"All these women are sexy, and they're all different. The one thing in common, though, is that they're not emaciated. If that's what magazines say is sexy, they're wrong. Every body is unique, and there are different pieces that will work on them. I find that most women - 99 %, I'd say - are insecure about their bodies, and I'm talking about drop-dead gorgeous women. What I find sexy is self-confidence. I'm trying to give those women confidence about their body. You can't change your body overnight, but you can change the way you dress. I think everybody agrees that sexy comes from within," Bayou adds.

"A runway model might not be sexy, but a size 10 or 12 shapely woman can be so sexy. She'll get more attention in the end if she's confident and funny. Women spend too much time stressing about the little stuff, not realizing that men can usually find something sexy about almost anyone. Women think you need it all, but you really only need one part and make the most of it. ... People aren't born perfect."