Everyone has their own opinion about what makes a man’s hobby attractive, but interestingly, there’s some data to shed light on it. A survey from Date Psychology asked 800 women to rate 74 different hobbies—and the results are eye-opening. We’ll walk you through the 10 hobbies that scored the highest (and why women find them appealing), plus the 10 that landed at the bottom. Curious if your go-to hobby made the list? Let’s dive in.
1. Reading
Turns out, cracking open a book might be one of the most attractive things a guy can do. In fact, a Date Psychology survey found that an incredible 98.2% of women said reading is a hobby they find appealing in men. So whether you’re flipping through a novel on the subway or casually showing off your bookshelf in a dating profile pic, don’t be surprised if it earns you some extra attention.
- Why it’s attractive: Reading shows you’re genuinely curious about the world and open to new ideas. Telling people you’re a reader also hints that you’re well-rounded, especially if you enjoy a variety of genres.
2. Foreign languages
Parlez-vous français? Speaking another language ranked just behind reading, with 95.6% of women in the survey saying it’s an attractive skill. There’s just something undeniably appealing about someone who can switch between languages with ease, it looks like those high school Spanish classes might actually pay off after all.
- Why it’s attractive: Learning a new language shows you’re curious and creative, and it makes you seem more worldly. Plus, it’s super useful when you travel.
3. Playing an instrument
Playing an instrument is a major plus when it comes to attraction. In fact, 95.4% of women in the survey said it makes men more appealing. So whether you’re in a band, play something classical, or just mess around on the piano when you get the chance, don’t be shy about showing it off. It might be music to someone’s ears.
- Why it’s attractive: Making music shows both talent and the confidence to share it. It’s a skill not everyone has, and it highlights your creative and intellectual side.
4. Cooking
No surprise here, cooking landed near the top of the list, with 95.1% of women saying it’s an attractive hobby. There’s something universally appealing about a man who can whip up a great meal. So don’t be shy about mentioning your signature dish or that new recipe you’ve mastered, it might just leave someone wanting seconds.
- Why it’s attractive: Cooking is practical, creative, and a little romantic too. A guy who enjoys it shows he’s not stuck on old-fashioned gender roles, and let’s face it, everyone loves someone who can make a good meal.
5. Woodworking
Woodworking is one of those timeless “hands-on” hobbies that still impresses. Whether it’s carving, building furniture, or tackling carpentry projects, it takes patience and skill, and not many people can say they’ve made their own table or bookshelf. Turns out, 94.4% of women find that pretty attractive.
- Why it’s attractive: Woodworking mixes practicality with creativity and shows you know how to rely on yourself. It’s also a skill that takes real time and effort, which says a lot about your dedication.
6. Painting
Painting is a clear winner, with 94.1% of women saying they find it attractive. And it doesn’t have to stop at a canvas, any creative outlet, like sketching, sculpting, pottery, or even checking out local art galleries, can leave a lasting impression.
- Why it’s attractive: Painting or really any love for art shows off your creative, thoughtful, and even sensitive side, and let’s be honest, who wouldn’t melt over a piece of art made just for them?
7. Writing
Writing takes the number seven spot, with 93.8% of women saying it’s an attractive skill. Whether it’s poetry, short stories, blogging, or just jotting down your thoughts, putting words on paper shows confidence and creativity. If you’ve ever thought about giving it a try, this might be your sign to start.
- Why it’s attractive: Beyond the creativity, writing shows you can express your thoughts clearly and personally, and good communication is always an attractive trait. It also gives off an intelligent, thoughtful vibe that many people find irresistible.
8. Gardening
Gardening shares the number seven spot with writing, with 93.8% of women saying it’s an attractive hobby. Whether you’re into fresh veggies, colorful flowers, or just love getting your hands in the dirt, it shows patience and care. So don’t have to be shy about mentioning your garden, it might grow on someone more than you expect.
- Why it’s attractive: Gardening is both practical and creative, and this shows you’re willing to put in the work to make something beautiful or useful. It also reflects that you care about the environment, and that’s always an attractive quality.
9. Swimming
Pool date, anyone? Swimming comes in as the top athletic hobby, with 92.8% of women saying it’s attractive. Whether you swim competitively or just hit the pool to stay fit, there’s no denying the charm. And let’s be real—everyone loves a little confidence in the water.
- Why it’s attractive: Swimming isn’t just a great workout, it’s also a skill that takes real dedication, especially at a competitive level. It shows off your athletic side and strong fitness, and a fun fact: one study found that simply mentioning a sport in your Tinder bio can actually double your chances of getting a match.
10. Photography
Got an eye for great shots? Turns out 90.5% of women find photography an attractive hobby. Whether you’re into portraits, landscapes, or capturing city life, sharing your passion can spark some real interest. And hey, showing off your skills on a date might just earn you another one.
- Why it’s attractive: Photography shows off your creativity, attention to detail, and eye for beauty in unexpected places. It’s also a practical skill for capturing memories, and let’s be honest, everyone loves having a partner who knows their best angles.
The 10 Least Attractive Hobbies for Men
Of course, not every hobby gets the same level of love as reading, cooking, or traveling. That doesn’t mean these pastimes are “bad”, far from it—but according to the survey, some are definitely more of an acquired taste. With that in mind, here are the 10 hobbies women found the least attractive in men.
- Makeup (found attractive by 24.7% of women)
- Crypto (found attractive by 23.9% of women)
- Cigars (found attractive by 22.7% of women)
- Clubbing (found attractive by 20.9% of women)
- Marijuana (found attractive by 15.8% of women)
- Funko (found attractive by 12.9% of women)
- Arguing online (found attractive by 12.9% of women)
- Porn (found attractive by 11% of women)
- Gambling (found attractive by 8% of women)
- The manosphere (found attractive by 3.9% of women)
Final Thoughts
Choose hobbies that you authentically enjoy.
You might feel tempted to pick up a trendy hobby just to get more matches or impress someone on a date. If it’s something you’re genuinely curious about, absolutely go for it! But starting a hobby you don’t actually enjoy just to get someone’s attention usually backfires. Sure, it might spark a little interest at first, but when it comes to building a real connection, shared values matter more than pretending to share the same pastimes.