In 2025, the lines of traditional masculinity and femininity are breaking down. Men are adopting grooming habits and styles once considered off-limits. The global beauty industry is set to reach $650 billion, and men’s skincare is driving much of that growth.
Pinterest searches for men’s skincare routines are increasing by 45%, which shows a shift toward more inclusive beauty standards. Fashion is also changing, and catwalks are featuring floral patterns and pastel shades for men. The article examines 13 subtle ways men can look more feminine, based on emerging trends.
Expressive facial gestures
Men who display exaggerated facial gestures can inadvertently appear more feminine. It has been established that expressive faces, such as smiling, raised eyebrows, or exaggerated facial expressions, are likely to be associated with emotional openness—a stereotypically feminine trait.
A study by ResearchGate found that people who are more expressive facially tend to be perceived as warmer and more emotionally responsive, characteristics culturally associated with femininity. This does not mean men can’t be emotive, but facial movement can affect social perception.
Soft-spoken voice
The tone of the voice significantly affects how people perceive us. According to a study published in the Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, a man with a soft, gentle voice is perceived as more emotionally sensitive and, therefore, feminine.
The study further states that decreased vocal intensity will be associated with traits stemming from a more nurturing and caring coding—traits typically associated with women in most cultures.
Interestingly, not only can a softer voice sound feminine, but it can also improve interpersonal relationships by making men more approachable and emotionally intelligent, according to a ResearchGate report.
Refined hand gestures
Even though hand gestures are subtle, they say a lot about someone’s personality. Studies indicate that precise, graceful hand gestures, especially those that emphasize light or fluid movement, are culturally associated with femininity.
This is particularly apparent in Western cultures, where such gestures are viewed as sophisticated and elegant.
A study published in Open Linguistics shows that the way men use their hands when gesturing can significantly influence perceptions of their gender, and that more delicate, soft gestures are femininely coded.
High emotional intelligence
Emotional intelligence (EQ) has long been a relationship satisfier, but did you know it’s also associated with perceptions of femininity? Emotionally intelligent men, particularly those adept at reading emotions and expressing empathy, tend to be rated as more feminine.
This is due to the cultural link between empathy, emotional expressiveness, and femininity. However, heightened EQ also leads to more satisfying personal relationships, attesting to its value in forming more meaningful connections.
Attention to grooming
Grooming habits like skincare, haircare, and overall neatness are stereotypically perceived as reflecting attention to detail, a characteristic typically associated with women’s behavior.
Although grooming is not inherently feminine, the level of attention men give to their appearance—whether through skin products or regular haircuts—can affect how they are perceived. In a culture where the value of an individual image is on the rise, this type of grooming can alter how society views men.
Wearing tight or flashy clothing
The way men dress can subtly redefine their masculinity. Vibrant colors like pinks, pastels, and bright hues are typically associated with femininity. Men who wear well-fitting, colorful clothing are more likely to be perceived as feminine.
However much men’s fashion has evolved, especially with the metrosexual trend, society still equates specific modes of dress with femininity. Men who wear colorful clothing might find themselves breaking gender boundaries, but also calling attention to themselves for doing so.
Soft eye contact
Soft eye contact is often seen as an indicator of nurturing and open communication—qualities society usually associates with femininity. A 2024 Gender Study found that soft and extended eye contact, rather than intense or probing gazes, is typically perceived as a feminine trait.
Men who avoid the stereotypical “hard stare” and instead engage in softer, more compassionate eye contact can inadvertently look more feminine. This does not imply weakness or insecurity—instead, it reveals a cultural association between empathy and femininity.
Politeness and verbal softness
How men speak can also be a subtle hint at femininity. Hedging terms such as “maybe,” “I think,” or “I feel” are likely to be perceived as more feminine. Such speech suggests uncertainty or deference, features stereotypically attributed to women.
Not in itself negative, this verbal softness nonetheless influences social perceptions of men, often reflecting a cultural association of femininity with communicative gentleness.
Interest in aesthetics or design
More men are gaining interest in traditionally feminine activities, including fashion design, interior decorating, and fine arts. According to the APA, men who engage in activities such as art or fashion design may be seen as less traditionally masculine.
Yet, such activities often express creativity and sensitivity—traits traditionally viewed as feminine. Most interestingly, the interests also align with men’s personal satisfaction, as research indicates that seeking creative outlets leads to emotional happiness.
Gentle physical movements
Physical mannerisms also express much about personality. In Frontiers in Neuroscience, researchers noted that slow, controlled movements—such as walking gracefully or maintaining careful posture—are generally perceived as feminine.
Men who exhibit such physical language, through their slow, fluid movements, can be considered more feminine. Such physical traits fit into softer, nurturing stereotypes, but they are neutral mannerisms that also reflect personal style.
Cosmetic use or skincare
Skincare routines are gaining popularity among men, but come with their own set of perceptions. Cosmetic use, such as foundation or concealer, although not as common in the U.S., is becoming more accepted, especially in fashion and entertainment communities.
As men embrace skincare for self-care, societal norms around masculinity are slowly changing, with greater acceptance of these previously “feminine” habits.
Empathy in conversation
Empathy is also seen as a feminine trait in most cultures. Men who are good listeners and validate feelings during interaction will be perceived as more nurturing. This emotional engagement builds trust and intimacy.
While these empathic behaviors are linked to femininity, they also socially reward men by helping them create deeper, more fulfilling relationships.
Non-dominant body language
Avoiding dominant body positions—such as slouching or using less expansive gestures—can be considered feminine. Research in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology shows that men who avoid physical dominance with expansive gestures and use more restrained postures are seen as less masculine.
This non-dominant behavior can appear more submissive, and in most cultures, it is associated with femininity.
Key takeaway
Modern masculinity is being redefined in many ways, and subtle mannerisms—like expressive facial expressions, soft voices, and gentle hand gestures—can transform the perception of men.
The embrace of emotional intelligence, grooming, and compassionate communication can influence perceptions of masculinity within society, more often than not resulting in perceptions of femininity. These subtle traits do not always indicate that men are less masculine; instead, they reflect the broader shift in gender norms.
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Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
Disclosure: This article was developed with the assistance of AI and was subsequently reviewed, revised, and approved by our editorial team.
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