A group of male subjects were asked, at different times of the year, to rate photos of women. They gave their highest scores in the winter and autumn, and their lowest scores in the summer.

Anthropologists who carried out the experiment believe the seasonal variation may have an impact on mate choice and on levels of adultery.
There is no clear explanation for the variation, but the researchers say one theory is that fewer female bodies are on display in the winter, so the rarity makes them more attractive.
In the study, reported in the journal Perception, 114 men were shown pictures every three months over a period of five seasons.
There were three kinds of photographs: full body portraits of women in black swimsuits, exposed breasts of different sizes, and faces of young women.
To account for variation in individual preferences, scores were averaged out to obtain each man’s overall score awarded to each of the three kinds of photo in spring, summer, autumn and winter.
Results showed that bodies and breasts were rated most attractive in autumn and winter, and least attractive in summer. On the other hand, there was no seasonal variation in ratings for faces — which the researchers believe may be because women’s faces are on view all year round.
The researchers, from the University of Wroclaw in Poland, also tested how attractive the men in the study found their own partner. The results showed the same seasonal pattern, with a peak in autumn and winter. But when the men were asked to rate their own attractiveness, there was no seasonal variation.
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