The Ideal Buttock Revealed: What Makes A Butt Attractive?

Everyone wants a butt that looks lifted, firm, and perfectly proportioned — but what makes one buttock more appealing than another? While tastes may vary across cultural trends, science suggests that beauty isn’t entirely in the eye of the beholder. Across continents, age groups, and even genders, research has uncovered consistent anatomical and proportional markers that define the ideal buttock.

Waist-to-Hip (WHR) Ratio: A Universal Standard

This simple measurement, comparing the circumference of the waist compared to the hips, subtly influences how the buttocks are perceived in relation to the rest of the body. It represents a visual signal that the body is balanced and proportionate, which is why researchers consistently find that:

Waist-to-hip ratio dimensions demonstrating varying buttock proportions rated for attractiveness, highlighting key factors in ideal buttock shape. Source: Wong et al., 2016

For women, a waist-to-hip ratio of 0.65 to 0.70 is consistently rated as the most attractive in research studies across different cultures.

• A narrow waist paired with curvy hips form the classic hourglass silhouette, one that evolutionary psychologists suggest indicates fertility, health, and vitality. 

In simple terms, the right waist-to-hip ratio creates balance. It frames the buttocks, giving them a lift and proportion that naturally draws the eye.

Gluteal Roundness and Projection: Curves That Catch The Eye

But proportion alone doesn’t tell the whole story. The shape — specifically the gluteal roundness and projection of the buttocks — plays an equally important role in how we perceive attractiveness. Rounded, gently peaked curves tend to convey firmness and youthfulness.

Heatmap of gaze patterns illustrating visual attention on female buttocks, highlighting prolonged focus on the mid-buttock region and central crease associated with projection and lift. Source: Zeng et al., 2024.

A recent eye-tracking study (Zeng et al., 2024) found that when observers viewed images of the body, both men and women lingered the longest on the mid-buttock region, especially around the central crease, where projection and lift are most pronounced. This suggests our brains are instinctively drawn to curves.

But that doesn’t mean more is always better. Buttocks that are too flat may seem underdeveloped, while exaggerated projection can look out of place. What tends to be rated most attractive is a balanced, natural curve — one that complements the hips and thighs in harmony.

The Infragluteal Fold: A Small Detail with Big Impact

At the lower edge, the infragluteal fold (the crease where the buttock transitions into the upper thigh) may seem like a small anatomical detail, but it plays a significant role in the overall aesthetic of the buttock.

Graphic illustrating the infragluteal fold anatomy, showing medial third, medial half, and complete views of the fold. This fold forms the crease where the buttock transitions into the upper thigh, playing a critical role in buttock aesthetics by supporting the gluteal contour. Source: Stivala et al., 2021.

Anatomical studies (Stivala et al., 2021), show that the fold is shaped not only by the skin but also by the attachment of underlying connective tissue and gluteal structures. These supportive structures act like a sling to maintain the fold’s shape and prevent sagging.

With age, these attachments weaken, causing the fold to descend or lose definition. This explains why younger buttocks tend to look “perky,” whereas older buttocks may appear flattened or sagging even without major changes in fat volume.

In aesthetics, restoring or maintaining a clean infragluteal fold is often just as important as enhancing volume. It frames the lower contour, giving the entire gluteal region a more sculpted silhouette.

Skin Quality: The Finishing Touch

Even the best proportions can be undermined if the skin quality tells another story. Research shows that skin quality independently influences attractiveness ratings, regardless of shape or size. One study found that “skin texture and smoothness were significant predictors of perceived attractiveness, beyond volume or contour alone (Danilla et al., 2023).

Common skin concerns affecting appearance include:

• Laxity, which softens projection and contours

• Cellulite, caused by fibrous bands tethering the skin unevenly

• Crepiness, where thinning skin exaggerates texture irregularities

Even when the underlying anatomy is proportionate, poor skin quality can diminish the overall aesthetic.  On the other hand, taut, hydrated, and resilient skin enhances curves by reflecting light smoothly across the surface, amplifying the perception of lift.

This is why treatments targeting collagen stimulation, hydration, and dermal support are increasingly popular in modern gluteal aesthetic procedures. They don’t just change shape — they improve the “finish” of the surface.

Symmetry: The Power of Balance

Humans are naturally drawn to symmetry, and the buttocks are no exception. Even small asymmetries, such as one side appearing flatter or lower, can disrupt the perception of balance.

Evolutionary psychology research suggests that symmetry is subconsciously associated with health, vitality, and genetic fitness (Little et al., 2007). This explains why balanced glutes often read as more youthful and aesthetically pleasing.

Clinically, asymmetry can result from differences in fat distribution, muscle dominance, or even postural habits. Over time, these small variations may become more pronounced, especially with aging-related changes to skin and connective tissue.

Addressing symmetry doesn’t necessarily mean achieving “perfection,” but rather restoring balance so that both sides complement each other. When the buttocks mirror each other in volume, shape, and skin tone, the body looks more balanced and harmonious. It’s often a subtle detail — but one that our eyes instinctively register.

Bringing It All Together

The “ideal” buttock isn’t defined by a single trait. Rather, it’s the interplay of proportion, projection, skin quality, and symmetry that creates the impression of vitality and youth. These features work together to create the ideal butt.

But while these proportions may be universal, the way they appear in each individual varies with genetics, lifestyle, and — importantly — age. Over time, natural changes in fat distribution, muscle tone, and skin elasticity can alter the very qualities that once made the buttocks look round, lifted, and firm.