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Overcoming Bias Commenter's avatar

I think that you are mistaken in thinking that men's attire is not signaling the opposite sex. Ask any woman you know what the most attractive thing a man can wear. She probably will say a suit. I would. My friends and I have plenty of conversations about how hot we find men in a suit or tux.

1. All professional wear is made to match the physical form of the wearer not just woman's . The broad shoulders and barrel chest of the male frame that are highlighted in a suit signals females. Most cues for females about a male is in the face and shoulders/chest. They signal testosterone and fertility. Meanwhile, female signals of virulence are in the body. Generally, there's just not much that pops about the male physique. This brings me to my next point.

2. What pops to a female is social stature and the ability to provide/protect for offspring or mate. Social stature balances out looks. Formerly less attractive guy becomes more attractive via suit and visa versa.

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Overcoming Bias Commenter's avatar

One correction, I took issue with the *primary function* of clothing in Miley's post. I am not saying that there are not times and places where men and women "dress to impress" each other. I would not wear everything in my closet to work. Still variance of women's clothing may simply reflect heterogeneity of tastes. Many (not all) women *enjoy* shopping and finding unique pieces of clothing to express themselves. Men who are so inclined can do the same. Most of my favorite stores have snazzy men's sections. My original point is if you do something for yourself it's not signaling. Right? Sure some people are signaling but I don't think that is the most important explanatory factor.

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