Read between the hemlines : Sex & Relationships - MensHealth

Read between the hemlines : Sex & Relationships - MensHealth

Women's clothing carries a complex series of sexual meanings. Here's why your date puts her outfit on, so you'll find it easier to get her to take it off.

The tease
She's wearing Skinny jeans and high heels
She's thinking Doesn't my bum look great in this?

Read her She's employing evolutionary tactics to get your attention. "Just like female chimps on heat, a woman in high heels and tight jeans is giving you a clear view of the curve of her butt," says New-Delhi based stylist Rishi Raj. "Stilettos thrust her pelvis forward and elongate her legs, all of which alert you to her fertility."

Your move Show your appreciation- from a distance. "When a woman puts her fertility 'out there', don't assume you'll have an easy ride," says Allan Pease, author of Why Men Want Sex and Women Need Love. This outfit is a classic tease.

"She's saying she's available, but not necessarily to you." You need to earn her desire. So compliment her shoes then show her you're willing to work at wooing her. The way to her heart is through overt respect: Take her to exclusive restaurants and bars, then say goodbye at her doorstep for the first few dates. The anticipation of the next step will thrill her. That's what'll set you apart from the rest of the chimps.

The slow burner
She's wearing A cashmere top
She's thinking "Imagine those curves in the nude"

Read her It's not just because it's cold outside. If she turns up to your third date wearing cashmere, it's short hand for 'I want to be touched.' "Cashmere is deliciously soft and warm-it's forgiving to her figure and accentuates her curves alerting you to her fertility," says Raj. "It's like bright red lipstick on her mouth- making you subconsiously think of her vaginal lips."

Your move On your first few dates, wear something soft in a light blue or green-be it a cashmere scarf for daytime dates or a classic mohair sweater on cooler nights. "These colours and textures send a female-friendly message of dependability and emotional sensitivity," says colour psychologist Angela Wright.

And remember, touch is important. A study by the University of North Carolina showed that women needed four hugs a day-and the subsequent release of the 'orgasm' hormone, oxytocin-to maintain happy relationships. So as your number of dates increases, up the cuddle quotient to pour petrol on her desire.

The Alpha-female
She's wearing A little red dress
She's thinking "I want your undivided attention"

Read her If there's one thing the fairer sex have always known, it's that men like small waists. "When she wears her LRD, she's doing it to show off her curves (wearing black won't get her noticed as much) and give you a refresher course in natural selection," says Raj. "Red is the colour of danger and sex after all". A University of Texas study showed that a low waist-to-hip ratio of 0.7 (waist divided by hip measurement) is a potent sign of fertility, and the most appealing to men.

"A woman accentuating her waist with a figure-hugging dress in a bright colour is signaling she's above others in terms of reproductive ability," says Robin Dunbar, professor of evolution and anthropology at Oxford University.

Your move Flatter her curves, then introduce her to your friends. These simultaneous acts reveal a leonine-like pride in showing her off to other dominant males in your pack, plus a masculine protectiveness to confirm you've risen to her challenge. At the end of the evening, you'll be her natural selection.

The subtle seductress
She's wearing A strapless dress
She's thinking "I'm in the mood for some old-fashioned flirting"

Read her If she's showing off her collarbones, she's playing bluff with your most primitive desires. The web of nerves around her neck make this area seriously erogenous-and she knows it. Exposing the flesh at her collarbones is a subtle and age-old way of attracting male attention. She's luring your mind towards sex without resorting to the obvious." That comes later.

Your move "Her most dense nerve region is where her clavicle connects to her sternum," says Dr Sai Ram, a neurology consultant, Moolchand Medcity, New Delhi. This is your target. Take her to the theatre, then make some fast moves when the curtain goes down-at both the interval and the finale. Offer her your jacket and lay it around her shoulders, ensuring you brush the tiny dent at the base of her throat. This will trigger a volley of nerve impulses to her brain.

The mating gamer
She's wearing A low-cut top
She's thinking "Your place or mine"

Read her "Breasts are like adverts: They're all about timing the message correctly," says Raj. "Another example is a zipper dress. The lack of buttons just point to show how smoothly and swiftly you can undress her in a single zip!" A study at the Universities of California and Texas showed women dress more revealingly when they're ovulating. During this window of high fertility, she'll dress in the subconscious hope of attracting a sperm donor. Your cue.

Your move Show her she's not paddling in the shallow end of the gene pool with you. "She's aiming to attract a high-calibre mate so dress to emphasise your masculine assets. "Wear a jacket to maximise your shoulder breadth and show off your broad chest. Trim your body hair and emphasise that butt," says Raj. Next, get your dancing shoes on. Good coordination and rhythm sends a strong message of high-quality genes. Nothing will impress a woman more than the mastery of the intricate footwork in a salsa. Also, dancing can seriously help you shed some flab.