The term “retrosexual” was coined in 2003 to describe classically masculine men who prioritize utility over style. They are often associated with rugged clothing and pursuits like hunting and fixing things. Retrosexuals are contrasted with “metrosexuals,” who prioritize personal appearance and cosmetics. Retrosexuality is more about attitude than style and is not necessarily associated with old-fashioned beliefs.
The term “retrosexual” was first used to describe a particular type of man in 2003 by Mark Simpson. Many traits characterize a retrosexual, but the most distinctive is their classically masculine identity. Retrosexuals spend little time on their personal appearance, for example, and often pursue typically masculine pursuits such as hunting and outdoor sports. Some people simply call retrosexuals “manly men,” in reference to their very masculine demeanor.
The term is closely related to “metrosexual,” a sort of man who is essentially the opposite of a retrosexual. Metrosexual men spend a lot of time, energy and money on personal appearance and pride themselves on dressing well. They often use a wide variety of skin, hair and nail cosmetics and therefore tend to have a more feminine presentation. The “metrosexual” actually came first; this particular species of man was described in a 2002 article, also by Mark Simpson.
Retrosexual singles have a wide range of personal beliefs and attitudes. Some people believe that a reluctance to follow fashion fads is accompanied by a lack of interest in general social trends, suggesting that retrosexuals have old-fashioned attitudes towards women, people of different sexual orientations, and minorities. This is not, in fact, the case. A retrosexual can be a poet just as easily as he can be a woodcutter, and in both cases he may not be overly concerned with skin color, sexual orientation, or gender.
While retrosexual men can be said to have a “look,” the look is generally rugged. Jeans, flannel shirts, and other comfortable clothing are common inclusions in the retro wardrobe, with a focus on utility rather than style. Retrosexuality is more about attitude than style, as many of these men believe that actions and beliefs speak louder than clothes. A certain sense of honor and self-confidence is associated with retrosexual men, some of whom place great value on the ability to hunt, farm, fix things around the house, and tinker with machinery.
Unlike the metrosexual look, which involves the deliberate cultivation of a desired style, retrosexuals are characterized by a total lack of effort. Some people might argue that retrosexuals are born, rather than made, since the live-and-let-live attitude and other beliefs of a retrosexual are hard things to acquire.
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