15/7/2004

Despite our very British tradition of the Page 3 stunner and the chaos caused by the Hello Boys adverts, UK men have revealed themselves to be a nation of leg-lovers.

In a new survey released today the majority - 63% - of men have said that they would much prefer a perfect pair of pins to a buxom bust on their ideal woman.

And despite the popularity of cleavage-promoting corsets, as worn by celebs like Kerry McFadden, apparently it's a high-rise hemline that will raise temperatures with nearly half (47%) of men saying that a mini skirt is the most likely item of clothing to grab their attention.

The survey also showed that Kylie Minogue tops the polls for her legs as well as bottom - going to prove that length isn't everything - apart from with the younger generation of men (16-24 year olds) who loved Cameron Diaz's lengthy and toned pins.

And it seems, not surprisingly, we're a lot racier than the Victorians when it comes to what part of our pins guys love most. Whereas in the 1800s, showing an ankle was erotic, only 4% of men thought that this was the most exciting part of the female leg nowadays. A huge 71% of men said that it was the thighs that were the most attractive part of a woman's physique, with 22% opting for calves and only 3% opting for knees.

And what about what really turns men off? Well, just over two thirds of men (34%) said that they wouldn't see a woman again if they noticed on the first date that she had hairy legs. And 10% wouldn't even see it out until the end of the date itself. Although over half (57%) said that they would agree to another date if they enjoyed her company - and bring up some hair removal suggestions when they knew her better.

When asked about women with hairy legs, a quarter of men found it refreshing to see women not constrained by out-moded ideas of femininity. The majority however (73%) still regarded it as deeply unattractive to sport a less than stubble-free pair of pins in public.

And the sexiest way to dress a pair of legs? Guys love bare legs all round. 42% like their partner's legs uncovered and tights-free. Even the perennial favourite - stockings - are only preferred by the older generation with 59% of those 55 and over going for a traditional nylon over silky smooth skin. Whereas nearly half (48%) of those aged 16-24 years old go much more for the natural look.

Men in the Wales are even more enthusiastic about a woman's legs than the rest of the country. Wales, it appears, is a region of leg lovers.

· 65% of Welsh men surveyed in the area said legs and bums were the most attractive part of a women's body. This is 10% more than in the South East and Midlands.

49% of Welsh men found a funky mini skirt would make them notice a woman in a crowd.

30% of Welsh men thought Kylie Minogue had the loveliest legs.

80% of Welsh men found women with unshaven legs unattractive.

49% said stockings were the best way to show off a pair of legs

47% said stilettos showed woman's legs at their best.

The survey was carried out by hair removal company Nair and conducted by tickbox.net who asked 1,000 men about their attitudes to the female body, grooming and fashion.

Source:	Nair
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