How Beauty Standards for Men Changed over 30 Years – These 8 Men Are Called ‘The Sexiest’ Now
Beauty standards for men have drastically changed over the last thirty years. Recently, a new trend on social media suggests unconventional beauty standards for men. This trend has sparked controversy online. While some find it insulting, others have embraced it.
From the older generation like George Clooney to the younger generation like Timothée Chalamet, here’s a list of the eight men considered “the sexiest” today according to the new trend.
In September 1988, the son of the 35th President of the United States, John F. Kennedy Jr., was crowned People’s Sexiest Man Alive. His dear friend Steven M. Gillion later revealed that he regarded this title as a “badge of honor.”
Then a 27-year-old Law student at New York University, Kennedy was not shy to show off his physique. According to Gillion, he spent much of his time in the gym building up his body. “He had all the physical attributes of a body builder,” said the pal.
Although he was not part of show business, Kennedy competed with the likes of Hollywood hunk, Patrick Swayze. The actor earned the title of Sexiest Man Alive in 1991.
His co-star Demi Moore once described him as a kind-hearted and gentle individual with a very “rugged, animalistic physique.” Meanwhile, another co-star, Kelly Lynch added, “He’s strong, but he has grace and agility. He’s not just this big thug throwing his muscles around out there.”
Apart from women, men also find the macho Texas native attractive. Director Roland Joffe said, “He has the sexiness of a person who is from the tip of the toenail to the top of the head involved in all the passions and fires and energies and fears that life throws up.”
Keanu Reeves in 1994
Swayze was considered a heartthrob of the ’90s. He was not alone, as fellow actor Keanu Reeves also held the title for that decade. However, People magazine did not award a title in 1994. It wasn’t until years later that its editorial director, Jess Cagle, turned things around.
In a Lifetime special “People’s Sexiest Man Alive 2015: 30 of Sexy,” Cagle awarded the action movie star with the coveted title of ’94 retroactively along with Hugh Grant and Jim Carrey.
Three years after the official snub of the title, George Clooney was named the Sexiest Man Alive in 1997. The veteran star’s friends gushed about his good looks in his first cover.
They also shared how loyal the two-time Academy Award winner is. His “ER” co-star, Laura Innes, said, “The rap on George is that he’s this rake, this guy’s guy. That’s true, but he is also a dear, loyal friend who would do anything for you. It’s almost like being a family member.”
Another said, “Now u kno mike faist looks like the sexiest little gutter rat and thats why we love him in newsies and west side story. THATS MY STREET RAT AND I LOVE HIM. [sic]” While one gushed, “I fear that the Bikeriders mike is the sexiest he’s looked to me.”
Mike Faist attends the 2024 Met Gala Celebrating “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” on May 6, 2024 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Matty Healy
Like Faist and O’Connor, musician Matty Healy also embodies the hot rodent boyfriend appeal. One person tweeted, “Still can’t believe Matty Healy isn’t considered the sexiest man on earth.”
Another X user acknowledged, “I can’t explain but he’s so attractive.” Meanwhile, one online user gushed, “i’m saying this again but matt healy is the most handsome guy ever.” Another individual commented, “He’s so hot and beautiful.”
