The concept of masculinity is highly individual and varies from person to person. For some, it may involve adopting traditional masculine traits, while for others, it might be more about personal style, confidence, and how they present themselves to the world. Whether you’re looking to appear more masculine for personal reasons or as part of your gender expression, there are several ways to enhance masculine features and characteristics.
In this guide, we’ll explore different strategies on how to look more masculine, whether you’re a female-to-male (FTM) individual, a girl looking for a more masculine look, someone exploring gender fluidity, or anyone simply interested in the topic. Let’s dive into the various methods to achieve a more masculine appearance.
Table of Contents
1. How to Look More Masculine FTM
For female-to-male (FTM) individuals, transitioning or expressing masculinity might involve a combination of physical changes, clothing choices, and grooming habits. Below are some tips to help enhance your masculine features:
1. Chest Binding
Chest binding is one of the most common practices for FTM individuals who wish to flatten their chest. Special binding garments, such as binders, can be worn to create a more masculine chest appearance. However, it’s crucial to use safe and breathable binders to avoid injury or discomfort.
2. Hormone Therapy
For those undergoing hormone replacement therapy (HRT), testosterone can help increase muscle mass, deepen the voice, and promote facial hair growth. These changes will naturally help you look more masculine. However, this process can take time and should be done under medical supervision.
3. Build Muscle Mass
Strength training and weightlifting are great ways to build muscle and add definition to your body. Focus on compound exercises like squats, deadlifts, and bench presses to enhance your overall physique. Having a more muscular build will naturally enhance masculine features.
4. Facial Hair
Facial hair growth is a common effect of testosterone. If you’re just starting HRT or if you can grow facial hair, experiment with grooming styles like a short beard or mustache. If you can’t grow facial hair yet, consider using beard makeup or faux facial hair for a more masculine look.
2. How to Look More Masculine as a Girl
For cisgender girls who want to appear more masculine, there are several ways to alter your style and appearance to express a more traditionally masculine look. Here are some tips:
1. Choose Masculine Clothing Styles
The easiest and most noticeable way to look more masculine is by adjusting your wardrobe. Opt for pieces typically associated with men’s fashion:
- Button-down shirts and blazers provide a structured, sharp look.
- Tailored trousers or jeans with a straight cut will emphasize a more angular silhouette.
- Jackets with strong shoulders (think military jackets or leather jackets) can add a bold touch.
- Footwear such as boots, sneakers, or brogues can add a more grounded and masculine vibe.
2. Shorter Haircuts
Short haircuts are often associated with a more masculine look. Consider styles like the buzz cut, undercut, or pixie cut, which will give your face a more angular appearance. If you’re not ready for a drastic change, consider styling your hair in a sleek, minimal way.
3. Alter Your Posture
Masculine posture tends to be more open and assertive. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, keep your shoulders back, and avoid slouching. When walking, take long strides and keep your body language confident.
4. Avoid Excessive Makeup
While makeup can certainly be a powerful tool for expression, if you’re looking to appear more masculine, you might want to minimize the use of makeup that softens your features. Focus on enhancing defined features, like using contouring techniques to emphasize a chiseled jawline or brow structure.
3. How to Look More Masculine in the Face
Facial features play a significant role in the perception of masculinity. Here’s how you can emphasize your facial features to look more masculine:
1. Strong Jawline
A strong jawline is often associated with masculinity. You can enhance the appearance of your jaw by:
- Using contouring makeup to create shadows along your jawline and cheeks.
- Shaving or trimming your beard to emphasize your jawline, if you have facial hair.
- Applying facial exercises that target the muscles around your jaw (though results are gradual and may vary).
2. Brow Grooming
A prominent brow can give the face a more masculine edge. Groom your eyebrows to make them more angular and defined. You can also fill in your brows with a pencil to make them appear thicker and more pronounced.
3. Shave or Trim Facial Hair
Facial hair is often associated with masculinity. Even if you can’t grow a full beard, you can trim or shave facial hair in a way that makes your face look more masculine. Go for a clean-shaven look, or try a short, neat beard.
4. Makeup to Enhance Masculine Features
While some might prefer to avoid makeup, others use it strategically to enhance masculine features:
- Use contouring to emphasize your cheekbones and jawline.
- Darken your eyebrows with a pencil or powder to create a more angular appearance.
- Use bronzer along the perimeter of your face to create shadow and definition.
4. How to Look More Masculine with Long Hair
Yes, you can definitely look more masculine with long hair! It’s all about styling it the right way:
1. Clean, Simple Styles
Avoid overly styled or delicate looks. Instead, go for:
- Slicked-back styles with gel or pomade for a sleek, masculine look.
- Man buns or ponytails are a great option, especially when paired with a well-groomed beard or angular facial features.
- If you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with a top knot or undercut to add structure.
2. Haircuts That Add Masculine Shape
Certain long hairstyles can add volume and shape that enhance masculinity. For example, an undercut with long top layers allows you to keep length while maintaining a masculine shape around the sides.
3. Avoid Feminine Accessories
Stay away from hair accessories that are typically considered feminine, such as bows or flowers. Instead, opt for functional accessories like headbands, leather ties, or metal clips.
5. How to Look More Masculine with Makeup
Makeup doesn’t have to be used just to create a feminine appearance. With the right techniques, makeup can emphasize more traditionally masculine features:
1. Focus on the Jawline
Use contouring to define your jawline and make it appear sharper. Apply a contour shade just below your jawline, and blend well for a more angular look.
2. Darken Your Eyebrows
Thicker, darker eyebrows are often associated with masculinity. Fill in your brows with a pencil or powder that matches your natural hair color, and avoid overly shaped or arched brows.
3. Avoid Soft, Feminine Blush
Instead of soft blushes, go for bronzers or a more matte finish to create shadows on your cheeks, emphasizing more angular features.
6. How to Be More Masculine Physically
If you’re looking to improve your overall physique to appear more masculine, here are some physical transformations that can make a difference:
1. Build Muscle Mass
Engage in strength training and focus on building muscle mass, especially in areas like the shoulders, chest, and arms. This will give you a broader and more masculine frame.
2. Cardio and Fat Loss
While muscle gain is important, reducing body fat through cardio and a balanced diet can help highlight your muscle definition.
3. Hormonal Changes
For individuals undergoing gender transition or exploring masculinity through their bodies, testosterone therapy can lead to physical changes such as increased muscle mass, a deeper voice, and more masculine facial features.
7. How to Look More Masculine as a Genderfluid Person
For genderfluid individuals, expressing masculinity may involve blending masculine and feminine traits, or embracing a fully masculine look at times. Here are some ways to shift your appearance when you feel more masculine:
- Experiment with layering clothes in a way that emphasizes broad shoulders and a structured frame.
- Embrace shorter hairstyles or slicked-back hair for a more masculine aesthetic.
- Use bold, darker makeup to accentuate strong features like your jawline or brows.
- Embrace gender-neutral or masculine accessories, such as watches, boots, and hats, to complete your look.
Conclusion
Looking more masculine is about finding what works best for you. Whether you’re an FTM individual, a girl wanting a more masculine appearance, or someone exploring gender fluidity, there are a variety of ways to express masculinity. From clothing choices to grooming habits, physical fitness to makeup techniques, you have plenty of tools at your disposal to enhance your masculine look. Ultimately, the key is to feel comfortable and confident in your expression of masculinity, whatever that may mean for you.
