Broad shoulders and slimmer hips:

RIVALS. One study from 2001 examined whether high shoulder-to-hip ratio caused higher jealousy in males that considered themselves rivals.

They found that males that viewed potential rivals with high shoulder-to-hip ratios viewed them with greater jealousy and rated them as more attractive.  

Females also viewed men with broad shoulders and narrow hips to be more attractive.  Men with high shoulder-to-hip ratios were rated as more socially and physically dominant by rival males.

SUMMARY: Men with broader shoulders and a slimmer waist are perceived as more attractive, more confident/dominant, and more physically strong, and provoke stronger rivalry and jealousy in males who are potential rivals – an effect that can be leveraged in any business or social setting where a man wants to come across as more dominant and confident among potential rivals (like a job interview).

Reference: Dijkstra, P., & Buunk, B. P. (2001). Sex differences in the jealousy-evoking nature of a rival's body build.Evolution And Human Behavior, 22(5), 335-341.

HORMONES.  Men with broad shoulders and narrow waists were found to have more testosterone than those who don't.  This shows that there are probably unconscious cues that are being communicated by body configuration.  Broad shoulders and narrow hips indicate greater hormonal masculinity.

SUMMARY:  Strong shoulder-to-hip ratio communicates more masculinity because it indicates greater levels of testosterone.

Reference:  Kasperk, C., Helmboldt, A., Borcsok, I., Heuthe, S., Cloos, O., Niethard, F., & Ziegler, R. (1997). Skeletal site-dependent expression of the androgen receptor in human osteoblastic cell populations. Calci?ed Tissue, 61, 464 – 473.

SEX APPEAL.  Men with more wedge-shaped torsos (broad shoulders, narrow waist) have more sex partners and have sex earlier than men who don't.

The take-away message here is obvious.  It's not just about perceptions, it's also about strong mating success (whether you want to actually promote sleeping around is not my department, but suffice to say it shows that certain body styles have more sex appeal).

Reference: Hughes, S. M., & Gallup, G. G., Jr. (2003). Sex differences in morphological predictors of sexual behavior: Shoulder to hip and waist to hip ratios. Human Behavior and Evolution, 24, 173-178.

EVOLUTION: The evidence of body shape on sex appeal, human hormones, rivalry, and social dominance lead two researchers, Gordon Gallup (University at Albany, SUNY) and David Frederick (UCLA) to conclude that there are probably strong evolutionary factors at work in determining attractiveness and perceived fitness – exactly what you argue in your paper.

Reference:  Gallup, G. G., Jr., & Frederick, D. A. (2010). The science of sex appeal: An evolutionary perspective. Review of General Psychology, 14(3), 240-250.

Symmetry

HEALTH:  The research is permeated with studies that show that body symmetry is related to overall health.  

This is because body symmetry relates to the person's developmental course – an “uneven” developmental path relates to uneven physical development.  

Thus, attempts to “correct” visual body symmetry will give an indication of better health, and health is attractive.

Reference: Weeden, J., & Sabini, J. (2005). Physical attractiveness and health in Western societies: A review. Psychological Bulletin, 131(5), 635-653.

Wealth and Attractiveness

MASCULINITY:  This is by far the craziest study I found in my search.  Three researchers in England in a recent (2013) study showed women a series of images corresponding to direct male-to-male competition, violence, or items with high monetary value (as opposed to peaceful scenes), and then asked them to rate the attractiveness of various masculine face traits.

What they found is that highly “masculine” faces were rated as more attractive after the women saw images of wealth and male-male competition.  Yeah, that's right – images of wealth, and competition, caused masculinity to be more attractive.

What does that mean?  Having a wealth-related item (such as a nice watch) can actually enhance your masculine features and make them seem more attractive to women.  

This means that fashion that enhances masculine traits, combined with items that indicate wealth, causes a “double-whammy” effect.  

Reference: Little, A. C., DeBruine, L. M., & Jones, B. C. (2013). Environment contingent preferences: Exposure to visual cues of direct male–male competition and wealth increase women's preferences for masculinity in male faces. Evolution And Human Behavior, 34(3), 193-200.

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Summer sweater? Who needs something thick, woolly, and warm in the middle of the hot months? The summer's all about short sleeves and linen shirts … right?

Hold up there, guys. You might have more need for a warmer summer garment than you might think. After all, when those cool nights roll in and the drinks are still flowing, you don't want to be the only guy going home early because he's too cold.

Stick with me as I break out some of the key features of a stylish summer sweater and explain why every man should have at least one in his closet.

Why Wear a Sweater in the Summer?

The question seems almost counterintuitive, doesn't it? Sweaters are for winter, right? Well, not quite.

Summer sweaters provide a level of elegance and comfort that's hard to beat. They can be the perfect companion for chilly summer nights or air-conditioned interiors, offering warmth without causing overheating.

Transitioning from Day to Night

One of the key benefits of a lightweight summer sweater is the smooth transition it provides from daytime casual wear to nighttime sophistication.

Paired with chinos or even shorts during the day, then dressed up with slacks for a night out, it's a versatile choice for the modern man.

What to Look for in a Summer Sweater

Choosing the right summer sweater isn't as simple as grabbing one off the rack. Here's what you need to keep in mind:

1. Material

The foundation of a perfect summer sweater is the material, and here's a more in-depth look at what works best:

• Cotton: Soft, breathable, and versatile, cotton is an ideal choice for casual wear. It's also great for those with sensitive skin.
• Linen: Linen brings a textured, breathable quality that's perfect for tropical or humid climates.
• Merino Wool: Despite being wool, fine merino is lightweight and comfortable in warm weather, regulating body temperature effectively.
• Bamboo: With a smooth texture, bamboo is a sustainable choice that offers fantastic moisture-wicking properties.

2. Fit

The right fit makes all the difference in your comfort and appearance. Here are some considerations:

• Slim Fit: Choose a slim fit that follows your body line without clinging.
• Relaxed Fit: If you prefer a more casual look, opt for a relaxed fit that gives more breathing room.

3. Color and Pattern

Summer is a time to experiment with lighter shades and subtle patterns. You can mix and match, but keep the following in mind:

• Classic Shades: Whites, creams, soft blues, and grays work excellently in the summer sun.
• Subtle Patterns: Stripes, herringbones, or gentle textures can add a touch of character without overwhelming your look.

4. Style and Occasion

Match the style of the sweater to the occasion:

• V-Necks: Perfect for semi-formal gatherings, as they can be paired with a collared shirt.
• Crew Necks: More casual and versatile, crew necks work great with jeans or chinos.
• Cardigans: An excellent option for a relaxed, laid-back look, yet still refined.

Top Picks for Summer Sweaters

Let's delve into some top picks that bring together all the elements of a perfect summer sweater:

• Uniqlo's Linen Blend V-Neck Sweater: Affordable, stylish, and comfortable.
• Brooks Brothers Cotton-Cashmere Polo Sweater: Combining casual with luxury.
• Everlane's ReCashmere Button Mockneck: Sustainable and elegant.
• J.Crew's Summerweight Sweater in Cotton-Linen: A blend that offers the best of both worlds.

Tips for Care: A Comprehensive Guide

Maintaining your summer sweaters isn't just about keeping them looking new; it's about preserving the comfort, fit, and quality that make them a prized part of your wardrobe. Here's how you can do it:

1. Washing

• Hand Washing: This is the gentlest method for cleaning your summer sweaters. Use a mild detergent and lukewarm water. Gently swish the sweater in the water and allow it to soak for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly. Avoid wringing the fabric as it may stretch or distort its shape.
• Machine Washing: If you must machine wash, make sure to use a gentle cycle and place the sweater in a mesh laundry bag to prevent snagging. Always read the care label, as some materials may require specific settings.

2. Drying

• Dry Flat: Lay the sweater flat on a clean, dry towel away from direct heat and sunlight. You can reshape it gently if needed. Drying flat helps maintain the garment's original shape and prevents stretching.
• Avoid the Dryer: While it may be tempting, avoid using a tumble dryer. The heat can cause shrinking, pilling, or other damage to the fibers, especially with delicate materials like merino wool or cashmere.

3. Storing

• Fold, Don't Hang: Hanging sweaters can cause them to stretch out at the shoulders. Instead, fold them neatly and store them in a drawer or on a shelf.
• Use Cedar or Lavender Sachets: These can keep moths and other insects away without the harsh smell of mothballs.

4. Dealing with Stains and Pilling

• Stains: Treat any stains promptly. Dab a small amount of mild detergent on the stain and gently rub it in before washing.
• Pilling: Those little balls of fiber that sometimes form on sweaters are called pills. Use a fabric comb or a specialized pill remover to gently eliminate them. Doing this regularly can keep your sweater looking fresh and new.

5. Seasonal Care

• End-of-Season Storage: If you store your summer sweaters during the off-season, make sure they are clean and dry before packing them away. Use breathable storage bags or containers to prevent mildew and mustiness

Summer sweaters are more than just an afterthought; they're a vital part of a stylish gentleman's wardrobe. Choose the right materials, fit, colors, and styles, and you'll have a versatile and elegant addition to your summer attire.

Whether at a beachside dinner or a casual outdoor event, the right lightweight sweater will set you apart as a man of true style. Embrace the warm weather without losing your cool.

The post Summer Sweater for Men | How To Wear Warm Clothes In Hot Weather appeared first on Real Men Real Style.

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On September 1, 2023, our team boarded a flight in Nashville to eventually land in Israel to film the teaching sessions for Kristi McLelland’s Luke in the Land Bible study. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at our week filming in Israel.

When we landed in Israel on September 2, we checked into our hotel in Tiberias. We were absolutely exhausted from the long travel and sleeping overnight on a plane. But we hit the ground running because we had to climb to the top of Arbel Cliff before the sunrise to film the very next day.

It was still dark outside when we hiked to the top of Arbel Cliff with all of our camera equipment. In the photo to the left, you can see Kristi getting her makeup touched up by Krissy, the makeup artist. Amanda, who worked on the teen version of the study with Kristi, is holding the light. The early morning and lack of sleep was totally worth it though because it was the most beautiful, breathtaking location with an amazing sunrise. This was the perfect place to begin our week of filming in Israel.

Mount Arbel overlooks the Sea of Galilee, so we had bird’s eye view of it before we hiked back down the mountain to board a boat in the Sea of Galilee (we got some awesome drone footage here!) Jesus lived the majority of His life in Galilee, and the Gospels share stories of Jesus being in boats in this sea.

Jesus lived in Capernaum, which is a coastal city located on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee. After we got off the boat (and after we ate some fish caught in the Sea of Galilee!), we went to Capernaum to film in the synagogue ruins. Jesus taught in synagogues around the Sea of Galilee.

Also, once you watch the teaching videos for the study, you’ll notice that each session includes teaching from Kristi in multiple locations. Due to the geography and our schedule, we didn’t film these in order, but somehow Kristi kept the storyline and content seamlessly connected in her mind as we moved from place to place.

After that, we filmed in a wonderful woman’s home to show what a traditional Shabbat dinner would look like. By this point, we were pretty exhausted, so as a team we don’t remember this location very well, other than the generous hospitality of our host and the beauty of her home.

The next day, we left at 6:30 a.m. to head back to the Sea of Galilee, except this time we were on the Tabgha shoreline near a spring where it’s believe that fishermen would typically wash their nets. This is one of Kristi’s favorite sites to take people. We started on the shore, but somehow we ended up filming in the water—camera equipment and all. Thankfully no equipment got waterlogged because we still had quite a bit of filming to do!

Kristi tells a funny story from filming at this location about her encounter with a man she dubbed “Aquaman.” Unbeknownst to us, since we were facing Kristi as she taught, a random man was swimming around behind us. Kristi said that as she was teaching and facing us, the man would poke his head up out of the water like Aquaman. Kristi didn’t miss a beat though and kept teaching, so we had no idea this had happened until after we wrapped and she told us about this funny encounter!

Our next site was the Jordan River. One of the most memorable things that happened here was when our bus broke down because it was so hot right as we were packing up to move to our next location. So instead, a golf cart appeared and took us down a busy highway through a Kibbutz to a lunch spot. Here, we had “the best Coke in the history of the universe!” (Maybe it was the heat, but this was a really fantastic bottle of Coca-Cola.) After this lunch, we ordered Coke pretty much everywhere we went.

Thankfully our bus got fixed, so we were off to Jerusalem. The Mount of Olives was our last site for the day, and Kristi had one take to get this because we were shooting at sunset. Above the stairs in the photo below was an overlook where people gathered to watch us film. For reasons still unclear to us, while Kristi was teaching here, a random guy from above would not stop shouting “Shakira!” If you didn’t know this happened, you could never tell because Kristi got it all in one take, just before the sun went down. Thankfully, Elliott was able to edit the audio so that you can’t really hear the shouts of “Shakira!” (If you know to listen for it—which now you do—you can faintly make it out.)

The next morning we started at the garden of Gethsemane. We filmed before the garden was open for tourists, and it was such a special, peaceful place. Kristi taught about how we often think of the cross as something that happened to Jesus. But in the garden, we see Jesus’s intentionality in His own journey to the cross. She shared how some of the root systems of the olive trees in the garden are hundreds of years old and that it makes her think of their ancestors—two thousand years ago—being there when Jesus was praying in the garden.

After such a calm, beautiful location, we then moved somewhere much different—the wilderness. Here in Wadi Qelt, the guys could only keep the cameras rolling for eight minutes at a time because they kept overheating due to the intense heat. Despite the intense conditions, I remember how the vastness of this place held its own unique beauty.

We moved from the solitude in the wilderness to the Church of the Nativity. The church was bustling with people from all over the world. I remember hearing so many different languages being spoken all at once by people who had come to seek a closeness to the ancient church that is believed to be built over the site of the manger in Bethlehem that Jesus was born in. Seeing and hearing people from all over the world together was a beautiful representation of the body of Christ.

After this location and before we moved on to the cave below, we stopped for some of the best gelato ever—a refreshing treat after a brutally hot experience in the wilderness.

In Bethlehem, we filmed at the “YMCA.” Well, kind of. There was a really cool cave that happened to be on the property of the YMCA. There was a stone manger right outside the entrance similar to what Mary may have laid baby Jesus in.

On the last day of filming, we started at the Road to Emmaus. This was a very special location. Kristi had actually never been there before! She experienced with us a lot of our “firsts,” but at this location we also got to experience a “first” with her. This location felt very special to us because we know this is the literal Road to Emmaus that Jesus walked on in Luke 24.

We then traveled to the Old City where golf carts transported us to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Many believe the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is built around the empty tomb of Jesus.

This day as a whole was filled with a lot of firsts because we were able to go up to the top of the church that overlooks the Edicule, which is the structure that encloses the empty tomb. Kristi was excited about this too because in all the times she had been to the church of the Holy Sepulchre, she had never had the opportunity to go upstairs in the Armenian Chapel since it’s closed to the public.

We wrapped filming at the Southern Steps. The Southern Steps were one of the main entrances to the temple during Jesus’s time. When we think of pilgrims coming to Jerusalem to worship, we can envision them coming up these steps, singing the psalms of Ascent.

After staying over in in Israel a few extra days after we finished filming, I returned home to Nashville on September 14. We had no idea how soon the country we had just spent two weeks in would be thrust into tragedy on October 7. We are grateful we were able to capture videos of the Land in a time of peace, and we hope and pray for times of peace to return soon.

For more behind-the-scenes photos captured in Israel, check out this photo gallery with images from the sites we filmed at.

Photography by Andrew Abajian

Follow Kristi McLelland through Israel as we study snapshots from the Gospel of Luke to see where the stories of the Bible took place. Over 7 sessions, challenge the way you read the accounts of Jesus through teaching videos that take you to locations in Israel like Bethlehem, the Sea of Galilee, Gethsemane, Jerusalem, and the road to Emmaus. Along the way, you’ll see how Jesus, the Messiah, brought His kingdom to earth for everybody.

Learn more about Luke in the Land!

ABOUT ERIN FRANKLIN

Erin Franklin is a marketing specialist on the Lifeway Women team where she manages the Lifeway Women blog and produces the MARKED Podcast. She is a a contributor to the CSB Lifeway Women’s Bible, as well as the Lifeway Women Advent studies, the Devoted Bible study, Grateful Bible study and Alive Bible study. A graduate of Lipscomb University and a lifelong Tennessean, she enjoys a good ping-pong match, photography, and learning new things. You can connect with her on Instagram @erin_franklin.

The post Behind the Scenes | Luke in the Land Bible Study Filming appeared first on Lifeway Women.

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