From petrol station flowers to poorly timed period jokes, the attempts of straight men to woo the fairer sex are often fraught with disaster. And nowhere is this more apparent than when it comes to getting dressed.

Wouldn’t things be much easier if there was some failsafe formula or at least some guidelines to follow? Well, according to menswear etailer Reem, there is. The firm, which stocks the likes of Calvin Klein, Scotch & Soda and Tommy Hilfiger Denim, surveyed 1,000 women to find out what they really want to see on a man’s back (and legs, and feet).

Here are the stats that’ll keep you in good stead with the opposite sex.

Officer Of The Bore

Despite what every softcore porno would have you believe, women aren’t all that fond of a man in uniform.

Fewer than one in 10 respondents to the survey listed dressing up as a police officer, fireman or otherwise as a turn-on, so leave the YMCA in 1978 and out of the bedroom.

Jean Therapy

If we haven’t already convinced you of the importance of classic wardrobe staples, allow the numbers to.

Close to 40 per cent of women said they are more attracted to a man in a casual outfit such as jeans and a T-shirt. In fact, 17 per cent chose this as their favourite look of all. Time to go back to basics.

Peek & Cloppenburg

Slim Pickings

Clothing fits should always be dictated by your frame and size. However, it’s worth knowing that 40 per cent of women say they prefer a slim fit on a guy.

If blessed with a rugby player stature, that doesn’t mean it’s game over. Swap the skinnies for straight cuts that skim the body without choking muscles, resulting in a fit that’s just as flattering.

burton

Goody Two-Shoes

It’s long been a suspicion, but now it’s confirmed: women really do judge a man by his shoes. Around 25 per cent of respondents picked out a brogue or Oxford as their lace-up of choice for the ideal man.