Why are women so obsessed with beards? We found out

Beards are a glorious and many-feathered thing. There are basically endless ways for men to look attractive with beards, whether it’s a Ryan Gosling bit of scruff or a rugged look a la Kit Harrington. But what about beards makes women go crazy (hint: it’s not the rug burn feeling of kissing them)?

Something about a beard makes people think of independent, adventurous, good-humored men. They’re strong and tough, hip and quirky, occasionally gross. Multiple studies have found that men with stubble are more attractive than those who are clean-shaven, and that full beards evoke maturity. We totally feel that. On Whisper, women weighed in on beards and why they make them feel the way they do. Enjoy!

Growing a beard requires fortitude

They’re a huge turn-on

Beards provide good date ideas

Big beards hint at big, ahem, other things

Beards are fun to kiss

They cover a multitude of flaws  

Beards allow us to embrace our inner felines 

But men have to back up their beard 

Ah, this rare species 

More bedtime fun 

Beards are just like foundation 

Beards imply trustworthiness 

Beards are just really really sexy 

There are oh-so-many ways to love a man with a little facial hair.