New study: the hidden truths about getting ready for a date

Did you know that more than a quarter of men do a moisturizing routine before a date, or that 75% of women check their date out on social media before meeting up? Neither did we! EliteSingles surveyed more than 1900 singles, and discovered some surprising date prep secrets.

  • Men prep so their date will find them attractive; women to build their own confidence
  • 75% of women, 59% of men check their date out on social media before a meeting
  • Men’s date prep priorities include a haircut, a shave – and a facial moisturizing routine
  • 7% of women, 13% of men would spend over $150 getting ready for a date
  • Women think underdressing is a date prep no-no while men frown on overdressing

A new study from premium dating site EliteSingles has revealed that 79% of men and 85% of women actively enjoy getting ready for a date. But are their date prep practices the same?

Men prep so their date will find them attractive; women to build their own confidence

Almost half of the single men surveyed (49%) say that they undergo date prep routines because they want their date to find them attractive. However, only 23% of women agree. Instead, ladies do it for themselves: 78% of women undertake their date prep because it boosts their own confidence.

75% of women, 59% of men check their date out on social media before a meeting

For the majority of women (75%) step #1 of date prep is to suss out a date on social media before meeting up. Men aren’t as cautious: just 59% would do the same. Of course, not everyone needs a sneak preview – in fact, 25% of women and 41% of men think it kills the mystery.

Men’s date prep priorities include a haircut, a shave – and a facial moisturizing routine

Women’s date prep rituals include make-up (85%), manicures (50%), and the hair salon (41%). Not to be outdone on the grooming front, men also have their primping routines: 85% would have a close shave or beard trim, 55% would visit the barber – and a huge 25% would get a facial or do a moisturizing routine.

7% of women, 13% of men would spend over $150 getting ready for a date

For women, the typical date prep spend is $50-$100 CAN. The typical male budget is lower, with men spending $25-$50. However, there are also those who spend big: 11% of women and 20% of men would spend $100-$150 on getting ready for a date, while 7% of women and 13% of men would spend $150+

Women think underdressing is a date prep no-no while men frown on overdressing

So, are there any no-nos to consider when getting ready for a date? For women, there’s one big one: 35% think being underdressed is the biggest date prep faux pas. In comparison, just 10% think being overdressed is a no-no. For men, it’s the other way round – only 20% frown on underdressing, while 25% think it’s best not to overdress.

It might pay to go easy on the fragrance too – 36% of men and 25% of women think too much perfume/cologne is the biggest date prep misstep.

You can find more depth on this study in our ‘getting ready for a date’ article, including insights into where singles’ date prep budgets are being spent.

Press contact: Sophie Watson

EliteSingles Research Team

[email protected]

About the author: The EliteSingles Press Team

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