What Is the Most Attractive Eye Color?

By Meredith Marmurek 

Proofed by Jacob Roz

Have you ever wondered why you’re attracted to a certain eye color? It may be related to your own appearance or that of your parents. Some studies have found that people are drawn to others who have physical traits similar to their parents or themselves.  

Lenstore, also an affiliate of EssilorLuxottica, conducted research to determine what eye colors are considered the most attractive. In the experiment, multiple profiles were created on online dating sites from images provided by a male and a female participant. Their eye color was digitally changed for each application of the test. The goal was to determine the most attractive eye color based on the number of dating matches they received.  

Read on to see what the study results revealed and learn how to choose glasses to flatter your eye color. 

The results of the experiment showed that hazel is the most attractive eye color in a female. The female profile with the hazel eyes was matched with prospective dates 20.19% of the time. The other prettiest eye colors in order of popularity were: 

• Purple – 19.88% 
• Black – 17.70% 
• Blue – 17.39% 
• Brown – 13.35% 
• Green – 11.49% 

The female profiles with purple eye color received the second highest number of matches. Purple or violet eyes are real but very rare. They are actually a variation of blue eyes. 

The same experiment found that blue is the most attractive eye color in a male. The blue-eyed profile was matched 27.17% of the time. Here is how the other eye colors ranked: 

• Brown – 21.97% 
• Green – 16.76% 
• Hazel – 15.03% 
• Black – 10.98% 
• Purple – 8.09% 

The results of another large eye color survey mirrored those from the experiment detailed above. The responses in this case indicated that light-colored eyes — green, gray, blue, and hazel — are considered the prettiest eye colors overall.  

The surveyed eye colors ranked in the following order:  

• Green – 20.3% 
• Light blue – 16.9% 
• Hazel – 16.0% 
• Dark blue – 15.2% 
• Gray – 10.9% 
• Honey – 7.9% 
• Amethyst (purple) – 6.9% 
• Brown – 5.9% 

While several factors can affect eye color, it is primarily influenced by genetics and a substance in the body called melanin. 

As many as 16 genes are involved in determining eye color — not just a single gene as believed in the past. This helps explain why you can have blue eyes if your parents both have brown eyes.  

Melanin is responsible for eye, skin, and hair color pigmentation. Parents pass down the genes that determine how much melanin their children will have. 

Your eye color is largely determined by the amount of melanin in your iris, which is the ring of muscle and colored area around your pupil.  

If you have no melanin or only a small amount in the iris’ front layer, you’ll likely have blue or gray eyes. People with a lot of melanin in the front layer of the iris often have brown eyes. Individuals with green and hazel eyes generally have less melanin in the front of the iris than those with brown eyes and more than people with blue or gray eyes. 

There may be some health benefits for people who have brown eyes. They may have a lower risk of developing certain diseases like Type 1 diabetes, age-related macular degeneration, and eye melanoma, which is cancer in the cells that produce melanin. 

Blue-eyed individuals may have a lower risk of developing certain mental health issues. 

No matter the color of your eyes, you can help them stand out by choosing glasses in a flattering color. Consider the following frame color suggestions for the most common eye colors: 

Blue Eyes 

People with blue eyes have several options when it comes to choosing a frame color. Blue glasses can make your eyes pop, while black glasses provide an attractive contrast.  

Brown Eyes 

If you have brown eyes, consider going bold with a green frame. You could also try a brown tortoise frame if you prefer a more neutral color.  

Green Eyes 

Purple glasses can make green eyes stand out. Frames in brown or other earthy shades also look great with green eyes.   

Hazel Eyes 

Since hazel eyes are a mix of green and brown, consider frames that flatter both colors like metallic silver. A tan frame is another compatible option.  

No one else in the world has the same color eyes as you. The right color frames can accentuate your eyes and enhance their natural beauty. Shop our wide variety of reading glasses today to find the best color for your one-of-a-kind eyes. 

SOURCES: 

1. These are the most attractive eye colours. Lenstore. October 2021. 
2. Violet eyes. All About Vision. March 2021.† 
3. Green eyes: The most attractive eye color. All About Vision. February 2019.† 
4. Eye color genetics. All About Vision. March 2021.† 
5. Eye colors. Cleveland Clinic. March 2024. 
6. Brown eyes – Facts about brown eye color. All About Vision. February 2019.† 
7. Ocular melanoma. All About Vision. February 2021.†  

The sources listed here have been provided for informational purposes only. The citation of a particular source does not constitute an endorsement or approval of EssilorLuxottica products, services, or opinions by such source.  

†Like Readers.com, All About Vision, AAV Media, LLC, and Lenstore are affiliates of EssilorLuxottica.