Manly Men, Move Over: Metrosexuals Are It

Aug. 5 -- Benjamin Maxwell Adams wears custom-made clothes, gets advice on his hair, follows a skin care regimen — and doesn't mind a bit when his girlfriend wants him to join her on a shopping trip.

Adams fully acknowledges that he is what some would call a metrosexual.

"I think very carefully how I present myself to the world," the 33-year-old lawyer tells Good Morning America. "I research about materials and fit and construction. I work out in the gym and watch my diet."

You may not find it in Webster's just yet, but "metrosexual" is becoming the new buzzword for the Sex and the City generation, a way to describe that niche of straight men in the big city who care — a lot — about personal grooming and fashion.

Straight Urban Males

They even show their feminine side in terms of their activities and sensibilities. Daniel Peres, the editor of Details magazine, easily ticks off the key attributes of a metrosexual.

"He is straight. An urban male," Peres said. "Strong, stylish, interested in fashion, design, architecture and personal style."

While their brothers are drinking beer and belching, metrosexuals are unabashedly heading to art galleries and shoe shopping — activities more commonly associated with women or gay men.

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"It is a new masculinity," Peres said. "This guy is not relegated to the sports page and eating hot dogs. It's a cultural shift and a generational one too."

Brad Pitt Among Celebrity Metrosexuals

Look no further than the entertainment industry to find celebrity metrosexuals. Brad Pitt, who worked with the interior designer on his own house, is one. So is Sean "Puffy" Combs, who enjoys manicures and pampering himself, Peres said. Plus, just look at the hairstyle on British soccer player David Beckham — who inspired the movie Bend It Like Beckham.

"He takes it to the nth degree," Peres said. "He has embraced fashion. He wears sarongs."

Women are attracted to men with style, and those who date or marry a metrosexual will find numerous benefits.