111/23, 3:54 PM Sigma Male: What It Means, Key Traits & More
What’s a Sigma Male? Personality, Pros,
Cons & More
Discover what the most elusive, mysterious type of male is all about
Co-authored by Dan Hickey
Last Updated: July 28, 2023
Sigma Male Definition | Key Traits | Sigma Males vs. Alpha Males | Pros | Cons | Do women prefer
sigma males? | Keeping Perspective | Warnings
Sigma is the 18th letter of the Greek alphabet, but does that mean a sigma male is just an
average guy in the middle of the pack? Or is he something else entirely? Even if you're
familiar with the concept of the male hierarchy—a social construct that groups men into
supposedly distinct categories named after Greek letters—you might not know many
details about the “elusive” sigma male. In this article, we'll explain what a sigma male is,
what he’s said to be like, and how he’s believed to fit into the social pyramid
Things You Should Know
Sigma males are on top of the male social pyramid alongside alpha males. However,
they're indifferent to social structure and sit “outside” the hierarchy.
+ Sigmas are lone wolves. They're nonconformist, self-reliant, and confident in who they
are regardless of the social context they're in
+ Take the male social hierarchy with a grain of salt. It's OK if a label like sigma male
resonates with you, but remember that you have your own distinct personality.
Section 1 of 7:
Sigma Male Definition
Sigma males are lone wolves at the top, but outside of, the male
hierarchy.
Sigmas are as successful and commanding as alpha males, but more
independent and introverted. They don’t depend on the social structure of the
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male hierarchy to know who they are, and prefer to operate autonomously on their
own terms.l1]
+ Sigma males are considered the rarest male archetype. They have a deep
need for personal independence, similar to the “strong and silent” type.
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Section 2 of 7:
Key Sigma Male Traits
Sigma males are said to be nonconformists.
Sigmas don't choose to forge their own path to stand out or to be alternative—
they could care less what others think of them. Instead, they do their own thing
because they have the choice to, and they want to make the most of their
personal freedom. This is just their default mode, compared to alphas who do
their own thing mostly for show./2]
+ To emulate the sigma mindset, march to the beat of your own drum. Wear
what you like, do the things you enjoy, and stay true to your personal values
regardless of what society deems “normal” (what's normal, anyway?)..
Sigmas are considered highly independent and self-sufficient.
Sigma males value their solitude and are most comfortable on their own. They're
generally low-maintenance introverts who need space to think and decompress
(this doesn’t mean they can't turn on their charm when they feel like being social,
though). If you prefer doing things on your own or feel drained by being with
people for too long, you might just be a sigma.!?]
+ This doesn’t mean sigmas never want companionship. They're highly
intelligent and know they can’t navigate life completely alone, so they value
having helpful people around them.
* Take responsibility for your life to be self-reliant like a sigma. This includes
things like caring for your health and fitness, earning and managing your
money wisely on your own, and regulating your emotions without depending
on a partner. Knowing when and how to ask for help is part of being self-
reliant, too
They supposedly don’t need a place in the social hierarchy to
thrive.
Sigma males know exactly who they are and how to succeed regardless of who's
around. This is different from other archetypes like alphas, who need people to
lead, or betas, who need people to follow, to feel secure. It's what sets sigmas
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“outside” of the hierarchy—they could be (and often are) as influential as alphas,
but they just don't need that “position” to feel fulfilled.{4)
* To be like a sigma, distance yourself from cliques or rigid social structures.
Sigmas are like free-floaters, coming and going as they please and interacting
with anyone they deem interesting, helpful, or who they just like
Sigma males are thought to be highly adaptable and flexible.
They're great at thinking on their feet and know how to thrive in new or changing
environments. They aren't afraid to take risks, get out of their comfort zones, and
try new things, both personally and professionally. They can work with many types
of people and are resourceful problem-solvers in any circumstance,
+ To be more resourceful and flexible, think creatively about how to use your
environment or circumstances to your advantage, and don't be afraid to break
a few rules (within reason) or try something unconventional to get what you
want.
Sigmas are said to be confident in themselves and their beliefs.
Sigma males understand their own values and identity clearly and feel self-
assured without external validation. They aren't persuaded or influenced by other
people, opinions, demands, or criticism easily, and their intelligence and
conviction helps them stand up for their beliefs. They feel confident making
decisions according to their values, and they're basically impossible to bully.(6]
+ Identify your values and talents clearly to be confident in your beliefs like a
sigma male. The more you understand yourself and your capabilities, the
more you'll project confidence to onlookers.
They prefer to work alone and feel slowed down by companionship.
This is where the “lone wolf” comparison is clearest. Sigma males feel that group
work is inefficient most of the time, and don’t need to lead or follow anyone to get
something done. They're more successful and get what they want faster by going
for it themselves (they feel more capable than most other people anyway).!7]
+ To get in the sigma grindset, motivate yourself to go after your goals. Get
clear on exactly what you want and how you'll get it, then get to work
(enlisting the help of whoever you see fit, if anyone).
Sigma males don’t need a lot of attention, and may try to avoid it.
A sigma’s intelligence and independence comes at the price of their social skills
sometimes. They spend a lot of their time and mental energy quietly analyzing
situations and absorbing information, so they might not be the smoothest talker or
most outgoing dude at the party.l8)
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+ This doesn’t mean sigmas are boring or awkward at all—they just might not
have the giant, attention-seeking personality of an alpha, for example.
+ To be more sigma-like, find ways to feel socially fulfilled without being the
center of attention. Maybe that means getting to know one or two people at a
party in depth instead of working the whole room, or socializing with a small
but tight group of friends instead of running in multiple, large social circles.
Sigmas are thought to be intelligent, natural leaders.
They inspire and guide others by leading through example and cultivating
relationships rather than using force or relying on power and seniority. Sigma
males don't always seek explicit leadership roles, sometimes preferring to project
competence and wisdom in their personal and professional lives instead. They
make great guides and mentors, valuing bonds based on trust and mutual
respect.(91
+ Bea sigma-style leader by taking charge or leading projects with respect for
your colleagues and collaborators. Never ask someone to do a task you aren’t
willing to do yourself.
They’re supposedly non-judgmental and accepting of others.
Compared to other types of males, sigmas are said to want to know the truth
about a person before passing judgment on their character. This might be
because they themselves are generally misunderstood, lone wolf types who don't
fault others for marching to the beat of their own drum.!"0]
+ Sigmas also tend to see through superficial things, like appearances, and
take time to absorb information about a person.
+ To be less judgmental like a sigma, try to separate people's actions from their
personality. We all say and do bizarre things when we're stressed or hurt, but
that doesn't mean it's a part of who we are.
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Section 3 of 7:
Sigma Males vs. Alpha Males
Sigma males are often considered introverted versions of alpha
males.
For reference, alpha males are said to sit at the top of the pyramid—they’re
thought to be ambitious, confident, successful people who gravitate to positions of
power and assume dominant roles in their relationships. Believers in the hierarchy
say the share many key traits with sigma males, but with some noticeable
differences:(""]
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+ Alpha males are generally thought to be social, loud, and extroverted, while
sigma males are supposedly more private, quiet, and introverted.
+ Alphas are said to be competitive and aggressive in getting what they want,
while sigmas are believed to be more easy-going and assertive.
+ Alphas are supposedly group-oriented and value their place on top of the
social hierarchy, while sigmas are independent and collaborate with anyone,
regardless of their hierarchical place
+ I's thought an alpha can be overly confident to the point of pure arrogance,
while a sigma is believed to be quietly confident and self-assured.
Section 4 of 7:
Sigma Male Pros
Personal freedom
Sigmas don't depend on others and are free to choose their own path in life.
They're unencumbered by responsibilities or obligations that they don't find
meaningful, and their resourcefulness means they can solve most problems
without enlisting help or subjecting themselves to the will of others."2]
Attraction
Both women and other men want to know more about sigma males because
they're so mysterious. Sigmas keep to themselves, and yet they're often
successful, confident, and competent leaders. People pay attention to sigmas to
“figure them out” and may even try to impress or court them to get closer to
them.!131
No drama
Because sigma males aren't tethered to rigid social groups or dependent on other
people, they're often uninvolved in squabbles, rivalries, competitions, or other
interpersonal problems that have nothing to do with them. In fact, they can make
good mediators (if they care to) since they're generally clear-headed and “above
the drama."(14]
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Section 5 of 7:
Sigma Male Cons
Potential struggles with commitment
Sigmas are said to dislike committing to others or taking emotional, financial, or
any kind of responsibility for someone besides themselves. They come off as.
emotionally unavailable, which makes romantic relationships difficult. As a result,
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sigma males may miss out on some meaningful connections throughout their
lives.{19]
+ To help, think of a committed relationship (romantic or social) as a valuable
tool for building a successful life. Self-sufficient as sigmas may be, they can’t
do everything themselves—having a few good friends or a trusted partner can
make navigating the world much easier.
Low social battery
Sigma males supposedly prefer not to socialize when they have a choice, and
they can struggle with things like making small talk or getting to know new people
if they're not in the mood. Other people might think sigmas are disinterested or
even rude because of their stiff responses or short answers, when really the
sigma is just more interested in listening than interacting.!"6
+ To help, take a few moments to meditate or ground yourself before heading
into a social situation. Approach conversations with an open mind, and make
an effort to reply to statements or stories with enthusiasm or followup
questions.
Possible loneliness
Since sigmas prioritize their personal space, forming deep, meaningful
connections with friends or romantic partners is challenging. This doesn't seem
like an issue most of the time—sigmas are said to enjoy their freedom, after all—
but in the long run, the lack of a strong support network can make even a sigma
male feel isolated and alone unless he puts in the effort to build relationships.!17]
+ To help, make spending time with other people a regular part of your health
and wellness routine. Like diet and exercise, you may not see the results right
away, but in the long run, you'll be significantly better off.
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Section 6 of 7:
Do women prefer sigma males?
Supposedly, women like sigmas because they’re mysterious and
elusive.
Sigma males are considered the rarest type of male, making them the “irresistible”
bad boys of the social hierarchy. However, this is a big oversimplification based
on stereotypes and outdated gender concepts. If you're trying to attract someone,
focus on being your true self rather than forcing yourself into a “type.” When
someone is attracted to the real you, you'll have much stronger relationship
potential.{18]
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+ Acting like a sigma, alpha, or any other “category” of male to impress
someone is counterproductive to finding a healthy, meaningful relationship.
+ Hierarchical thinking can be misleading. It may lead to self-limiting behavior
and unkind treatment of other men based on their “position,” as well as the
harmful idea that a woman is obligated to show affection to a man based on
his social status.
+ Both men and women are attracted to partners for a variety of reasons,
including their specific relationship and the way they treat each other.
Section 7 of 7:
Keeping Perspective
The male hierarchy doesn’t represent the true complexity of gender
and power.
Almost no one—male or female—fits 100% into a box or category like alpha, beta,
or sigma. It’s OK to feel like certain aspects of your personality resonate with
those archetypes sometimes, but forcing yourself to live and interact with others
as a “type” all the time can be detrimental to your mental health and hold you
back from exploring your own true, distinct identity.(19]
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Tips
+ Famous examples of sigma males in film include James Bond, Clint Eastwood,
Jason Bourne, John Wick, and Han Solo. Some real-life sigmas include Steve
Jobs, Elon Musk, and Leonardo da Vinci.[201
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Warnings
* The concept of sigma males (and the male social hierarchy in general) has roots
in far-right doctrines that also include some very misogynistic ideas and beliefs.
Don't take your identity as a type of male too seriously—by rigidly categorizing
yourself, you're also promoting toxic masculinity and putting other men and
women into boxes that can lead to discrimination.|21]
+ Studies have shown that men who endorse rigid ideas of masculinity are at a
greater risk of suicidal thoughts and becoming socially isolated as they age,
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which damages their physical health and emotional well-being.|22]
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References
1. https://www.askmen.com/man_skills/essential/what-is-a-sigma-male-how-to-tell-if-
you-fit-the-latest-male-archetype. htm!
2. https://www.aconsciousrethink.com/9304/sigma-males/
3. https://hackspirit.com/sigma-male-11-things-they-do-and-how-you-can-become-
one-too/
4. https://hackspirit.com/sigma-male-11 -things-they-do-and-how-you-can-become-
one-too/
5. https:/www.newtraderu.com/2022/12/29/14-characteristics-of-a-sigma-male-the-
lone-wolf/
6. https:/Awww.newtraderu.com/2022/12/29/14-characteristics-of-a-sigma-male-the-
lone-wolf!
7. https://www.aconsciousrethink.com/9304/sigma-males/
. https://www.aconsciousrethink.com/9304/sigma-males/
9. https:/www.newtraderu.com/2022/12/29/14-characteristics-of-a-sigma-male-the-
lone-wolff
2
10. https://thepleasantpersonality.com/gamma-male-vs-sigma-male/
11. https://liveboldandbloom.com/10/personality-types/sigma-vs-alpha-male
12. https://thepleasantpersonality.com/pros-and-cons-of-being-a-sigma-male/
13. https://thepleasantpersonality.com/pros-and-cons-of-being-a-sigma-male/
14. https://nextlevelgents.com/sigma-male/
15. https://thepleasantpersonality.com/pros-and-cons-of-being-a-sigma-male/
16. https://thepleasantpersonality.com/pros-and-cons-of-being-a-sigma-male/
17. https://thepleasantpersonality.com/pros-and-cons-of-being-a-sigma-male/
18. https://www.iflscience.com/what-the-heck-are-sigma-males-meant-to-be-anyway-
68725
19. https://www.askmen.com/man_skills/essential/what-is-a-sigma-male-how-to-tell-if-
you-fit-the-latest-male-archetype.htm!
20. https://nextlevelgents.com/sigma-male/
21. https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/lifestyle/article/sigma-grindset-tiktok-trend-2022
22. https://www.askmen.com/man_skills/essential/what-is-a-sigma-male-how-to-tell-if-
you-fit-the-latest-male-archetype. htm!
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(Mathematics and Its Applications - Modelling, Engineering, and Social Sciences) Bhaben Chandra Kalita - Tensor Calculus and Applications - Simplified Tools and Techniques-CRC Press (2019)