A study has suggested that women who were ovulating were more likely to buy clingy clothes.

The study conduced by University of Minnesota of about 100 women found that the proximity of attractive women affected hormonal shopping habits.

According to researchers, in an attempt to stand out from love rivals, women selected tighter clothes.

There should however be more research done on how shopping habits were affected by hormones, the Journal of Consumer Research study said.

Various images of attractive women who were staying close by were shown to women at different stages of their menstrual cycle. After this these women were asked to choose accessories and clothes which they would like to buy.

Women who were ovulating were more likely to go in for sexier clothes as compared to women who were shown pictures of women who were not attractive and stayed far off.

Dr Kristina Durante, who led the research, said, "The desire for women at peak fertility to unconsciously choose products that enhance appearance is driven by a desire to outdo attractive rival women. If you look more desirable than your competition, you are more likely to stand out."