Dr Sevag Kertechian, a researcher based at Paris-Sorbonne University in the French capital, is to reveal the full findings of his study at the Appearance Matters Conference - the world’s largest event on body image and disfigurement - being held between Tuesday and Thursday.

The conference will see more than 200 appearance experts from across the world tackle issues including weight loss surgery, eating disorders and ‘ultra-thin’ dolls.

Dr Kertechian decided to research the impact clothing had on the recruitment process after realising it had never been studied.

As job advertisements came up over a period of three years he put two women forward for the roles.