Why women prefer stubble

Women prefer stubble to clean-cut good looks

The myth that women prefer their men clean-cut has been blown out the water by new research saying that stubble on a man is much more attractive.

Clean-shaven men like Jude Law and David Beckham should take note after a poll of British women voted men with stubbly chins as tough, mature, aggressive, dominant and masculine.

Women agreed that men with a five o'clock shadow - from George Clooney to Johnny Depp - were the best partners - either for a short fling or marriage.

By contrast, clean-shaven men were the less popular choice as a long-term partner and scored poorly for masculinity, dominance, aggression and sexual maturity.

Scientists are unsure of the reason for a hairier preference, but experts on human evolution say it may be a sign of aggression as it boosts the size of the lower jaw, emphasizing the teeth as weapons.