Arabic version: محاربة قديمة في البحرية تطوّر ملابس داخلية مقاومة للحريق للنساء في الخطوط الأمامية

According to ABC News, former Royal Australian Navy member Emily Pyke has developed fire-resistant bras and period underwear for women working in frontline services. The garments are expected to be sent to fire services in Western Australia and Victoria for trials.

Pyke said that after 13 years in the navy, she recognised that a commercial synthetic bra could melt beneath protective clothing if outer layers were breached by fire. She said she found a similar gap for women working in firefighting, electrical work, mining and construction. Pyke left the navy last year to pursue the project.

Working with a Sydney manufacturer, the company developed a modacrylic fabric blended with other materials. The fabric is certified not to drip or melt when exposed to fire, although Pyke said any material can burn at sufficiently high radiant heat or fire levels. The designs also seek to remove potentially hazardous bra components including wire, foam, excess elastic and metal strap clips.

University of New South Wales senior lecturer Imrana Kabir has been developing and testing the garments with Pyke. Kabir said the underwear addresses a critical gap in personal protective equipment for frontline women, as fire can affect the body beneath outer garments. A second generation will be tested on a mannequin wearing the underwear and fire-resistant PPE.

The NSW government has granted the company $200,000 to develop the next version of the fire-safe period briefs and bras. Initial versions have been tested with firefighters in Australia and with Irish and UK defence forces, while Pyke said she was also discussing possible trials with mining and construction companies.