Controversial new anti-rape underwear is VPL-free with rip-proof ties… But critics say designers are ‘exploiting women’s fear’

astity belt-type technology to ward off potential sexual predators.

Unlike the electric shock anti-rape underwear introduced in spring, AR Wear locks wearers into the gear with cut-proof, adjustable straps that don’t leave underwear lines.
It is currently being vetted online through a crowd funding campaign.

Cut-proof: AR Wear's adjustable straps are incredibly difficult to cut or rip open

 

Anti-rape underwear aims to deter attackers

AR Wear’s creation is meant to give wearers a sense of comfort while running at night, travelling alone, going out to a nightclub, as well as other ‘risky’ environs, as is explained in a promotional video.The project has already raised $37,000 of its requested $50,000 budget on crowd sourcing site Indiegogo, with 17 days left of seed funding to go.

The project was founded by two Nyack, New York-based young women named Ruth and Yuval, who say they have carried out years of research before launching their Indiegogo campaign.

They admit on their site that ‘only by raising awareness and education, as well as bringing rapists to justice, can we all hope to eventually accomplish the goal of eliminating rape as a threat to both women and men.’

Pull-proof: AR Wear's pants are difficult to pull down, once locked into place

The page continues to explain: ‘Meanwhile, as long as sexual predators continue to populate our world, AR Wear would like to provide products to women and girls that will offer better protection against some attempted rapes while the work of changing society's rape culture moves forward.’
While AR Wear bills itself on providing safe alternatives to women who feel threatened or want a bit of added safety to go out, its designs have been met with controversy online.

Website The Daily Dot wrote: ‘These ideas for anti-rape clothing never go anywhere, and that’s because preventing rape has nothing to do with what a woman is wearing, or not wearing, and everything to do with the rapist and a culture of victim-blaming. Are panties with thigh locks really making us safer, or is every woman’s fear simply being exploited for profit?’

And blog site The Belle Jar feels that ‘continuing to embrace the idea that rape has something to do with what kind of clothing you are wearing (or not wearing) is not empowering’

Now for the track: The company is developing additional products like running pants (above)

In addition to VPL-proof underwear, AR Wear has already developed running leggings that integrates its rape-deterrent techniques. They are also in the process of creating traveling shorts in a tourist-friendly shade of khaki as well.
The brand has additional plans for expansion, and would like to offer a lifestyle array of items for those looking for some added protection