Underpants thumbnail 1
Not currently on display at the V&A

Underpants

c.2010
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

These underpants were developed by the Ministry of Defence to be worn by the British Army. This pair was worn by Lt. Col. Tim How, who recalls using 'bomb pants' during his deployments to Afghanistan between 2007 and 2013.

The underpants are reinforced with ballistic silk which deflects IED blast fragments and has an anti-microbial agent which prevents the spread of infection.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
From label: Main material: 95% polyester and 5% elastane Reinforcement: 100% silk Knitted jersey
Brief description
Underpants, black knitted jersey polyster and elastane, reinforced with ballistic silk, developed by Defence Science and Technology Labratory for the British Ministry of Defence, United Kingdom, about 2010
Physical description
Black jersey underpants, with light padding to the rear. Elasticated waist-band.
Dimensions
  • Length: 50cm (Note: waist to hem - outer leg)
Production typeMass produced
Credit line
Given by Lt. Col. Tim How
Object history
These underpants were developed by the Defence Science and Technology Labratory (DSTL). They were designed to mitigate the effects of explosion whilst remaining comfortable for troops. These were 'Tier One' of a three tier pelvic protection system. The underwear is designed to deflect IED blast fragments and has an anti-microbial agent that prevents the spread of infection.

T.11-2020, T.12-2020 were both donated by Lt. Col. How who records that these 'anti-microbial undershorts' and 'unisex pelvic protective anti-microbial drawers' were issued together, and formed part of a three tiered layered protection system.

Summary
These underpants were developed by the Ministry of Defence to be worn by the British Army. This pair was worn by Lt. Col. Tim How, who recalls using 'bomb pants' during his deployments to Afghanistan between 2007 and 2013.

The underpants are reinforced with ballistic silk which deflects IED blast fragments and has an anti-microbial agent which prevents the spread of infection.
Collection
Accession number
T.11-2020

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Record createdAugust 11, 2017
Record URL
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