Skivvies that may help protect fliers’ modesty

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As the TSA ‘pat-down’ kerfuffle continued on the morning talk-show circuit, I started wondering if there weren’t a garment-based solution to this unappealing choice between what’s been characterized as an overly revealing body scan and an overly aggressive pat-down (actually the backs of two latex-gloved hands).

I didn’t have long to wait for the answer. By the time I was halfway to the office, I’d heard NPR mention undergarments by Rocky Flats Gear that manage to conform to airline security screening rules while obscuring your naughty bits thanks to strategically placed fig-leaf designs (women’s panties are also offered in a ‘clasped hand’ design). Will spotting that strange shape on a body scan spur a pat-down? Well, that’s another issue.

In addition to a range of briefs and boxers for men, the company’s website also includes a women’s sports bra and bra inserts with the protective appliques made of powdered metal.

Find out more about the togs.

This approach got me thinking: Could this be a potentially huge advertising opportunity -- or even another place to express yourself?

So when the airport body scan shows that you’re sporting what look like a pair of strategically placed Mickey Mouse ears, the message to the Transportation Security Administration -- and the world -- isn’t that you’re being modest.

It’s that you’re going to Disneyland!

-- Adam Tschorn