Navy veteran creates fire-proof underwear for women in high-risk jobs

Emily Pyke left the Royal Australian Navy to address a safety gap she experienced: conventional bras and menstrual wear can ignite or melt beneath protective outer layers. Working with a Sydney manufacturer, she created a modacrylic fabric that resists dripping and melting, and removed hazardous components such as wires and metal clips. University of New South Wales senior lecturer Imrana Kabir is collaborating on testing, which involves heating mannequins clad in full PPE to assess performance.

The NSW government has granted $200,000 to develop a second-generation product, and the first batch will be sent to fire departments in Western Australia and Victoria for field trials. Pyke also aims to extend trials to miners, electricians, and construction crews, hoping the gear will improve recruitment and retention of women in these high-risk occupations.