You’re Welcome America — Japanese Company Selling Fart-Proof Underwear

We’ve all had those moments -- You’re in the middle of a big meeting, a job interview or, god forbid, a first date when you suddenly feel that telltale rumbling in your gut letting you know that the very people you’re trying to impress are about to get an unpleasant whiff of your gastrointestinal issues. Well worry no more, as Japanese scientists have come to the rescue with new deodorant underwear, designed to mask any unpleasant smells.

The fart-proof undies are made by a company called Seiren, which also markets socks and shirts with the same scent-blocking technology.

According to a company spokesperson, “It took us a few years to develop the first deodorant pants that are comfortable enough to wear in daily life, but efficient in quickly eliminating strong smells. At first we thought about selling them to those who require nursing care and to hospitals, but to our surprise, lots of ordinary people, [such as] businessmen who are in positions that require them to see people on a daily basis, bought them.”

However, the deodorant underwear is only effective against the “silent but deadly” variety of gas. For anything else, you’re on your own until they come out with a Version 2.0 with built-in active noise cancellation.