A protective undergarment (10), shown in the form of shorts, includes integrally formed protective panels (22, 26, 30) that exhibit slash-proof properties. The protective areas (22, 26, 30) are made from a flexible
Kevlar® knit or the like, and extend to cover the
groin,
crotch, substantial areas of the
buttocks and the inner
thigh regions of both legs. The protective panels (22, 26, 30) are externally snitched to a low thermal burden material (18, 20), such as a
polyester mesh, that provides elasticity and completes the structure of the shorts (10). The
Kevlar® knit is flexible and preferably lies directly against the
skin of a user to provide
blast wave and ballistic fragment deflection whilst permitting mobility in a lightweight arrangement.
Varying thickness of the
Kevlar® knit can be used in the protective areas (22, 26, 30) selectively to enhance protection against
blast wave and fragment penetration. The shorts (10) find particular application in
battlefield theatres where military personnel are exposed to bomb threats.