Long-standing criticism of the Swedish Armed Forces' underwear for women has persisted for years, according to multiple reports. Hard seams and poor fit have been identified as problems leading to chafing and, in some cases, flesh wounds. For years, female soldiers have had to buy their own underwear or wear the military's boxer shorts to avoid elastic that chafes and causes injuries. The issue has been a recurring topic in internal discussions and media reports, highlighting the discomfort and health risks faced by women in service.
In response, the Swedish Armed Forces have confirmed that a new project is underway to develop better underwear for women. According to TV4 Nyheterna, resource manager Kent Nysten described the project as part of a larger effort for gender-equal material supply. The goal is to develop a sustainable solution in close dialogue with users, which also includes pregnancy adaptation of the combat uniform. Nysten noted that women themselves have raised the need for better underwear and pregnancy-adapted uniforms. The project aims to address both functional and comfort requirements, ensuring that the new garments meet the specific needs of female soldiers.
This project aims to achieve, together with all other measures we are taking, a sustainable solution regarding these undergarments, and currently primarily for women.
The problems have been known since 2011, but the change has been delayed due to time-consuming processes and several parallel measures. Previous measures, such as new garments for the combat uniform, have already reduced the number of complaints, Nysten said. However, the underwear issue has persisted, prompting the current dedicated project. The delays have been attributed to the complexity of military procurement and the need to balance multiple priorities within the organization.
The project is carried out in collaboration with users and external partners. Several unknowns remain. It is not yet known when the new underwear will be available to female soldiers, nor what specific improvements it will include. The budget for the project has not been disclosed, and it is unclear whether the new underwear will also be available for men. The Armed Forces have not provided a timeline for completion, but Nysten emphasized that user feedback will be central to the development process.
Now it's about achieving a sustainable solution for the future.