When she’s being herself, Angie Bayer likes to wear attention-grabbing chunky jewelry, killer stiletto boots with metal straps and a studded belt slung dangerously low on jeans.
But on a stopover in Los Angeles, the 33-year-old computer consultant from Atlanta is dressed in gauzy drawstring pants, pink tank top and plastic flip-flops–a look that lets her breeze through airport security without triggering a beep, a hand wand inspection or removal of her shoes.
Like millions of others, she has–in subtle and overt ways–figured out how to dress the part for her journey through airport security.
Since heightened security procedures began in November–with screening practices made uniform nationwide–many travelers who once didn’t trigger metal sensors or secondary scrutiny are being searched. Everything from hidden shanks in boots, rivets in sneakers, zippers in pants, clasps on barrettes and even underwire bras are triggering alarms.
In addition to getting the attention of passengers, all the buzzing at security checkpoints is getting the attention of some in the clothing industry.
New lines of detector-free clothing and marketing campaigns may not be far off. Jockey International introduced a new bra seven months ago that uses Mylar under the cup rather than metal.
“Internally, we would bring up how this bra ‘won’t set the detector off,’ ” recalls Jim Noble, senior vice president.
And Marshal Cohen, co-president of market information company NPDFashionworld, said not to be surprised if “airport-friendly footwear” hits store shelves next spring.
In a meeting last week he saw such a marketing plan with the slogan “Shoes built to last without setting off metal detectors.”
The metal shanks used to strengthen shoes and boots between the heel and instep are hidden triggers that trip up those who think they are dressed metal-free.
“Years ago people used to dress up to travel. Now they have to be aware about how to dress down,” said fashion forecaster David Wolfe of Doneger Group.
