Play Safe Intimates has come up with an innovative way to practice safe sex. The company has designed a thong with a back pocket with just enough room for a condom.
The Play Safe Web site, www.playsafethong.com, states, "By combining sexy fashion with social responsibility, our mission is to influence, educate and transform the perceptions of our young, hip and most vulnerable citizens."
Caren Martineau, founder of Play Safe Intimates, came up with the idea about two years ago. She had two preteens who were just beginning to explore the world of entertainment, media and fashion, she said. Martineau found the media had often presented images of very provocative and even aggressive women, but provided no information about safe sex.
"I have no personal attitude toward right or wrong fashion," Martineau said. "I'm just trying to present both sides of the story. There is a lack on the part of the media to present the full story."
As a response, she came up with the idea as a way for teens to be discreet, yet strong in their statements of practicing safe sex.
Martineau said the Play Safe Thong has gone through pockets of success. The product is readily accepted by young adults aged 18 and older, which is the target age group, but it is harder to convince the buyers and decision makers, she said. Healthcare providers are reluctant to step on board because they do not want to be seen as endorsing sex, she said.
English senior Kristin Talbert said the thongs are tacky and she would not wear one.
"You should know when you're gonna need one, so you shouldn't have to carry one around in your underwear," Talbert said.
English and political science senior Kate Peterson feels the same way.
"It says easy access," she said. "It gives the impression that you're a slut."
Peterson said she would not wear one and if she saw a girl at a party with a condom sticking out of her pants, she would be completely disgusted.
Martineau said Play Safe has worked very closely with condom developers to make sure close contact with skin would not impair the condom's effectiveness. It is highly unlikely anything will happen to the condom when wearing it against the body, she said
"Chances are, if you're wearing one, it will be used," Martineau said.
While working with condom developers and running multiple tests, Martineau found the condom would have to be exposed to extreme heat for a very long period of time before its effectiveness is impaired.
English and history junior Pamela Muschetto said the thongs are a good idea, but it would be more practical if the condom pocket was in the front.
"I wouldn't want to bend over and have a condom sticking out of my pants," Muschetto said.
However, she said a girl having a condom in her thong is a good way to let a guy know she practices safe sex.
Martineau said Play Safe is expanding into non-apparel merchandise. The company is trying to get its products into college bookstores nationwide. It's based in New Jersey, and has thongs available in retail stores across 32 states as well as in Canada, Japan and Sweden.
"We're working on a way to present the thongs to businesses in a way that is unthreatening," Martineau said. "They're an educational tool."
For more information about Play Safe Thongs, visit playsafethong.com.
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