ARX Co-founders Redefine PPE for Women with Focus on Fit and Function

The personal protective equipment (PPE) industry has long overlooked the needs of women, offering gear designed primarily for men. Kaitlin McCarthy and Dr. Hilary Gallin, co-founders of ARX, are changing that narrative. Their women-owned PPE brand is reimagining safety gear to prioritize both fit and function for women, a move that's gaining traction in industries where PPE is essential.

McCarthy, with a background in civil engineering and real estate development, and Gallin, a board-certified anesthesiologist with expertise in biomedical engineering, bring a unique multidisciplinary perspective to ARX. Their collaboration stems from personal experiences in their respective fields, where they encountered the same problem: PPE that didn't fit women properly, leaving them with unsafe and uncomfortable options.

ARX stands out from traditional PPE companies by designing gear specifically for women from the ground up. This approach involves engineering every detail with women's bodies and workflows in mind, rather than creating smaller versions of men's gear. The company has conducted numerous focus groups with women across industries to understand their needs deeply.

The response from women using ARX gear has been overwhelmingly positive. Many have expressed feeling comfortable and confident in their PPE for the first time, appreciating the thoughtfully designed features. This feedback underscores the importance of ARX's mission and the impact of their work.

The timing for ARX's launch aligns with regulatory and cultural shifts. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has reinforced that PPE must fit, highlighting the need for gear like ARX's. Additionally, a growing workforce of women is demanding change, further validating the company's approach.

Looking ahead, ARX plans to expand its product line to cover more trades and needs, ensuring women everywhere have access to gear that works for them. The company is also collaborating with institutions and large employers to influence purchasing policies, aiming to change the system beyond just products.

For more information on ARX and its innovative approach to PPE, visit https://www.arx.com.