New pants mean you can fart with confidence

NEw York - An American underwear manufacturer has invented pants designed to hide the smell of flatulence.

The Under-Ease pants have a built-in, multi-layered replaceable filter, made of felt, charcoal and fibreglass wool.

To prevent gases escaping without passing through it, the underpants are made from air-tight fabric and completely sealed with elastic around the waistband and legs.

Under-Tec president and inventor Buck Weimer said: "Under-Ease are underwear for protection against bad human gas.

"We get a lot of jokes - but we don't doubt that this is a serious product that serves a purpose.

"They can be worn anytime, anywhere - in bed, to work, at social events, including professional meetings or when travelling in any vehicle, including an airplane."

The pants are machine-washable and the filters last several weeks to several months, depending on the frequency of use and laundering.