Rolf Reifgies always got into trouble at the airport security checkpoint because of his suspenders. Whenever the Wisconsin businessman flew out of Minneapolis or Madison, the metal in his suspenders set off the magnetometer. Then, six weeks ago, he discovered BuzzNot, a brand of suspenders with plastic clasps. ‘‘Works like a charm,’’ Reifgies said of the pair he found on SuspenderStore.com. Now, Reifgies glides right through security.

In this era of tightened airport security, retailers are coming to the aid of the aggravated traveller, offering new products — like bras and shoes — designed to get them through checkpoints without indignity of a pat-down.

Shoemakers Johnston 038; Murphy, Florsheim and Rockport sell styles without metal shanks in the soles and market them to frequent fliers. Florsheim identifies them with tags that look like passports labeled ‘‘airport friendly’’ inside the shoebox.

Many passengers think it is worth the effort to find shoes and clothing that will help them avoid added scrutiny at checkpoints. Travelers who set off the walk-through magnetometer are automatically pulled aside, and a screener waves a hand-held metal detector over their body. Then, the screener conducts a physical pat-down search. The pat-downs have become more common since September, when two Russian planes exploded after two women allegedly brought explosives on board.

More than 300 passengers have complained to the Transportation Security Administration that the pat-down procedures are embarrassing and invasive. The agency modified its pat-down procedures this week.

Last year, TSA put up a fashion show at Reagan National Airport with models wearing clothing that would not set off the detector. Women wore cotton pants with plastic buttons and slip-on shoes. TSA recommends that women remove all jewellery, even earrings and body piercings. Some airports, like National, provide plastic bags to passengers at the entrance to the checkpoints. —LAT-WP