Through focus groups, many rounds of prototyping, and attention to the specific problems women experience, they created the Original Vest and supporting accessories. The end result? ARX delivers safety gear designed for the proper fit, comfort, and performance of women on the job.
The name ARX comes from the Latin “citadel” or “stronghold,” reflecting what the brand stands for: protection you can rely on.
The Problem We Set Out to Solve
For decades, PPE has been designed using male sizes and standards. Most vests were oversized, with impractical designs that compromised women's safety. Industries offer minimal options in sizes, colors, and women-specific designs.
Both Hilary and Kaitlin experienced this problem directly—and decided to solve it. They discovered it was a systemic design failure and not a niche issue.
Meet Our Dedicated Founders
Hilary and Kaitlin both worked in industries that required them to wear PPE gear.
Hilary Gallin
A co-founder of ARX, Hilary earned a degree in Biomedical Engineering from Yale, attended medical school at Washington University in St. Louis, and received her MBA from Harvard Business School. She brings expertise across engineering, medicine, and investment banking, with a deep understanding of the risks associated with improper equipment. Her expertise contributed to the development of safer, better-fitting gear for women in the field.
Contact info/email: info@shoparxppe.com
Kaitlin McCarthy
Kaitlin is the co-founder of ARX and has a background in engineering, construction, management consulting, and real estate development. She has a degree in Civil Engineering from Northeastern University and received an MBA from Harvard Business School. She saw firsthand how poorly-fitting safety gear affected women’s performance on active job sites and set out to fix it.
Contact info/email: Kaitlin@shoparxppe.com
A Woman’s Approach to PPE Design
ARX was built on a simple principle: every ARX product is a practical solution that women working in real industries need. Before creating a single product, Kaitlin and Hilary directly spoke with women across industries. They refined every detail based on real feedback from them, focusing on fit, function, safety, and performance.
A Note From Our Founders
Hilary Gallin and Kaitlin McCarthy follow one belief that shaped ARX. You don’t need permission to solve a problem you understand deeply. If you have a solution, refuse to accept a problem as “just the way things are,” and do something about it.
Join Us in Safer Job Sites
Whether you’re buying for yourself or your team, ARX is here to support how you work more safely and confidently, without compromise.
Find your fit. Equip your team. Move forward with ARX.
