Well fitted, 3D-printed bras are on the way: Details here
What's the story
As modern-day garment industry relies on mass-production, products from different brands could have varying fits, even when you go for the same size. The problem is particularly true in the case of bras, where you could spend hours looking for a perfect fit. However, the good news is, all these woes could soon come to an end, thanks to new 3D-printed bras. Here's more.
3D printed bras
What are 3D-printed bras
Developed by Dutch fashion designer Lidewij van Twillert, 3D-printed bras are tailor-made products that are designed with a computer algorithm and 3D scanning technology. Unlike regular bras, they're made with three-dimensional braces that properly match the shape of the wearer's body, ultimately giving them a comfortable fit. "[Normal] bras are usually comfortable or beautiful, not both," van Twillert told Forbes while explaining her product.
Production
3D scanning critical for development
In order to print customized bras, van Twillert takes 3D scans of a wearer's breast shape and then 'augments' those scans with her proprietary algorithm to come up with an ideal fit. The algorithm has been trained with fitting-related data points captured from dozens of bra trials and is expected to refine the 'optimal' fit as more and more data points are captured.
Information
Multi-layered printing process
Currently, their bra-creation process revolves around 3D printing "curvearis" breast-support element and combining it with fabrics sourced from Europe for customized cups and straps.
Price
How much do they cost
These 3D printed bras offer an ideal fit with the element of styling but they cost a whole lot more than regular bras. Specifically, their products cost around €595-895, which translates into an insane price tag of more than Rs. 50,000 in the Indian currency. Plus, they take about 3 days to be manufactured and nearly one to two months to be delivered.
Scalibility
Evolution of 3D-printing technologies would help her scale up
As of now, only 30 people in the Netherlands and Belgium have invested in these 3D-printed bras - a fact that shows that van Twillert's current business model cannot be scaled. However, the designer hopes that 3D printing technologies would eventually evolve enough to allow 3D-printing of entire bras. Once that's done, they could scale up, delivering the same quality product at lower prices.