Wearables

World’s first 3D printed bikini heads for the beach

World’s first 3D printed bikini heads for the beach
N12: The first completely 3D-printed, ready-to-wear, item of clothing (Photo: Ariel Efron/Shapeways)
N12: The first completely 3D-printed, ready-to-wear, item of clothing (Photo: Ariel Efron/Shapeways)
View 8 Images
World's first 3D printed bikini by Continuum Fashion and Shapeways (Photo: Ariel Efron/Shapeways)
1/8
World's first 3D printed bikini by Continuum Fashion and Shapeways (Photo: Ariel Efron/Shapeways)
World's first 3D printed bikini by Continuum Fashion and Shapeways (Photo: Ariel Efron/Shapeways)
2/8
World's first 3D printed bikini by Continuum Fashion and Shapeways (Photo: Ariel Efron/Shapeways)
World's first 3D printed bikini by Continuum Fashion and Shapeways is available for purchase..(Photo: Ariel Efron/Shapeways)
3/8
World's first 3D printed bikini by Continuum Fashion and Shapeways is available for purchase..(Photo: Ariel Efron/Shapeways)
World's first 3D printed bikini by Continuum Fashion and Shapeways (Photo: Ariel Efron/Shapeways)
4/8
World's first 3D printed bikini by Continuum Fashion and Shapeways (Photo: Ariel Efron/Shapeways)
World's first 3D printed bikini by Continuum Fashion and Shapeways (Photo: Ariel Efron/Shapeways)
5/8
World's first 3D printed bikini by Continuum Fashion and Shapeways (Photo: Ariel Efron/Shapeways)
N12: The first completely 3D-printed, ready-to-wear, item of clothing (Photo: Ariel Efron/Shapeways)
6/8
N12: The first completely 3D-printed, ready-to-wear, item of clothing (Photo: Ariel Efron/Shapeways)
World's first 3D printed bikini by Continuum Fashion and Shapeways (Photo: Ariel Efron/Shapeways)
7/8
World's first 3D printed bikini by Continuum Fashion and Shapeways (Photo: Ariel Efron/Shapeways)
World's first 3D printed bikini by Continuum Fashion and Shapeways (Photo: Ariel Efron/Shapeways)
8/8
World's first 3D printed bikini by Continuum Fashion and Shapeways (Photo: Ariel Efron/Shapeways)
View gallery - 8 images

The result of a collaboration between Continuum Fashion and 3D printing experts Shapeways, the N12 is billed as the "the first completely 3D-printed, ready-to-wear, item of clothing."

The high-tech bikini's (not particularly sexy) name is derived from "nylon 12", the material that's used in the 3D printing process. Nylon 12 is strong, flexible and 3D printable with an impressive thinness of 0.7 mm (0.027 in). The material is innately waterproof so it's ideal as swimwear and according to the designers it actually becomes more comfortable when it gets wet.

Specifically, a process called selective laser sintering (SLS) is used to achieve the complex geometrical design which combines circles connected by very tiny strings.

"The bikini's design fundamentally reflects the beautiful intricacy possible with 3D printing, as well as the technical challenges of creating a flexible surface out of the solid nylon," says Mary Haung of Continuum Fashion. "Thousands of circular plates are connected by thin springs, creating a wholly new material that holds its form as well as being flexible. The layout of the circle pattern was achieved through custom written code that lays out the circles according to the curvature of the surface. In this way, the aesthetic design is completely derived from the structural design."

World's first 3D printed bikini by Continuum Fashion and Shapeways (Photo: Ariel Efron/Shapeways)
World's first 3D printed bikini by Continuum Fashion and Shapeways (Photo: Ariel Efron/Shapeways)

N12 was made with the use of Rhino 3D CAD software along with an algorithm written by 3D modeling expert Jenna Fizel. As well as providing the map for the the circle sizes, forms and connections the algorithm also calculates which parts need more strength and which need more flexibility.

"The visual and structural design of the bikini are very well integrated with each other," says Fizel.

In the future this process could result in complete customization by using a body scan to create an exact fit for the customer.

The N12 bikini is for sale, but quite pricey at this stage. It costs around US$200-300 for each part of the bikini and can be ordered at Continuum Shop. Hopefully prices will fall as 3D printed clothing gains popularity.

Here's the designers' outline of the project:

N12.bikini - Intro Video

Photography: Ariel Efron. Model: Bojana Draskovic

View gallery - 8 images
8 comments
8 comments
Hoodoo Yootink
Laying out in the sun with this N12 - Bead bikini its going to make a pretty interesting tan line. Spotty butt?
Samuel Arbizo
Props to these two designers. It\'s great to stretch the envelope and use new technology for some interesting concepts.
Amr Montasser
what is important is the 3D under the bikini
Shaun Bracewell
But is it edible?
Racqia Dvorak
It\'s great....except that it\'s see-through, even on portions that shouldn\'t be.
Simon Mccormack
GREAT... Im still waiting for my worlds first 3D custom printed genitalia strap to keep my man hood looking righteous. Bring it on guru designers. This is important!
Mr Stiffy
@Racqia Dvorak It's great....except that it's see-through, even on portions that shouldn't be.
And what is wrong with that?
Anne Porte
If this is 3d printed, why do you only offer the bikini in set sizes? Wouldn't it be just as easy to go by exact sizing to create a perfect fit? Also I noticed that the bikini is not available in size 32A. Is there a reason that it is not available in that size?