AMS 2024

3D Printed Bras from Trusst Lingerie Provide a New Level of Support for Full-Figured Women

Electronics
Metal AM Markets
AMR Military

Share this Article

trusstI’ve seen a few “Things that Men Will Never Understand” lists floating around the Internet lately. Always good for a few minutes of amusement, a lot of them hit the nail right on the head – there are a lot of inconveniences unique to women, thanks to physiology. Many of those inconveniences are bra-related. You’d think that by now we would have come up with a way to make bras that fit properly and function the way they’re supposed to, but just about any woman can tell you stories about epic, often-fruitless quests to find a comfortable, well-fitting brassiere. (I recently stumbled upon a Buzzfeed article in which the author documented her attempt to discern her bra size; she was professionally fitted at six different stores and given different sizes at all of them.)

tech-page

Far from being a trivial problem, a bra that doesn’t fit properly can cause all sorts of issues, from headaches to back problems – particularly for women with larger breasts. Unofficial studies have suggested that women’s breasts, on average, are getting larger (save it, guys), due to obesity, environmental contaminants, or other factors. None of it has been proven, but the fact that manufacturers all make bras a little bit differently, and that corporations can arbitrarily decide on what their sizes will be, means that a good 80% of women are wearing the wrong bra size – and paying the price with a lot of discomfort.

trusst3Industrial designers Laura West and Sophia Berman wanted to address these issues when they formed Trusst Lingerie, a company that is revamping bra design. One of the main problems, according to West and Berman, is the underwire that forms the shape of most bras. With underwire bras, the weight of the breasts is mostly supported by the shoulder straps, which tend to dig into the neck, back and shoulders as they’re asked to hold more weight. Even smaller-breasted women run into trouble with underwires that easily bend out of shape or even stab through fabric.

It’s actually a remarkably ineffective design, but it’s been the standard for years. Trusst, however, is doing away with the underwire and replacing it with a 3D printed plastic insert that – gasp! – actually supports the breasts from below. Additional side support provides extra comfort and containment. West and Berman are secretive about the details of the design, but they used SOLIDWORKS software to design and virtually test the inserts, which they then began printing on a MakerBot 3D printer.

sworks

West and Berman at SOLIDWORKS 2016

A 2015 Kickstarter campaign raised $78,889, surpassing its $25,000 goal within five days. The company has since grown to six women, who are continuing to work on improving the bra design, working with different types of straps and fabric to increase comfort. Currently Trusst offers three different bra styles, and they are considering possibly adding a sports bra design in the future. The company is also, right now at least, focused on larger-breasted women, with their sizes starting in the DD range and going up to G. (There’s an easy sizing chart, too.)trusst print

West and Berman recently presented at SOLIDWORKS World 2016, and began their presentation with a video they created for the Kickstarter, in which men try on bras filled with melons that accurately simulate the weight that larger-busted women carry around every day. As you can see below, the men walked away with new sympathy for such women, and with an appreciation for what entrepreneurs West and Berman are trying to do. What do you think of this new technology for women? Discuss in the 3D Printed Bra Support forum over at 3DPB.com.

https://youtu.be/SS0o0ZBSjcs

[Images: Trusst via Facebook]

 

Share this Article


Recent News

3D Printing News Briefs, December 9, 2023: Equity Crowdfunding, Archaeology, & More

3D Systems Likely to Sell 3D Printing Software Business Oqton



Categories

3D Design

3D Printed Art

3D Printed Food

3D Printed Guns


You May Also Like

3D Printing Webinar and Event Roundup: December 3, 2023

We’ve got plenty of events and webinars coming up for you this week! Quickparts is having a Manufacturing Roadshow, America Makes is holding a Member Town Hall, Stratafest makes two...

Featured

Half of Hyundai’s Singapore Innovation Center Is Run by Robots

Hyundai (KRX: 005380) has just inaugurated the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center Singapore (HMGICS), a groundbreaking facility set to transform the landscape of electric vehicle (EV) production. Equipped with AI,...

3D Printing Webinar and Event Roundup: November 26, 2023

Things are getting busy again in terms of 3D printing webinars and events! This week is the RSNA annual meeting, the World Manufacturing Forum, and more. HP is holding an...

3D Printing News Briefs, November 18, 2023: Depowdering, Jewelry Patterns, & More

We’re kicking off 3D Printing News Briefs with a little business today, as Horizon Microtechnologies invested in a micro AM platform from Boston Micro Fabrication, and Rivelin Robotics announced a...