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.
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.
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.)
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]