UK Student Strives for the Perfect Fit With Her 3D Printed Lingerie

From catwalks across the globe to museum exhibits like Manus x Machina, the recent impact of 3D printing technology on the fashion industry has never been more apparent than it is today. Not only has additive manufacturing helped esteemed designers create complex garments, it also allows the garment to be personalized for the body of the wearer. The lingerie industry has taken been especially drawn to the benefits, and some have used 3D printing technology to improve the performance and fit of their undergarments. We’ve recently seen Trusst Lingerie decide to replace their uncomfortable underwire with a 3D printed plastic insert, while German RepRap printers have been used by Anita Dr. Helbig GmbH to create more efficient breast prostheses.

Jess Haughton

Now, a 23-year-old fashion student from Nottingham Trent University named Jess Haughton is utilizing 3D printing to change the way lingerie is fitted and produced, creating her own collection of custom-fitted lingerie. Haughton has effectively replaced elastic and stitching with 3D printed stretch silicone, which provides a number of benefits over the traditional elastic material. Instead of using the traditional sewing technique, the seams are instead bonded together during the 3D printing process, giving the lingerie a clean-cut appearance. In addition, the 3D printed silicone material is more fatigue resistant than elastic, keeping the garments in shape while preventing degradation.

“It also has an amazing feel to it, and when 3D printed can create more intricate detailing than traditional methods,” said Haughton. “In many ways, when printed onto sheer mesh as a floral pattern, it’s like a modern alternative to lace.”

According to Haughton, the 3D printed silicone material could disrupt the way that lingerie is both fitted and manufactured. Once the stretched silicone is cured, it takes on strong and flexible properties, enabling Haughton to create exquisite patterns on the sheer mesh. Thus far, her designs include halter bra printed with a silicone floral pattern on sheer mesh, a sheer mesh thong, and a leather harness with minimal amount of stitching. To showcase her 3D printed concept, Haughton created a bodysuit made entirely from the 3D printed silicone material. Customers would be able to input their dimensions on their computer and order custom-fitted bespoke lingerie, each one detailed for the wearer’s shape and preference.

“Women come in all different shapes and sizes, so I wanted to show how modern technology can provide made to measure lingerie for each individual,” said Haughton. “But not only that, I wanted to show how 3D printing could truly modernise the market and create unique looking underwear which does away with traditional materials.”

Haughton collaborated with the Clothing Management Technology Ltd and Stretchline UK Ltd. to bring her designs to life. The lingerie collection was recently displayed at Nottingham Trent University’s 2016 Art & Design Degree Show, one of the United Kingdom’s largest collection of graduate art and design projects, displaying over 1,300 works. Perhaps Haughton’s use of 3D printing will help revolutionize the way that lingerie is both fitted and manufactured, offering women the perfect fit, improved performance, and a one-of-a-kind looking undergarment. Thoughts on this fashion? Discuss further over in the 3D Printed Lingerie forum at 3DBP.com.