A sports bra is essential to reduce breast movement during exercise. During sports, the breast tissue is moved in different directions, which can lead to pain and damage to the breast tissue. Every person's body is unique. By using a parametric system in the development of in/shape, it can be perfectly adapted to each individual user.
A 3D-printed hexagonal pattern forms perfectly fitting cups that support in all directions, yet are flexible enough to not compress too much. A ring pattern forms the band that runs under the breasts, providing both stability and flexibility.
To accommodate various breast shapes, a system was developed to automatically generate a 3D print pattern based on user measurements: breast circumference, underbust circumference, and nipple distance. These can be easily measured at home, and inputting the values produces the data needed for 3D printing the pattern onto the fabric.
4D printing is a 3D printing technique that uses external energy, like temperature or light, to induce structural changes. In this research project, we applied 4D printing to fabric by stretching it on a 3D printing bed and printing a 2D design. Once released, the fabric transforms into a 3D structure.
The initial process of the project was to create different patterns and print them onto fabric to find a suitable pattern for the sports bra. Two patterns—hexagons and circles—were selected for their optimal support properties for breast tissue.
A flat hexagon structure allows the fabric to form a three-dimensional envelope when it leaves the print bed. Depending on the size and spacing of the hexagons, the shape can be more or less curved.
The 2D ring pattern gives the fabric a ruched texture, allowing it to retain stretchiness in one direction while providing added rigidity in the other.
Over the course of the project, the pattern was further developed and experimenting with different variations led to the idea of incorporating different sized hexagon shapes. In addition, different types of fabric were tested to determine which textile properties were best suited to the project. Above all, the stretchability of the fabric and the ability of the print to adhere to the fabric were important factors.
Elin Holmqvist
This project was developed together with Elin Holmqvist as an Applied Research Project during her internship.
