CREATIVITY AND CRITICAL CARE: SURGICAL BRA REDESIGN
Nandni Agarwal and Leticia Cartagena
INTRODUCING MAMMILLA
The aim of this project is to ensure individuals who have gone through any surgical procedures on their breasts will have a comfortable recovery. Mammilla features a magnetic back closure, three levels of adjusting, draining pockets with side opening, 1” straps, stretch lace and insulated cups .
MATERIALS
01
The materials best suited for the new post surgical bra must include comfort, insulation, airy feel with elegance and an experience of feeling like yourself again.
BASE FABRIC
The base fabric is primarily nylon with polyester and spandex.
We decided this fabric was best suited for this design because of its breathable mesh-like quality, exceptional soft touch, and 4-way stretch.
STYLISTIC FEATURE
Decorative stretch lace contains:
We decided to use stretch lace for decoration for both comfort and style. This is a stylistic feature we went with because of how lace can make women’s undergarments look classic and elegant.
PROSTHESIS
For the prosthesis, we decided to go with 3D-printed thermoplastic polyurethane or known as TPU. It contains many properties such as:
We think this is the best option for prosthetics because of how flexible it is, which can help mimic the shape and nature of a real breast and if designed smartly like in the images on the right, we would need much less material to make the prosthetic and also keep the consistency of the air-like feel we aim for.
CLOSURES
For closures we decided to go for magnetic snap sew in closures. We think this is the best decision because there are often complaints about closures being too hard to deal with after surgery, and this was the simplest solution we came up with, since it can be easily snapped shut with very little effort and stay in place too due to the strong magnetic force.
INSULATION
For insulation, we went for mohair because it is a very lightweight fibre and has surprisingly great insulation properties. It is also shrink resistant so, if the consumer were to throw it the wash nothing much would happen to it because its fibres do not felt like regular wool.
We wanted to knit a sheet (like in the image on top right) of mohair and sew it inside the cups to provide a layer of insulation.
We think insulation is quite important because even those after surgery like to be active and they often complain about having cold breasts due to the rate of perspiration increasing resulting in evaporative heat loss.
DESIGN
02
Mammilla is designed with women who need comfort and accessibility but also, want to feel normal again after surgery in mind.
FRONT VIEW
Mammilla will not have any underwire, but will be able to maintain a natural shape around the breasts due to the 1 ½” centre gore that sculpts under the breasts. In addition, there will be an open slit on the front of the cups to easily remove the TPU layer. The cups will have a high plunge shape to emphasize bust shape, coverage and support.
BACK VIEW
Instead of having the draining pouches held loosely by safety pins, the Mammilla includes removable drain pockets. Two 15mm magnetic snaps will be sewn discreetly inside the waistband while the pocket’s snaps will be on the pocket flap for easy removal. In addition, a 1” opening on the side seam is conveniently placed to secure the tubes and to prevent tangling.
BACK VIEW
The centre back of Mammilla will have a 3” waistband for the utmost support. In the waistband, three rows of three 14mm magnetic snaps for easy fastening. Each row can be adjusted 1” between each magnetic snap to achieve a more fitted natural shape. The consumer will have the option to customize the fit of the bra however they desire.
BACK VIEW
The straps are 1” for ease and comfort along with floral stretch lace for decoration. The decorative lace adds femininity, style and resembles a more traditional bra. We want our consumers to recover in ease while looking their best at the same time.
CUP LAYERS
Mammilla’s cups have four layers to protect scarring and sensitive areas around the breast. The first layer of the cup is the base fabric for stretch and comfort. The second layer is a removable ⅜” width of TPU prosthetic layer that is 3D printed. TPU is thermoplastic polyurethane that appears rubber-like with constructive properties that makes it flexible, durable and smooth to the touch. As for the third layer, a layer of knitted mohair will provide insulation in the cup and will be sewn together with the final base fabric layer for stability.
PRICE
After careful considerations, we came to the conclusion that Mammilla should be priced at about $60 because it will put us ahead of our competitors who have priced such necessities at $90-120, which is absurd considering how important a surgical bra is.
RESOURCES