Take a dive in 3 dimensions

Just a few weeks left for the end of the semester and my studies. Soon i'll be lying on the beach, enjoying the sun, reading my favourite books. I guess a common thought for the upcoming summer vacations...How about lying on the beach wearing a 3D printed bikini? Anything but common!

The N12 bikini is the world's first ready-to-wear, completely 3D-printed article of clothing. All of the pieces, closures included, are made directly by 3D printing and snap together without any sewing. N12 represents the beginning of what is possible for the near future. 

N12 is named for the material it's made out of: Nylon 12. This solid nylon is created by the SLS 3D printing process. Shapeways calls this material "white, strong, and flexible", because its strength allows it to bend without breaking when printed very thin. With a minimum wall thickness of .7 mm, it is possible to make working springs and almost thread-like connections. For a bikini, the nylon is beautifully functional because it is waterproof and remarkably comfortable when wet.