Bikinis are probably the hardest thing to shop for. Not only is it uncomfortable trying them on in a store, but there are so many shapes, cuts and colors that picking one out is near impossible. You walk into a store and you have no idea where to start. Just the thought of picking out swimsuits is making us sweat a little. But, with this new bikini, your decision may just become a little easier. This bikini is not only futuristic looking, but it is also working for a good cause. It can help clean up the ocean while you swim!
Engineers at the University of California Riverside have created a bikini that is made from a reusable fabric that operates kind of like a sponge. The sponge-like fabric repels water while absorbing the contaminants in it. How cool is that?! We’re just picturing it now. You’re swimming through the ocean and as water is trickling off you, you’re secretly helping to save the ocean too!
Eray Carbajo is the firm behind the design of this 3D printed bikini. It is described as a “net-like cage that forms to the body” (cool!) and is made from heated sucrose, which is a form of sugar, that can clean up oil or chemical spills. Seriously, how awesome is that?!
The material can absorb up to 25 pounds its own weight! It traps the pollutants in the inner pores of the sponge so that they never come into contact with a person’s skin, so you don’t have to worry about harming your own body in the process. Although, the material only lasts about 20 uses, it is recyclable, so it’s saving the environment in another way too! The designers also believe the material can be made into other swimwear items such as one pieces, swimming caps and wet suits. The possibilities are endless! What do you think of this futuristic bikini that can clean our oceans one stroke at a time?