SOFT
FINE
GOODS
CONSULTING
BACK TO THE
WEARABLE TECH
PORTFOLIO
WITH INTEGRATED NURSING BRA
NURSING SHIRTS
Designed a nursing bra shirt prototype for Tactical AF, a product considered for Shark Tank before the project was temporarily tabled.
MY ROLE:
Addressed a market gap by developing a nursing shirt with an integrated bra
that provides support without relying on underwire. I led the design process, creating
multiple prototype iterations to refine the concept, and drafted detailed patterns for a
production-ready prototype.
DESIGN PROCESS:
This prototype was developed for Tactical AF to support lactating service members by eliminating the need for separate nursing garments. The challenge: create a single garment that functioned as both a regulation-compliant undershirt and a supportive, wearable nursing bra — capable of securely holding a breast pump, without any rigid hardware, and using only approved materials.
I focused on textile engineering within extreme constraints. The garment had to offer targeted support across a wide range of breast sizes while also being soft, non-compressive, and safe under combat conditions. I engineered the bra structure using textile tensioning techniques and strategic layering — building support into the garment’s architecture rather than relying on traditional underwires or hardware.
The result was a streamlined, dual-purpose shirt that maintained uniform compliance, reduced bulk, and minimized cost for end users by eliminating redundant gear. Though it was a concept prototype, the engineering approach laid the groundwork for future iterations suitable for pitch and production.
DESIGN PHILOSOPHY:
My approach here was: less gear, more dignity. I believe support garments — especially in demanding environments like the military — should reduce logistical burden, not add to it. For new mothers, that means eliminating the awkward layering and wardrobe compromises that typical nursing solutions demand.
I prioritized:
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Seamless functionality across dual roles
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Support through textile engineering, not hard components
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Modesty and ease, built in
Even as a proof of concept, the goal was clear: empower nursing service members with a garment that respects their needs without asking them to sacrifice safety, comfort, or conformity. It’s a simple idea — but technically, and socially, it’s a big step forward.
