Case Study: Beyond The Bikini
Case Study: Beyond The Bikini
This case study highlights one of the key products we developed at Saint Andro: the Oh Cool Compression Zip Top. The garment is a versatile, high-performance piece designed to balance function, comfort, and inclusivity. Inspired by sporty, outdoor lifestyles, it supports movement, sun protection, and thermal regulation, making it ideal for swimming, water sports, or casual wear. The focus here is on the design process, material exploration, and performance innovation that differentiate this top from conventional activewear.
Design Goals
- Provide adjustable, mid-level coverage to accommodate multiple body types
- Integrate sun protection (UPF-rated) for outdoor use
- Maintain freedom of movement for sport or daily activity
- Create a unisex silhouette that is functional and fashion-forward
Material & Technical Features
- Scuba-style fabric simulating cooling and thermoregulating properties
- Sustainable and recycled fabric options to align with brand values
- Performance-driven inclusive sizing and unisex pattern engineering
- Integrated UPF-rated sun protection for extended outdoor use
Process & Approach
- Tested various scuba-style and thermo-regulating fabrics for stretch, cooling, and drape
- Evaluated mobility, range of motion, and sun coverage through physical prototyping
- Used CLO 3D to create virtual prototypes and refine style lines before physical production
Outcome
The Oh Cool Compression Zip Top combines technical innovation with thoughtful design, providing a garment that is adaptable, performance-ready, and inclusive. It exemplifies Saint Andro's commitment to high-quality, functional, and fashion-forward swimwear for all bodies.
Documentation & Imagery
