Technology is a wonderful thing: It's brought us iPhones, computers and the Twinkie. And now, thanks to the folks at design company Continuum Fashion, it's brought us the first bikini made via 3-D printer. 3-D printing -- which, sorry, still kind of blows my mind -- is a technique by which an algorithmic script fed into a computer system actually spits out a real life object. It's kind of cool and futuristic, but thus far, designers haven't been able to make clothing out of it. The N12 bikini is the first actual wearable item made through 3-D design.

The bikini is actually made from thousands of tiny nylon circular plates that are connected via tiny springs. The fabrication allows for durability and flexibility. And yes, it's waterproof.

Continuum is hoping to expand its wearable offerings, and create entire outfits using body-scanning technology. We'll be skipping that, thanks. [WeAreDesignBureau]

Julie Gerstein would not be caught dead in a bikini -- 3-D or otherwise. Follow her at @havethehabit.