Abstract: A supportive garment is provided including a stretch fabric material including a cotton and spandex blend with a weight per unit area of about 240 g/m2 to about 260 g/m2, a cotton tex count of about 15 tex to about 25 tex, and a spandex fabric denier of about 70. At least one supportive fabric panel is provided affixed to the stretch fabric material, wherein the supportive fabric panel comprises at least one layer of a supportive fabric material including a nylon and spandex blend with a weight per unit area of about 180 g/m2 to about 200 g/m2 and a stitch density per unit length of about 150 per 10 cm to about 160 per 10 cm in a wales direction, and about 580 per 10 cm to about 600 per 10 cm.

Abstract: Articles of apparel for providing improved supportive features and slimming effects to the body are provided, the articles of apparel including supportive reinforced fabric placed in specific regions of the apparel. The supportive reinforced fabric may be ‘hidden’ (e.g., by being included in an inner liner of the apparel), or may be included directly in an outer “exterior” layer of the apparel itself. The supportive reinforced fabric includes a reinforced mesh-like fabric which is stretchable and breathable, yet has highly resilient and supportive properties. Exemplary materials from which such reinforced lining may be made include spandex, Lycra and any fiber composites incorporating elasticized and/or resilient properties.