Abstract: A supportive bra comprises two cups, each adapted to shape, lift, and support a breast, and a chest strap coupled to the two cup. Each cup has a plurality of darts sewn therein.

Abstract: A modular brassiere that serves as both a modesty garment and an easily-donned support garment. The modular bra includes an elongated support band that is preferably made of elastic material. Hook-and-loop type of engaging panels are used to secure the band around the user's chest. A separate strap assembly may be added to transfer load to one or more of the user's shoulders. The support band includes a proximal end and a distal end. A pocket is preferably included, proximate the distal end. The user can place one or more fingers into this pocket to assist in donning the device. A grip panel is preferably included as well. The grip panel includes a strap loop which the user can employ to also assist in donning the device.

Abstract: The undergarment may include a multi-panel front construction in order to minimize the prominence of breast buds, nipples, and even mature breast tissue without sports bra-like compression. The garments are uniquely designed to maximize comfort with their super-soft external material and to maximize self-esteem with their unique inner front panel. The interior front panel is constructed from a different material than the external layers.

Abstract: An upper-torso garment includes a chest-covering portion having a knit textile region, which includes a plurality of courses fully spanning a dome-shaped portion. In addition, the knit textile region includes a plurality of partial-length courses partially spanning the dome-shaped portion.

Abstract: A bra comprising a front portion, the front portion comprising bra cups; two side portions, each side portion extending from a respective side of the front portion, wherein the side portions are adapted to encircle a torso of a wearer of the bra; wherein the front portion and the side portions are comprised of an outer layer and a frame layer beneath the outer layer; wherein the front portion is further comprised of an inner layer beneath the frame layer, wherein the bra cups are molded in the inner layer of the front portion; wherein the frame layer comprises: an outer frame layer primarily stretchable in a first direction; and an inner frame layer comprising at least one panel primarily stretchable in the first direction.

Abstract: As one implementation example, a product is described which comprises at least one protective layer. The at least one protective layer comprises an electromagnetic field resistant material. The at least one protective layer is adapted into at least a portion of a brassiere.

Abstract: A method of forming a textile element (10) for use as a structural support component in a garment. The method comprises the steps of: (i) providing a fabric strip (12) having a plush surface (16); (ii) applying a thermoplastic coating (14) to the plush surface (16) of the fabric strip (12) so that the thermoplastic coating (14) penetrates the plush surface (16); and (iii) allowing the thermoplastic coating (14) to cool and rigidify so as to embed at least surface yarns of the plush surface (16) in the thermoplastic coating (14) and thereby form a composite structure at the juncture (J) between the thermoplastic coating (14) and the plush surface (16).

Abstract: The invention relates to a brassiere (1) in which each substantially hemispherical cup (2) comprises, in the bottom portion thereof, a polycarbonate support (20) in the shape of a crescent that becomes wider toward the outside, which is thermoformed, and which is secured to the two layers of lace or gauze of the cup by means of a fabric shell adhered to the support and slightly projecting beyond same in order to enable sewing with the layers of lace or gauze along the bottom edge (4). The result is a light brassiere that provides the chest with an advantageous shape.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a garment including a shape memory material, wherein upon the shape memory material reaching a transition temperature, the shape memory material transforms from a first shape to a second shape, wherein the second shape imparts a greater force to a body part with which the garment is in contact as compared to the force imparted to the body part by the first shape, wherein the transition temperature is between, and including, 90° F. and 105° F. The garments of the present disclosure may include bras, foundation garments, athletic/sports bras, swimwear, among others.

Abstract: Disclosed is a support garment. The support garment is particularly configured to permit a post-surgical drainage tube to pass through the support garment unobstructed, thereby permitting the drainage of blood and other bodily fluids from the surgical site. The support garment employs a series of elastic panels joined in a way to provide comfort and utility, and includes a fastener in the front for enabling a wearer with decreased mobility to more easily apply and remove the support garment.

Abstract: A garment comprising a less-stretchable component formed at various locations on and as a portion of the garment; wherein the less-stretchable component has less elasticity than that of part of the garment.

Abstract: An insulating clothing system includes an article of clothing having a front portion and at least one pocket in the front portion. The pocket is configured to at least partially cover at least one intimate part of a user. At least one insulating insert including at least one layer of thermal insulation material is removably positioned in the pocket and configured to passively provide thermal insulation to the intimate part. The at least one insulating insert can provide an R-value of greater than about 3.5.

Abstract: A bra cup molded by thermoforming comprises a layer of thermoformable polyurethane foam as well as an inner fabric and an outer fabric bonded to the foam layer. The outer fabric is composed of a three-dimensional knitted fabric comprising a first face and a second face separated from one another by a thickness of the three-dimensional knitted fabric that is greater than 1 mm. The method for manufacturing the cup comprises a molding step, and in a bonding step preceding the cup molding step, said first face and the foam layer are bonded together.

Abstract: A bra with embroidered support regions that provide support without compression is provided. The embroidered support regions are constructed by stitching a configurable thread pattern on a middle layer of a bra cup. The configurable thread pattern includes a plurality of top threads and a plurality of bobbin threads that are arranged to provide support in needed areas.

Abstract: There is provided a breast cup for a brassiere comprising an outer layer and an inner layer attached to the outer layer. The breast cup also comprises first and second opposing pieces of fabric positioned between the inner and outer layers, wherein the first and second opposing pieces of fabric are preferably affixed to the inner and outer layers respectively. At least a portion of the first opposing piece of fabric is movable relative to at least a portion of the second opposing piece of fabric. A method of manufacturing the breast cup is also provided.

Abstract: A radiation treatment bra is disclosed. In the illustrative embodiment, the bra includes adjustable elements and a medial window. During radiation treatment planning, the elements are adjusted to establish a reference breast geometry. The reference breast geometry is reproduced prior to an actual treatment session by repeating the original adjustment of the elements, as necessary. The medial window enables a light field to be projected onto the patient's chest, and read therefrom, thereby establishing proper alignment of the patient to the radiation treatment machine.

Abstract: A moisture management fabric using denier differential to facilitate the movement of sweat away from the wearer's body is presented. An exemplary moisture management support garment constructed from an exemplary moisture management fabric is presented. An exemplary moisture management support garment is a moisture transporting sport bra. A denier differential is employed to provide superior moisture transporting and evaporation of perspiration from a wearer during exertion. The denier differential relies upon a facing layer and a back layer with substantially different yarn thickness and fabric porosity to achieve fluid transport.

Abstract: A sports bra configured to be worn by a human female includes a body fabric and a wear indicator. The wear indicator is configured to change colors when the useful life of the sports bra has expired and the sports bra should be replaced with a new sports bra. The wear indicator may be provided on any of various components of the sports bra, such as a color band, trim feature, tag, or other sports bra component.

Abstract: A moisture management fabric using denier differential to facilitate the movement of sweat away from the wearer's body is presented. An exemplary moisture management support garment constructed from an exemplary moisture management fabric is presented. An exemplary moisture management support garment is a moisture transporting sport bra. A denier differential is employed to provide superior moisture transporting and evaporation of perspiration from a wearer during exertion. The denier differential relies upon a facing layer and a back layer with substantially different yarn thickness and fabric porosity to achieve fluid transport.

Abstract: An undergarment having a layer that is worn by being placed against a user's skin and has an exposed outer surface. The exposed outer surface has: a) a first area that has a first frictional characteristic; and b) a second area that has a second frictional characteristic. The first area of the exposed outer surface tends to resist sliding movement of an overgarment thereagainst more than the second area. The first area of the exposed outer surface tends to maintain a contacted surface of an overgarment releasably held against sliding movement along the first area of the exposed outer surface while the second area of the exposed outer surface allows a similar contacted surface of an overgarment to slide more readily along the second area of the exposed outer surface so as not to hang up.

Abstract: A bra top that can be worn between a wearer's regular bra and their outer garment. The bra top is designed so that the wearer can choose to appropriately cover their cleavage when wearing a low-cut top. The bra top includes a front portion having a generally convex lower border, and a back portion attached to or integral with the front portion and having a generally concave lower border. The bra top is comprised of a material having 80% or more natural fibers and 20% or less stretchable synthetic fibers. The convex lower border of the front portion extends lower than the concave lower border of the back portion such that additional material is available to comfortably cover a wearer's breasts.

Abstract: Stretch mark prevention undergarments (1) worn around a woman's abdomen, chest, lower torso, legs, buttocks and other areas for reinforcing elastic fibers in the skin and preventing stretch marks. The stretch mark prevention undergarment has an outer layer (2) made of stretchable material and an inner layer (8) of material made of a non-slip material (9). The non-slip material maintains a constant adherent traction with the skin of a wearer, thereby reinforcing elastic fibers of skin. The inner layer is arranged in a predetermined pattern or design to allow a wearer's skin to breathe through the outer layer of the stretch mark prevention undergarment. The stretch mark prevention undergarment may be in the form of underwear (14), briefs, underpants, panties, leggings (16), corsets, bras (10) or any combination thereof to help prevent stretch marks on various parts of the body.

Abstract: A compression bandage shaped as an elongate rectangle is made of a textile fabric on which a hook strip is fastened along a narrow side of a small portion of a lateral face, or hook side. The fabric contains elastic filaments running in a longitudinal direction and, in a transverse direction, includes virtually inelastic supporting filaments having a spring constant in the longitudinal direction that ranges from 0.3 to 3 Newtons/cm of longitudinal stretching and a per meter length and per decimeter width of the compression bandage. Small loops made of soft filaments are interwoven and distributed uniformly over the entire area of the lateral face, or fleece side, opposite the hook strip. These small loops are oriented approximately perpendicularly to the lateral face, in size and distance from one another, and are complementary to the hooks of the hook strip for forming a releasable hook-and-loop closure.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment includes a brassiere formed out of a transparent material that can provide a desired level of support and comfort while being worn with a bathing suit or any other desired article of clothing.

Abstract: According to the improved systems and methods described herein, a patient may be immobilized so that one or both breasts are returned to a known position. Additionally, the improved systems and methods reduce respiratory movement of the breasts. Thus, the immobilization devices and techniques described herein provide accurate and reproducible breast positioning while simultaneously reducing respiratory motion.

Abstract: Stretch mark prevention undergarments (1) worn around a woman's abdomen, chest, lower torso, legs, buttocks and other areas for reinforcing elastic fibers in the skin and preventing stretch marks. The stretch mark prevention undergarment has an outer layer (2) made of stretchable material and an inner layer (8) of webbed material made of a non-slip material (9). The non-slip material maintains a constant adherent traction with the skin of a wearer, thereby reinforcing elastic fibers of skin. The inner layer is arranged in a webbed “fishnet” or other design to allow a wearer's skin to breath through the outer layer of the stretch mark prevention undergarment. The stretch mark prevention undergarment may be in the form of underwear (14), briefs, underpants, panties, leggings (16), corsets, bras (10) or any combination thereof to help prevent stretch marks on various parts of the body.

Abstract: This piece of clothing comprises: a front portion (11) having two bags (12) longitudinally shaped and aligned to receive the wearer's bust, and extends in side portions (13) and a rear portion (14); said portions (11, 13, 14) being made of fabric of the same structure, and with a uniform horizontal flexibility for adaptation and action of the garment on the contour of the wearer's torso with a uniform pressure throughout. Said side and rear portions (13, 14) have a height or transverse dimension approximately equal to the height of the front portion (11).

Abstract: There are provided an adhesive brassiere and a method of manufacturing the same, wherein a molded brassiere cup is manufactured by a computer numerical control (CNC) mold including a barrier hole defining a V-shaped cross section to form a rim around the molded brassiere cup, the molded brassiere cup is finish-cut by a steel cutter on a press, and an adhesive is applied to an inner surface of a molded brassiere cup so that the adhesive brassiere is secured only by the adhesive strength of the adhesive, without any shoulder or back straps, whereby this strapless and backless brassiere has an esthetically excellent appearance and does not cause any skin irritation problems including itching/inflammation/scratching.

Abstract: Articles of clothing that incorporate fabrics or chemicals having wicking, antibacterial/antifungal and low coefficients of friction either overall or in specific areas of the apparel that will minimize the development of irritation, bacterial and fungal infections of the skin. The invention also includes methods for producing this wicking, antibacterial/antifungal and low coefficient of friction apparel.

Abstract: An undergarment having a layer that is worn by being placed against a user's skin and has an exposed outer surface. The exposed outer surface has: a) a first area that has a first frictional characteristic; and b) a second area that has a second frictional characteristic. The first area of the exposed outer surface tends to resist sliding movement of an overgarment thereagainst more than the second area. The first area of the exposed outer surface tends to maintain a contacted surface of an overgarment releasably held against sliding movement along the first area of the exposed outer surface while the second area of the exposed outer surface allows a similar contacted surface of an overgarment to slide more readily along the second area of the exposed outer surface so as not to hang up.

Abstract: An article made of elastic textile material comprising at least one zone intended to be shaped by thermal molding is provided. The at least one zone has at least over one part a support region in which the textile material is coated, prior to thermal molding, with a non-moldable material with shape-memory. The article is, in particular, a brassiere coated with silicone in the zone of the cups of the brassiere.

Abstract: A lightweight enhanced modesty sports bra is provided. The sports bra comprises an interior liner layer having two faces and an exterior shell layer having two faces and a printed obscuration pattern in between the interior liner layer and the exterior shell layer. The interior liner layer and the exterior shell layer with the printed obscuration pattern are assembled in a way that provides modesty and the printed pattern is not visible from the outside. An optional layer called the intermediate liner layer may be placed in between the exterior shell layer and the interior liner layer.

Abstract: A method is provided for molding a breast-receiving cup for a garment, comprising laminating a support fabric to a lofted material to form a lofted assembly, positioning the lofted assembly in a molding apparatus having a first mold with a projecting element and a second mold having a recessed element, and closing together the first mold and the second mold while maintaining a uniform preset gap between the projecting element and the recessed element to form a molded lofted assembly in the shape of a breast-receiving cup.

Abstract: A method of forming a hem of an elastic material includes laying a first stretch fabric sheet upon a second stretch fabric sheet, cutting an excess edge strip from the first stretch fabric sheet and the second stretch fabric sheet along a fuse line and simultaneously fusing the sheets together along the fuse line, positioning an elastic strip between the first and second sheets along the fuse line, and fusing the elastic strip to one of the sheets to form a hem.

Abstract: A radiation treatment bra is disclosed. In the illustrative embodiment, the bra includes adjustable elements and a medial window. During radiation treatment planning, the elements are adjusted to establish a reference breast geometry. The reference breast geometry is reproduced prior to an actual treatment session by repeating the original adjustment of the elements, as necessary. The medial window enables a light field to be projected onto the patient's chest, and read therefrom, thereby establishing proper alignment of the patient to the radiation treatment machine.

Abstract: An undergarment is provided that favorably adheres to the skin and has superior shape retention. The undergarment according to the present invention is an undergarment that is comprised of a fabric having a woven structure, a knitted structure or a non-woven fabric structure, wherein the fabric contains a filament yarn A having a filament diameter of 10 to 1000 nm and a filament yarn B having a filament diameter greater than 1000 nm, and the filament yarn A is exposed on the side that contacts the skin.

Abstract: A body-shaping garment and fabric is provided. The garment includes an inner fabric layer and an outer fabric layer. The inner fabric layer is placed in an angular orientation relative to the outer fabric layer. Further, the inner fabric layer and the outer fabric layer have sufficiently isotropic hysteresis.

Abstract: Methods of molding a non-woven fabric are provided. The methods include selecting a non-woven fabric having a web of fibers having a uniform fiber orientation in all directions, compressing the non-woven fabric between a top mold and a bottom mold, and maintaining the non-woven fabric between the top and bottom molds for a predetermined dwell time to define a molded depth and a molded diameter in the non-woven fabric.

Abstract: A moisture management fabric using denier differential to facilitate the movement of sweat away from the wearer's body is presented. An exemplary moisture management support garment constructed from an exemplary moisture management fabric is presented. An exemplary moisture management support garment is a moisture transporting sport bra. A denier differential is employed to provide superior moisture transporting and evaporation of perspiration from a wearer during exertion. The denier differential relies upon a facing layer and a back layer with substantially different yarn thickness and fabric porosity to achieve fluid transport.

Abstract: According to the improved systems and methods described herein, a patient may be immobilized so that one or both breasts are returned to a known position. Additionally, the improved systems and methods reduce respiratory movement of the breasts. Thus, the immobilization devices and techniques described herein provide accurate and reproducible breast positioning while simultaneously reducing respiratory motion.

Abstract: A support structure for a bra includes a two-ply structural support layer having an m-shaped ply of compression fabric, forming left and right openings along a bottom aspect of the m-shaped ply, and a w-shaped ply of compression fabric, forming left and right openings along a top aspect of the w-shaped ply. The m- and w-shaped plies are joined together such that the left and right openings of each ply overlap to form left and right pockets for accommodating at least a portion of a wearer's left and right breasts. The support structure encapsulates and separates the breasts. When joined with straps of a sports bra or top, the two-ply structural support layer provides sling-type support of the breasts. Compressive fabric of the bra or top compresses the breasts to a wearer's chest; thus, a bra or top incorporating the support structure provides three-way support via encapsulation, suspension and compression.

Abstract: A seamless athletic bra includes different regions with different levels of support. The bra is formed from layers of material adhered together. Altering the types of materials comprising the layers in a region changes the level of support in that region as compared with other regions of the bra. A first region having the lowest level of support is found in a back panel and in the molded cups. A second region having a medium level of support is found in the front portion of the strap. A third region having a high level of support is found in a framework that follows the contours of the molded cups and in a back portion of the strap.

Abstract: Sport bras having one or more support grooves for lifting, separating, shaping a supporting a wearer's breasts and methods for fabricating these sport bra are described. The support grooves may be pressed into a layer of compressible material such that the support grooves extend from a central region along the wearer's sternum, curve underneath the breasts and extend upwardly towards the underarm region.

Abstract: An ergonomically constructed dynamic bra includes smart combo cups designed with multilayered materials, a modern neckline silhouette, supporting armhole and a cut-out tear drop area to achieve a soft and quiet bust point. A sling is built into the cup for breast support, to construct different ergonomic, bra designs, including i) a semi-demi ergonomic bra design with or without straps, with a plunging neckline and including at the sides telescope boning, support frame and back strap ending in a soft-seal and cushioned back fastener, ii)—a full coverage ergonomic bra designed as the semi-demi ergonomic bra including a pair of pressure releasing cushioned front straps, and iii) a cross-over strap bra design including pressure releasing cushioned front straps designed to cross-over in -the back and fastened to the opposite side of a back frame. The ergonomic bra is constructed to facilitate interaction between the breasts and the body.

Abstract: An athletic brassiere with breast band, having the general form of a brassiere, for use when engaging in vigorous physical exercise or activities, such as running, tennis, and the like. An embodiment comprises an inner liner and outer panel, an internal breast band sleeve, and a breast band slidably retained within the sleeve. The breast band has a fastener enabling the breast band length to be adjusted; the breast band is adjustable vertically and horizontally. Embodiments hold the breasts down with the breast band slidably retained within the garment, providing support and protecting the wearer from discomfort or injury from excessive upward and downward breast movement. The breast band alleviates upward and downward movement of the breasts and does not cinch, flatten or compress the wearer's breasts against the chest wall, nor lift and bold the breasts. The garment is attractive and can be worn alone or under another garment.

Abstract: A stiffened brassiere having two layers of fabric between which a stiffening element is inserted. The two layers of fabric are joined together by adhesive bonding and are then shaped to form the cups and the side bands of the brassiere.

Abstract: A weighted article of clothing having cooling properties, comprising a clothing substrate with weights attached thereto, the weights being made of a gel and being strategically placed so as to not interfere with the movements of a wearer and to not interfere with outer clothing or equipment worn over the weighted article of clothing and with the weights being arranged in a plurality of weight clusters and linking strands, with neighboring weight clusters being connected together with the linking strands. An exercise and training device for swimmers in the form of a shirt, top, or singlet that, due to the material of manufacture, increases the resistance to the swimmer's movement through the water.

Abstract: A method of forming a hem of an elastic material includes laying a first stretch fabric sheet upon a second stretch fabric sheet, cutting an excess edge strip from the first stretch fabric sheet and the second stretch fabric sheet along a fuse line and simultaneously fusing the sheets together along the fuse line, positioning an elastic strip between the first and second sheets along the fuse line, and fusing the elastic strip to one of the sheets to form a hem.

Abstract: A lightweight, substantially unpadded, comfortable, push-in, wire-free bra has, when worn by a female wearer, a front including a pair of cups. Each cup defines upper inner and outer portions, lower inner and outer portions, a top, and a bottom, and is configured and dimensioned to hold substantially one breast of a female wearer. Each cup includes a sling portion that is designed to provide lateral support to the respective breast. In this manner, the sling portions bias the cup upper outer portions inwardly to provide push-in cleavage on the wearer's breasts. Straps are secured to the front for releasably supporting it on a female wearer with the breasts of the female wearer substantially within the cups.

Abstract: A bra for compression stabilizing the breast mass against motion relative to the torso includes a closed cell foam layer having a front, back, sides, and shoulder straps in a pattern to approximately match the contours of a female user's torso. A first fabric layer adjacent to the inner surface of the cell foam layer adjacent to the user's skin, substantially matching the pattern of the closed cell foam fabric layer, provides moisture wicking and comfort. A portion of the closed cell foam fabric layer extends below the breast line and encircles the torso to add motion stabilizing support to the breasts.