Abstract: A launderable and reusable, leak-proof, breathable fabric and, more specifically, a composite fabric comprised of a liquid absorptive layer and a liquid impervious but vapor permeable layer. Such fabric is useful in drawing fluids, such as bodily fluids, away from a source, such as the body, and retaining them within the absorptive layer while evaporation thereof takes place though the vapor permeable layer. This material consists of two juxtaposed layers. The inner layer has the characteristic of being liquid permeable so as to allow the body fluids to flow into it and be absorbed. The outer layer has the characteristic of being liquid impermeable but air or vapor permeable, so that the liquid absorbed in the inner layer does not strike through the outer layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a protective garment, which may be in the form of an undergarment or outerwear, such as a swimwear. The garment includes a body conforming portion for preventing leakage of body waste liquids. The garment includes, at least in the area of the garment which might come into contact with the body waste liquids, sheet material which comprises a lamination consisting of only two laminae. The first lamina is a liquid permeable fabric and the second lamina is a liquid impermeable but vapour permeable material. The liquid permeable fabric is positioned interiorly of the liquid impermeable but vapour permeable material having regard to the inside and outside of such a garment. Liquids are permitted to pass into and through the inner liquid permeable lamina to the interface between the inner laminae and liquid impermeable outer laminae whereat this liquid can be evaporated or dehydrated through the vapour permeable outer laminae.